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 3 hrs.

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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:109 effective Fall 2023)
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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:110 effective Fall 2023) Pre- or corequisite: 21:120/216:109. Not open to majors or to those who have taken or plan to take 21:120:101,102.

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.

21:120:200 Concepts in Biology (4) Introduces students to the study of biology at the beginning of their course of study. Central ideas in the biological sciences will be highlighted, with an emphasis on the process of scientific discovery and investigation. The course will provide the basis for more advanced coursework and learning experiences in the biological sciences as students delve into the curriculum. Prerequisite: 21:640:109.

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 21:120:200 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 21:120:200 and 21:160:115, with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: 21:120:201.

21:120:205 Foundations of Biology: Ecology and Evolution Lecture (3) This introductory course considers the population level of biological organizations. Topics include Mendelian and population genetics, evolution, and ecology of populations and communities. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:205 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisite: 21:120:200 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: 21:120/216:206.

21:120:206 Foundations of Biology: Ecology and Evolution Lab (1) The laboratory reinforces the topics covered in Foundations of Ecology and Evolution Lecture (21:120/216:205) with hands-on activities and exposes students to current methods of research and analysis in these areas. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:206 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisite: 21:120:200 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: 21:120/216:205.

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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:211 effective Fall 2023) Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 21:120/216:205 and 21:120/216:206, with a grade of C or better.

21:120:222 Evolution (3) This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of evolutionary biology. Topics will include: the development of evolutionary theory, the history of the evolution of life on earth, the genetic basis of variation and heredity, natural selection, evolution and development, and speciation. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:222 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:230 effective Fall 2023) Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201 and 21:120:202 and 21:120/216:205 and 21:120/216:206, 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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:280 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, with a grade of C or better.

21:120:305 Vertebrates Evolution (3) Overview of the diversity of vertebrates and their relationships, including aspects of their anatomy, behavior, ecology, evolution, natural history, phylogenetics, physiology, and taxonomy. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:305 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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: 21:120/216:211 or 21:120/216:230, 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, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:328 effective Fall 2023) Lec. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 21:120/216:222 or 21:120/216:280.

21:120:330 Plant Physiology (4) Growth and metabolism of plants; water relations, photosynthesis, inorganic nutrition, metabolism of organic materials, and plant growth regulators. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:330 effective Fall 2023) Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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. Post-transcriptional processes and regulation. Translation and post-translational modifications. Nucleic acid technology. Structure and roles of non-coding RNA. Genomics and databases. Prerequisites: 21:120:201, 21:120:202, 21:120/216:205, and 21:120/216:206, 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, 21:120:202, 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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:365 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisite: 21:120/216:222 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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:370 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisites: 21:120/216:211 or 21:120/216:230.

21:120:380 Field Ecology (3)

Field-oriented study of plants and plant communities; field and laboratory work are combined to demonstrate and analyze plant communities and their abiotic environment, modern instruments, and techniques used in a problem-solving approach. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:380 effective Fall 2023)

Prerequisite: 21:120/216:222 or 21:120/216:280.

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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:381 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisite: 21:120/216:280 or 21:120/216:370, 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 from development to adult stages and in health and disease. 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.

21:120:411,412 Teaching Internship in Biology (1,1) Prerequisite: By special arrangement and permission of the instructor.

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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:416 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisite: 21:120/216:211 or 21:120/216:230 or 21:120/216:330, 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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:422 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisite: 21:120/216:222 or 28:120:222 or 21:120/216:280 or 21:120/216:370, 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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:430 effective Fall 2023) Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:120/216:211 or 21:120/216:230 or 21:120/216:330 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 student discussion. 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. (Note: Course number will change to 21:216:431 effective Fall 2023) Prerequisites: 21:120/216:211 or 21:120/216:230 or 21:120/216:330 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.

21:120:454 Epigenetics (3) This course provides the basic foundation in the principles of epigenetic mechanisms that modulate gene expression and function during early development and in adulthood. The topics covered include the role of epigenetic processes in neuronal development, metabolism, cancer, stress regulation, and in mental health. Prerequisite: 21:120:355 or 21:120:356.

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 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: 21:120/216:370 or 21:120/216:280 and 21:120/216:211 or 21:120/216:230, with a grade of C or better.

21:120:491,492 Problems in Biology (1-3) 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.