BIOL - Biology

Alfred State courses are grouped into the following sections:

  • This is a one-credit recitation course to provide for enhancement, review, and discussion of topics covered in Anatomy and Physiology. The course includes completion of weekly written assignments and subjective evaluation of classroom participation.

  • A one-credit hour course to supplement the General Biology (BIOL 1104) course for biology majors only. The focus of this course is to expand on topics discussed during the lecture/laboratory portions of BIOL 1104 and to discuss current topics of interest to biology students. The format of the course is reading and discussion. Each participant will be responsible for being a discussion leader at least once during the semester. The discussion leader's role is to introduce the topic, provide background information about the subject, and encourage the group to offer comments and ask questions. Topics for discussion may be directly related to lecture material or may originate from current media sources, as long as that topic was already introduced in the BIOL 1104 class lecture or lab and the students have some familiarity with the subjects.
  • This course incorporates a survey of molecular, cellular, and hereditary principles. Topics include the chemistry and physics of cellular activities; the ultrastructure of cells, photosynthesis and cellular metabolism; the structure and function of DNA; recent developments in DNA bio-technology; and hereditary aspects of early embryonic development of plants and animals into complex structures (organogenesis).

  • The first in a two-semester Internet-based course sequence, including laboratory components, that covers the structure and function of the human body. General issues about organization and covering, support and movement of the body are covered. Specific topics include an orientation to the human body, chemistry of life, cells and tissues, and the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, and sensory systems.
  • This course provides the student with understanding of basic plant structure and function, including physiology and anatomy of the plant cell, tissues, roots, stems, leaves, growth, and development, photosynthesis, respiration and reproduction of seed plants. Laboratory includes field ecology and classification of forest, field and other economically important crops in addition to morphological and anatomical study of the major plant organs. Use of the laboratory, college farm, and plant science greenhouse integrate various teaching methods for the above subjects.
  • This course is the study of the gross and microscopic anatomy of various human systems, emphasizing how structure facilitates function. The areas emphasized are; cells, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and their organs. Various sense organs are investigated in connection with the nervous system.
  • This course is intended for students typically in their fourth semester of the two-year Biological Sciences program. The course is designed to prepare the student for transfer to a four-year institution and/or enter the workforce. Students are introduced to the theoretical and practical aspects of preparing and delivering a full-feature (40-45 minute length ) presentation on a given topic within the realm of a biological discipline.

  • This is a one-credit recitation course to provide enhancement, review, and discussion of topics covered in Anatomy and Physiology. The course is structured and includes completion of weekly written assignments and subjective evaluation of classroom participation.

  • A continuation of BIOL 1104 (General Biology I), with emphasis on animal and plant systematics, evolution, and ecology. Laboratory topics include the study of the following mammalian organ systems: digestion, respiration, circulation, homeostasis, reproduction, chemical and nervous control, and musculoskeletal structure and function. Lecture topics include systematics, evolution, ecosystems, and bioenergetics, including human impacts on the environment.

  • The second in a two-semester Internet-based course sequence, including laboratory components, that covers the structure and function of the human body.  General issues include the maintenance of the human body, pregnancy, human development and heredity. Topics include the endocrine, blood, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immunity, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive body systems.

  • A group of laboratory exercises to aid in the study of human systems and their physiology. The laboratory sessions are designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the structure and functions of cells, tissues and organ systems. The goals of the course are to promote an appreciation for the extraordinary complexity of our bodies; to develop a proficiency in the use of laboratory equipment and the proper handling of materials, and to foster the development of self-sufficiency in the conduct of laboratory experiments and observations.
  • An introduction study of human systems and their physiology.  Included in the course are examination of how the body normally functions at the cellular, tissue, organ system levels.  Topics will include basic chemistry, cell structure and biochemistry, digestion, circulation and blood, immunity, respiration, excretion, nervous integration, senses, endocrine system, and reproduction.  Sexually transmitted diseases also will be discussed.

  • This course is a continuation of BIOL 1404. It is a study of the gross and microscopic anatomy of various human systems, emphasizing how structure facilitates function. The areas emphasized are the endocrine, respiratory, reproductive, cardiovascular, urinary, lymphatic, immune, and digestive systems.

  • An applied and theoretical technology course which provides instruction and hands-on experiences in the preparation of tissues for microscopic examination by paraffin, and frozen section and smear techniques. Normal and diseased animal and plant tissues will be used to provide the students an opportunity to use a variety of techniques involved in processing tissues. Tissue identification and classification will be discussed as it relates to preparation procedures. Care, maintenance, and use of instrumentation in tissue preparation will be stressed. One-hour lecture and 2 two-hour laboratories per week with significant additional supervised time spent in the lab by students.

  • An introduction to the natural and human ecology of Central American rainforests, coastal habitats, and near-shore environments. Major topics of study include rainforest, mangrove, and coral reef structure and biodiversity, ethnobotany, environmental impacts of plantation monoculture, and models of sustainable agriculture. Ecological principles will be observed in a variety of settings in the highland and lowland forests and coastal environments of Costa Rica.
  • A series of field-oriented laboratory experiences involving analyses of various local ecosystems. Topics to be stressed include identification of organisms, use of environmental monitoring equipment, and collection and interpretation of field data.
  • Topics include the interrelationship between and among organisms and their environment and the effect of man on the environment, including pollution, population, food, power, and other resources.
  • This course is designed as an introductory level genetics course for those students who have had a previous college course in the life sciences. However, salient points of cell structure and the reproduction of cells are reviewed as needed. Mathematics are held to a minimum, but some problem solving, utilizing elementary algebra is employed. Classical Mendelian genetics are used to introduce the student to the basic concepts of human inheritance. Once these are understood, current molecular genetic theories are presented. In all cases, emphasis is placed on human inheritance and particularily the inheritance of human metabolic disorders. Presentation of topics of medical, social, and ethical concerns are introduced to stimulate student thought and to provide a basis for classroom discussion.
  • Bacteria and their related infections are emphasized along with viruses, rickettsia, fungi, and other disease causing agents. The primary emphasis is the terminology related to microbial agents, clinical diagnosis, laboratory detection, disease and control of microorganisms. Other topics include bacterial reproduction, morphology, structures, nomenclatures, phsiology, genetics, diagnostic bacteriologic media and the immune system.
  • An introductory course dealing with the ways to handle first aid situations. Included are measures to be taken in treating shock, bleeding, fractures, poisonings, and drug overdoses. Emphasis is placed on preparing individuals to handle common household emergencies, and recognizing and treating cardiac arrest and choking victims. Completion of the course leads to certification in standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • A study of disruptions of normal physiology, the processes that bring about these disruptions, and the various ways in which disruptions manifest themselves as symptoms, signs, physical findings, and laboratory findings. The course will explore the pathophysiology of genetic diseases, hypersensitivity and autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, neoplasia, diseases due to physical and chemical agents, disturbances of fluid and electrolyte balance, and endocrine dysfunction.

  • This course requires active participation in the field of Emergency Medical Services (ambulance, rescue squad, hospital, etc.) and permission of the instructor. The fundamentals of emergency medical care are presented in accordance with the New York State EMS Code. Emphasis is placed on the theory and practice of prehospital emergency care. Successful completion of the course requires attendance at all sessions and achievement of a passing grade in all evaluation phases as required by the New York State Department of Health. Learning experiences are acquired in both the classroom and hospital emergency departments. Satisfactory completion of all requirements will lead to certificaion as an Emergency Medical Technician.
  • The course is directed toward the clinical and laboratory functions in the physician's or veterinarian's office or clinic. Topics include: safety in the laboratory, quality assurance, quality control, specimen collection, processing, storage, and transport. Specimens, procedures, testing, reporting, and interpretation of results will be covered in the following clinical areas: urinalysis, hematology, clinical chemistry, toxicology, serology, and microbiology.
  • Elective courses for students interested in advanced work in the biological sciences on problems in their special field of interest. Enrollment limited in order to allow each student the opportunity to pursue his/her field of special interest.
  • A survey of microorganisms, their structures, physiology, and identification, with the various medical and non-medical implications in our daily lives. Topics include prokaryotic cell structure and function; biochemical processes; physical and chemical factors that affect cell growth; classification and identification; and physical and chemical methods of control. A major portion of the course deals with the pathogenic properties of microorganisms and the body’s defense mechanisms including the functions of the immune systems. Laboratory topics include bacterial patient specimen collection and processing as done in a microbiology laboratory and pathogen identification and antibiotic sensitivity determination.

  • A study of heredity and the gene from the perspective of the individual, the cell, and the population. The human species will be emphasized along with the recent advances in biotechnology.  Laboratory work includes Drosophila breeding, polymerase chain reaction, and DNA electrophoresis.