NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

319 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS provide a complete understanding of microscopic anatomy and function. Prerequisite: BIOL 1500 and CHEM 1310. BIOL 3600 Genetics/Lab (4 credits) Review of principles of Mendelian and quantitative inheritance considered at a morphological and molecular level, including a survey of population genetics, theories of natural selection, the study of amino acids, and nucleotide substitutions as “evolutionary clocks.” Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 and CHEM 1310 or CHEM 1310H or CHEM 2310 or CHEM 2310H and, MATH 3020 or MATH 3020H or MATH 2020 or MATH 2020H. BIOL 3800 Evolution (3 credits) This course provides the fundamental principles of evolutionary biology. Coverage will include history of evolutionary thought, population and quantitative genetics, paleobiology and experimental evidence, adaptations and radiation, biodiversity, evolution and development (evo- devo), molecular evolution, the impact of neo-darwinian synthesis, genome evolution, phylogenetics, human evolution, macroevolution and coevolution. Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 and BIOL 1510 or BIOL 1510H. Co-requisite BIOL 3600 BIOL 3900 Introduction to Parasitology/Lab (4 credits) Through lectures and the examination of prepared slides in the laboratory, this course will survey the diversity, morphology, life cycles, and pathology of major protist and metazoan parasites of humans and domesticated animals. Pre-requisite: BIOL 1510. BIOL 4100 Genomics / Lab (4 credits) This course provides students with an overview of high throughput technologies in biology. It focuses primarily on the fundamental methodologies associated with the modern studies of genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes. The computer-based analysis of the massive data sets generated by these technologies will also be introduced. The rise of technologies, and their impact on general biological research, as well as applied medical and pharmaceutical field, will be discussed. This course also includes laboratory sessions. Prerequisites: BIOL 3600. BIOL 4200 Neurobiology (3 credits) This course is an introductory survey that covers nerve function from the molecular level to behavior. The objective is to give the advanced student in the biological sciences insight into fundamental mechanisms of nervous integration. The instructional format will consist of lectures, discussion groups, computer simulations, and guest lectures by practicing neuro-scientists. Prerequisites: BIOL 3312 or BIOL 3320 or NEUR 2500. BIOL 4300 Microbial Pathogenesis (3 credits) An introduction into the molecular mechanisms used by various microbes (including bacteria and viruses) to infect and cause disease in their hosts. The course will cover microbial attachment, virulence factors, host-parasite interactions, treatment strategies, and mechanisms of drug resistance. Prerequisites: BIOL 3400 and BIOL 3600. BIOL 4321 Systems and Synthetic Biology (3 credits) This course will discuss the principles of systems and synthetic biology, two fields that integrate the disciplines of biology, mathematics and computation. It will touch upon how molecular biology and mathematics can be used to determine how multiple parts of the cell or environment work together to allow a behavior. Furthermore, it will discuss how synthetic biology can be used to program novel behavior in cells. This course serves as an excellent introduction for those wanting to understand how biological questions, including those pertaining to medicine, can be answered using an interdisciplinary approach. Prerequisites: MATH 2100 OR MATH 2100H and BIOL 3600. BIOL 4340 Cellular and Molecular Biology (3 credits) Molecular and biochemical basis of cell structure and function. Topics covered include modern methods for studying cells; cell architecture, growth and divisions; structure and expression of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes; chromosome structure; development; immune system and cancer biology. This course does not include laboratory sessions. Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 and CHEM 1310 or CHEM 2310. BIOL 4360 Immunology (3 credits) A survey of, and introduction to, immunology, which includes innate and specific immunity, recognition of antigens, antibodies, the complement system, cytokines, cancer and the immune system, and autoimmunity. Prerequisites: BIOL 3400. BIOL 4400 Developmental Biology (3 credits) Principles of human cellular differentiation, morphogenesis, and development, with comparisons to lower animal forms. Prerequisites: BIOL 3330 or BIOL 3312. BIOL 4700 Advanced Human Physiology (3 credits) Physiology is the study of the function of the organ systems and how they relate to the human body. The course will begin with cellular physiology and use this as the basis for an integrated approach to organ system physiology. The relationship among the organ systems will be emphasized in order to demonstrate homeostasis. Prerequisites: BIOL 3330 or BIOL 3312 and CHEM 2400.