UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG - Mercy College

184 / Course Descriptions
BIOL 310 Immunology:
A study of the immunological mechanisms of the vertebrate body including antigen structure
and types, antibody structure and formation, and antigen/antibody reactions. Discussion of
tolerance, autoimmunity, cellular and humoral immunity, hypersensitivity and suppression.
Prerequisites: CHEM 160-161, BIOL 265. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
BIOL 317 Clinical Neuroscience:
This course will enable the student to be conversant in the structure and function of the nervous
system, with emphasis on development and vulnerability, cognition, memory, sensorimotor
mechanisms and homeostasis. The approach is integrative and multidisciplinary using a
molecular, cellular and a systems approach to understand the types and consequences of
nervous system lesions and their behavioral consequences. The causes and consequences
of neurodegenerative processes, affective disorders, physical impairment , and intervention
will also be discussed Prerequisites: BIOL 160 and 161, CHEM 160 and 161 or permission of
the Instructor. 3 hrs. lect. 3 crs.
BIOL 354 (CHEM 354) Biochemistry:
An intensive problem-solving approach to the study of macromolecular structure and function.
Emphasis is on proteins as regulatory and catalytic molecules, bioenergetics, and the integration
of cellular metabolism. Laboratory work introduces modern techniques of biochemical analysis,
including the use of computer-interfaced systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 160/161; CHEM 160/161;
CHEM 260/261. (Offered fall semester only) 3 hrs. lect. 3 hrs. lab. 4 crs.
BIOL 355 Molecular Biology of the Cell:
The study of how cells function with an emphasis on the ultrastructural aspects of cells and
their underlying macromolecular structures and mechanisms of cellular processes. Emphasis is
on nucleic acids as informational molecules and proteins as catalytic and regulatory molecules
and molecular machines. Topics include genomics, proteomics, nucleic acid structure, chemistry,
and metabolism, recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering, membrane structure,
membrane transport, protein sorting, vesicular traffic and cellular communication. Experimental
techniques in cell culture, immunology, microscopy and biochemistry are emphasized in
the lecture, creating a foundation for laboratory experiments in molecular and cell biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 354 (Offered spring semester only) 3 hrs. lect. 3 hrs. lab. 4 crs.
BIOL 360 Genetics:
A study of fundamental principles of heredity and variations as applied to eukaryotes,
prokaryotes, and viruses. The course will cover classical Mendelian Genetics, Population
Genetics, Molecular Genetics, and Cytogenetics, with equal emphasis on the molecular aspects
of gene structure, function, mutation, and regulation. Prerequisites: BIOL 160/161; CHEM
160/161. 3 hrs. lect. 3 hrs. lab. 4 crs.
BIOL 366 Developmental Biology (Formerly BIOL 241):
A morphological and genetic study of developmental stages of organisms, including cell
differentiation, gametogenesis, fertilization, gastrulation and organogenesis. Prerequisite: BIOL
360. (Offered spring semester only) 3 hrs. lect. 3 hrs. lab. 4 crs.
BIOL 380-381 Cooperative Education in Biology I, II (Natural Science):
This course is designed to link college with the world of work by assisting students to obtain
meaningful, academically relevant work experiences directly related to their career goals.
Possible placement sites for students in Biology include corporations, hospitals, medical
facilities and research organizations. Students' professional development is enhanced through
meetings with a faculty advisor and structured assignments based on the work experience.
Cooperative Education office approval required. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
BIOL 397 Independent Study in Biology:
Individual readings and research undertaken in a specific area of biology. Registration with
the permission of the instructor and the chairperson of the department. 1-3 crs