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 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.
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.\|

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)

Course Title

Course Description

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.

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.|