Course Descriptions

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 2 and 3. This course explores issues related to human biology with reference to genetics, nutrition, health, disease or other contemporary issues. Elements of molecular, cell and organismal biology are introduced as needed to understand the topics studied. This course is intended for non-science majors and consists of lecture and laboratory components.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 2, 3 and 10. This courses involves the discussion and study of ecosystems, biodiversity, human adaptations to and modifications of those ecosystems, and current environmental problems and their possible solutions. This course includes lab-like experiences including an ecosystem observation and data analysis. This course is for non-science majors.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 2, 3 and 10. This course includes laboratory work completed in conjunction with BIOL 1107 Environmental Science Issues. Laboratory experiences may include lab and field exercises, computer simulations and collection and analysis of data related to current environmental issues and their possible solutions. This optional lab must be taken concurrently with BIOL 1107.

Meets MnTC Goal Area 3. This course is designed to acquaint students with the field of biotechnology including historical development, current technologies and future trends. An overview of the molecular and genetic principles and processes used to manipulate living organisms and their products will be presented, as well as forensic, medical, agricultural and industrial applications. The course will also examine the ethical implications of biotechnology and genetic engineering. Laboratory simulations and other lab-like experiences provide opportunities for students to perform techniques common in the field, gather and analyze experimental data and troubleshoot procedures.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 2 and 3. This course is an introduction to the structure and function of living systems with an emphasis on cellular and molecular biology. Fundamental concepts include the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, cell division, metabolism, classical and molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course includes a laboratory component incorporating experimental design, microscopic work, and cellular and molecular biology techniques. Along with BIOL1123, this course is part of a two-semester sequence of general biology that can be taken in any order.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 3 and 10. This course is an introduction to living organisms, emphasizing evolution, biological diversity and ecology. Topics will include mechanisms of evolution, classification and diversity of life, structure and function of organisms, and interaction of organisms at all levels of an ecosystem. This course includes a laboratory component incorporating field activities, microscopic work, dissection and plant systems. Along with BIOL1122, this course is part of a two-semester sequence of general biology that can be taken in any order.

Meets MnTC Goal Area 3. This course introduces students to the structure and function of the human body using an organ system approach. Beginning with the levels of biological organization, study will proceed through the following organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. This course is open to all students desiring a greater understanding of human anatomy and physiology; however, it is specifically designed for students pursuing health care-related programs such as Pharmacy Technology and Massage Therapy. This course contains a lab-like component.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 3 and 10. This course provides a study of the structure and function of ecological systems, including an application of ecological principles to local and global environmental issues. Topics covered include energy flow, nutrient cycling, organization, ecological succession, population dynamics (including the ecology of species interactions and factors that influence and regulate population numbers) and linkages among species and ecosystem functions. Lecture is accompanied by laboratory and field exercises.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 2 and 3. This course is a study of the fundamental principles of nutrition. This course will cover food composition, diet planning, utilization of food nutrients in the body and the requirements for nutrients in infancy, childhood, teen years, athletes, adults and the elderly. Also included are discussions about current trends in nutrition, the relationship of diet and disease, and cultural differences in dietary practices. Using the basic principles of nutrition, students will have a lab-like experience tracking, measuring, calculating and analyzing their diet and presenting the results in a written analytical report.

Meets MnTC Goal Area 3. This course provides an overview of the structure and function of microorganisms, including archaea, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Students will examine the molecular diversity, genetics, physiology and ecology of these organisms in relation to microbial evolution, industrial and applied applications, and host-pathogen interactions. Lecture is accompanied by laboratory experiences, including aseptic technique, differential staining procedures, cultural and physical characteristics, biochemical testing, microbial control, microbiology of water and soil, and identification of unknown cultures.

Meets MnTC Goal Area 3. This course is a study of the basis of heredity with emphasis on modern molecular and classical Mendelian genetics. It is open to all students but is recommended for students majoring in biology and health-related areas. This course includes a laboratory which explores molecular and classical genetic techniques.

Meets MnTC Goal Area 3. This course is a comprehensive introductory overview of human anatomy and physiology that includes basic fundamental concepts of cell biology, tissues and organs making up the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. It is the first of a two-semester sequence in which anatomy and physiology are studied with an emphasis on structure and functions of systems. This course contains a lab-like component.

Meets MnTC Goal Area 3 when taken with BIOL 2260. This course is the laboratory component of a comprehensive introductory overview of human anatomy and physiology that includes basic fundamental concepts of cell biology, tissues and organs making up the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. This course is the first of a two-semester sequence in which anatomy and physiology are studied with an emphasis on structure and functions of systems.

Meets MnTC Goal Area 3. This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. Topics will include the study of cells, tissues and organs making up the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Emphasis is on the structure and function of included systems. This course contains a lab-like component.

Meets MnTC Goal Area 3 when taken with BIOL 2262. This course is the laboratory component of a comprehensive introductory overview of human anatomy and physiology that includes basic fundamental concepts of cells, tissues and organs making up the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. This course is the second of a two-semester sequence in which anatomy and physiology are studied with an emphasis on structure and functions of systems.