Academic Course Descriptions
Academics | Accounting |
Anthropology | Art | Biology
| Business Law | Chemical Engineering
| Chemistry | Civil and Environmental
Engineering | Computer Science | Counseling
| Criminal Justice | Economics
| Education | Electrical and
Computer Engineering | English | Finance
| Foreign Language | French
| Geography | German | Greek
| Hebrew | History | Humanities
| Information Technology Management | Latin
| Management | Marketing
| Mathematics | Mechanical Engineering
| Music | Natural Science
| Orientation | Philosophy
| Physical Education | Physics
| Political Science | Psychology
| Religious Studies | Russian
| Sociology | Spanish | Speech
| Statistics | Theater
References to the timing of course offerings which follow
apply only to day courses. Evening and summer school course offerings
are scheduled according to need. Christian Brothers University reserves
the right to cancel classes at any time due to insufficient enrollment.
BIOLOGY COURSES
BIOL 103. BIOLOGY OF ADDICTION (Formerly
BIOL 110)
This course will study the biological effects of alcohol and drugs on
human organ systems, particularly the nervous, digestive, excretory
and reproductive systems. The psychological and sociological consequences
of these effects and modalities of recovery will be discussed. The use
of drugs in therapeutic and pathologic situations will be explored.
This course will not fulfill the university graduation requirements
for a science course with a laboratory. Offered in the Spring semester.
One semester; three credits
BIOL 107. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
An interdisciplinary approach to the study of the environment. The course
provides the scientific basis for understanding how environmental systems
work. Topics include discussion of the economic impact and consequences
of the disruptions of natural systems, the importance of public policy,
and how environmental issues are linked to our everyday life. Designed
for non-majors. Corequisite: BIOL 107L. Offered as needed. One semester;
three credits
BIOL 107L. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY
A combination of laboratory experiences and field trips to illustrate
the principles covered in BIOL 107. Visits to water treatment plant,
landfill, sewage treatment plant, pest control center, and other environmentally
important sites will be arranged. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL
107. Offered as needed. One semester; one credit
BIOL 109. HUMAN BIOLOGY (Formerly BIOL
213)
A systematic study of the developmental structure and function of the
human organism, including the anatomy and physiology of each organ system
and common problems that may occur in each. Genetics, evolution, and
ecology, as they apply to the human organism, are also studied. Designed
for non-majors. Corequisite: BIOL 109L. Offered in Fall semester and
Evening Program. One semester; three credits
BIOL 109L. HUMAN BIOLOGY LABORATORY (Formerly
BIOL 231L)
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 109. Offered in the Fall semester and the Evening Program. Prerequisite
or corequisite: BIOL 109. One semester; one credit
BIOL 111. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I
The first half of a comprehensive study of contemporary biology, this
semester covers biochemistry, cytology, photosynthesis, energy metabolism,
cell division, development, genetics, evolution, systematics and taxonomy
of viruses, monerans, protists, and fungi. This course includes three
lectures and one discussion section per week. Corequisites: BIOL 111L
and CHEM 101 or higher. Offered in both Fall and Spring semesters. One
semester; three credits
BIOL 111L. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 111. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 111. One semester; one
credit
BIOL 112. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II
Continuation of BIOL 111, this semester covers systematics and taxonomy
of plants and animals, anatomy and physiology of eukaryotic organisms,
embryology, ethology and ecology. Includes three lectures and one discussion
section per week. Offered in the Spring semester and usually in Summer
Term II. Prerequisite: BIOL 111. Corequisite: BIOL 112L. One semester;
three credits
BIOL 112L. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 112. Prerequisite: BIOL 111L. Corequisite: BIOL 112. One semester;
one credit
BIOL 150. INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
& ENGINEERING
This course lays the groundwork for environmental science and outlines
the subjects to be covered in the program. Topics will address environmental
data, material balances and transport, eocsystems, atmospheric processes,
aquatic environments, waste materials and global environmental issues.
Lectures will be supplemented by guest presentations. Offered in the
Fall semester. One semester; one credit.
BIOL 211. VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY
A study of human embryology with emphasis on the fundamental developmental
processes shared by vertebrate embryos. Topics include gametogenesis,
fertilization, and development of the embryo from zygote through the
differentiation of the neural tube. The second half of the course is
devoted to the development of selected human organ systems including
the nervous system, sense organs, and the cardiovascular, digestive,
respiratory, and urogenital systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112. Corequisite:
BIOL 211L. Offered in the Fall semester. One semester; three credits
BIOL 211L. VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 211. Histological, preserved, and selected living materials
are studied to illustrate gametogenesis, fertilization, and development
of the vertebrate embryo from zygote through the differentiation of
organ systems in amphibian, avian and mammalian embryos. Prerequisite
or corequisite: BIOL 211. Offered in the Fall semester. One semester;
one credit
BIOL 212. COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY
A study of the structural and functional evolution of selected organ
systems in representative vertebrates. The first part of the course
reviews the phylogenetic relationships among the vertebrates. In the
remainder of the course, structures and their organizations are interpreted
in terms of their embryological development, phylogeny, and functional
adaptations. Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112. Corequisite: BIOL 212L. Offered
in the Spring semester. One semester; three credits
BIOL 212L. COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 212. Dissection of preserved representative specimens including
shark, amphibian, and cat is required. Prerequisite or corequisite:
BIOL 212. Offered in the Spring semester. One semester; one credit.
BIOL 216. BOTANY (Formerly BIOL 316)
A comprehensive study of the principles of botany. Recent knowledge
of plant physiology, genetics, and anatomy are discussed. Topics on
plant distribution, ecology, and evolution as well as a review of the
major groups of plants and their life cycles are included. Prerequisites:
BIOL 112 or Permission of instructor. Corequisite: BIOL 216L. Offered
in even numbered Spring semesters. One semester; three credits
BIOL 216L. BOTANY LABORATORY (Formerly
BIOL 316)
Laboratory experience to illustrate the principles of plant physiology,
anatomy and ecology. The course includes field trips and data gathering
at a variety of forest communities. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL
216. Offered in even numbered Spring semesters. One semester; one credit
BIOL 217. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I
(Formerly BIOL 317)
The first half of a study of the structure and functional organization
of the human body. The first semester covers cells, cell metabolism,
tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory,
and endocrine systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 112. Prerequisite
or corequisite: CHEM 113. Corequisite: BIOL 217L. Offered in the Fall
semester. One semester; three credits
BIOL 217L. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I LABORATORY
(Formerly BIOL 317L) Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain
the principles covered in BIOL 217. Dissection of a preserved mammalian
specimen is required. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 217. Offered
in the Fall semester. One semester; one credit
BIOL 218. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II
(Formerly BIOL 318)
A continuation of BIOL 217, this semester covers the cardiovascular,
immune, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. Students
will be responsible for a nominal fee to cover the required CPR course.
Prerequisites: BIOL 217 and CHEM 113. Corequisite: BIOL 218L. Offered
in the Spring semester. One semester; three credits
BIOL 218L. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II LABORATORY
(Formerly BIOL 318L) Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain
the principles covered in BIOL 218. Dissection of a preserved mammalian
specimen is required. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 218. Offered
in the Spring semester. One semester; one credit
BIOL 236. NUTRITION (Formerly BIOL 256)
The basic principles of nutrition are studied with particular emphasis
on their applications to human health and development. This course includes
a study of the essential nutrients; current and past dietary trends,
including ethnic considerations; relationshp of RDAs and diets to health,
disease and causes of death; changes in individual nutrient requirements
based on factors such as age, gender, heredity, environment, etc.; governmental
legislation regarding food labels, processing additives, contaminants,
preservatives, and dietary guidelines; and a personal assessment of
one’s own eating habits, requirements and potential health problems.
Outside reading materials related to current nutritional “trends”
will be assigned. Prerequisite: BIOL 112. Offered in the Spring semester.
One semester; three credits
BIOL 246. EVOLUTION (Formerly BIOL 356)
Investigation of the evidence, proponents and theories of organic evolution
with emphasis on modern contributions to the understanding of speciation.
Prerequisite: BIOL 112. Offered in odd numbered Spring semesters. One
semester; three credits
BIOL 275. BIOLOGICAL CAREER CHOICES
Students will visit working biologists and explore a variety of career
choices in the biological sciences. The actual choices will be tailored
to the interests of the students and availability of local veterinarians,
researchers, wildlife biologists, physicians and allied health professionals.
Offered in the Spring semester. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Pass/Fail
Grading. One semester; one credit
BIOL 301. ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS
Students are introduced to the design of environmental sampling work,
frequency of sampling and statistical analysis of data. The course covers
sampling methods, storage and preservation of environmental samples,
theoretical aspects and laboratory and statistical analyses of water,
sediment, soil solids, liquids and sludge. An introduction to methods
of biological sampling is also provided. Prerequisite: MATH 201. Offered
as needed. One semester; two credits.
BIOL 302. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
Study of environmental contaminants from a broad perspective encompassing
biochemical, ecological, and toxicological principles and methodologies.
Discussion of sources, environmental transport and transformation phenomena,
accumulation in biota and ecosystems as well as impacts at various levels
of organization, particularly biochemical and physiological effects
will be included. Prerequisite: CHEM 212. Offered as needed. One semester;
three credits.
BIOL 311. GENETICS
A study of the structure and function of nucleic acids in viruses, prokaryotes
and eukaryotes. Basic concepts, principles and applications of classical,
molecular and population genetics. Topics in clinical, agricultural,
developmental, behavioral and immunogenetics. Prerequisites: BIOL 112
and CHEM 212. Corequisite: BIOL 311L. Offered in the Fall semester.
One semester; three credits
BIOL 311L. GENETICS LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 311. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 311. Offered in the Fall
semester. One semester; one credit
BIOL 312. VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY
A study of the biochemical and biophysical mechanism underlying vertebrate,
especially human, function at all levels. Emphasis is placed on the
role of membranes, nerves and hormones in maintaining homeostasis. Students
will be required to participate in a trip to the Gulf Coast Research
Laboratory for one weekend in March or April. Prerequisite: CHEM 212.
Recommended: CHEM 312 and PHYS 201. Corequisite BIOL 312L. Offered in
the Spring semester. One semester; three credits
BIOL 312L. VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 312. Pre-requisite or corequisite: BIOL 312. Offered in the
Spring semester. One semester; one credit
BIOL 321. MICROBIOLOGY
A study of microbial biochemistry, molecular biology, morphology, physiology,
metabolism, growth and growth control, taxonomy, diversity, genetics,
evolution, ecology and immunology with emphasis on bacteria and viruses.
Topics in medical, veterinary, food, industrial, and environmental microbiology.
Prerequisites: BIOL 112, CHEM 114, and Junior or Senior standing. Corequisite:
BIOL 321L. Offered in the Spring semester. One semester; three credits
BIOL 321L. MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 321. Prerequisite: 311L. Corequisite: BIOL 321. Offered in the
Spring semester. One semester; one credit
BIOL 335. INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Taxonomy, ecology, evolution, morphology, and physiology of invertebrate
phyla. Prerequisites: BIOL 112 and Junior or Senior status. Corequisite:
BIOL 335L. Offered in even numbered Fall semesters. One semester; three
credits
BIOL 335L. INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles in BIOL
335. Students are required to participate in the Gulf Coast Field trip.
Offered in even numbered Fall semesters. Prerequisite or corequisite:
BIOL 335. One semester; one credit
BIOL 362. BIOLOGY SEMINAR
Seminar series in which research scientists are invited to discuss their
current research. Students are expected to submit a research proposal
which they will use as the basis for their mandatory senior research
project. Required of Junior Biology majors. Prerequisites: BIOL 275
and Junior standing. Offered in the Spring semester. One semester; one
credit
BIOL 367. PHARMACOLOGY
An introduction to the structure, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics,
therapeutic uses and adverse reactions of prototypic agents from the
major categories of drugs. Prerequisite: CHEM 212. Recommended: BIOL
217, 218 and 312. Offered in odd numbered Fall semesters. One semester;
three credits
BIOL 381. ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
The study of the mechanisms and evolution of animal behavior. Topics
include methods for the observation and quantification of behavior,
natural selection and evolution of behavior, behavior genetics, neural
and physiological mechanisms of behavior, communication, aggression,
sexual reproduction, mating systems, and interspecific behavioral interactions.
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112, and 4 additional hours in Biology. Offered
in even numbered Spring semesters. One semester; three credits.
BIOL 412. GENERAL ECOLOGY
Study of the principles of ecology. Topics to be investigated include
population organization, demographics and regulation, community and
ecosystem structure, coactions and change, abiotic factors, cycles of
matter, energy flow, and characteristics of biomes. Prerequisites: BIOL
112 and Junior or Senior standing. Corequisite: BIOL 412L. Offered in
even numbered Fall semesters. One semester; three credits
BIOL 412L. GENERAL ECOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 412. The course includes data gathering in both terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems and field trips to ecologically important sites.
Students are required to participate in the Gulf Coast Field trip. Prerequisite
or corequisite: BIOL 412. Offered in even numbered Fall semesters. One
semester; one credit
BIOL 413. PARASITOLOGY
A study of the morphology, taxonomy, life cycle, distribution, pathology,
and control of parasites of man and other animals. Alternates with Invertebrate
Zoology. Prerequisites: BIOL 112 and Junior or Senior standing. Corequisite:
BIOL 413L. Offered in odd numbered Fall semesters. One semester; three
credits
BIOL 413L. PARASITOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 413. Students conduct surveys to study the distribution of parasites
and conduct long-term studies on the pathology of parasitic infection.
Prerequisite: BIOL 112L. Corequisite: BIOL 413. Offered in odd numbered
Fall semesters. One semester; one credit
BIOL 414. ANIMAL HISTOLOGY
A study of the microscopic and ultramicroscopic structure of vertebrate
(primarily mammalian) tissues and organs, i.e., microscopic anatomy.
Special emphasis is placed on the relationship of structure to function.
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112, four additional hours of Biology, and
Junior or Senior standing. Corequisite: BIOL 414L. Offered in odd numbered
Spring semesters. One semester; three credits
BIOL 414L. ANIMAL HISTOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 414. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 414. Offered in odd numbered
Spring semesters. One semester; one credit
BIOL 415. IMMUNOLOGY
The study of antigens, antibodies, organs and cells involved in humoral
and cell-mediated immunity; immunologic techniques are discussed, as
well as immune problems such as autoimmunity and AIDS. Prerequisites:
BIOL 112 and CHEM 212. Corequisite: BIOL 415L. Offered in the Fall semester.
One semester; three credits
BIOL 415L. IMMUNOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory experience to illustrate and explain the principles covered
in BIOL 415. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 415. Offered in the Fall
semester. One semester; one credit
BIOL 421. CELL/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
A study of eukaryotic cell structures and functions. Special emphasis
is placed on the role that biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic
acids play in the molecular biology of metabolic regulation. The clinical
and molecular nature of cancer is also discussed. Prerequisites: BIOL
112 and CHEM 212. Recommended: BIOL 311. Offered in the Spring semester.
One semester; three credits
BIOL 421L. CELL/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory experiences will demonstrate the concepts covered in BIOL
421. Experiments will employ techniques such as PCR, bacterial transformation,
amplification and restriction mapping of plasmid DNA, western blotting
and affinity chromatography. Corequisite: BIOL 421. Offered in the Spring
semester. One semester; one credit
BIOL 451. NEUROSCIENCE
This course will investigate the field of neuroscience with emphasis
on neuroanatomy of the mammalian brain. Also contained within this course
will be the study of neurophysiology and neuropharmacology using both
vertebrate and invertebrate central and peripheral nervous systems.
Offered in the Fall semester. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.
BIOL 312 and CHEM 312 are recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 451L. One semester;
three credits
BIOL 451L. NEUROSCIENCE LABORATORY
This laboratory is designed to complement the Neuroscience lecture course.
Neuroanatomy will be taught at both the gross and microscopic level.
Experiments and demonstrations will be used to study neurophysiology
and neuropharmacology concepts. Corequisite: BIOL 451. Offered in the
Fall semester. One semester; one credit
BIOL 461. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH I
Under the guidance of a faculty member, senior students design and conduct
an organized research project usually requiring 100-150 in-lab hours.
Course emphases include experimental design, controls, analysis of results,
use of professional literature, and the writing of a draft of a journal-quality
paper. Prerequisites: BIOL 275, 362, Permission of the Chair or Course
Director, and Senior standing. One semester; one credit
BIOL 462. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH II
A continuation of BIOL 461, the students prepare to present their results
in three forms - a final paper, an oral presentation at a public forum,
and a poster session on campus. Students are required to take the ETS
Biolology II exam as a requirement for graduation. Prerequisites: BIOL
461 and Senior standing. One semester; one credit
BIOL 463. MENTORED RESEARCH I
Research projects are conducted under the guidance of a practicing researcher,
generally off campus, but under some circumstances mentored research
may be conducted at CBU. Research is performed in the summer preceding
the senior year. Mentored Research I usually requires 200-300 in-lab
hours. Students are required to attend group discussions and participate
in tutorial meetings or correspondence with the course director. Students
normally register for Mentored Research I during one of the summer terms.
Students unable to begin their research during the summer will need
permission of the course director to register for Mentored Research
I concurrently during the Fall semester. Students are required to take
the ETS Biology II exam as a requirement for graduation. Prerequisites:
BIOL 362, Senior standing and Permission of the instructor. Offered
in the Summer and Fall semesters. One semester; one credit
BIOL 464. MENTORED RESEARCH II
This course is a continuation of Mentored Research I. During this course
the students will meet weekly to discuss their research results and
analyze their data. Project results will be presented in a formal paper
by the end of the Fall semester. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 463.
One semester; two credits
BIOL 465. MENTORED RESEARCH III
During this course the students will present the results of their work
in a public forum as an oral paper and in a poster session on campus.
Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the ETS Biology
II as a requirement for graduation. Prerequisite: BIOL 464. Offered
in the Spring semester. One semester; two credits.
BIOL 490-495. SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
Selected topics of interest. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
One semester; one to four credits
TENTATIVE SUMMER COURSES in affiliation
with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), Ocean Springs, MS:
First Summer Term: Oceanography and Laboratory (4 credits); Marine Biology
(5 credits); Marine Mammals (5 credits); Coastal Vegetation (3 credits);
Harmful Algal bloom (2 credits).
Second Summer Term: Marine biology (5 credits); Marine Ecology (5 credits);
Marine Invertebrate Zoology (6 credits); Marine Aquaculture (5 credits);
Coastal Ecology for Teachers (4 credits).
For additional information about the course offerings at the GCRL, see
the Chair of the Biology Department.
[ top of page ]
