Biology

This course covers the study of the cell and the molecular biology of life and will give an overview of what living organisms are made of and how they are characterized. It will focus on the principles of cell biology, cellular physiology, cellular metabolism, molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics. The course is taught at a level commensurate with the text. Laboratory exercises are sequenced, outcome-driven, and require cognitive, psychomotor, and application of technical laboratory skills are designed to reinforce theoretical concepts presented in the lecture portion of the course.

This course will involve the study the evolution of living organisms in all kingdoms of life at the organismal level, including study of their form and function, adaptation and evolution, behavior, and interactions with one another and with the physical environment. Labs will complement the lecture.

This course is an overview of the structure and function of the human body including how the skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems interact to sustain life of the human organism. Unifying conceptual threads are science as a process, levels of organization, homeostasis and feedback systems and the relationship of anatomical structures to basic physiological function. The laboratory component of this course will provide students an opportunity to have hands on experiences that will complement the theoretical content of the course. Laboratory exercises are highly sequenced, outcome-driven, and require cognitive, psychomotor and application of technical laboratory skills.

In this field study course students will explore, patterns of plant life in the Connecticut River eco-system. Students will learn plant taxonomy, collect and identify vascular plants naturally occurring in the local river valley basin. Lecture emphasis will be on the flowering plants, form and function, growth and development as well as relationship to the local economy and conservation principles. This course will require a short-term field-based research project, paper and/or presentation on-campus following the study. Field study labs in this course will take advantage of the major ecosystems of the Connecticut River Valley region. Laboratory learning opportunities will be on and off campus in woodland, riverbank, bog and field locations. Students will be expected to travel to offsite locations and come prepared to work in a variety of dry and wet conditions.

This course introduces students to the study of major environmental problems and issues facing society today. Topics include the scientific method; ecosystem structure and function; population trends and dynamics; the pollution and management of air, land, water and energy resources; and the interrelationship of science and public policy. The laboratory section will be utilized for experiments, field trips, guest lectures, demonstrations and discussions.

This course is designed to teach the scientific principles behind the biological importance of nutrition to health and well being. It will establish a common understanding of nutrition basics and an appreciation of the importance for maintaining proper nutritional balance to maintain a healthy state. The course will focus on the study of basic biochemistry of food with an emphasis on nutrient functions to maintain normal physiological homeostasis. The laboratory component consists of face-to-face exercises that focus on digestion, macromolecular chemistry, and nutritional analysis of foods. The lab component will focus on student directed, hypothesis driven, scientific inquiry which will foster scientific literacy and an appreciation of the scientific process. Laboratory exercises are highly-sequenced, outcome-driven, and require cognitive, psychomotor, and application of technical laboratory skills.

This course is a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body. It includes elementary cytophysiology, histology, and anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. The course is taught at a level commensurate with the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) national outcomes. Laboratory work parallels lecture topics and includes microscopy, study of human anatomical models, dissection of appropriate laboratory specimens, and physiologic experimentation. Laboratory exercises are highly-sequenced, outcome-driven, and require cognitive, psychomotor, and application of technical laboratory skills.

This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. Includes anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system, circulatory system, immune system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, renal system, and reproductive system. Other topics covered include nutrition; metabolism; acid/base, fluid and electrolyte balance. The course is taught at a level commensurate with the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) national outcomes. Laboratory work parallels lecture topics and includes microscopy, study of human anatomical models, dissection of appropriate laboratory specimens, and physiologic experimentation. Laboratory exercises are highly-sequenced, outcome-driven, and require cognitive, psychomotor, and application of technical laboratory skills.

This is a comprehensive study of the basic principles of microbiology. Emphasis is placed on understanding the variety and differences of microbes and their relationship to humans. A survey of the morphology, physiology, genetics and classification of bacteria, viruses and other organisms and their relationship to sanitation and infectious diseases are emphasized. Laboratory work parallels lecture topics and includes microscopy, study of various microorganisms, biochemical analysis and biological experimentation. Laboratory exercises are highly-sequenced, outcome-driven, and require cognitive, psychomotor, and application of technical laboratory skills.

A second-level laboratory science, this course will introduce students to the theory and advanced lab techniques used in the study of genetics. Topics covered will include Mendelian genetics, patterns of inheritance, nucleic acids, cell cycle, the molecular nature and regulation of genes, recombinant DNA technology, and genomics. Labs will complement the lectures and incorporate hands-on applications of the scientific method.

This is a non-laboratory science course applicable to Liberal Arts or Open Elective credits. This course will provide an in-depth seminar based format to investigate current topics in the broader field of biology. Students will be expected to effectively read, comprehend, and articulate contemporary issues in biology and environmental sciences. The specific content of this course will vary from seminar to seminar, covering in-depth discussions and presentations that relate to biology, global health and disease, and/or ecology. The students will be expected to critique the media and challenge assumptions, by developing skills in researching the science behind the topics. Students will discover the political, ethical, social and legal issues that accompany these topics, and how they impact society, locally regional and globally, now and in the future.

This is a course which provides students with an opportunity to synthesize previous learning by engaging in independent, student-directed, hypothesis-driven biological research. In the design and execution of experiments, students will demonstrate scientific literacy, scientific process, laboratory skills and techniques, critical thinking, quantitative and qualitative reasoning, written and oral communication skills, and an appreciation of the role that research investigations play in daily life. Classroom-based research provides a framework to foster a culture of undergraduate research at RVCC.