Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Undergraduate–Newark
 
About This Catalog
About the University
Undergraduate Education in Newark
Liberal Arts Colleges
Admission to the Liberal Arts Colleges
Newark College of Arts and Sciences
University College–Newark
Academic Programs and Courses
Availablity of Courses, Majors, and Minor Programs
Course Notation Information
Academic Foundations 003
African American and African Studies 014
Allied Health Technologies 045
American Studies 050
Ancient and Medieval Civilizations 060
Anthropology 070
Arabic 074
Art, Design, and Art History (080; 081; 082; 083; 085)
Biological Sciences
Biology
Major Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Major Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Biology
Minor in Biology
Writing Intensive Courses
Teacher Certification
Botany (B.A. only)
Major Requirements for Botany
Minor in Botany
Zoology (B.A. only)
Major Requirements for Zoology
Minor in Zoology
Courses
Biological Sciences Courses (New Jersey Institute of Technology)
Chemistry 160
Chinese 165
Clinical Laboratory Sciences 191
Computer Science 198
Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geology 460)
Economics 220
Urban Education 300
English (350 and 352)
English: Composition and Writing 355
Environmental Sciences 375
French 420
Geoscience Engineering 465
Greek 490
History (History 510, American 512)
Honors 525
International Affairs
Italian 560
Japanese 565
Journalism and Media Studies 086
Korean 574
Latin 580
Legal Studies
Linguistics 615
Mathematics 640
Medical Technology 660
Microbiology
Music 087
Persian 685
Philosophy (Philosophy 730, Applied Ethics 733)
Physics 750
Political Science 790
Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies 812
Psychology 830
Religious Studies
Russian 860
Slavic Literature 861
Social Work 910
Sociology 920
Spanish 940
Theater 088
Urban Studies 975
Video Production 089
Women's Studies 988
Administration and Faculty
Consortium with New Jersey Institute of Technology
College of Nursing
Rutgers Business School: Undergraduate–Newark
School of Criminal Justice
School of Public Affairs and Administration
General Information
Divisions of the University
Camden Newark New Brunswick/Piscataway
Catalogs
  Newark Undergraduate Catalog 2011–2013 Liberal Arts Colleges Academic Programs and Courses Biological Sciences Courses  

Courses

21:120:101-102 General Biology (4,4) Lectures, laboratories, and small group discussions on major biological principles and their relevance to humans. Topics in 101 include the anatomy, physiology, and ecology of animals and plants. Topics in 102 include cell biology, genetics, and evolution. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. self-paced, averaging 3 hrs. per week.
21:120:104 Human Health and Disease (3) Provides an introduction to the functions of the healthy human body and the mechanisms and consequences of various pathologic conditions. Intended for students with no previous college biology or chemistry. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.
21:120:109 Basic Plant Science (3) Introduction to basic botany and the applied plant sciences; plant biology with applications to ecology and conservation, food and drug problems, horticulture, and agriculture; demonstrations in greenhouses and campus plantings. Not open to majors or to those who have taken or plan to take 21:120:101-102.
21:120:110 Basic Plant Science Laboratory (1) Studies on organs, tissues, and cells of the plant body. Exploration of the diversity of mosses to flower plants. Exercises in photosynthesis, respiration, and plant hormones. Pre- or corequisite: 21:120:109. Not open to majors or to those who have taken or plan to take 21:120:101, 102. May be taken with 21:120:109 to fulfill the laboratory science requirement when taken in conjunction with 21:120:106, 107.
21:120:201 Foundations of Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology (3) The chemical components of the cell; subcellular structure and methods of study; thermodynamics and metabolism; membrane biology, energy utilization, and transfer; protein and nucleic acid structure and function; transcription, translation, and genetic regulation. Prerequisites: 21:120:101, 102 or placement exam, and 21:160:115. Must be taken concurrently with 21:120:202.
21:120:201, 202 Foundations of Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology (4) Cell chemical components, structure, and methods of study; thermodynamics and metabolism; membrane biology, energy utilization, and transfer; protein and nucleic acid structure and function; transcription, translation, and genetic regulation. Prerequisites: 21:120:101, 102 or placement exam, and 21:160:115.
21:120:203 Plant Biology (3) An evolutionary survey of the plant kingdom, with emphasis on the flowering plants, their structure, and major life processes. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.
21:120:205 Environmental Issues (3) Basic ecological principles; the human population and attempts to control it; human impact on the environment: air and water pollution, land use and misuse, and conservation of resources. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.
21:120:206 General Horticulture (3) Basic principles of horticultural science; environmental control of plant growth; theories and methods of plant propagation and cultivation; introduction to ornamental plants. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.
21:120:207 Horticulture Laboratory (1) Basic plant morphology, performance of propagation techniques of seeds and plant organs in the greenhouse. Identification of common indoor and outdoor ornamental plants. Testing of soil mineral content, texture, and particle requirements for plant growth. Pre- or corequisite: 21:120:106. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences. May be taken with 21:120:106 to satisfy laboratory science requirement in conjunction with 21:120:109, 110.
21:120:208 Human Sexuality (3) Reproductive biology, including anatomy and development of sexual structures, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and childbirth; self-examination, contraception, and abortion, and sexually transmitted diseases; role of emotions, communication skills, and values in sexuality; diversity of sexual behavior and legal and commercial aspects of sexuality. Emphasis is on critical thinking. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.     
21:120:211 Plant Kingdom (4) A survey of the major groups in the plant kingdom; the morphology, reproduction, and evolution of plants with emphasis on their role in nature and importance to man. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Pre- or corequisites: 21:120:101-102 or permission of instructor.
21:120:230 Biology of Seed Plants (4) The morphology, physiology, and reproduction of flowering plants, plant structures, functions, and products essential to human life; the cultural and applied aspects of plant science. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Pre- or corequisites: 21:120:101-102 or permission of instructor.
21:120:235 Microbiology (3) Fundamentals of microbiology, including the distinguishing characteristics of the various groups of microbial cells; microbial control, including physical and chemical agents and chemotherapeutic agents; applications in personal and public health and in industry; mechanisms of disease production and host resistance; prevention and control of disease. Lec. 2 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:241-242 or equivalent. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences. 
21:120:237 Environmental Microbiology (4) Discussion will be on prokaryotes and their environmental impacts; cell biology, metabolism, physiology, and genetics; selected environments. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences. Priority to students in the environmental science major and to New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) engineering majors.
21:120:240 Human Physiology (3)

Study of the biological function and regulation of the major organ systems of the human body, with emphasis on homeostasis and integration as it applies to human health and disease.

Lec. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:101, 102, 21:160:115-116. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.
21:120:241-242 Anatomy and Physiology (4,4) Examination of integrated structure and function of the human body from the aspect of levels of organization. Emphasis is on homeostatic mechanisms. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. May not be used for credit toward the biology, botany, or zoology major. Intended for students with career goals in allied health sciences. Either course may be taken first.
21:120:280 Ecology (3) This is an introductory course in general ecology. The basic science of ecology, the interactions of living beings among themselves and with their environment. Topics are related to environmental aspects of societal concern such as global warming, land use, biodiversity crisis, among others. Pre- or corequisites: 21:120:101, 102.   
21:120:285 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (4) Phylogeny of gross structure and structural integration in the vertebrates; laboratory work on amphioxus, lamprey, dogfish, and cat. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Pre- or corequisites: 21:120:101, 102.
21:120:311 Taxonomy of Vascular Plants (4) The principles of plant systematics, especially as applied to vascular plants. The identification, classification, and evolutionary relationship of major plant groups with emphasis on the local flora with extensive field trips. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. and field trips 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 21:120:211 or 230, or permission of instructor.
21:120:313 Mycology (4) Fungal morphology and physiology, reproduction, taxonomy, and the impact of fungi on civilization. Emphasis on medical mycology, plant fungal infections, and antibiotics derived from fungi including pharmaceuticals and the relationships between fungi and other organisms as well as current research in mycology. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 21:120:201, 202 or permission of instructor.
21:120:320 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (4) Phylogeny of gross structure and structural integration in the vertebrates; laboratory work on amphioxus, lamprey, dogfish, and cat. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Pre- or corequisites: 21:120:101-102.
21:120:322 Evolution (3) Principles and mechanisms of evolution and history of evolutionary theory; mechanisms of animal speciation and adaptive radiation; the role of population and genetics in understanding microevolution. Prerequisite: 21:120:352.
21:120:325 Animal Parasites (3) The parasitic protozoa, flatworms, roundworms, and arthropods in relation to their hosts. Pre- or corequisites: 21:120:201, 202 plus one advanced course in biology. Open to juniors and seniors only.
21:120:326 Laboratory Exercises in Parasitology (1) Visualization, preparation, and identification of parasitic animals (protozoa, flatworms, roundworms, and arthropods) and host-parasite interactions. Lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:301 plus one advanced course in biology. Corequisite: 21:120:325.  
21:120:327 Biology of Invertebrates (4) Review of the major animal phyla; emphasis throughout on critical thinking and reasoning about the interrelationships of structure, function, and behavior in their ecological and evolutionary contexts. Laboratory work emphasizes living animals; supplemented by fieldwork. One field trip required. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:101-102.
21:120:328 Ecology of Birds (3) Designed as introduction to aspects of the biology of birds, this class combines field trips with lectures and a student seminar. Students will be exposed to current themes in evolution and ecology of birds and will also learn how to actively study birds in their habitats and thereby understand and appreciate the high diversity of birds. Lec. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:101, 102 and 28:120:222, or 21:120:280, or 21:120:370.
21:120:330 Plant Physiology (4) Growth and metabolism of plants; water relations, photosynthesis, inorganic nutrition, metabolism of organic materials, and plant growth regulators. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202 or permission of instructor.
21:120:335 General Microbiology (4) Cellular structure and metabolic pathways of microorganisms. Prokaryotic gene expression and genome structure. Taxonomy and environmental adaptations of microorganisms. Methods to grow and control microorganisms. Use of microbes in biotechnology. The laboratory includes basic techniques in microbiology, and extensive exercises in identification of organisms based on their peculiar metabolic pathways. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202 and 21:160:331.
21:120:340 Mammalian Physiology (4) The physiology of the human as a mammal. Function and homeostatic regulation of neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, and excretory systems. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202.
21:120:342 Developmental Biology (3) Descriptive and experimental approaches to molecular, cellular, and organismal changes during development; mechanisms of cell differentiation, organogenesis, morphogenesis, and pattern formation. Lec. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202. Recommended: 21:120:320.
21:120:343 Laboratory Exercises in Developmental Biology (1)

Study of the biochemical, histochemical, and molecular biology techniques employed in studying embryonic development using various model systems.

Lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202. Corequisite: 21:120:342.    
21:120:346 Neurobiology (3) Introduction to neurobiology, emphasizing cellular, developmental, and physiological aspects. Course begins with cellular properties of neurons and synaptic communication and aims to introduce topics in the organization, function, development, and disorders of neural systems. Lec. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202 and 355 or 356.
21:120:352 Genetics (3) The basic principles and mechanisms of transmission genetics. Sex-linked traits. The role of probability in genetics. Gene expression and regulation. Gene organization in the prokaryotic genophore and the eukaryotic chromosome. Genetics of model organisms. Use of mutants in genetic studies. Genomes, genomics, and the use of nucleic acids and protein databases. Epigenetics, extranuclear inheritance, and cytoplasmic factors. Generalities of population, quantitative, and evolutionary genetics. Prerequisites: 21:120:101, 102.
21:120:355 Cell Biology (3) A study of cell structure and function with emphasis on molecular components and molecular mechanisms that regulate various cellular processes; recent advances in molecular biology are integrated with current knowledge of the ultrastructure and function of cells. This course is concerned primarily with eukaryotic cells. Prerequisites: 21:120:201-202 and 21:160:115-116.     
21:120:356 Molecular Biology (3) Gene expression and its regulation in eukaryotic cells. Gene organization and chromosome structure. Mechanisms of replication. Mutations. Mechanisms of DNA damage and repair. Transcription and regulation of RNA synthesis. Post-transcriptional processes and regulation. Translation and post-translational modifications. Nucleic acid technology. Structure and roles of noncoding RNA. Genomics and databases. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202.
21:120:360 Biochemistry (3) The objective of this course is to gain a deeper understanding of cell function through the study of the structure, function, and metabolism of its component molecules. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202; 21:160:335, 336.
21:120:365 Evolution of Humans (3) From the Big-Bang to Consciousness. Topics in astronomy, evolution, and neurobiology linking the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and the evolution of the nervous system. Prerequisites: 21:120:101, 102, and 201.
21:120:370 Plant Ecology (3) Study of plants in relation to their environment; emphasis on local plant communities, modern methods of analysis, and applications to forestry and conservation. Prerequisites: 21:120:101-102.
21:120:371 Field Studies in Plant Ecology (3) Modern and classical methods are employed in the study of plant communities and plant geography across the region. Prerequisite: 21:120:370 or permission of instructor.
21:120:380 Field Ecology (3) Basic field techniques for the study of animals in their natural habitats; principles of animal ecology as demonstrated in field and laboratory work. Prerequisite: 21:120:280 or permission of instructor.
21:120:382 Animal Behavior (3) Evolutionary processes that shape the behaviors of animals in their natural environment. Pre- or corequisites: 21:120:101, 102.
21:120:402 Biology of Cancer (3) The objectives of this course are to gain a fundamental understanding of the nature of cancer at the cellular and molecular level and to understand the implications of the findings of contemporary cancer research for the prevention and treatment of the disease.
21:120:403 Biological Ultrastructure (3) For the student who has some histological background; makes the transition from light microscopy to electron microscopy; examines the ultrastructural appearance and functions of the subcellular organelles. Lec. 2 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202 and permission of instructor.    
21:120:404 Light and Electron Microscopy (4) Processing of tissue samples to obtain finished light microscope slides and electron micrographs; the techniques involved in producing micrographs; a paper interpreting content of the micrographs required. Lec. 2 hrs., lab. 6 hrs. Prerequisite: 21:120:403.
21:120:405 Microanatomy of Cells and Tissues (4) Course is designed to familiarize students with microscopy techniques available to view and interpret the structural appearance and functions of the subcellular organelles and incorporate them into the various cells in the four major tissue types of the human body. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202. Open to juniors and seniors only.  
21:120:415 Paleobotany (4) Survey of evolutionary trends in the plant kingdom; comparative study of the morphology, anatomy, and reproduction of fossil plants and their survivors, with emphasis on the vascular plants. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 21:120:211 or 21:120:230, or permission of instructor.     
21:120:422 Biological Invasions (3) Biological invasions by nonnative species have become one of the major environmental problems. Primarily addresses the ecological and evolutionary aspects of this ever-growing problem. After describing patterns of invasion and linking them into a scientific framework, applied aspects will be addressed focusing on aspects of societal concern and workable counterstrategies. The topic will be approached using lectures, student-facilitated discussions and paper presentations, illustrative labs, and computer experiments. Prerequisites: 21:120:101, 102, and 28:120:222 or 21:120:280.
21:120:430 Plant Growth and Development (4) Study of the dynamics of growth and development of plants as influenced by physiological and environmental factors. Focus will be on the regulation of gene expression during plant development. Lecture topics will address modern plant molecular biology approaches. Laboratory focuses on plant tissue culture and applications to plant biotechnology. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:330 or permission of instructor.
21:120:435 Microbial Physiology and Metabolism (3) Biology of prokaryotic organisms. Emphasis on physiological, biochemical, and ecological aspects that are unique to bacteria. Prerequisites: 21:120:335, 360.
21:120:443 Immunology (3) Basic concepts of cells and humoral products of the immune system; the genetic control of immunity and generation of diversity, antigen-antibody reactions, and immunologic techniques. These basic concepts are applied to current issues and treatment in the fields of transplantation, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, tumor immunology, and immunodeficiency. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202 or permission of instructor.
21:120:445 Endocrinology (3) The structures and functions of the endocrine glands and their role in the physiological integration of the human body. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202, 21:160:113-114 and 115-116.
21:120:451 Laboratory in Cellular and Molecular Biology: Cellular Biophysics (4) Laboratory-intensive course with lectures and discussion covering the physical principles governing eukaryotic cell function. Emphasis placed on the electrical properties of excitable cells and model membrane systems. Introduction to the principles underlying light and electron microscopy. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Admission by permission of instructor only. Prerequisites: 21:120:330 or 355 or 356; 21:160:115,116; 21:750:203,204.    
21:120:452 Laboratory in Cellular and Molecular Biology: Molecular Biotechniques (4) Lecture and laboratory course on principles and techniques of molecular biotechnology. Emphasis on recent techniques in molecular biology. Laboratory exercises include isolation, cloning, and sequencing of genetic material; protein purification; gel electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids; DNA synthesis; RFLPs and PCR techniques; construction and screening of DNA and genomic libraries. Industrial applications of molecular biology presented. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Admission by permission of instructor only. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 202, 356.
21:120:455 Molecular Cell Biology (3) This is an advanced course in cell and molecular biology, which provides students with the necessary foundation to explore and understand emerging concepts and mechanisms that govern the activities of individual cells and cells within tissue. This course is taught in a team setting with multiple faculty members bringing their expertise and research experience into the classroom setting. Lec. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:355, 356. Recommended: 21:120:360.
21:120:456 Virology (3) Structure and function of viruses; modes of infection, virus-host interaction, and viral reproduction. Prerequisite: 21:120:335 or permission of instructor.
21:120:471 Ecological Physiology (3) The physiological and ecological factors that permit and facilitate the adaptation of animal or plant populations to diverse environments. Prerequisite: 21:120:370 or 380.
21:120:472 Environmental Assessment (3) Lectures, readings, fieldwork, practical demonstration, and evaluations used to study the science of environmental assessment and to explore regulatory frameworks in which the science may be applied to real-world situations (e.g., natural resource inventories, polluted soil and water, and wetlands). Prerequisite: 21:120:370 or permission of instructor.
21:120:473 Ecology of Microorganisms (3) Lectures and problem sets on interactions between microorganisms and the environment, and their role in element cycling in pristine and contaminated terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Prerequisite: 21:120:335.
21:120:481 Marine Biology (4) Basic ecology of the marine environment; primary producers, zooplankton, benthic ecology, human impact on the sea, including fisheries and pollution. Field trips to nearby salt marsh, mud flat, rocky shore, and sandy beach habitats, plus a shipboard experience. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:101-102. Recommended: 21:120:327, 380.
21:120:486 Tropical Field Biology (2) An intensive two-week summer course in tropical biology given in Puerto Rico. Emphasis on principles of ecology and diversity of organisms. Extensive field trips to tropical rain forest, desert, mangrove swamp, Karst topography, coral reef, and commercial plantations. Prerequisite: Written permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 12 students. Course is for two weeks at the University of Puerto Rico (Mayaguez). The course fee includes round-trip airfare, housing, local transportation, and all expenses except meals. Because vigorous outdoor activity is required, students must be in good physical condition.
21:120:487 Systems Ecology: Ecosystems in the Landscape (3) Lectures and problem sets on ecological energetics, soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, effect of spatial pattern on ecological process, landscape ecology, and other broadscale approaches to ecology. Prerequisite: 21:120:370 or 380.
21:120:491,492 Problems in Biology (BA,BA) Prerequisites: Outstanding juniors and seniors may enroll in this course under the supervision of a qualified faculty member with written permission of the faculty member and the undergraduate coordinator. Students with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or higher will receive special consideration. No more than 6 problems credits may be used toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.
21:120:493,494 Seminar in Biology (1,1) Discussion of selected topics with emphasis on current research. Prerequisites: Open to juniors and seniors with a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 and with permission of the undergraduate adviser and instructor. Only one credit may be used toward any major offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.
 
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