• BIOL 3460: Biology of Infectious Disease

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  For Biology majors. Provides a modern view of bacterial and viral diseases in order to build a foundation for more advanced studies in microbiology, microbial pathogenesis, and immunology. The agents of infectious diseases demonstrate excellent examples of natural selection. The various adaptations of the pathogen and defenses of the host illustrate some of the most amazing mechanisms in biology. Covers characteristics of microbes, corresponding defense mechanisms evolved by hosts of these microbes, and mechanisms of pathogenesis during infection. Molecular, cellular, and physiological concepts will be developed through use of both clinical and epidemiological pictures of selected diseases. Successful completers will have an understanding of the importance of microbes to biological communities and how evolution has impacted and continues to influence aspects of disease transmission and control. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the various stages of the host-agent relationship and their importance in transmission dynamics. 2. Describe the epidemiology of several infectious diseases of contemporary importance. 3. Explain the important properties of infectious agents and the host defenses used against them. 4. Outline the categories and characteristics of infectious agents and transmission. 5. Summarize the main features of the current global burden of infectious disease and the public health movement that has evolved to reduce its impact. Prerequisites: BIOL 3010 and BIOL 3030 (Grade C or higher).
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• BIOL 3470: Introduction to Immunology

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  For Biology majors who desire more coverage of the immune system and its response to microbes and viruses. General properties of immune responses, cells and tissues of the immune system, antibody-mediated and cell-mediated mechanisms of immunity, immunity to microbes, immunodeficiency and AIDS, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation will be discussed. Uses a variety of teaching methods including lecture/discussion, review of scientific journal articles, writing assignments, videos, quizzes, and exams. Successful completion of the course gives students a better understanding of the importance of the immune system to overall health and wellness of humans and other mammalian systems. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Expand knowledge of the cells and tissues of the immune system, and the chemical interactions among them. 2. Understand the differences and complimentary roles of the innate and acquired immune systems. 3. Evaluate historical advances and current problems in the field of immunology. 4. Apply knowledge gained in scientific communication. Prerequisites: BIOL 3010 and CHEM 3510 (all Grade C or higher).
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• BIOL 3550: Eukaryotic Cell Biology

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Can be used to fulfill a core requirement for Biology majors. Incorporating biochemistry and molecular biology, provides a solid background in cell biology, a dynamic area of study in Biology that merges studies of cell structure and cell function. Includes the basics of cell structure, function, metabolism, signaling, and communication, using textbook material and primary literature sources. Successful completers will be prepared for further study in histology, pathophysiology, and developmental biology. Inclusive Access Course Material (electronic book) fees may apply, see Fees tab under each course section for details. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Remember the internal organization of the structure of the cell, the cell cycle, the role of stem cells engineering, the techniques for visualizing cells. 2. Understand the relationship between internal elements of the cell in relation to the outside environment, the cell transformation process that leads to manifestation of cancer. 3. Identify the nature of cellular dysfunction(s) in a given case scenario including causes of diseases. 4. Formulating hypotheses based on the function of proteins, enzymes, messengers. 5. Assessing and concluding best techniques to study cellular conditions, alterations of cellular mechanisms, impact of cellular behaviors and diseases. Prerequisites: BIOL 3030 and CHEM 2310 (Grade C or higher). Corequisites: BIOL 3555. FA
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• BIOL 3555: Eukaryotic Cell Biology Lab

  1.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Lab portion of BIOL 3550, introducing modern cell biology techniques. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Outline the internal organization of the structure of the cell, the cell cycle, the role of stem cells engineering, the techniques for visualizing cells. 2. Explain the relationship between internal elements of the cell in relation to the outside environment, the cell transformation process that leads to manifestation of cancer. 3. Identify the nature of cellular dysfunction(s) in a given case scenario including causes of diseases. 4. Formulate hypotheses based on the function of proteins, enzymes, messengers. 5. Assess and conclude best techniques to study cellular conditions, alterations of cellular mechanisms, impact of cellular behaviors and diseases. Course fee required. Prerequisites: CHEM 2315 (Grade C or higher). Corequisites: BIOL 3550. FA
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• BIOL 3700: Advanced Medical Terminology

  2.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Strongly recommended for students entering pre-professional programs including pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, pre-chiropractic, pre-physician assistant; very useful for biology majors; open to all students. Emphasizes word roots, suffixes, and prefixes of both Greek and Latin origin, medical abbreviations, as well as proper pronunciation and spelling of medical terms. Medical case studies and narratives will be analyzed. Material is organized according to body systems, some basic anatomy and physiology is included along with pathologic terminology, laboratory tests, and clinical procedures. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Analyze and understand simple to advanced medical terms, alone and in the context of applying them to medical case studies, reports, and medical narratives. 2. Develop facility in the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms. 3. Learn and understand commonly used medical abbreviations. 4. Associate medical terms with the proper body systems, laboratory tests, and clinical procedures. 5. Describe symptoms and manifestations of some medical conditions. FA
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• BIOL 3750: Microbial Ecology

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  In this course, students will develop an understanding of microbial diversity and how various microbes interact with their environment and other organisms. This course pays particular emphasis on the vital foundational role played by microorganisms in all ecosystems. Discussions will focus on microbial interactions with other microbes, complex organisms, and the environment, and how these interactions have shaped the biome over evolutionary time. Attention will also be paid to the tools used to evaluate microbial diversity and function, and applications of microbial ecology. The material of this course is presented in an advanced manner. Relevant background of basic biology is assumed. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Develop a knowledge base of tools to read and comprehend primary literature in microbial ecology. 2. Distinguish the structure and function of various microbes, how prokaryotic cells survive, communicate, and reproduce. 3. Explain various roles played by bacteria, archaea, and microbial eukaryotes in different ecosystems including the human microbiome, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems. 4. Explain the ways microorganisms interact with abiotic environments. 5. Describe the methods used to evaluate and model microbial diversity and function. Prerequisites: BIOL 1610/1615 (Grade C- or higher); AND either CHEM 1110/1115 OR CHEM 1210/1215 (Grade C- or higher). Corequisite: BIOL 3755. SP (odd)
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• BIOL 3755: Microbial Ecology Laboratory

  1.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  The Principles of Microbiology Laboratory accompanies the BIOL 3750 lecture section. You must be registered for both lecture and lab. Laboratory exercises will focus on microbial interactions within ecosystems, how microbial communities influence biotic and abiotic factors in the environment, and how these relationships impact global element cycles. A variety of techniques will be used to explore these processes, including culture methods, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and phylogenetic analysis. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Apply proper safety procedures used for culturing and transferring microorganisms in a microbiology laboratory. 2. Utilize different staining techniques such as: simple stain, gram stain, and endospore stain. 3. Prepare cultures of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, slime molds, and fungi. 4. Assess the metabolic capabilities of microbial communities. 5. Demonstrate skills to investigate microbial interactions using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Corequisite: BIOL 3750. SP (odd)
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• BIOL 3800: Biology of Sex

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Introduction to reproductive modes across a broad range of organisms, emphasizing evolutionary theory, genetics, physiology, ecology, and medicine for biology majors and non-majors. Emphasizes the scientific method and combines basic theory with case studies and problem solving to address reproductive questions. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe asexual and sexual reproduction across multiple taxa. 2. Describe reasons sexual reproduction evolved. 3. Explain the role of reproduction in the natural world and how they affect the ecology of the planet. 4. Apply the specific factual knowledge gained in the course to clinical cases. FA (odd)
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• BIOL 4010: Molecular Evolution

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Introduction to computational techniques used for studying evolution using genetic sequence data. This course will teach both (A) principles of molecular evolution and (B) computational techniques for examining molecular evolution through population genetics (e.g., Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, Fst, Dxy, Tajimas D, dN/dS, and coalescence) and phylogenetics (distanced-based approaches, parsimony, maximum-likelihood, Bayesian, and comparative methods). Students examine molecular evolution in the context of (1) pathogen evolution, (2) genetic disease evolution, and (3) evolutionary ecology. No coding experience is required prior to this course; students will learn coding techniques while taking the course. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) ** At the successful conclusion of this course, students will (1) perform statistical analyses of genetic data in the context of evolution, (2) search, read, and interpret primary literature in molecular evolution, (3) explain the utility (and necessity) of evolutionary genetics in diverse fields of science and medicine. Prerequisites: Principles of Genetics (BIOL 3030) grade C- or higher. FA (odd)
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• BIOL 4040: Medical Ecology

  1.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Medical Ecology includes those aspects of the environment that have a direct bearing on human health. The environments and habits of people affect their risk of disease and well-being. The concept of ecosystem functions and services helps to describe global processes that contribute to our health, helping to cleanse the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Environmental degradation often leads to alterations in these aspects, leading to various states of ill health. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Understand basic epidemiological concepts. 2. Demonstrate a familiarity with a variety of infectious diseases. 3. Understand the relationship between urbanization and emerging infectious disease. 4. Understand the role of vaccines and immunization in community health. 5. Be able to explain the relationship between climate change and infectious diseases 6. Understand basic atmospheric science and the effect of the atmosphere on health. 7. Be able to explain basic hydrology and the effect of water quality on health. 8. Be able to explain the impact of farming on the local environment and food safety. Prerequisite: BIOL 1620 (Grade C or higher).
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