Biology Course Descriptions

BI 100 Introduction to Biology with Laboratory 3-2-4
An introductory course in biology intended to satisfy the biology admission requirement for NHTI health-related degree and professional certificate programs. Topics include scientific method and measurement, cell structure and function, energy transformation, nutrient processing, gas exchange, circulatory systems, nervous systems, principles of homeostasis, and heredity. Laboratory exercises parallel lecture topics, and include microscopy, dissection, biochemistry, and physiological experimentation. (for institutional credit only; does not count toward graduation requirements but is calculated into GPA; not intended for transfer)

BI 107 Integrated Biological Science 5-0-5
This introductory course will cover the essentials of human anatomy, physiology and microbiology. Topics include basic cell physiology, histology, and anatomy and physiology of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory, circulatory, respiratory, immune, digestive, endocrine, renal, and reproductive. Acid-base balance and fluid and electrolyte balance will be addressed. Basic microbiology will cover fundamental facts and principles of classification, morphology, cytology, physiology, and nutrition along with health-related effects, and control measures of the major groups of microorganisms. This course is spread over two semesters and is intended for students in the Practical Nursing program; 5 credits will be earned only upon successful completion of both parts of the course. (Prerequisite: high school level biology with lab with a grade of “C” or higher.)

BI 111 General Biology I 3-2-4
Designed to provide the student with the basic principles of biology, including scientific method, cell structure, cellular biochemistry and energy transformations, and genetics. Laboratories are used to develop skills in scientific thought and common procedures used in biological experimentation. With BI 112, intended to provide a foundation for further study in life sciences. (Prerequisites: algebra I; high school level biology and chemistry, with labs)

BI 112 General Biology II 3-2-4
A continuation of BI 111. Includes a survey of the taxonomic groupings of life forms, as well as the principles of evolution and ecology. (Prerequisites: algebra I; high school level biology and chemistry, with labs)

BI 115 Introduction to Ecology 3-2-4
This course is designed to give non-science majors an opportunity to learn about the interactions between the physical and biological components of the environment. The lecture will provide a broad introduction to the organismal, population, community and ecosystem levels of ecological interaction. Instructional methods include readings, lecture/discussion, in-class applications, field observations and field research. The lab portion of this course will provide students with practical experience in ecological methods and in the design, conduct and analysis of ecological studies. Laboratory exercises are designed to correspond with major lecture topics. Exercises include laboratory and field studies; student should come prepared to be outside for most labs.

BI 117 Introduction to Plant Biology (3-2-4)
An introduction to the structure and physiology of plants at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels; survey of major plan groups and their evolutionary relationships; and the relationships of plants to humans and other organisms. (Prerequisite: high school level biology with lab with a grade of "C" or higher or NHTI's BI 100 with a grade of "C" or higher)

BI 120 Human Biology 3-2-4
A brief summary of human anatomical structure and physiological systems designed to provide students with the knowledge and perspective necessary to work in their chosen fields.

BI 122 Basic Pathophysiology 3-0-3
A course designed to provide the student with an understanding of the various mechanisms by which human diseases develop. Includes a survey of common disorders involving each of the major body systems. (Prerequisite: BI 120 or permission of department head of Chemistry and Biological Sciences.)

BI 123 The Biology of Human Reproduction (3-0-3)
This is an introductory course intended to give an appreciation for the importance of the following areas of reproduction: male and female anatomy and development, sexual differentiation, puberty, menstruation, parturition, lactation, assisted reproductive technologies, birth control methods, and menopause. (Recommended: high school level (or higher) biology)

BI 125 Human Genetics and Society 3-2-4
This course is an introduction to genetics for students not majoring in the sciences. The student will be introduced to the basic principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics and will apply these principles to human genetic traits. Causes and treatments of common inherited diseases will be discussed as well as genetic technologies and their applications (recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering, in vitro fertilization). The associated ethical and social issues will also be examined. Lab component to complement lecture. (Recommended: high school level (or higher) biology)

BI 159 Personal Nutrition 3-2-4
An introductory course including laboratory for the individual interested in nutrition as a tool for personal health promotion and disease prevention. Incorporates basic principles of nutrition with discussions of contemporary issues. Laboratory exercises allow for exploration of lecture topics and will include scientific method, food analysis, diet analysis and nutritional lifestyle analysis.

BI 195 Anatomy and Physiology I 3-2-4
An introduction to the structure and function of the human body. Includes elementary cytophysiology, histology, and anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and special senses. Laboratory work parallels lecture topics, and includes microscopy, study of human anatomical models, dissection of preserved animals, and physiological experimentation. (Prerequisite: high school biology with lab and high school chemistry with lab, each with a grade of “C”or higher, or permission of the Department Head of Chemistry and Biological Sciences)

BI 196 Anatomy and Physiology II 3-2-4
A continuation of BI 195. Includes anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system, circulatory system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, excretory system, and reproductive system. Other topics covered include nutrition and metabolism, acid/base balance, fluid and electrolyte balance, and genetics. Laboratory work parallels lecture topics, and include microscopy, study of human anatomical models, dissection of preserved animals, and physiological experimentation. (Prerequisite: BI 195 or permission of department head of Chemistry and Biological Sciences)

BI 202 Microbiology 3-3-4
Lectures focus on three major areas: 1) basic concepts of microbiology, including morphology and physiology of prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses; 2) host resistance to disease and immunology; and 3) epidemiology of selected diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasitic worms. Labs also focus on three major areas: 1) basic skills such as staining, microscopy, and isolation techniques; 2) bacterial physiology as is pertinent to identification of bacterial species; and 3) control of microorganisms via chemotherapeutic agents, physical means and chemical disinfectants. (Prerequisite: BI 196)

BI 211 Genetics 3-2-4
A lab course intended to enhance a student’s knowledge of basic genetics and to provide the foundation necessary for further studies in molecular biology, cell biology, evolution, systematics, and behavior. Topics covered will include Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, immunogenics, genetics of cancer and population genetics. (Prerequisites: BI 111, or BI 195, or BI 202, and MT 123 or equivalent; or permission of department head of Chemistry & Biological Sciences)

BI 212 Ecology 3-2-4
Investigations into the biological and physical factors affecting the distribution, abundance, and adaptations of organisms. Interrelationships at the population, community, and ecosystem levels will be studied. (Prerequisites: BI 111, BI 112 and MT 123; MT 251 recommended; or permission of department head of Chemistry and Biological Sciences)

BI 222 Pathophysiology 3-0-3
A course that provides the allied health student with an understanding of disease processes by building on the student’s knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology. Common disorders of major body systems are discussed relative to the mechanisms by which they develop and their effects on homeostasis. (Prerequisite: BI 196 or permission of department head of Chemistry and Biological Sciences)

BI 259 Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 4-0-4
An introductory course in normal and therapeutic nutrition designed for students in allied health programs. Focuses on the application of basic principles of nutrition to health promotion and disease prevention, as well as the role of nutritional intervention as a therapeutic tool in specific pathologies. Includes discussion of contemporary issues in nutrition. (Prerequisites: BI 159 or BI 196, or permission of department head of Chemistry and Biological Sciences.)

BI 279 Life Cycle Nutrition 3-0-3
Focuses on nutritional needs of the growing, developing human from conception to old age, with particular emphasis on the nutritional needs of infants, children, adolescents, adults, women and aging adults. (Prerequisite: BI 259 or permission of department head of Chemistry and Biological Sciences.)

Revised June 11, 2007