Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Undergraduate-Newark
 
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
American Studies 050
Ancient and Medieval Civilizations 060
Anthropology 070
Arabic 074
Art, Design, and Art History (080, 081, 082, 083, 085)
Asian Studies 098
Biological Sciences 120
Learning Goals
Biology
Major Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Major Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Biology
Minor in Biology
Teacher Certification
Cell and Molecular Biology (B.A. only)
Major Requirements for Cell and Molecular Biology
Minor Requirements for Cell and Molecular Biology
Ecology and Evolution (B.A. only)
Major Requirements for Ecology and Evolution
Minor Requirements for Ecology and Evolution
Neurobiology (B.A. only)
Major Requirements for Neurobiology
Minor Requirements for Neurobiology
Plant Science (B.A. only)
Major Requirements for Plant Science
Minor Requirements for Plant Science
Writing Intensive Courses
Biological Sciences Courses (New Jersey Institute of Technology)
Courses
Chemistry 160
Chinese 165
Clinical Laboratory Sciences 191
Computer Science 198
Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geology 460)
Economics 220
English (350 and 352)
English: Composition and Writing 355
Environmental Sciences 375
Film Studies 380
French 420
Geoscience Engineering 465
Global Politics 487
Health Information Management 504
Health Sciences: Aging 499J
Health Sciences: Health Advocacy 499K
History (History 510, American 512)
Honors 525
Honors Living-Learning Community 526
Information Systems 548
International Affairs 551
Italian 560
Japanese 565
Journalism and Media Studies 086
Latin 580
Latin American Studies 590
Legal Studies 603
Linguistics 615
Mathematics 640
Medical Imaging Sciences 658
Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies 686
Music 087
Neuroscience 112
Peace and Conflict Studies 735
Philosophy 730
Physics 750
Political Science 790
Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies 812
Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Psychology 819
Psychology 830
Religious Studies 840
Russian 860
Social Work 910
Sociology 920
Spanish 940
Theater 088
Urban Education 300
Video Production 089
Women's and Gender Studies 988
Writing 989
Administration and Faculty
Consortium with New Jersey Institute of Technology
Rutgers Business School: Undergraduate-Newark
School of Criminal Justice
School of Public Affairs and Administration
Academic Foundations Center
Honors College
Honors Living-Learning Community
Academic Policies and Procedures
Divisions of the University
Camden Newark New Brunswick/Piscataway
Catalogs
  Newark Undergraduate Catalog 2016–2018 Liberal Arts Colleges Academic Programs and Courses Biological Sciences 120 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.
21:120:106 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.
21:120:107 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.
21:120:109 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.
21:120:141-142 Anatomy and Physiology I, II (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 any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences. Intended for students with career goals in allied health sciences.
21:120:201 Foundations of Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology Lecture (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: 21:160:115 or 28:120:200 and 21:160:115, with a grade of C or better. Must be taken concurrently with 21:120:202.
21:120:202 Foundations of Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory (1) This laboratory complements the lecture course 21:120:201, Foundations of Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology. Both courses 120:201 and 120:202 must be taken concurrently, although they are separate courses with different grades. Prerequisites: 21:160:115 or 28:120:200 and 21:160:115, with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: 21:120:201.
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: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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. Prerequisites: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
21:120:235 Microbiology (4) 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. Prerequisites: 21:120:141 and 21:120:142. May not be used for credit toward any major or minor offered by the Department of Biological Sciences. 
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. Prerequisites: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
21:120:282 Animal Behavior (3) A survey of field and laboratory studies into the genetic and ecological factors shaping the behavior of animals in their natural environments. Prerequisites: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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. Prerequisites: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
21:120:311 Flora of New Jersey (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 21:120:230, with a grade of C or better.
21:120:325 Animal Parasites (3) The parasitic protozoa, flatworms, roundworms, and arthropods in relation to their hosts. Prerequisites: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: 21:120:325.
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. Prerequisite: 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 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: 21:120:343.
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 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: 21:120:342.
21:120:350 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 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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. Posttranscriptional processes and regulation. Translation and posttranslational modifications. Nucleic acid technology. Structure and roles of noncoding RNA. Genomics and databases. Prerequisites: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 or 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 28:120:205 and 28:120:206, with a grade of C or better.
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 and 28:120:205 and 21:160:335 and 21:160:336, with a grade of C or better.
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. Prerequisite: 21:120:222 or 28:120:222.
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: 21:120:211 or 21:120:230.
21:120:381 Ecological History of North America (3) Almost all of North America today is shaped by human activity. Despite this, the continent still has a wealth of natural resources and harbors a large biodiversity. This class will explore why North America has a special ecology. By exploring the biological history of the continent from pre-human times to today (and even beyond), this class is investigating how the biota (flora and fauna) of the continent developed over the millennia and archived at its current status. The class will use range from topics as wide as paleontology, archaeology, historical and bio-geography to urban ecology and conservation biology. The topic will be approached using lectures, field trips, student facilitated discussion and paper presentation, and computer experiments. Prerequisite: 21:120:280 or 21:120:370, with a grade of C or better.
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. Prerequisite: 21:120:355 or 21:120:356, with a grade of C or better.
21:120:404 Introduction to Neuroanatomy (4) Through lectures and laboratory sessions, this course examines the structure of the mammalian/human brain and spinal cord, and the functional organization of the central nervous system. Prerequisite: 21:120:340 or 21:120:355, with a grade of C or better.
21:120:405 Microanatomy of Cells (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. Prerequisite: 21:120:355, with a grade of C or better.      
21:120:416 Plant Evolution (3) Study of the major groups of vascular plants: lycopods, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. Emphasis on their morphology, anatomy, and reproductive biology, with discussion of evolutionary trends and occurrence in the fossil record. Prerequisite: 21:120:211 or 21:120:230 or 21:120:330, with a grade of C or better.
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. Prerequisite: 21:120:222 or 28:120:222 or 21:120:280 or 21:120:370, with a grade of C or better.
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: 21:120:211 or 21:120:230 or 21:120:330 and 21:120:355 or 21:120:356, with a grade of C or better.
21:120:431 Modern Plant Biology (3) This topical course consists of two components: an exposition of a topic by the instructors followed by discussion by students. The subjects are selected from current, ongoing research in the field of experimental plant biology with a general subtext of the evolution of the physiological processes specific to higher plants. Prerequisites: 21:120:211 or 21:120:230 or 21:120:330 and 21:120:355 or 21:120:356, with a grade of C or better.
21:120:444 Cell Neurobiology (3) This course will explore the cell biology of the nervous system, to provide an understanding of how the cells in the nervous system function. Lecture topics include how neurons signal to one another, how glial cells and neurons interact, how the nervous system develops, why cells in the nervous system die during development and in pathology, and the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Prerequisite: 21:120:355 or 21:120:356, with a grade of C or better.
21:120:445 Neuroendocrinology (3) The structures and functions of the endocrine glands and their role in the physiological integration of the human body. Prerequisites: 21:120:340 or 28:120:340 and 21:120:355 or 21:120:340 or 28:120:340 and 21:120:356, with a grade of C or better.
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. Prerequisite: 21:120:355 or 21:120:356 or 21:120:360, with a grade of C or better.
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 and 21:120:356, with a grade of C or better.
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). Prerequisites: 21:120:370 or 21:120:280 and 21:120:211 or 21:120:230, with a grade of C or better.
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.
 
For additional information, contact RU-info at 732-445-info (4636) or colonel.henry@rutgers.edu.
Comments and corrections to: Campus Information Services.

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