BIOL 141 Principles of Biology I with Lab (Cr. 4)
The course provides a survey of the main characteristics of living systems, and stresses the physico-chemical principles that underlie their functioning. Practical work acquaints students with basic experimental procedures with emphasis on the scientific method and microscopy.
BIOL 143 Principles of Biology II with Lab (Cr. 4)
The course deals with selected aspects of life at the whole organism and species level rather than at the cellular level. It focuses on the principles of evolution and population genetics, diversity of the major groups of living organisms within the five kingdoms, as well as on the general structure and behavior of organisms.
Prerequisite: BIOL 141
BIOL 222 Methodology of Scientific Writing and Reporting (Cr. 1)
The course introduces the cardinal principles of organization and presentation of scientific information. Emphasis is on oral presentation of data in the life sciences seminar and on writing lab reports.
Prerequisite: Second year students, consent of instructor
BIOL 231 Basic Histology with Lab (Cr. 3)
The theory and practice of preparing histological slides are covered. The lab sessions concentrate on the light microscopic study of tissues using primarily the paraffin method for preparing slides.
Prerequisite: BIOL 240
BIOL 232 Introductory Geology (Cr. 3)
This course studies geological principles which form the basis for modern developments in the Earth Sciences. Students learn to appreciate the dynamic nature of Planet Earth, recognizing the processes involved over its 4.7 billion year history that account for the present physical state of the planet. Practical field and laboratory experience enhance an understanding of the local geological scene and recognize the essential economic importance of this discipline.
Elective for science students
BIOL 235 Invertebrate Biology with Lab (Cr. 3)
A study of the phylogeny, classification, morphology, physiology and ecology of invertebrates. The lab includes identification of important invertebrates from the local fauna through dissection and microscopic examination.
Prerequisite: BIOL 143
BIOL 240 General Zoology with Lab (Cr. 4)
The course emphasizes the diversity and interrelationships among species, contrasting living species with their extinct ancestors and tracing the similarities among chordates that bear clear witness to their common ancestry. Interactions of organisms and their environment are discussed. Demonstrations and dissecting of live specimens are used in the practicum part of the course.
BIOL 242 General Animal Physiology with Lab (Cr. 4)
This course complements BIOL 240 and extends the scope to include invertebrates. It attempts to show how the patterns of organization represented by the different phyla are adapted to meet basically similar physiological needs. The areas covered are movement and coordination, nutrition and respiration, water relationships, reproduction and the endocrine systems.
BIOL 243 Plant Anatomy and Systematic with Lab (Cr. 4)
The general morphology and anatomy of Tracheophytes is studied first. This is followed by an overview of algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes and gymnosperms, with emphasis on the increasing complexity of the soma and reproductive systems leading to the emergence of angiosperms. The classification of angiosperms by floral characteristics completes the course.
BIOL 244 Plant Physiology with Lab (Cr. 4)
The course deals with the structural aspects of a plant cell in relation to the physiology of the plant with emphasis on plant cell wall structure. The course also covers the following areas of plant physiology: water relations, nutrient absorption, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthesis and its bioenergetics, and plant growth and development.
Prerequisite: BIOL 243
BIOL 251, 252 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, II (Cr. 3)
The first semester course includes skeletal, muscular, neurosensory and respiratory systems. The second semester includes circulation, electrolyte balance and excretion, the digestive, reproductive and endocrine systems. Emphasis is on detailed anatomy and functional physiology.
For Nursing students only prerequisite: BIOL 141
BIOL 253 Nutrition and Dietetics (Cr. 3)
The course establishes an understanding of the place of nutrition in the promotion of growth and maintenance of health and in the processes of repair and convalescence. Applications are made to the nutritional needs of the local culture.
BIOL 254 Applied Microbiology with Lab (Cr. 3)
This course presents the principles of microbiology related to microbial growth, pathogenicity, immunology and the welfare of human beings.
BIOL 321 Biostatistics (Cr. 2)
This course presents the basic principles of statistical analysis and their application to biological data analysis. This includes probability, distribution analysis of variance, regression and correlation.
BIOL 331 General Microbiology with Lab (Cr. 3)
The course is a survey of the systematic of the protista and adaptive radiation within the group. Fungi are dealt with briefly; considerable attention is given to the prokaryotes, their classification, identification and culture.
BIOL 333 Ecology with field excursions (Cr. 3)
Attention is mainly directed to the rich local areas of maquis, batha and desert. Methods of sampling, statistical analysis of observations and the setting up of ecological experiments are covered. Students are required to undertake a project and submit a written report as part of the course work. Students also contribute to the compiling of species lists and identification guides for use of people in the area.
BIOL 336 Animal Behavior (Cr. 3)
This course covers a variety of animal behaviors and emphasizes the genetic and physiological basis underlying the behavioral systems. Stress is placed on the methodological problems encountered in the measurement, description and hypothesis testing of complex interactive systems.
BIOL 337 Topics in Cell Biology (Cr. 3)
This course covers the structure and function of the living cells and cellular organelles, molecular composition and metabolic activities of cellular components, including energetic, flow of information, and control mechanisms.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to major
BIOL 339 Immunology (Cr. 3)
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of immunology, humeral and cell-mediated immunity. Special emphasis is given to the aspects of tolerance, histo-compatibility, antigen and immune interactions.
Prerequisite: BIOL 331
BIOL 341 General Biochemistry with Lab (Cr. 4)
This course is offered to third and fourth year majors. The structures of major biomolecules are discussed, followed by a survey of intermediary metabolism and its regulation. Current areas of investigation are introduced.
Prerequisite: CHEM 231
BIOL 342 Developmental Biology (Cr. 3)
The course is presented as an investigation of the fundamental problems of differentiation. Classic embryological studies are selectively described, only material from both animal and plant kingdoms is used.
Prerequisite: BIOL 241
BIOL 343 General Genetics (Cr. 4)
A general course covering molecular, cellular, organismic and population aspects of genetics. The laboratory consists of techniques in culturing traditional organisms used in the study of genetics, as well as biochemical and cytological procedures to investigate genetic phenomena.
BIOL 345 Geohydrology (Cr. 3)
The science of geohydrology deals with one of the most important and sensitive issues in the region. This course provides an introduction to the study of water resources stored in the ground and made available naturally as springs or by drilling wells. Practical fieldwork will include measurements and calculations of precipitation data, spring discharge and surface flow as well as familiarity with well logging and pump testing procedures conducted by the Palestinian Water Authority.
Elective for Science students
Prerequisite: for non-Science students, consent of instructor
BIOL 346 Paleontology (Cr. 3)
This course is a general introduction to a study of the fossil record. Students will be led to appreciate the environments in which the main fossil groups once lived and how successive generations responded to changes in the environment. Field and laboratory work develop the skills of collecting, recording, processing and displaying palaeontological specimens. An understanding of the significance of this discipline for any constructional undertaking, for oil and water exploration and for other economic, environmental issues is explained.
Elective for science students. Consent of the instructor required
BIOL 389 Senior Seminar (Cr. 1)
Senior students present a literature survey or research results on a topic chosen in consultation with the advisor.
BIOL 399 Selected Topics in Biology (Cr. 1, 2)
An independent study course offered to seniors of high standing. Topics are selected by the instructor according to the ability and interest of the individual student. Students meet for a weekly conference and they must complete the study program by the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: Approval of the Chairperson
BIOL 411 Bioreading (Cr. 1)
The aim of this course is to introduce students to various types of publications in biology through reading and discussing selected papers in specific areas of biology.
BIOL 412 Biotechnology and Tissue Culture Techniques with Lab. (Cr. 3)
This course introduces students to the principles of genetic engineering, cell and tissue culture and their contributions to the development of modern agricultural biotechnology. Special emphasis is on the agricultural and industrial applications of plant cell and tissue culture.
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