Biology

General Biology is an introductory course that covers scientific concepts that may affect you as an individual in our society. Basic principles of general biology are covered as they relate to the cellular, organism and population levels of organization. The course includes cell structure and function, energy transfer, reproduction, genetics, evolution, diversity of organisms, and ecology. Correct scientific terminology is also emphasized.

This course focuses on the nature of microbial organisms and offers a comprehensive survey of infectious diseases of humans, with major emphasis on the biology of the infectious process. Important infectious pathogenic agents (bacteria, viruses, protozoa) are studied in terms of their physiological functions and the properties which permit them to be pathogens. The epidemiology and pathogenesis of infections, analysis of the dynamic interactions between invading organisms and the defense mechanisms of the invaded hosts, clinical pictures of the disease states, and prevention of infection are explored. The laboratory exercises provide an introduction to basic microbiology and modern diagnostic and clinical microbiology.