Biology - Major in Biology Program

The course examines how individuals and firms make choices within the institution of free-market capitalism. Individuals decide how much of their time to spend working and what to buy with the earnings of their labor. Firms decide how much to produce and in some cases what price to charge for their goods. Together these choices determine what is produced, how it is produced, and for whom it is produced in our economic system. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. 3 credits.

The course will be an exploration of human interactions with other organisms and the environment including an introduction to ecological principles and their applications to understanding the causes and current status of environmental problems. Students will be presented with the major issues related to the environment and provided with tools for critical thinking regarding these issues in order to become more aware of the scientific, political, economic, ethical, and social issues surrounding the effects of human activities on the natural world. Discussion topics include sustainability, climate change, biodiversity and its conservation, energy sources, pollution, environmental health, resource management, and waste disposal. Fulfills requirement: . Corequisite: ENVI 101L. 4 credits.

This course examines the history of environmental awareness and government intervention in the United States from the 1970's to the present. We examine the initial business response to permit requirements and mandated guidance. We discuss key environmental legislation and impact of corresponding regulations as well as the role of growing environmental activism and business transitions to a more proactive environmental approach. The course also examines the role of critical stakeholders in promoting increased transparency and improved environmental stewardship; and the emergence of sustainable business practices to reduce operating costs and achieve greater business success. 3 credits.

Environmental economics stresses the co-evolution of human preferences, understanding, technology and cultural organization. This approach differs from that of conventional economics and conventional ecology in the importance it attaches to environment-economy interactions. The role that our economic system plays in decisions affecting the sustainability of our ecosystems is emphasized. Prerequisites: ECN 101 and 102. 3 credits.

This course applies economic principles to the management of natural resources with a central focus on energy and climate change. It involves the study of resource use and conservation, utilization rates of renewable and non-renewable resources, the issue of economy size and the limits to growth, the natural resource economic issues of development versus preservation, and green accounting. Prerequisites: ECN 101 and 102. 3 credits.

Topic announced at the time of registration. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

An introduction to historical and cultural geography in various parts of the world, focusing on prominent scholars and schools of thought that examine key aspects of the ways in which distinct, historically-constituted communities and cultures have interacted with the natural world over time, with special emphasis on the fossil fuel economy, climate change, agriculture, land use, urbanization, transportation, settlement, industry, migration, and disease. Fulfills requirement: Intercultural Competence. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

An introduction of the threats to genetic, organismal, and ecosystem diversity. The course begins with a discussion of biodiversity, population size, and ecosystem functioning. It then investigates the threats to biodiversity including habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Finally, the course will examine management and policy options that seek to preserve biodiversity. Prerequisite: A C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L, or C- grade in ENVI-101/L. Corequisite: BIO 203L. 4 credits.

An examination of the basic concepts of ecology with extensive laboratory work and field experiences in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 312L. 4 credits.

In this course, reactions occurring in atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial systems will be examined, with consideration given to chemical transformations involving both natural substances and pollutants. Time will also be devoted to current issues of relevance, such as climate change, alternative energy sources, green chemistry and sustainability. Prerequisite: CHM 213. 3 credits.

This course will investigate the physical geography of Earth's dynamic systems, including its energy, air, water, weather, climate, landforms, and soils. Students will learn how humans impact these systems, and learn how these systems influence human life. 3 credits.

An introduction of the threats to genetic, organismal, and ecosystem diversity. The course begins with a discussion of biodiversity, population size, and ecosystem functioning. It then investigates the threats to biodiversity including habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Finally, the course will examine management and policy options that seek to preserve biodiversity. Prerequisite: A C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L, or C- grade in ENVI-101/L. Corequisite: BIO 203L. 4 credits.

The development and diversity of fungi, algae and land plants and the relationships between them. Field and laboratory work familiarizes the student with the structure and reproduction of algae and plants and with the identification and pollination of flowering plants in the local flora. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 302L. 4 credits.

An examination of the basic concepts of ecology with extensive laboratory work and field experiences in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 312L. 4 credits.

This course will investigate how understanding forest ecology can aid in the development of forest management strategies. Students will learn how different silvicultural techniques will lead to different strategies. At the end of this course, students should be familiar with how to write and implement a forest management plan. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 313L. 4 credits.

This course will investigate how understanding the principles of wildlife ecology can aid in management and conservation practices. Students will learn about factors that influence wildlife populations and learn techniques used to monitor and manage wildlife populations. At the end of this course, students should be familiar with how to write and implement a wildlife management plan. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 314L. 4 credits.

This course examines the history of environmental awareness and government intervention in the United States from the 1970's to the present. We examine the initial business response to permit requirements and mandated guidance. We discuss key environmental legislation and impact of corresponding regulations as well as the role of growing environmental activism and business transitions to a more proactive environmental approach. The course also examines the role of critical stakeholders in promoting increased transparency and improved environmental stewardship; and the emergence of sustainable business practices to reduce operating costs and achieve greater business success. 3 credits.

This course examines the field of Environmental Art, with an emphasis on how art has been used since the 1960s as a vehicle to improve our relationship with the natural world. Specific artists and works of nature-based public art will be explored through readings, films, and site visits. Students will study and research current environmental issues and prepare an art proposal that confronts a pertinent environmental issue. Fulfills requirement: Connective Experience. Prerequisite: FYE-112. 3 credits.

This course will explore the relation between social, economic, and environmental factors influencing resource distribution and corporate initiatives. It will look at the role and impact which the corporate world and civil society play in regard to sustainability in the global marketplace. Fulfills requirement: Connective Experience. Prerequisite: FYE-112. 3 credits.

In this course, students will learn how to identify common plants and animals of Pennsylvania. Students will also investigate natural phenomena by designing, implementing and analyzing the results of field studies. This course will involve extensive fieldwork, and students should be prepared to work outdoors. Fulfills requirement: Connective Experience. Prerequisite: FYE-112. 3 credits.

This course analyzes the main cultural concepts through which literature, art, and film represent energy and discuss issues related to it. Energy is discussed, among others, as a factor determining many aspects of life, as opportunity, dangerous force, or a source of dependency. Concepts analyzed include, speed, machine, and sustainability. The topics cover from the 18th century through today with a focus on industrialization, before and after WWI, and the environmental movement. Geographical focus is on Germany (but also discusses art movements from Italy, France, and Great Britain) and compares to America. Students will acquire skills in analyzing texts and art works, critical thinking and intercultural competence. Fulfills requirement: Connective Experience. Prerequisite: FYE-112. 3 credits.

Human history has progressed when people mastered new forms of energy. Fire allowed our ancestors to develop more efficient ways to ingest calories; a fact that unleashed a host of physical and social changes. The mastery of agriculture was also a form of harnessing new forms of biological energy, which in turn spurred population growth and social transformations. The industrial revolution is merely the latest iteration of the revolutionary transformations in human life. Beginning in the 1740s, and continuing through the present, the industrial revolution has transformed human existence throughout the world. Fulfills requirement: Connective Experience. Prerequisite: FYE-112. 3 credits.

This course covers the scientific theory behind energy production, conversion, and consumption. Past, current and future methods as well as environmental and economic advantages and disadvantages of each technology will be discussed. Fulfills requirement: Connective Experience. Prerequisite: FYE-112. 3 credits.

Environmental economics stresses the co-evolution of human preferences, understanding, technology and cultural organization. This approach differs from that of conventional economics and conventional ecology in the importance it attaches to environment-economy interactions. The role that our economic system plays in decisions affecting the sustainability of our ecosystems is emphasized. Prerequisites: ECN 101 and 102. 3 credits.

This course applies economic principles to the management of natural resources with a central focus on energy and climate change. It involves the study of resource use and conservation, utilization rates of renewable and non-renewable resources, the issue of economy size and the limits to growth, the natural resource economic issues of development versus preservation, and green accounting. Prerequisites: ECN 101 and 102. 3 credits.

This course will investigate the physical geography of Earth's dynamic systems, including its energy, air, water, weather, climate, landforms, and soils. Students will learn how humans impact these systems, and learn how these systems influence human life. 3 credits.

Location on the earth is an important part of our understanding and communication about everything from disease outbreak, to political unrest, to famine, to climate change, to urban planning, and marketing trends. A Geographic Information System (GIS) helps us visualize, question, analyze and interpret data, and to understand relationships, patterns, and trends. This course is designed to give students a hands-on introduction to methods and uses of GIS, and to a geospatial way of looking at the world. 3 credits.

Topic announced at the time of registration. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

This course introduces students to the multiple dimensions of international issues, events, and structures from an array of perspectives by examining cultural, social, geographic, economic and political borders. Fulfills requirement: Intercultural Competence. 3 credits.

An introduction to historical and cultural geography in various parts of the world, focusing on prominent scholars and schools of thought that examine key aspects of the ways in which distinct, historically-constituted communities and cultures have interacted with the natural world over time, with special emphasis on the fossil fuel economy, climate change, agriculture, land use, urbanization, transportation, settlement, industry, migration, and disease. Fulfills requirement: Intercultural Competence. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

The course focuses on the issues surrounding one central topic in the study of Philosophy. Students will take an interdisciplinary and problem-oriented approach to such topics as Genocide, Postmodern Philosophy and Theology, Madness and Happiness. Meets Disciplinary Perspectives requirement. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

Public policies affect the lives of all Americans, and public administrators are the main touchstones with government for most citizens. In the first half of the course we focus on how and why the public policymaking process functions as it does, and examine various areas of policy at the national and state levels. In the second half, we turn to the implementation of policy by government agencies and the management of public organizations. This course is of value to all citizens in a democracy, but will be particularly helpful for students in any discipline whose careers are affected by public policy, or who are considering a career in government. Fulfills requirement: . 3 credits.