Biology Courses at PGCC
- Biology 101 - General Biology (4 credits)
University parallel introductory biology for nonscience majors.
Cells and cell processes, tissues, microorganisms, vertebrate anatomy and
physiology, and genetics.
- Biology 102 - Botany (4 credits)
Plant groups, their structure, function, and application to daily
life.
- Biology 108 - Reproduction Biology (4 Credits)
An examinaton of biological principles and contemporary issues in reproductive biology.
- Biology 110 - Forensic Biology (4 credits)
An introduction to the principles and concepts of the biological aspects
of forensic science. An examination of the role of the laboratory in
criminal investigation and human identification using forensic pathology,
serology, anthropology, molecular biology and other specializations.
- Biology 111 - Environmental Biology (3 credits)
Survey of basic scientific principles needed to understand current
environmental problems and evaluate alternatives for solving those
problems.
- Biology 112 - Environmental Biology Laboratory (1 credit)
Supplements BIO 111, providing laboratory and field experiences
relevant to environmental issues.
- Biology 113 - Principles of Biology I (4 credits)
University-parallel biology sequence for science/health majors.
Evolution, ecology, and behavior,
including population genetics, natural selection, coevolutionary
relationships, ethology, and contemporary issues.
- Biology 114 - Principles of Biology II (4 credits)
Continuation of sequence.
Cellular and biochemical emphasis, including cell anatomy and physiology,
energy processes, reproduction, and genetics.
- Biology 201 - Microbiology (4 credits)
Structure and function of microorganisms and their role in pathology.
Laboratory includes culture methods, staining, and identification of
bacteria.
- Biology 203 - Genetics (3 credits)
Genetics and heredity. Analysis of classical and molecular genetics,
emphasizing contemporary issues.
- Biology 205 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
University-parallel sequence. Structure and function of human body
systems
with emphasis on cells, tissues, transport mechanisms, and skeletal,
muscular, and nervous systems.
- Biology 206 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
Continuation of sequence. Structure and function of circulatory,
respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems.
Laboratory includes vertebrate dissection.
- Biology 209 - Cell Biology (4 Credits)
Examination of the structure and function of cells with particular emphasis on metabolism, reproduction, and the molecular aspects of cell communication and reproduction.
- Biology 210 - Marine Biology (4 credits)
An introduction to marine ecosystems. Principles and processes common
to all forms of life within the sea. Includes field trips to marine
habitats, such as the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic beaches, and to local
exhibits at the National Zoo and the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
- Biology 225 - Introduction to Biotechnology (4 Credits)
Introduction to the basic principles and techniques of biotechnology,
and
the ways in which these are applied to agriculture, forensic science,
medicine, and microbiology. The course will examine the current state of
knowledge concerning nucleic acids and their role in the functions of
living cells and viruses, and how the manipulation of genetic material can
be utilized in industries ranging from medicine to ecology. Lab includes
principles of genetic manipulation, bacterial culture techniques, DNA
restriction analysis, recombination and transformation of DNA,
immunological detection of disease, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
and randomly amplified polymorphism detection (RAPD).
- Biology 250 - Biological Principles of Forensic Science (4 Credits)
An introduction to the principles governing the application of biology and biological statistics that are used to analyze evidence from crime scenes. Topics include evidence examination and preservation; presumptive and confirmatory biological testing; blood, urine, semen, hair and fiber comparisons; generation and statistical analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA profiles; understanding the modern forensic crime laboratory; the role of the forensic scientist within the Criminal and Civil US Court System.