BIOL – Biology
Courses Offered
Lower Divison | Upper Divison | Graduate
Lower Division
BIOL 100 CONCEPTS OF BIOLOGY (3-2-4)(F/S)(DLN). An introduction to the fundamental biological principles of cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Introduction to organismal diversity, physiology, and morphology.
BIOL 101 BIOLOGY FOR PRE-K – 8 TEACHERS (3-2-4)(S). Fundamental biological principles of cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Organismal diversity, physiology, and morphology. Guidance for teachers of Pre-K – 8 students in incorporation of material into the classroom. Restriction: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Elementary Education Bilingual/ESL, and Special Education majors only.
BIOL 107 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN BIOLOGY (3-2-4)(F,S). An introduction to human structure and function and the interrelationships of various human systems. Homeostasis, disease, health and their relationships to human anatomy and physiology. This is a nonmajor course that does not satisfy biology or allied health program requirements.
BIOL 109 (BOT 109) PLANTS AND SOCIETY (3-2-4)(F). Introduction to plants and human cultures by investigating plant products as used globally. Foods, fibers, medicinal plants, stimulants, hallucinogens, ornamentals, industrial plant products. Hands-on experience with plant products to investigate uses of plants and biological properties that make them useful. May be taken for BIOL or BOT credit, but not both.
BIOL 115 CONCEPTS OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY (0-2-1)(F/S). For transfer students who need a laboratory experience to gain Area III Core credit for a lecture-only biology course taken elsewhere. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
BIOL 191 GENERAL BIOLOGY I (3-3-4)(F,S)(DLN). Designed for biology and health science majors. The basic characteristics of living systems including the chemical and physical structure of cells, genetics, development, evolution, and ecology. Recommended: Solid preparation in high school biology and chemistry. PREREQ: MATH 143 or MATH 147 or appropriate placement score.
BIOL 192 GENERAL BIOLOGY II (3-3-4)(F,S). Organismal biology in an evolutionary context, including biodiversity, structure and function, reproduction, physiology, and morphology of viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. PREREQ: BIOL 191.
BIOL 198 PERSPECTIVES IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (1-0-1)(F). Designed to give new biology majors an introduction to the careers of biology, the concepts of biological research, the research of faculty, and the tools necessary to be a successful biology student. (Pass/Fail.)
BIOL 205 INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY (3-2-4)(F/S). A survey of microbial diversity, structure, function, and metabolism; principles of microbial control; host-parasite relationships; immunology; and medically important microorganisms. No longer serves as a prerequisite for upper-division biology courses. PREREQ: CHEM 101, 101L or CHEM 111, 111L, and BIOL 227-228 or BIOL 191-192.
BIOL 227 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (3-3-4)(F/S)(DLN). The first in a two-semester sequence for students whose career objectives require a thorough study of human anatomy and physiology. BIOL 107 cannot be substituted for either semester of this sequence. One semester of this sequence cannot be substituted for BIOL 107. This course emphasizes the ability to apply knowledge and methods of scientific inquiry to think critically about and solve problems about the structure and function of the human body. Prior or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 101 is recommended.
BIOL 228 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (3-3-4). A two-semester sequence for students whose career objectives require a thorough study of human anatomy and physiology. BIOL 107 cannot be substituted for either semester of this sequence. One semester of this sequence cannot be substituted for BIOL 107. Prior or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 101 is recommended.
BIOL 246 INTRODUCTION TO BIOINFORMATICS (2-0-2)(F). Concepts and tools of bioinformatics and genome sciences. Basic aspects of molecular biology and application of computer-assisted bioinformatics tools. DNA and protein sequences from public databases used to predict protein structure, identify evolutionary relationships, and investigate mechanisms of disease. PREREQ: BIOL 191 or BIOL 100, and one of: CHEM 111, COMPSCI 115, 117, 119, or MATH 147.
BIOL 279 RESEARCH IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (1-0-1)(F/S). Seminars by biologists on a wide range of subjects. Students will attend seminars, write summaries, and search for relevant literature. (Pass/Fail.) May be repeated once for credit.
Upper Division
BIOL 300 BIOLOGY OF AGING (3-0-3)(F)(Even years). Focuses on biological aspects of aging and the major types of anatomical and physiological changes which may impair normal functioning during the aging process. This course is not appropriate for biology majors and may not be counted toward major requirements. PREREQ: Upper-division standing and BIOL 100 or BIOL 107 or BIOL 227-228.
BIOL 301 CELL BIOLOGY (3-0-3)(S). Structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. PREREQ: BIOL 191-192 and CHEM 112, or BIOL 191 and either CHEM 301 or 307, or BIOL 227-228 and either CHEM 301 or 307.
BIOL 303 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY (3-6-5)(F). Metabolism, ecological roles, and disease patterns of bacterial, archaeal, viral, and eukaryotic microorganisms. Structure and function, growth and reproduction, physiology, ecology, genetics, diversity, environmental factors, control of microorganisms, antimicrobial agents. PREREQ: BIOL 191-192, CHEM 112, 112L. PRE/COREQ: CHEM 301-302 or CHEM 307-308.
BIOL 323 ECOLOGY (3-3-4)(F,S)(CID). A survey of how physical and biological factors determine the abundance and distribution of plants and animals. Concepts at the physiological, population, community, and ecosystems level will be discussed. Field and laboratory exercises will investigate questions concerning habitat, populations, and communities. Weekend field trips may be taken. PREREQ: BIOL 191-192 and MATH 254.
BIOL 343 GENETICS LECTURE (3-0-3)(F). A study of the principles of genetics as they relate to living organisms. PREREQ: BIOL 301. PRE/COREQ: CHEM 301 or 307.
BIOL 344 MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY LABORATORY (0-8-3)(F). Modern molecular and cellular techniques including cloning, computer analysis of DNA sequences, karyotyping, DNA amplification, and use of Southern and Western blots for transgene detection and expression analysis. Some laboratory time will be arranged. PRE/COREQ: BIOL 343 and PERM/INST.
BIOL 400 ORGANIC EVOLUTION (3-0-3)(S). Philosophical basis of evolutionary theory. Detailed examination of genetic variation, mechanisms of evolutionary change, adaptation, speciation, and phylogeny. Genetics recommended. PREREQ: BIOL 323 and BIOL 343 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 409 MOLECULAR ECOLOGY (3-0-3)(F)(Odd years). Theory and methodologies. Use of molecular genetic markers to study ecological phenomena (e.g., mating systems, parentage and kinship, population structure, gene flow, dispersal, natural selection). Emphasis on an hypothesis-testing approach. Appropriateness of particular molecular techniques to specific research questions. PREREQ: BIOL 323 and BIOL 343.
BIOL 410 PATHOGENIC BACTERIOLOGY (2-6-4)(S)(Odd years). Medically important bacteria, rickettsia, and chlamydia are surveyed with emphasis on their pathogenicity, host-parasite relationships, and the clinical and diagnostic aspects of the diseases they produce in humans and animals. PREREQ: BIOL 301 and BIOL 303.
BIOL 412 GENERAL PARASITOLOGY (2-3-3)(Offered intermittently). Study of animal parasites with emphasis on those of man and his domestic animals. Lectures cover general biology, life history, structure, function, distribution, and significance of parasites. Laboratory provides experience in identification and detection. PREREQ: BIOL 301 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 415 MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY (3-3-4)(S)(FF). Microbial physiology is the study of structure and function in microbial cells, biosynthesis of macromolecule precursors and their assembly into macromolecules, growth dynamics, integration of metabolic pathways at the level of gene expression and enzymatic activity, and responses to environmental changes. Experimental methodologies will be focused on various applications of microbial physiology. PREREQ: BIOL 303, and CHEM 301-302 or CHEM 307-308, or PERM/INST.
BIOL 420 IMMUNOLOGY (3-0-3)(F). Principles of immunology, host defense mechanisms, the immune response, immune disorders, serology, and related topics. PREREQ: BIOL 301.
BIOL 422 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (3-0-3)(S)(Odd years). An introduction to the field of conservation biology, the applied science concerned with understanding the effects of human activities on natural biological systems and with developing practical approaches to prevent the loss of biodiversity. Topics covered will include conservation genetics, demographic analysis, habitat degradation, over exploitation, and restoration ecology. Discussion of the social, political, and economic aspects of conservation biology. PREREQ: BIOL 323.
BIOL 425 BASIC AND APPLIED DATA ANALYSIS IN BIOLOGY (2-0-2)(F/S). Univariate statistics using computer software (JMP, SAS Institute, Inc.) with applications to biology, natural resources, health care, education, industry, and other professional disciplines. PREREQ: BIOL 323 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 426 INSECT ECOLOGY (3-0-3)(S)(Even years). Life history evolution, insect-plant interactions, predation and parasitism, reproduction, insect societies, chemical ecology, biodiversity and pest management. PREREQ: BIOL 323 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 427 STREAM ECOLOGY (3-3-4)(F)(Odd years). The biology and ecology of flowing waters is emphasized; their biota, management, and ecology at both the community and ecosystem level will be discussed. PREREQ: BIOL 323 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 431 PHARMACOLOGY (3-0-3)(F). Basic pharmacological principles including mechanisms of drug action in relation both to drug-receptor interactions and to the operation of physiological and biochemical systems. Pharmacokinetics, metabolism, receptor theory and an examination of major classes of therapeutic agents used in humans. PREREQ: BIOL 227-228 or BIOL 191-192, and BIOL 301.
BIOL 433 BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY (3-0-3)(F)(Odd years). Focuses on the evolutionary significance of animal behavior in relation to the ecology of the organisms. Using theoretical background and recent empirical evidence, mating systems, foraging, parental care, selfishness and altruism, competition, territoriality, and other behavioral patterns will be assessed in relation to the survival and reproduction of animals. PREREQ: BIOL 323 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 434 PRINCIPLES OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (3-0-3)(S). Integrative approach to managing game and non-game populations and habitat. Tools to determine population status, strategies to increase or decrease populations, implementing monitoring programs. Current quantitative approaches within context of the ecosystem-based view of wildlife and habitat management. PREREQ: BIOL 323.
BIOL 440 GENERAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). General and molecular principles of mammalian toxicology including toxicant disposition, mechanisms of toxicity, target organ toxicity, and major classes of toxic agents. PREREQ: BIOL 301 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 441 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF CANCER (3-0-3)(S). A treatment of the basic biology of cancer and the process of tumor progression. Topics examined will include oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and the causes of cancer. PREREQ: BIOL 301, BIOL 343.
BIOL 442 MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY (3-0-3)(F). Cells of the nervous system, neurochemical transmission, nerve terminals, membrane structure and function, electrical signaling, neural development, process outgrowth and myelination and glia, and specific neural diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Lou Gehrig’s disease. PREREQ: BIOL 301 and PHYS 112, or PERM/INST.
BIOL 443 ADVANCED DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (1-6-2)(F)(Odd years). Application of molecular and cellular methods to current topics in developmental biology. Analysis of current literature in biology with emphasis on the coordinated regulation of gene expression, cellular differentiation and migration. Laboratory studies include model systems such as chick, zebrafish, sea urchin and mouse, utilizing cell/tissue culture, histology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, western blot and others. Previous enrollment in BIOL 344 and ZOOL 351 recommended.
BIOL 444 VACCINOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S). Discussion of the history, safety, epidemiology, molecular biology and immunology of vaccines. Development of the next generation of vaccines to combat infectious disease of global importance, such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, also will be discussed. PREREQ: BIOL 301 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 445 HUMAN GENETICS (3-0-3)(S)(Offered intermittently). Discussion of important aspects of human heredity. Topics include the reproductive system, single gene disorders, chromosome abnormalities, hemoglobinopathies, inborn errors of metabolism, somatic cell and molecular genetics, immunogenetics, gene screening, and human variation and evolution. PREREQ: BIOL 343 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 446 BIOINFORMATICS (2-3-3)(S). Practical training in bioinformatics methods: accessing sequence data bases, BLAST tools, analysis of nucleic acid and protein sequences, detection of motifs and domains of proteins, phylogenetic analysis, gene arrays, and gene mapping. PREREQ: BIOL 301 or CHEM 431 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 447 FORENSIC BIOLOGY (3-0-3)(F). Analysis and interpretation of biological evidence in forensic contexts. Topics include entomology, botany, fingerprints, toxicology, DNA, pathology, anthropology and odontology. PREREQ: BIOL 343 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 448 PERL FOR BIOINFORMATICS APPLICATIONS (3-0-3)(F/S). The PERL programming language is used to introduce skills and concepts to process and interpret data from high-throughput technologies in the biological sciences. Key bioinformatics concepts are reinforced through lectures, computer demonstrations, weekly readings, and programming exercises from biological sequence analysis and real-world problems in proteomics and genetics. PREREQ: BIOL 446 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 449 GENOMICS (3-0-3)(F/S). A fusion of biology, computer science, and mathematics to answer biological questions. Topics include analyzing eukaryotic, bacterial, and viral genes and genomes; locating genes in genomes and identifying their biological functions; predicting regulatory sites; assessing gene and genome evolution; and analyzing gene expression data. PREREQ: BIOL 343 and MATH 254, or PERM/INST.
BIOL 451 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (3-3-4)(S)(Odd years). Germ cell development, comparative patterns of cleavage and gastrulation, neurulation and induction, and development of human organ systems with emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms. Laboratory studies of sea urchin, frog, chick, and pig development. PREREQ: BIOL 191-192 and BIOL 301.
BIOL 461 ADVANCED TOPICS IN AQUATIC BIOLOGY (1-0-1)(F/S). An exploration of the current primary literature in aquatic biology. Topics vary, and may include community dynamics of algae, fish, zooplankton, and benthic invertebrates; trophic relationships; stream and reservoir management; primary and secondary production; organic matter and nutrient dynamics; and wetland ecology. May be repeated once for credit. PREREQ: BIOL 323 and PERM/INST.
BIOL 462 ADVANCED TOPICS IN ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (1-0-1)(F/S). Exploration of current animal behavior and behavioral ecology literature through group discussion and presentations. Topics vary and may include animal mating systems, foraging, group living, behavioral endocrinology, conservation and wildlife management related to behavior, behavioral genetics, dispersal, orientation and migration, neurobiology of behavior, and others. May be repeated once for credit. PREREQ: BIOL 433 or 533 or ZOOL 434 or 534 or PERM/INST.
BIOL 463 ADVANCED TOPICS IN GENETIC ANALYSIS (2-0-2)(S). Presentation and discussion of topics such as human chromosome evolution, forensic DNA analysis, artificial evolution, mutation and disease, genetic patents, drug target development. PREREQ: BIOL 343 and PERM/INST.
BIOL 465 ADVANCED TOPICS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES (1-0-1)(F). Discussion of scientific literature with emphasis on modern molecular biology techniques. Students will lead discussions and present articles from relevant primary literature. May be repeated twice for credit. PREREQ: BIOL 343 and PERM/INST.
BIOL 466 ADVANCED TOPICS IN MOLECULAR, CELLULAR, AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (1-0-1)(S). Discussion of current research. Students will lead discussions and present articles, as well as monitor recent relevant primary literature. Previous enrollment in BIOL 465 is recommended. May be repeated twice for credit. PREREQ: BIOL 301, BIOL 343 and PERM/INST.
BIOL 477 (ME 477)(MSE 477) BIOMATERIALS (3-0-3)(F/S). Theory of biomaterials science. Medical and biological materials and their applications. Selection, properties, characterization, design and testing of materials used by or in living systems. PREREQ: CHEM 112 or ENGR 245.
BIOL 479 RESEARCH IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (1-0-1)(F/S). Seminars by biologists on a wide range of subjects. Students will attend seminars, write summaries, and search for relevant literature. (Pass/Fail.) May be repeated once for credit.
BIOL 488 SENIOR OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT (0-0-0)(F,S). Required to graduate. Senior biology and biology, secondary education students will take an outcomes assessment examination lasting approximately 3 hours. (Pass/Fail.) PREREQ: Senior standing.
BIOL 498, 499 BIOLOGY SEMINAR (1-0-1)(F/S). A review of pertinent literature on selected topics. Restricted to senior biology majors.