General Education Courses

Course Description: This course will address the fundamental concepts of molecular biology. Class discussions, assignments, and laboratory projects will explore the structure and function of molecules and macromolecules, and processes important to storage and maintenance of genetic information and genetic information flow. Students in this course will explore molecular interactions that drive biological processes related to genetic information flow. Students in this course will gain an understanding of various molecular mechanisms, structure/function relationships, and processes as they relate to molecular biology. Students in this course will practice and carry out common laboratory techniques used by Molecular Biologists including, recombinant DNA technology and the detection and tracking of important macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will address the fundamental concepts of molecular biology. Class discussions, assignments, and laboratory projects will explore the structure and function of molecules and macromolecules, and processes important to storage and maintenance of genetic information and genetic information flow. Students in this course will explore molecular interactions that drive biological processes related to genetic information flow. Students in this course will gain an understanding of various molecular mechanisms, structure/function relationships, and processes as they relate to molecular biology. Students in this course will practice and carry out common laboratory techniques used by Molecular Biologists including, recombinant DNA technology and the detection and tracking of important macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will address the fundamental concepts of molecular biology. Class discussions, assignments, and laboratory projects will explore the structure and function of molecules and macromolecules, and processes important to storage and maintenance of genetic information and genetic information flow. Students in this course will explore molecular interactions that drive biological processes related to genetic information flow. Students in this course will gain an understanding of various molecular mechanisms, structure/function relationships, and processes as they relate to molecular biology. Students in this course will practice and carry out common laboratory techniques used by Molecular Biologists including, recombinant DNA technology and the detection and tracking of important macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will address the fundamental concepts of molecular biology. Class discussions, assignments, and laboratory projects will explore the structure and function of molecules and macromolecules, and processes important to storage and maintenance of genetic information and genetic information flow. Students in this course will explore molecular interactions that drive biological processes related to genetic information flow. Students in this course will gain an understanding of various molecular mechanisms, structure/function relationships, and processes as they relate to molecular biology. Students in this course will practice and carry out common laboratory techniques used by Molecular Biologists including, recombinant DNA technology and the detection and tracking of important macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to microorganisms and their importance. Principles of structure and function, metabolic diversity, taxonomy, environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and infectious diseases of bacteria are discussed. Basic laboratory techniques covered include: microscopy; staining, culturing, isolation, and identification of bacteria; isolation and identification of normal flora; identification of unknown bacteria; antibiotic resistance; metabolic tests; clinical and commercial testing protocols; and detection and counting of bacteria in environmental samples (foods, water, soils).

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to microorganisms and their importance. Principles of structure and function, metabolic diversity, taxonomy, environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and infectious diseases of bacteria are discussed. Basic laboratory techniques covered include: microscopy; staining, culturing, isolation, and identification of bacteria; isolation and identification of normal flora; identification of unknown bacteria; antibiotic resistance; metabolic tests; clinical and commercial testing protocols; and detection and counting of bacteria in environmental samples (foods, water, soils).

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to microorganisms and their importance. Principles of structure and function, metabolic diversity, taxonomy, environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and infectious diseases of bacteria are discussed. Basic laboratory techniques covered include: microscopy; staining, culturing, isolation, and identification of bacteria; isolation and identification of normal flora; identification of unknown bacteria; antibiotic resistance; metabolic tests; clinical and commercial testing protocols; and detection and counting of bacteria in environmental samples (foods, water, soils).

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to microorganisms and their importance. Principles of structure and function, metabolic diversity, taxonomy, environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and infectious diseases of bacteria are discussed. Basic laboratory techniques covered include: microscopy; staining, culturing, isolation, and identification of bacteria; isolation and identification of normal flora; identification of unknown bacteria; antibiotic resistance; metabolic tests; clinical and commercial testing protocols; and detection and counting of bacteria in environmental samples (foods, water, soils).

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will address the fundamental concepts of Molecular Biology. Class discussions, assignments, and projects will explore the structure and function of biologically important molecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) in a variety of cellular and molecular processes. Students in this course will explore the molecular interactions that facilitate the storage, maintenance and repair of DNA and processes that drive the flow of genetic information and evolution. Students in this course will gain an understanding of various molecular mechanisms, structure/function relationships, and processes as they relate to molecular biology. The foundational molecular concepts in this course will be built upon in a variety of upper-level biology courses.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will address the fundamental concepts of Molecular Biology. Class discussions, assignments, and projects will explore the structure and function of biologically important molecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) in a variety of cellular and molecular processes. Students in this course will explore the molecular interactions that facilitate the storage, maintenance and repair of DNA and processes that drive the flow of genetic information and evolution. Students in this course will gain an understanding of various molecular mechanisms, structure/function relationships, and processes as they relate to molecular biology. The foundational molecular concepts in this course will be built upon in a variety of upper-level biology courses.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: A semester-long lecture course followed by a 14-day field trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Students meet weekly on the RIT campus during spring semester to learn about the wildlife and geology of the islands, and about their influence on Darwin’s theory of evolution. Galápagos is still an area of vibrant research and students will be introduced to current ecological, genetic, and geological studies. We will explore ongoing difficulties of balancing human needs with environmental conservation in the Galápagos. The field trip occurs shortly after the close of the semester in which the course is given. We will visit various sites in the islands, with excursions focusing on the unique wildlife and the geology. There are frequent snorkeling opportunities. The course provides outstanding opportunities for nature photography. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. A travel fee is required. (Permission of instructor)

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: A semester-long lecture course followed by a 14-day field trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Students meet weekly on the RIT campus during spring semester to learn about the wildlife and geology of the islands, and about their influence on Darwin’s theory of evolution. Galápagos is still an area of vibrant research and students will be introduced to current ecological, genetic, and geological studies. We will explore ongoing difficulties of balancing human needs with environmental conservation in the Galápagos. The field trip occurs shortly after the close of the semester in which the course is given. We will visit various sites in the islands, with excursions focusing on the unique wildlife and the geology. There are frequent snorkeling opportunities. The course provides outstanding opportunities for nature photography. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. A travel fee is required. (Permission of instructor)

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: A study of the biology of invertebrate animals with emphasis on phylogeny and functional morphology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: A study of the biology of invertebrate animals with emphasis on phylogeny and functional morphology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: A study of the biology of invertebrate animals with emphasis on phylogeny and functional morphology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: A study of the biology of invertebrate animals with emphasis on phylogeny and functional morphology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides a synthesis of the ecological, behavioral, anatomical, and physiological characteristics of vertebrates in an evolutionary context.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides a synthesis of the ecological, behavioral, anatomical, and physiological characteristics of vertebrates in an evolutionary context.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This laboratory course will address the fundamental concepts of Molecular Biology. Students in this laboratory will complement their understanding of core concepts in Molecular Biology through the implementation and practice of laboratory techniques used by Molecular Biologists. Laboratory techniques and projects will focus on recombinant DNA technology and the detection and tracking of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This laboratory course will address the fundamental concepts of Molecular Biology. Students in this laboratory will complement their understanding of core concepts in Molecular Biology through the implementation and practice of laboratory techniques used by Molecular Biologists. Laboratory techniques and projects will focus on recombinant DNA technology and the detection and tracking of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides a foundational understanding of fungal and insect biology. The first half of the semester will explore fugal cell biology, diversity, and reproduction, the role of fungi as pathogens and beneficial symbiotes, and fungal interactions with humans. The second half of the semester will explore insect morphology, physiology, reproduction, and the interaction of insects with other organisms (e.g., plants, fungi, humans, and other animals).

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides a foundational understanding of fungal and insect biology. The first half of the semester will explore fugal cell biology, diversity, and reproduction, the role of fungi as pathogens and beneficial symbiotes, and fungal interactions with humans. The second half of the semester will explore insect morphology, physiology, reproduction, and the interaction of insects with other organisms (e.g., plants, fungi, humans, and other animals).

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to population, community and ecosystem ecology, stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities with their environments. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to population, community and ecosystem ecology, stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities with their environments. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to population, community and ecosystem ecology, stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities with their environments. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to population, community and ecosystem ecology, stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities with their environments. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Students will learn how genetic underpinnings of human health are discovered and how new discoveries impact societal values, prompting debates around ethical consideration of their use.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Students will learn how genetic underpinnings of human health are discovered and how new discoveries impact societal values, prompting debates around ethical consideration of their use.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course investigates the historical framework of evolutionary biology and the meaning/nature of evidence pertinent to biological evolution. Topics will include: earth history, the evolution of proteins and the genetic code, molecular evolution, neutral theory vs. selection, genetic variation, natural selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, fitness, population dynamics and genetics, speciation, systematics and classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, the evolution of eukaryotic organisms, behavioral evolution, historical biogeography, and human evolution and variation.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course investigates the historical framework of evolutionary biology and the meaning/nature of evidence pertinent to biological evolution. Topics will include: earth history, the evolution of proteins and the genetic code, molecular evolution, neutral theory vs. selection, genetic variation, natural selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, fitness, population dynamics and genetics, speciation, systematics and classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, the evolution of eukaryotic organisms, behavioral evolution, historical biogeography, and human evolution and variation.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course investigates the historical framework of evolutionary biology and the meaning/nature of evidence pertinent to biological evolution. Topics will include: earth history, the evolution of proteins and the genetic code, molecular evolution, neutral theory vs. selection, genetic variation, natural selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, fitness, population dynamics and genetics, speciation, systematics and classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, the evolution of eukaryotic organisms, behavioral evolution, historical biogeography, and human evolution and variation.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course investigates the historical framework of evolutionary biology and the meaning/nature of evidence pertinent to biological evolution. Topics will include: earth history, the evolution of proteins and the genetic code, molecular evolution, neutral theory vs. selection, genetic variation, natural selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, fitness, population dynamics and genetics, speciation, systematics and classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, the evolution of eukaryotic organisms, behavioral evolution, historical biogeography, and human evolution and variation.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will address the fundamental concepts of cell biology. Class discussions, assignments, and laboratory projects will 1) Explore the structure-function relationships that drive cellular processes at the molecular, cellular and tissue level. 2) Investigate the mechanisms of cellular signaling and the transmission of genetic information. 3) Examine energy transformation strategies and the biochemical pathways used for synthesis and breakdown of ATP and other important biomolecules. 4) Investigate the organizational strategies used by cells to form functional tissue and organ systems.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course will address the fundamental concepts of cell biology. Class discussions, assignments, and laboratory projects will 1) Explore the structure-function relationships that drive cellular processes at the molecular, cellular and tissue level. 2) Investigate the mechanisms of cellular signaling and the transmission of genetic information. 3) Examine energy transformation strategies and the biochemical pathways used for synthesis and breakdown of ATP and other important biomolecules. 4) Investigate the organizational strategies used by cells to form functional tissue and organ systems.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is an Honors course. This course will look at the use of biological evidence in the criminal justice system from the perspectives of a scientist and an experienced criminal defense attorney. Together they will describe the judicial process and their experiences with the system while addressing the strengths and weaknesses intrinsic to both the science and the law. Wherever possible they will employ case-based examples and delve into the ethical considerations intrinsic to the judicial process and to the application of scientific methods and technologies in court. Students will have opportunities to further explore course topics by exploring real cases and sharing their findings in class. A mock trial will be carried out in which students prepare defense and prosecution strategies and serve as attorneys and expert witnesses. Attorneys from the community will serve as judge and jurors.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is an Honors course. This course will look at the use of biological evidence in the criminal justice system from the perspectives of a scientist and an experienced criminal defense attorney. Together they will describe the judicial process and their experiences with the system while addressing the strengths and weaknesses intrinsic to both the science and the law. Wherever possible they will employ case-based examples and delve into the ethical considerations intrinsic to the judicial process and to the application of scientific methods and technologies in court. Students will have opportunities to further explore course topics by exploring real cases and sharing their findings in class. A mock trial will be carried out in which students prepare defense and prosecution strategies and serve as attorneys and expert witnesses. Attorneys from the community will serve as judge and jurors.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a comparative study of fundamental physiological mechanisms. It covers a broad range of organisms studied from the standpoint of evolution of functional systems, the mechanisms and morphological variations that exist to deal with functional problems posed by the environment, and the special mechanisms used to cope with extreme environments.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a comparative study of fundamental physiological mechanisms. It covers a broad range of organisms studied from the standpoint of evolution of functional systems, the mechanisms and morphological variations that exist to deal with functional problems posed by the environment, and the special mechanisms used to cope with extreme environments.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a comparative study of fundamental physiological mechanisms. It covers a broad range of organisms studied from the standpoint of evolution of functional systems, the mechanisms and morphological variations that exist to deal with functional problems posed by the environment, and the special mechanisms used to cope with extreme environments.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a comparative study of fundamental physiological mechanisms. It covers a broad range of organisms studied from the standpoint of evolution of functional systems, the mechanisms and morphological variations that exist to deal with functional problems posed by the environment, and the special mechanisms used to cope with extreme environments.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Introduction to the principles of inheritance; the study of genes and chromosomes at molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Introduction to the principles of inheritance; the study of genes and chromosomes at molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Introduction to the principles of inheritance; the study of genes and chromosomes at molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Introduction to the principles of inheritance; the study of genes and chromosomes at molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a study of the processes of growth, differentiation and development that lead to the mature form of an organism. The course will also address how developmental biology is integrated with other aspects of biology including disease, ecology, and evolution.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a study of the processes of growth, differentiation and development that lead to the mature form of an organism. The course will also address how developmental biology is integrated with other aspects of biology including disease, ecology, and evolution.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a study of the processes of growth, differentiation and development that lead to the mature form of an organism. The course will also address how developmental biology is integrated with other aspects of biology including disease, ecology, and evolution.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a study of the processes of growth, differentiation and development that lead to the mature form of an organism. The course will also address how developmental biology is integrated with other aspects of biology including disease, ecology, and evolution.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course consists of a study of DNA, genes, inheritance, genetic variation, genetic architecture, and change within and among populations. Fundamental genetics topics include DNA, gene, and chromosomal structure and function along with, transmission genetics, Mendelian inheritance patterns, sex-linked inheritance, genetic linkage, and the Hardy-Weinberg Principle. Population based topics will include genetic variation, its importance, how it originates and is maintained as well as inbreeding, random mating, mutation, migration, selection, genetic drift, the effects of small population size, fitness, population subdivision, the shifting balance theory, inter-deme selection, kin selection, neutral theory, molecular evolution, molecular clocks, multi-gene families, gene conversion, artificial selection, the genetic basis of quantitative traits and the fundamental theorem of natural selection.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course consists of a study of DNA, genes, inheritance, genetic variation, genetic architecture, and change within and among populations. Fundamental genetics topics include DNA, gene, and chromosomal structure and function along with, transmission genetics, Mendelian inheritance patterns, sex-linked inheritance, genetic linkage, and the Hardy-Weinberg Principle. Population based topics will include genetic variation, its importance, how it originates and is maintained as well as inbreeding, random mating, mutation, migration, selection, genetic drift, the effects of small population size, fitness, population subdivision, the shifting balance theory, inter-deme selection, kin selection, neutral theory, molecular evolution, molecular clocks, multi-gene families, gene conversion, artificial selection, the genetic basis of quantitative traits and the fundamental theorem of natural selection.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.