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Ornithology

This course provides students with a basic understanding of avian biology. We learn about the diversity of birds through an exploration of avian evolution, physiology, taxonomy and ecology. Students are expected to become proficient in field identification of Northern New York birds by sight and sound, as well as their natural history. Lab focuses on indoor identification of birds using museum study skins, and outdoor identification of local birds in a variety of habitats by sight and sound. One recommended full-day weekend field trip at the end of the semester.

Anatomy & Physiology I

An introduction to the principles and science of anatomy and physiology. In lectures, students learn the essential concepts that underlie human physiology. The lab is dedicated to the study of human anatomy and the relationship between anatomical form and function. The course is intended to increase the appreciation of the vast complexity of vertebrate anatomy and one’s own biology. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent. Offered each fall. Also counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular track) majors.

Advanced Neuroscience

Builds on the fundamental concepts presented in BIOL/NRSCI 288 (Introduction to Neuroscience) and begins to examine neurobiology from a systems perspective. Topics include the biological basis of sexual orientation, sleep and dreaming, sleep disorders, epilepsy and seizures, motivation and addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, disorders of thought and volition, and mood disorders. Prerequisite: BIOL/NRSCI 288. Required for the neuroscience major. Offered every spring semester. Also offered as NRSCI 389.

Health Coaches II

During the spring semester of Health Coaches, students are assigned a chronically ill individual to visit, call and assist with setting and achieving health goals. After the initial patient visit and introduction by a healthcare professional, students spend 1-2 hours a week alone with their patient, talking about and implementing changes that will benefit their health. Most class periods are dedicated to clinical conferences, where students present their patients’ health challenges and current goals.

Cross Cultural Healing

This class uses healing traditions as the lens with which to examine culture. During the semester students will have the opportunity to meet healers from around the world. In a typical semester presenters include a Traditional Chinese Medical practitioner, an Ayurvedic physician (from India), a shaman from Peru, an exorcist, a native American Healer an allopathic physician, new age healers, a Christian Scientist and others. This course cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for the biology major. Also offered as REL 412 and GS 412.

Anatomy & Physiology II

Anatomy and Physiology II builds on the fundamental concepts presented in A &P I and begins to focus on the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, the senses and the endocrine and renal systems. As with A&PI the course is very content heavy and the students should be prepared to dedicate considerable time to the course. This course is geared for students interested in pre-health professions.

Health Coaches I

The fall semester of Health Coaches is focused on understanding the role of different members of the health care team, gaining perspective on the nature of chronic disease, and learning skills including motivational interviewing. This course includes an experiential learning component known as Community Based Learning (CBL). The CBL component will require students to participate in a community placement, outside of class time, on a weekly basis throughout the semester; on average students can expect to spend up to/at least two hours per week in the community.

Introduction to Neuroscience

This course provides basic understanding of the architecture and processing of information in the brain. Particular emphasis is placed on the cellular properties of cells in the nervous system and how these biophysical properties affect information processing. To this end, students learn neuroanatomy and use computer models to gain insight into the computational power of the brain. Other topics include development of the nervous system, neurophysiology of sensation and homeostatic control mechanisms. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered each fall semester.

Microbiology

An introduction to the structure, physiology, ecology, genetics and evolution of microscopic organisms including bacteria, archaea and protists. Students examine the metabolic activities and adaptations of these organisms and their interactions with the environment. The ecological, medical and industrial importance of microbes and microbial communities is explored. The laboratory involves microbial cultivation, isolation and identification as well as analysis of microbial presence and activity.