Biological Sciences Courses

• In Biological Research Laboratory, students conduct research in two conceptual area, aquatic ecology and DNA Barcoding. Students also complete a DNA Barcoding project from an aquatic organism from a local water body. Students design and conduct a novel research project (capstone research project) in aquatic ecology and they present their results in a research paper and oral presentation. Through these projects, students practice the process of science and acquire basal research skills.  
• Semester Offered: Spring, Fall
• Credits: 2
• Course URL: Canvas
• Core Curriculum: Natural Sciences

Prerequisites

The first semester of General Biology, 119:115 or 119:101,grade C or better, is a required prerequisite for the lab. It is highly recommended to be co-registered with General Biology, 119:116 while taking BRL117. Students may take the lab after completing the two General Biology courses (119:115 and 119:116).

Course Description

In Biological Research Laboratory, students conduct research in two conceptual area, aquatic ecology and DNA Barcoding. Students also complete a DNA Barcoding project from an aquatic organism from a local water body. Students design and conduct a novel research project (capstone research project) in aquatic ecology and they present their results in a research paper and oral presentation. Through these projects, students practice the process of science and acquire basal research skills.  

Course Syllabus

 Spring Syllabus

Course URL

A Canvas site will be available to students.

Course Satisfies Departmental Learning Goals

I. To acquire the appropriate factual and conceptual knowledge that provides students with a foundation to further their education and career in the areas of life science or health science.  Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge (ex. identify, define, explain...) of the concepts, practices and principles that comprise the biological sciences.

II. To develop data analysis and statistical reasoning skills that prepares students for a society increasing reliant on the use of data and information. Students will be able to interpret/evaluate patterns in data presented in tables, figures, and graphs as well as be able to organize, summarize and present data.

III. To develop the ability to use scientific reasoning as embodied by the structured process commonly known as the scientific method to empower students with the ability to generate and refine knowledge. Students will be able to evaluate and apply the practice of science.

IV. To develop critical thinking and problems solving skills appropriate to prepare students to evaluate, synthesize and generate knowledge that provides them with a competitive advantage to adapt to an evolving, global, and knowledge based society.  Students will be able to demonstrate application of higher order thinking (ex. classify, diagnosis, evaluate, synthesize, hypothesize...).  Students will develop an understanding of not only the connections within biology but also the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines.

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

               Midterm Exam                     20%
               Assignments                        20%
               Capstone Project                 25%
               Lab Work                             15%
               Quizzes                                15%
               Deportment                            5%
               Total                                    100%

The Capstone Project is a multi-week research project that will be completed in teams and will include a written report and oral presentation. The project requires students to  develop and test a hypothesis and report on the findings. 

Course Materials

1. Technology: it is required that you have a device (desktop or laptop, NO Chromebook, iPad, tablet or variations) that connects to the internet so that you can access Canvas daily. Warning: before beginning the course, test your computer for required software and internet connection. You will be using Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
2. Software: BRL 117 uses Microsoft Office products for presentations and assignments (Powerpoint, MS Word, MS Excel). Students are expected to utilize Microsoft Office software since the university offers free access to such products. Directions for accessing these products can be found by going to:https://it.rutgers.edu/microsoft-office/microsoft-office-for-students/.
3. Textbooks: - https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e (free resource) and Pechenik, J. A. 2016. Guide to Writing about Biology book (9th edition) or previous editions. Older versions may be found as free of charge pdf file; however it is the responsibility of the student to locate the free source or buy their own copy.
4. Lab Manual hard copies will be provided.

Course closed?

No special permission numbers or wait lists are available for Biological Research Laboratory. If the course is closed, please continue to look for openings up through the end of the add drop period in the beginning of the semester. The lab may be taken after General Biology 116. Wait list offered during summer session.

Faculty

Dr. Monica Torres

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Why do humans get sick? Why are diabetes and obesity on the rise? Why have cancer and cardiovascular diseases become so prevalent? Is there a mismatch between the environments in which we evolved and environments in which we now live? Why did cholera, measles, mumps, whooping cough, and malaria become epidemic diseases? Why has evolution failed to make us immune to disease? Based in cutting-edge genetic and evolutionary biology research conducted at Rutgers, “Genetics, Evolution, and Human Health” explores what science can tell us about what it means to be human and why humans get sick. How can genetics be used and misused? What social, political, environmental, and medical changes would be required to improve human health in the 21st century?
• Semester Offered: Fall
• Credits: 4
• Course URL: Sakai
• Core Curriculum: Natural Sciences

• Independent Study in Biology(119:201/202) is intended to augment the curriculum by giving students an opportunity to expand their studies into areas not specifically addressed by the formal course offerings. Students work under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor to delve into a subject of mutual interest.
• Semester Offered: Spring, Fall
• Credits: 1- 3 per semester by permission of the Office of Undergraduate Instruction ( 10 pages per credit).

Prerequisites

Open only to Biological Sciences majors and minors. Minimum GPA = 2.8 required..

Course Description

Independent Study in Biology(119:201/202) is intended to augment the curriculum by giving students an opportunity to expand their studies into areas not specifically addressed by the formal course offerings. Students work under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor to delve into a subject of mutual interest.

Course Application and Information:

Independent Study Contract

Research  for Credit Information

 Course Syllabus:

Independent Study in Biology Syllabus

Course Satisfies Departmental Learning Goals

119:201,202: To understand and to appreciate the process of science. To acquire the ability to use scientific reasoning as embodied by the structured process commonly known as the scientific method.

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

Independent Study in Biology: A term paper in appropriate scientific format, including a full bibliography (citing peer-reviewed primary and secondary sources) is due at the end of the registration period. The term paper should be at least 10 pages per registered credit and must be graded by the faculty advisor prior to submission to the Director of Advising.

Faculty

Course Coordinator:

Dr. Anne Carr-Schmid

Director of Advisng, Biological Sciences
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.

• Research in Biology is intended to provide students with an opportunity to experience the scientific discovery process. Students engage in laboratory and/or field experimentation under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. Each student is expected to carry out his/her own research project. "Hands-on" laboratory exposure is an essential component of this course.
• Credits: 1- 4  per semester by permission of the Director of Advising (4-5 hours of work per week per credit required).

01:119:307/308/406/407 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY 

These courses are open to Biological Sciences majors and minors who want to extend their learning experience by participating in a scientific research project.  Research experience is recommended for all students intending to pursue post-graduate studies.

Upon approval, up to 6 credits total of Independent Study in Biology, Research in Biology, and Honors in Biology courses may be used towards fulfillment of the Biological Sciences elective requirement.

119:307 or higher may be used towards fulfilling only one of the Biological Sciences laboratory requirements  (three labs total are required for the major).

Offered

Fall, Spring, and Summer

Credits

1- 4  per semester by permission of the Director of Advising (4-5 hours of work per week per credit required).

Prerequisites

Open only to Biological Sciences majors and minors or by special permission. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 required.

In order to register for research in Biological Sciences, students must submit 1) a one page research proposal and 2) a research application signed by the student's research mentor. The proposal must include: necessary background material, a specific hypothesis to be tested, a description of the data that the student will collect,  and expected results.

Course Description

Research in Biology is intended to provide students with an opportunity to experience the scientific discovery process. Students engage in laboratory and/or field experimentation under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. Each student is expected to carry out his/her own research project. "Hands-on" laboratory exposure is an essential component of this course.

Course Research Contract and Information:

Research in Biology Contract

Research for Credit

Course Syllabus

Research in Biology Syllabus

Course Satisfies Departmental Learning Goals

• To understand and develop an appreciation for research as the basis of scientific study.
• To understand and to appreciate the process of science. To acquire the ability to use scientific reasoning as embodied by the structured process commonly known as the scientific method.

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

A written research paper in the format of a paper submitted to a leading journal in the field is required at the end of each registration period. The research paper should include an Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results (data should be presented in figure and/or tabular form), Discussion and References. A minimum of 10 pages is required. The research summary must be graded by the faculty mentor prior to submission to the Director of Advising.

Faculty

Course Coordinator:

Dr. Anne Carr-Schmid

Director of Advising, Biological Sciences
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.