Course Directory

:: Course Offerings

The course offerings at Clarion University of PA go through an extensive review process by the Committee on Courses and Programs of Study (CCPS). This course offerings list is a comprehensive list of courses that could be offered; it does not mean they are currently being offered.

For a complete list of courses offered on the current or upcoming schedules, see the Registrar's page Schedule of Classes.

To start a new search enter the course number of the subject or title you are searching in the box below.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)	Course Title	Course Description
BIOL 446	Pathogenic Microbiol	Study of the infectious agents of mammals and the diseases that result from infection by these agents. The course will focus on bacterial agents, their diagnosis and treatment. The laboratory portion of the course incorporates experiential learning of diagnostic procedures and case studies involving examples of pathogenic organisms. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Fall annually.
BIOL 450	Cell Physiology	Study of the regulatory processes that occur within the eukaryotic cell that gover homeostasis and allow for adaptive change. The course will focus on membrane biochemistry, transport, protein sorting, cell signaling, cytoskeletal nanomotors, and cell specialization. The laboratory portion of the course incorporatesexperiential learning of basic procedures that allow experientalists to uncover the workings of the eukaryotic cell. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequ,"isites: BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Spring annually.\|
BIOL 451	Animal Physiology	Study of the comparative physiology of animals, including water and ion regulations, circulation, respiration, nutrition, nervous activity, endicrine functions, and responses to temperautre, light, gasses, and pressure. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203; CHEM 252, 261, 252, and 262, or permission of instructor.
BIOL 452	Plant Physiology	Life processes and responses of plants to the environment. Includes water relations, transpiration, translocation, photosynthesis, respiration, metabolism, plant hormones and morphogenesis, photoperiodism, temperature responses, environmental and stress physiology. Two lectures and three hours laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in genetics, cell biology, and one semester of organic chemistry or permission of instructor. On demand.
BIOL 453	Patho I, Endogen Agents	Analyzes the mechanisms by which disease occurs in humans. Emphasizes responses to the disease process, and the effects of pathophysiologic mechanisms on the normality of cell, tissue, organ and system functions, and the response of the body to the disease process. Prerequisites: Prior courses in physiology desired. Two years of study in biology or permission of instructor. Venango Campus and Pittsburgh site, annually. Not for biology majors.
BIOL 454	Patho II Exog Agents	Study of mechanisms by which disease occurs in humans. Emphasizes disease related to heredity, physical, chemical, and biological stresses. Prerequisite: Three semesters of biology required or permission of instructor. Venango Campus, annually. Not for biology majors.
BIOL 455	Endocrinology	Surveys the chemical and physiological principles of hormonal integrations in animals. Three hours lecture weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in physiology and one semester of organic chemistry or permission of instructor. Annually.
BIOL 456	Entomology	General study of insects, including structure, physiology, classification, economic importance, and ecology. Two lecture and three hours of laboratory or fieldwork weekly. Prerequisite: Completion of two semesters of introductory biology or permission of instructor. Alternate years.
BIOL 459	Physiological Ecology	Nearly every habitat on earth, from thermal hot springs to polar ice caps, is home to some form of life. Physiological Ecology explores the biotic and abiotic challenges to organisms imposed by their environments and adaptations which allow them tosurvive in various habitats, both in terms of how organisms physiologically adapt to short-term fluctuations in their environment and how adaptations influence biogeographic distribution and evolutionary success of various species. Topics include adaptations related to temperature, water and salt balance, and gas exchange. Adaptations of organisms to extreme or unusual environments may be considered. Prerequisite: BIOL 202, 203, 451 or instructor's permission. Spring, alternate years.\|
BIOL 460	Comp Vertebrate Anatomy	Traces the most important trends in the evolution of basic structures in vertebrate lines and conveys an appreciation of how the mammals came to possess the combination of characters that make this group unique. Three lectures and three laboratory,"hours weekly. Prerequisites: Two semesters of Intro Biology, or permission of instructor. Frequency: Alternate years\|
BIOL 464	Developmental Biology	The course focuses on the major processes in multi-cellular development and embryogenesis and their underlying biochemical mechanisms. Throughout the semester, students will study various processes, such as cell differentiation, intra- and inter-cellular induction, and organismal morphogenesis. The class will primarily focus on animal or vertebrate development, though invertebrate and plant model organisms will also be examined. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, BIOL 203, CHEM 251, CHEM 252, CHEM 261, and CHEM 262, all with a C or better. Fall, alternate years.\|
BIOL 470	Mammalogy	Interrelationships of mammals and the biotic and biotic environment. Includes discussions and investigations of mammalian distribution, diversity, taxonomy, ecology, and physiology. Includes both field and laboratory studies. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. On demand.
BIOL 471	Plant Ecology	In-depth approach to the interaction of plants with the physical and biotic environments at population, community, ecosystem, and landscape scales. Lecture and discussion focus on current topics in plant ecology such as disturbance, succession, herbivory, dispersal, competition, and environmental stress. Laboratory includes field-based experimental and descriptive investigations of plant population and communities. Two hours lecture/discussion and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisite: A course in principles of ecology or permission of instructor. On demand (Pymatuning).
BIOL 473	Freshwater Ecology	Field-oriented study of the physics, chemistry, and biology of standing and flowing inland waters. Prerequisite: Completion of two semesters of introductory biology or permission of instructor. Alternate years.
BIOL 474	Ecol Of Aquatic Insects	Examination of the ecological adaptations of aquatic insects with special emphasis on morphology, habitat, and trophic relationships.
BIOL 475	Wetland Ecology	Wetlands are an important transitional habitat from terrestrial to aquatic systems. They provide services that are critical to the health and functioning of the ecosystem, but in many ways wetlands defy easy definition. This class will investigate the different types of wetlands, the properities that define wetlands, the benefits they supply to the ecosystem and society, and the history and present status of ecosystem management. Taught summer session Prerequisite: BIOL 202\|
BIOL 477	Forest Ecology	An in-depth approach to the structure, function and dynamics of forest ecosystems at multiple scales. Lecture and discussion will focus on current topics in forest ecology and management such as major forest types and climate, influence of physicalfactors like soils and hydrology on forest ecosystem function, the importance of disturbance, herbivores and pathogens in structuring forest ecosytems, and the concept and practice of sustainability in forest management. Laboratory emphasizes descriptive and investigative studies of local forest ecosystems. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisite: BIOL 202 or equivalent. BIOL 306 desirable. Fall, alternate years.\|
BIOL 478	Biome Studies	A travel-study program which offers opportunities for study in the various biomes, e.g., grasslands, montane, seashore, etc. On demand.
BIOL 483	Molecular Biology	Study of the structural and functional relationships of the major biological macromolecules, emphasizing nucleic acid biology. Laboratory emphasizes current systems, methods, and applications of biotechnology, including recombinant DNA techniques. Two lecture and four laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites:BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Annually.
BIOL 485	Biotechnology	Advanced topics in the current systems, methods, and applications of nucleic acid and protein biotechnology. Two lecture and four laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisite: Completion of a course in molecular biology or permission of instructor. Annually.
BIOL 491	Biogeography	The subject matter will cover aspects of the distribution of plants and animals. Main topics of concern will include interpretive approaches to biogeography, paleobiogeographic evidence of past distributions, the centers of origin of various groups,mechanics and routes of dispersal and colonization, and the dynamics of extinction. Prerequisites: A course in genetics and principles of ecology or permission of instructor. On demand.
BIOL 492	Animal Behavior	Study of the biological concepts of animal behavior. Investigates sensory receptors, internal mechanisms, genetics, learning and habituation, social organization, and communication. Lecture topics include techniques of observation and experiments inanimal behavior. Three lecture hours weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of courses in principles of ecology and genetics or permission of instructor. Alternate years.
BIOL 493	Comm & Ecosys Dynamics	In-depth approach to the structure, function, and dynamics of ecological systems at community, ecosystem, and landscape scales. Lecture and discussion focus on current topics such as niche theory, the regulation of community structure, food webs, ecological stability, diversity, succession, and energy and material cycles. Laboratory emphasizes field-based descriptive and investigative studies of local communities and ecosystems. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in principles of ecology, basic statistics highly desirable, or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.\|
BIOL 494	Population Biology	Investigates the empirical, experimental, and theoretical aspects of the structure, growth, and evolution of biological populations. Takes a holistic approach to how population genetics and population ecology interact to produce observed population structure and dynamics. Two hours lecture/discussion and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in principles of ecology and applied calculus or permission of instructor. Alternate years.
BIOL 495	Undergraduate Sem I	Extensive exposure to primary scientific research articles in their field of studies allows the students to critically assess modern experimental techniques and theories. Furthermore the students will practice critical thinking and communication ski,"lls required for professional scientists. Students will critique each seminar via written reviews as well as verbal discussions; focusing conclusion, and analysis of student presentations. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and BIOL 203. Required for Molecular Biology/Biotechnology majors. Fall, annually.\|
BIOL 497	Evolutionary Ecology	Explores contemporary topics and landmark contributions in ecology and evolutionary biology through readings of research and review papers. Three hours lecture/discussion weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in principles of ecology, evolution, and genetics, or permission of instructor. Spring, alternate years.
BIOL 499	Undergrad Res In Biology	Gives upper-level undergraduate students an experience in biological research. Students identify problems for investigation and complete all phases of study, including writing a research report. Prerequisites: Second semester junior or senior standing with a 3.0 QPA overall, a 3.0 QPA in biology or the consent of the department. Limited to a total of four credits during undergraduate career. Students seeking approval for a BIOL 499 project must complete the BIOL 499 registration form securing signatures of the academic advisor and project director. BIOL 360 and 499 may not be used for the same project.
BIOL 500	Graduate Seminar	A survey of current literature, concepts, and theories from selected fields of biology. Two discussion hours weekly. By arrangement.
BIOL 502	Biometry	Collection, analysis, and presentation of biological data. Fundamental aspects of designing and executing descriptive and experimental studies with emphasis on biological research. Applications to undergraduate and graduate research in progress in the Department of Biology are stressed. Three lecture hours per week. Spring, alternate years.
BIOL 503	Special Topics	Semi-independent studies of topical material under the guidance of the instructor. Maximum credit allowable toward graduation: nine semester hours. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and the student?s graduate committee.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)

Course Title

Course Description

BIOL 446

Pathogenic Microbiol

Study of the infectious agents of mammals and the diseases that result from infection by these agents. The course will focus on bacterial agents, their diagnosis and treatment. The laboratory portion of the course incorporates experiential learning of diagnostic procedures and case studies involving examples of pathogenic organisms. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Fall annually.

BIOL 450

Cell Physiology

Study of the regulatory processes that occur within the eukaryotic cell that gover homeostasis and allow for adaptive change. The course will focus on membrane biochemistry, transport, protein sorting, cell signaling, cytoskeletal nanomotors, and cell specialization. The laboratory portion of the course incorporatesexperiential learning of basic procedures that allow experientalists to uncover the workings of the eukaryotic cell. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequ,"isites: BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Spring annually.|

BIOL 451

Animal Physiology

Study of the comparative physiology of animals, including water and ion regulations, circulation, respiration, nutrition, nervous activity, endicrine functions, and responses to temperautre, light, gasses, and pressure. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203; CHEM 252, 261, 252, and 262, or permission of instructor.

BIOL 452

Plant Physiology

Life processes and responses of plants to the environment. Includes water relations, transpiration, translocation, photosynthesis, respiration, metabolism, plant hormones and morphogenesis, photoperiodism, temperature responses, environmental and stress physiology. Two lectures and three hours laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in genetics, cell biology, and one semester of organic chemistry or permission of instructor. On demand.

BIOL 453

Patho I, Endogen Agents

Analyzes the mechanisms by which disease occurs in humans. Emphasizes responses to the disease process, and the effects of pathophysiologic mechanisms on the normality of cell, tissue, organ and system functions, and the response of the body to the disease process. Prerequisites: Prior courses in physiology desired. Two years of study in biology or permission of instructor. Venango Campus and Pittsburgh site, annually. Not for biology majors.

BIOL 454

Patho II Exog Agents

Study of mechanisms by which disease occurs in humans. Emphasizes disease related to heredity, physical, chemical, and biological stresses. Prerequisite: Three semesters of biology required or permission of instructor. Venango Campus, annually. Not for biology majors.

BIOL 455

Endocrinology

Surveys the chemical and physiological principles of hormonal integrations in animals. Three hours lecture weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in physiology and one semester of organic chemistry or permission of instructor. Annually.

BIOL 456

Entomology

General study of insects, including structure, physiology, classification, economic importance, and ecology. Two lecture and three hours of laboratory or fieldwork weekly. Prerequisite: Completion of two semesters of introductory biology or permission of instructor. Alternate years.

BIOL 459

Physiological Ecology

Nearly every habitat on earth, from thermal hot springs to polar ice caps, is home to some form of life. Physiological Ecology explores the biotic and abiotic challenges to organisms imposed by their environments and adaptations which allow them tosurvive in various habitats, both in terms of how organisms physiologically adapt to short-term fluctuations in their environment and how adaptations influence biogeographic distribution and evolutionary success of various species. Topics include adaptations related to temperature, water and salt balance, and gas exchange. Adaptations of organisms to extreme or unusual environments may be considered. Prerequisite: BIOL 202, 203, 451 or instructor's permission. Spring, alternate years.|

BIOL 460

Comp Vertebrate Anatomy

Traces the most important trends in the evolution of basic structures in vertebrate lines and conveys an appreciation of how the mammals came to possess the combination of characters that make this group unique. Three lectures and three laboratory,"hours weekly. Prerequisites: Two semesters of Intro Biology, or permission of instructor. Frequency: Alternate years|

BIOL 464

Developmental Biology

The course focuses on the major processes in multi-cellular development and embryogenesis and their underlying biochemical mechanisms. Throughout the semester, students will study various processes, such as cell differentiation, intra- and inter-cellular induction, and organismal morphogenesis. The class will primarily focus on animal or vertebrate development, though invertebrate and plant model organisms will also be examined. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, BIOL 203, CHEM 251, CHEM 252, CHEM 261, and CHEM 262, all with a C or better. Fall, alternate years.|

BIOL 470

Mammalogy

Interrelationships of mammals and the biotic and biotic environment. Includes discussions and investigations of mammalian distribution, diversity, taxonomy, ecology, and physiology. Includes both field and laboratory studies. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. On demand.

BIOL 471

Plant Ecology

In-depth approach to the interaction of plants with the physical and biotic environments at population, community, ecosystem, and landscape scales. Lecture and discussion focus on current topics in plant ecology such as disturbance, succession, herbivory, dispersal, competition, and environmental stress. Laboratory includes field-based experimental and descriptive investigations of plant population and communities. Two hours lecture/discussion and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisite: A course in principles of ecology or permission of instructor. On demand (Pymatuning).

BIOL 473

Freshwater Ecology

Field-oriented study of the physics, chemistry, and biology of standing and flowing inland waters. Prerequisite: Completion of two semesters of introductory biology or permission of instructor. Alternate years.

BIOL 474

Ecol Of Aquatic Insects

Examination of the ecological adaptations of aquatic insects with special emphasis on morphology, habitat, and trophic relationships.

BIOL 475

Wetland Ecology

Wetlands are an important transitional habitat from terrestrial to aquatic systems. They provide services that are critical to the health and functioning of the ecosystem, but in many ways wetlands defy easy definition. This class will investigate the different types of wetlands, the properities that define wetlands, the benefits they supply to the ecosystem and society, and the history and present status of ecosystem management. Taught summer session Prerequisite: BIOL 202|

BIOL 477

Forest Ecology

An in-depth approach to the structure, function and dynamics of forest ecosystems at multiple scales. Lecture and discussion will focus on current topics in forest ecology and management such as major forest types and climate, influence of physicalfactors like soils and hydrology on forest ecosystem function, the importance of disturbance, herbivores and pathogens in structuring forest ecosytems, and the concept and practice of sustainability in forest management. Laboratory emphasizes descriptive and investigative studies of local forest ecosystems. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisite: BIOL 202 or equivalent. BIOL 306 desirable. Fall, alternate years.|

BIOL 478

Biome Studies

A travel-study program which offers opportunities for study in the various biomes, e.g., grasslands, montane, seashore, etc. On demand.

BIOL 483

Molecular Biology

Study of the structural and functional relationships of the major biological macromolecules, emphasizing nucleic acid biology. Laboratory emphasizes current systems, methods, and applications of biotechnology, including recombinant DNA techniques. Two lecture and four laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites:BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Annually.

BIOL 485

Biotechnology

Advanced topics in the current systems, methods, and applications of nucleic acid and protein biotechnology. Two lecture and four laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisite: Completion of a course in molecular biology or permission of instructor. Annually.

BIOL 491

Biogeography

The subject matter will cover aspects of the distribution of plants and animals. Main topics of concern will include interpretive approaches to biogeography, paleobiogeographic evidence of past distributions, the centers of origin of various groups,mechanics and routes of dispersal and colonization, and the dynamics of extinction. Prerequisites: A course in genetics and principles of ecology or permission of instructor. On demand.

BIOL 492

Animal Behavior

Study of the biological concepts of animal behavior. Investigates sensory receptors, internal mechanisms, genetics, learning and habituation, social organization, and communication. Lecture topics include techniques of observation and experiments inanimal behavior. Three lecture hours weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of courses in principles of ecology and genetics or permission of instructor. Alternate years.

BIOL 493

Comm & Ecosys Dynamics

In-depth approach to the structure, function, and dynamics of ecological systems at community, ecosystem, and landscape scales. Lecture and discussion focus on current topics such as niche theory, the regulation of community structure, food webs, ecological stability, diversity, succession, and energy and material cycles. Laboratory emphasizes field-based descriptive and investigative studies of local communities and ecosystems. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in principles of ecology, basic statistics highly desirable, or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.|

BIOL 494

Population Biology

Investigates the empirical, experimental, and theoretical aspects of the structure, growth, and evolution of biological populations. Takes a holistic approach to how population genetics and population ecology interact to produce observed population structure and dynamics. Two hours lecture/discussion and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in principles of ecology and applied calculus or permission of instructor. Alternate years.

BIOL 495

Undergraduate Sem I

Extensive exposure to primary scientific research articles in their field of studies allows the students to critically assess modern experimental techniques and theories. Furthermore the students will practice critical thinking and communication ski,"lls required for professional scientists. Students will critique each seminar via written reviews as well as verbal discussions; focusing conclusion, and analysis of student presentations. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and BIOL 203. Required for Molecular Biology/Biotechnology majors. Fall, annually.|

BIOL 497

Evolutionary Ecology

Explores contemporary topics and landmark contributions in ecology and evolutionary biology through readings of research and review papers. Three hours lecture/discussion weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in principles of ecology, evolution, and genetics, or permission of instructor. Spring, alternate years.

BIOL 499

Undergrad Res In Biology

Gives upper-level undergraduate students an experience in biological research. Students identify problems for investigation and complete all phases of study, including writing a research report. Prerequisites: Second semester junior or senior standing with a 3.0 QPA overall, a 3.0 QPA in biology or the consent of the department. Limited to a total of four credits during undergraduate career. Students seeking approval for a BIOL 499 project must complete the BIOL 499 registration form securing signatures of the academic advisor and project director. BIOL 360 and 499 may not be used for the same project.

BIOL 500

Graduate Seminar

A survey of current literature, concepts, and theories from selected fields of biology. Two discussion hours weekly. By arrangement.

BIOL 502

Biometry

Collection, analysis, and presentation of biological data. Fundamental aspects of designing and executing descriptive and experimental studies with emphasis on biological research. Applications to undergraduate and graduate research in progress in the Department of Biology are stressed. Three lecture hours per week. Spring, alternate years.

BIOL 503

Special Topics

Semi-independent studies of topical material under the guidance of the instructor. Maximum credit allowable toward graduation: nine semester hours. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and the student?s graduate committee.