Biology
Biology of Mammals
BIOL 7001 3 cr.
This course is an investigation of the evolution and present biology of mammals involving extensive use of native New England species. Laboratory work includes identification of mammal species from skins, skulls, and tracks. Field trips enhance familiarity with what is learned in the classroom. The course involves four hours of lecture/laboratory plus additional hours for field trips.
Freshwater Biology
BIOL 7003 3 cr.
This is a field study course designed to study aquatic ecological systems. Daily field trips are taken to the lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers in the Fitchburg area to collect water samples and specimens. Laboratory analysis is conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties of the water and to identify and study the organisms.
Biology of the Brain and Behavior
BIOL 7005 3 cr.
This course focuses on the biological bases of behavior. A variety of media, including lectures, journal articles and films, are used to study ethology, psychology, neurobiology and genetics in an attempt to understand the mechanisms underlying behavior.
Prerequisite: one semester of any of the following: General Biology, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology or instructor's permission.
Medical Parasitology
BIOL 7006 3 cr.
The course examines the biology of medically important animal parasites. Lectures emphasize clinical considerations, such as life cycles, modes of transmission, epidemiology, symptomatology and treatment. Additionally, methods of collection and identification are explored.
Ecology
BIOL 7007 3 cr.
The dynamic relationship between organisms and their environment is investigated in this survey of major ecological concepts and methodology. Field and laboratory work emphasize problem identification, formulation of hypothesis, data collection, and analysis and interpretation of results in terms of biological implications.
Winter Botany
BIOL 7008 3 cr.
A comprehensive study of plants in winter designed to discover plant adaptations for survival during the cold season. Field trips are taken to observe and identify trees and herbaceous plants in winter conditions. Lectures and indoor labs are included.
Model Systems and Techniques in Embryology
BIOL 7009 3 cr.
This is an intensive laboratory course emphasizing embryological and developmental biological techniques. Current theories regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying early development and classical developmental processes will be the major themes. Topics include regeneration, metamorphosis, aging, organogenesis and pattern formation. Lecture will be followed by laboratory study of the development of live sea urchins, amphibians and planaria, as well as work with prepared slides.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1200, 1300, 1400, 1600 or permission of instructor.
Techniques in Neurohistology
BIOL 7010 3 cr.
This course introduces basic neurobiology as well as the current techniques in neurohistology. The students will work with neural tissue provided by the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This material will be fixed, imbedded in paraffin, cut, stained, and mounted. The student will prepare a complete personal set of slides. The techniques require patience and discipline, and provides the student with a unique experience regarding the structure of the brain.
The Modern Secondary School
BIOL 7012 3 cr.
This class is required of all MAT candidates who do not have initial licensure to teach and covers a broad range of issues faced by teachers in today's secondary schools. Students become familiar with the complexities and demands of secondary school teaching. This course includes 25 hours of prepracticum experience.
Summer Field Botany
BIOL 7200 3 cr.
This course is a field study of trees, shrubs, fungi, mosses, and herbs found in New England. Daily field trips to collect plants and daily laboratory work facilitate the study of ecology and taxonomy of plants.
Evolution
BIOL 7300 3 cr.
This is an introduction of the principles governing the evolution of living organisms. Emphasis is placed on the cause and affect relationship of various biological disciplines on the evolutionary process. A survey of paleontological evidence demonstrates how evolutionary principles have influenced life.
Prerequisites: undergraduate course in
botany or zoology, ecology, and genetics.
Bioethics
BIOL 7400 3 cr.
The purpose of this course is to communicate the process of ethical reasoning in conjunction with biological science. Students gain an understanding of how cooperation between those concerned with the results of biological research and the makers of public policy must become a working hypothesis. Through an examination of the current literature, students uncover facts and general principles of bioethics and relate their near and long term consequences to moral positions.
Marine Biology
BIOL 7600 3 cr.
This course examines physical, chemical, and biological factors in the marine environment. The dominant animals and plants in salt marsh, sand beach, tide pools, and a rocky inter-tidal area are investigated. Data on physical and chemical conditions is collected and correlated with the composition, behavior, and physiology of the flora and fauna within each habitat. Saturday or Sunday field trips supplement lectures.
Advanced Methods of Teaching at the Secondary Level
BIOL 8000 3 cr.
This course combines academic study with clinical practice and supervision. Theories and topics studied and demonstrated include learning styles, critical thinking, computer applications and inclusive learning environments. Emphasis is placed on integrating culturally or linguistically diverse students and those with special needs. Interdisciplinary course development and implementation, student assessment including portfolio assessment and writing are studied for utilization across the curriculum.
Prerequisite: BIOL 7012 or initial teacher licensure.
Independent Study
BIOL 8002 3 cr.
The independent study provides an opportunity for biology students to work independently on the development of a written work, a science curriculum, a job related document or some other activity agreed upon by the student and the graduate faculty advisor. The final product of this study is a written or otherwise permanent documentation of the study completed.
Practicum
BIOL 8003 6 cr.
The practicum provides an opportunity for students to gain teaching experience in area schools and in the college campus school. Practicum experience is designed to meet the state requirements for advanced provisional teacher certification.
Practicum
BIOL 8090 6 cr.
Student teaching experience is offered to give practical classroom experience to those degree students who have not satisfied the state requirements for certification.
Curriculum and Technology
BIOL 8250 3 cr.
This course looks at the integration of educational technology in the classroom and its relationship to learning theories and curriculum, specifically, the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The course also explores the use of the Internet as a classroom resource to strengthen curriculum. Various Internet related topics are covered, such as acceptable use policies and copyright issues.
Curriculum Design and Development
BIOL 8260 3 cr.
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills of the curriculum development-revision process. The course examines societal demands on the curriculum and the role of the American school in a democratic and multicultural society as students assess, revise and implement instructional programs and the curriculum in a systematic and logical way. Active participation in school-based curriculum teams, IEP teams, site-based management teams and community groups teach effective delivery of services to all students and school improvement/reform efforts. In collaborative groups students review, revise and expand the curriculum and assessment procedures in order to integrate current research findings and education reform initiatives.
Research in Biology
BIOL 9004 3 cr.
Students will carry out research in a specific field of Biology that involves an in-depth exploration of a well-defined problem. The student must develop a hypothesis for the possible solution to the problem; develop the experimental technique to test the hypothesis, and develop a logical conclusion based upon the data collected. The final product is a written documentation of the research and results. Each study is done under the supervision of graduate faculty.
Thesis in Biology
BIOL 9010 3 cr.
Students will conduct a research project that will result in a thesis. This thesis will be developed under the supervision of a thesis advisor and a thesis committee of at least three people.
Seminar in Biology
BIOL 9011 3 cr.
This course is designed to prepare students for research careers. Topics covered are hypothesis formation, experimental design, literature searches and quantitative methods. Emphasis is placed on student participation and evaluation of each topic. A final research proposal is required of each student.
Action Research Internship
BIOL 9012 3 cr.
The Action Research Internship is a capstone experience allowing full integration and application of content knowledge and pedagogical theory and practice. A research project is completed during the duration of the internship, and the final product is a Biology Action Research Teacher Work Sample.
Special Topics
BIOL 9100 3 cr.
Course content varies from semester to semester, reflecting contemporary issues in the discipline. It depends upon student and faculty interest.
Clinical Experience
BIOL 9400 6 cr.
Clinical Experience is a capstone course allowing full integration and application of content knowledge and pedagogical theory and practice. In a high school classroom students incorporate all standards specific to the discipline of biology as well as all common standards for classroom teachers. A minimum of 400 clock hours or one full semester on-site under the auspices of the college is fulfilled. A research project is completed during the duration of the clinical experience.
Internship
BIOL 9500 6 cr.
The internship is a capstone experience allowing full integration and application of content knowledge and pedagogical theory and practice. Within the individual's classroom it incorporates all standards specific to the discipline of biology as well as all common standards for classroom teachers. A minimum of 400 clock hours or one full semester on-site under the auspices of the college is fulfilled. A research project is completed during the duration of the internship.
Internship in Biology
BIOL 9501 1-6 cr.
The internship provides laboratory or field experience in conjunction with established biological programs at cooperating non-profit, governmental, industrial or private institutions. The institutional program directors and faculty from Fitchburg State College share supervision of the student. The nature of the final evaluation will be determined jointly by both the on and off campus supervisors.
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