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 504	Genomics And Bioinformatics	The new disciplines of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics attempt to analyze the deluge of DNA sequence data currently being generated. Topics include comparative structure of prokayotic and eukaryotic genomes, genetic variation in humans and pharmacogenetics, and genomic circuits and complex diseases. Students will be introduced to the computational techniques and algorithms of Bioinformatics, and use them to mine information about a gene and genome of their choice. Designed for students in biology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, biochemistry, industrial mathematics and computational science. Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and MATH 260 OR MATH 221 or permission of instructor. Fal\|
BIOL 505	Ecological Applications	A case history approach to the analysis and possible resolution of both terrestrial and aquatic environmental problems. Students will analyze the problem from a number of perspectives, including the biological, in an assessment of the problem. Sample design, cost considerations, data collection, and analysis will be incorporated into the assessment. The overall assessment of the problem and possible resolution will be conveyed both orally and in a written format. This course is considered a capstone for students in the Applied Ecology Program, but is appropriate for other students who meet the prerequisites. Prerequisites: BIOL 202, or permission of the instructor. BIOL 493 and 494 are recommended. Spring, alternate years.\|
BIOL 508	Biology Internship	Internships provide practical experiences that are related to a student?s academic program or research area. Credits earned can be utilized as partial fulfillment of the Master of Science degree in biology. Students considering internship credits to,"be applied toward the Master of Science degree must have the approval of their graduate advisory committee, the cooperating agency, and the appropriate university administrators. On demand.
BIOL 511	Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt	An in-depth approach to the ecology and management of wildlife species - birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles - at scales ranging from populations to landscapes. Lecture and discussion will focus on current topics in wildlife ecology and management such as the dynamics of exploited populations, non-game wildlife, population regulation by predators, parasites, and diseases, habitat evaluation and management, and restoration of wildlife populations. Laboratory will emphasize descriptive and investigative studies of wildlife in local ecosystems. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisite: BIOL 202 or equivalent. BIOL 305 desirable.
BIOL 520	Terrestrial Botany	A field course emphasizing the identification, distribution, and ecology of upland vascular plants of Western Pennsylvania. Field and laboratory projects will focus on plant characteristics, taxonomic relations, floristics, habitat relationship, inventory methods, and plant community description and dynamics. (Pymatuning)\|
BIOL 521	Aquatic Entomology	Emphasis in this course is on identification of the major groups of invertebrates playing a role in natural communities and on the methods of quantifying their relative importance in the community. (Pymatuning)
BIOL 522	Aquatic Botany	Study of freshwater algae and aquatic vascular plants in field communities, methods of quantifying relative numbers and mass, and structural and physiological adaptations to the aquatic environment. (Pymatuning)
BIOL 523	Exp Vertebrate Ecology	Designed to give knowledge of basic field identification, capture techniques, quantification, and natural history of some of the common vertebrates of Pennsylvania. (Pymatuning)
BIOL 524	Freshwater Ichthyology	A study of the physiological reaction involved in the growth, reproduction, and death of microbes. Consideration is placed upon the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and fats. Enzymes, oxidation-reduction potentials, energy relationships, membrane potentials, and nutrients are considered. Prerequisites: General Microbiology and Biochemistry or permission of instructor. Two lecture and four lab hours per week.
BIOL 525	Fisheries Biology	Ecology of fish populations, including identification, age and growth, populations estimation and analysis, food habits, environmental requirements, and management considerations. Prerequisites: Environmental Biology or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours per week. Laboratory sessions held on Saturdays. Student must possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.
BIOL 526	Field Ichthyology	A field course dealing with the interrelationships of fish with their biotic and abiotic environment. Fish in their natural habitats, pollution, and improvements of aquatic habitats, and applied aspects of fish ecology and fishery management will be studied. (Pymatuning). Student must possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.
BIOL 527	Field Botany	A field-based course emphasizing the identification and natural history of common vascular plants native to western Pennsylvania and methods used to study them. Course will be taught at a time when the spring flora is conspicuous. Spring, alternate years.
BIOL 528	Ornithology	This course deals with the biology of birds. Lectures cover topics such as classification, internal and external adaptations for flight, migration, nesting and feeding habits, behavior, ecology, and physiology. There are two lectures and three laboratory or field trip hours per week. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.
BIOL 530	Biology of Cancer	This course presents an in depth overview of both the scientific and clinical aspects of cancer with an emphasis on the cellular, molecular, and genetic models of cancer development in humans. Topics include: cancer epidemiology, biochemical processes of malignant process, TNM classification, modern advances in tumor biology and molecular biology including the effects of a variety of agents (chemical, radiation, viruses, and oncogenes) that cause human cancer. Furthermore, the course examinesthe major types of cancer as well as present methods of cancer prevention and treatment. Three lecture hours weekly. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and BIOL 203. Fall, alternate years.\|
BIOL 532	Field Ornithology	This course deals primarily with the identification and natural history of birds of western Pennsylvania. It is taught at a time when migratory species are also commonly seen. Although lectures are an important component, indoor and outdoor laboratory activities play a predominant role in this course. Prerequisites: BIOL 155/165; BIOL 156/166; or permission of the instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.
BIOL 540	Environmental Microbiology	Explores the diversity, distribution, and activiites of microorganisms in natural, managed and extreme environments, with a particular focus on microbial communities, interactions and environmental processes. Laboratory sessions and field experiences will be on an arranged basis. Prerequisite: BIOL 341 or permission of Instructor. Spring, alternate years\|
BIOL 543	Virology	A study of plant, animal, and bacterial viruses, including the biochemistry of viruses and viral life cycles, techniques in the study of viruses in relation to diseases, tumors, and cancer. Prerequisites: Microbiology or Biochemistry or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours per week.
BIOL 544	Immunology	Study of the mammalian immune system. The course will focus on the parts of the system and how they function together to produce the varied and complex regulated responses that provide innate and adaptive immunity. The course will also incorporate,"case studies involving dysfunction and pathophysiology of the immune system. Essential laboratory principles and skills involving microscopy (light and flourescence), ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, affinity chromatography, mammalian virus culture, enzume linked immunosorbent assay, electrophoresis and blotting are presented. Three lecture hours weekly and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Spring annual\|
BIOL 546	Pathogenic Micro	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 diagnosis 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 550	Cell Physiology	Study of the regulatory processes that occur within the eukaryotic cell that govern homeostasis and allow for adaptive change. The course will focus on membrance biochemistry , transport, protein sorting, cell signaling, cytoskeletal nanomotors, and cell specialization. The laboratory portion of the course incorporates experiential learning of basic procedures that allow experimentalists to uncover the workings of the eukaryotic cell. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours weekly. Pr,"erequisites: BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Spring annually.\|
BIOL 551	Adv Animal Physiology	A detailed review of the comparative physiology of animals, including water and ion regulations, circulation, respiration, nutrition, nervous activity, endocrine functions, and responses to temperature, light, gasses, and pressure. Includes literature review and individual investigations. Two lecture and three hours laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: Cell Biology and Organic Chemistry, or permission of instructor.
BIOL 552	Adv Plant Physiology	Life processes and responses of plants to the environment. Topics include water relations, transpiration, translocation, photosynthesis, respiration, metabolism, plant hormones and morphogenesis, photoperiodism, temperature responses, environmental and stress physiology. Two lecture and three lab hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203, and CHEM 254. Spring, odd-numbered years.
BIOL 555	Endocrinology	A survey of the chemical and physiological principles of hormonal integrations in animals. Three lecture hours per week.
BIOL 556	Entomology	A general study of insects, including structure, physiology, classification, economic importance, and relationships. Two lecture and three laboratory or field work hours weekly. Fall, odd-numbered years.
BIOL 559	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 563	Behavioral Ecology	An examination of the behavior of animals in relation to their natural environment with emphasis on the functioning of patterns of behavior in nature, intraspecific communication and social organization, behavioral relationships between species, andthe regulation of behavior by the environment. (Pymatuning)
BIOL 564	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 decelopment, 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 or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.\|
BIOL 570	Id-Quant-Bac-Fung
BIOL 571	Habitat Ecology-Aquatic	A detailed examination is made of the structure and functioning of selected aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships of functioning systems. (3 credits at Pymatuning)
BIOL 572	Terrest Comm Ecology	A study of the composition, distribution, and dynamics of plants and animals in selected terrestrial communities. Major biomes to be included will be grassland, deciduous forest, coniferous forest, and tundra. Summers only: six weeks. (3 credits at Pymatuning)

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)

Course Title

Course Description

BIOL 504

Genomics And Bioinformatics

The new disciplines of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics attempt to analyze the deluge of DNA sequence data currently being generated. Topics include comparative structure of prokayotic and eukaryotic genomes, genetic variation in humans and pharmacogenetics, and genomic circuits and complex diseases. Students will be introduced to the computational techniques and algorithms of Bioinformatics, and use them to mine information about a gene and genome of their choice. Designed for students in biology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, biochemistry, industrial mathematics and computational science. Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and MATH 260 OR MATH 221 or permission of instructor. Fal|

BIOL 505

Ecological Applications

A case history approach to the analysis and possible resolution of both terrestrial and aquatic environmental problems. Students will analyze the problem from a number of perspectives, including the biological, in an assessment of the problem. Sample design, cost considerations, data collection, and analysis will be incorporated into the assessment. The overall assessment of the problem and possible resolution will be conveyed both orally and in a written format. This course is considered a capstone for students in the Applied Ecology Program, but is appropriate for other students who meet the prerequisites. Prerequisites: BIOL 202, or permission of the instructor. BIOL 493 and 494 are recommended. Spring, alternate years.|

BIOL 508

Biology Internship

Internships provide practical experiences that are related to a student?s academic program or research area. Credits earned can be utilized as partial fulfillment of the Master of Science degree in biology. Students considering internship credits to,"be applied toward the Master of Science degree must have the approval of their graduate advisory committee, the cooperating agency, and the appropriate university administrators. On demand.

BIOL 511

Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt

An in-depth approach to the ecology and management of wildlife species - birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles - at scales ranging from populations to landscapes. Lecture and discussion will focus on current topics in wildlife ecology and management such as the dynamics of exploited populations, non-game wildlife, population regulation by predators, parasites, and diseases, habitat evaluation and management, and restoration of wildlife populations. Laboratory will emphasize descriptive and investigative studies of wildlife in local ecosystems. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisite: BIOL 202 or equivalent. BIOL 305 desirable.

BIOL 520

Terrestrial Botany

A field course emphasizing the identification, distribution, and ecology of upland vascular plants of Western Pennsylvania. Field and laboratory projects will focus on plant characteristics, taxonomic relations, floristics, habitat relationship, inventory methods, and plant community description and dynamics. (Pymatuning)|

BIOL 521

Aquatic Entomology

Emphasis in this course is on identification of the major groups of invertebrates playing a role in natural communities and on the methods of quantifying their relative importance in the community. (Pymatuning)

BIOL 522

Aquatic Botany

Study of freshwater algae and aquatic vascular plants in field communities, methods of quantifying relative numbers and mass, and structural and physiological adaptations to the aquatic environment. (Pymatuning)

BIOL 523

Exp Vertebrate Ecology

Designed to give knowledge of basic field identification, capture techniques, quantification, and natural history of some of the common vertebrates of Pennsylvania. (Pymatuning)

BIOL 524

Freshwater Ichthyology

A study of the physiological reaction involved in the growth, reproduction, and death of microbes. Consideration is placed upon the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and fats. Enzymes, oxidation-reduction potentials, energy relationships, membrane potentials, and nutrients are considered. Prerequisites: General Microbiology and Biochemistry or permission of instructor. Two lecture and four lab hours per week.

BIOL 525

Fisheries Biology

Ecology of fish populations, including identification, age and growth, populations estimation and analysis, food habits, environmental requirements, and management considerations. Prerequisites: Environmental Biology or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours per week. Laboratory sessions held on Saturdays. Student must possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.

BIOL 526

Field Ichthyology

A field course dealing with the interrelationships of fish with their biotic and abiotic environment. Fish in their natural habitats, pollution, and improvements of aquatic habitats, and applied aspects of fish ecology and fishery management will be studied. (Pymatuning). Student must possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.

BIOL 527

Field Botany

A field-based course emphasizing the identification and natural history of common vascular plants native to western Pennsylvania and methods used to study them. Course will be taught at a time when the spring flora is conspicuous. Spring, alternate years.

BIOL 528

Ornithology

This course deals with the biology of birds. Lectures cover topics such as classification, internal and external adaptations for flight, migration, nesting and feeding habits, behavior, ecology, and physiology. There are two lectures and three laboratory or field trip hours per week. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.

BIOL 530

Biology of Cancer

This course presents an in depth overview of both the scientific and clinical aspects of cancer with an emphasis on the cellular, molecular, and genetic models of cancer development in humans. Topics include: cancer epidemiology, biochemical processes of malignant process, TNM classification, modern advances in tumor biology and molecular biology including the effects of a variety of agents (chemical, radiation, viruses, and oncogenes) that cause human cancer. Furthermore, the course examinesthe major types of cancer as well as present methods of cancer prevention and treatment. Three lecture hours weekly. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and BIOL 203. Fall, alternate years.|

BIOL 532

Field Ornithology

This course deals primarily with the identification and natural history of birds of western Pennsylvania. It is taught at a time when migratory species are also commonly seen. Although lectures are an important component, indoor and outdoor laboratory activities play a predominant role in this course. Prerequisites: BIOL 155/165; BIOL 156/166; or permission of the instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.

BIOL 540

Environmental Microbiology

Explores the diversity, distribution, and activiites of microorganisms in natural, managed and extreme environments, with a particular focus on microbial communities, interactions and environmental processes. Laboratory sessions and field experiences will be on an arranged basis. Prerequisite: BIOL 341 or permission of Instructor. Spring, alternate years|

BIOL 543

Virology

A study of plant, animal, and bacterial viruses, including the biochemistry of viruses and viral life cycles, techniques in the study of viruses in relation to diseases, tumors, and cancer. Prerequisites: Microbiology or Biochemistry or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours per week.

BIOL 544

Immunology

Study of the mammalian immune system. The course will focus on the parts of the system and how they function together to produce the varied and complex regulated responses that provide innate and adaptive immunity. The course will also incorporate,"case studies involving dysfunction and pathophysiology of the immune system. Essential laboratory principles and skills involving microscopy (light and flourescence), ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, affinity chromatography, mammalian virus culture, enzume linked immunosorbent assay, electrophoresis and blotting are presented. Three lecture hours weekly and three laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Spring annual|

BIOL 546

Pathogenic Micro

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 diagnosis 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 550

Cell Physiology

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

BIOL 551

Adv Animal Physiology

A detailed review of the comparative physiology of animals, including water and ion regulations, circulation, respiration, nutrition, nervous activity, endocrine functions, and responses to temperature, light, gasses, and pressure. Includes literature review and individual investigations. Two lecture and three hours laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: Cell Biology and Organic Chemistry, or permission of instructor.

BIOL 552

Adv Plant Physiology

Life processes and responses of plants to the environment. Topics include water relations, transpiration, translocation, photosynthesis, respiration, metabolism, plant hormones and morphogenesis, photoperiodism, temperature responses, environmental and stress physiology. Two lecture and three lab hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203, and CHEM 254. Spring, odd-numbered years.

BIOL 555

Endocrinology

A survey of the chemical and physiological principles of hormonal integrations in animals. Three lecture hours per week.

BIOL 556

Entomology

A general study of insects, including structure, physiology, classification, economic importance, and relationships. Two lecture and three laboratory or field work hours weekly. Fall, odd-numbered years.

BIOL 559

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 563

Behavioral Ecology

An examination of the behavior of animals in relation to their natural environment with emphasis on the functioning of patterns of behavior in nature, intraspecific communication and social organization, behavioral relationships between species, andthe regulation of behavior by the environment. (Pymatuning)

BIOL 564

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 decelopment, 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 or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.|

BIOL 570

Id-Quant-Bac-Fung

BIOL 571

Habitat Ecology-Aquatic

A detailed examination is made of the structure and functioning of selected aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships of functioning systems. (3 credits at Pymatuning)

BIOL 572

Terrest Comm Ecology

A study of the composition, distribution, and dynamics of plants and animals in selected terrestrial communities. Major biomes to be included will be grassland, deciduous forest, coniferous forest, and tundra. Summers only: six weeks. (3 credits at Pymatuning)