Course Descriptions

BIOL 112 - (3) (Y)
Forensic Biology
Introduction to the courtroom, "old" forensics, structure of DNA, and analysis of specific cases. Focus on the revolution in anthropology, archaeology, paleontology, and ecology created by DNA analysis, as well as exploration of future trends in forensics.

BIOL 121 - (3) (Y)
Human Biology
An introduction to basic biological principles as illustrated in the human organism. Emphasis is placed on the disruption of normal functions by disease either inherited or acquired. May be used to satisfy the natural science area requirement.

BIOL 201, 202 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Biology
An intensive introduction to modern biology designed for natural science majors. Biological structure and function at various levels of organization, cell biology, genetics, development, and evolution are covered. These courses are required for all biology majors and are prerequisites for most upper-level biology courses.

BIOL 203, 204 - (2) (Y)
Introduction to Biology Laboratory
Corequisites: May be taken independently, or in conjunction with BIOL 201, 202

BIOL 203: Laboratory exercises in introductory biology to illustrate experimental techniques and strategies used to elucidate biological concepts.

BIOL 204: A study of life forms from simple to complex organization demonstrating the unique properties of living organisms. These courses are required for all biology majors and are prerequisites for most upper-level biology courses.

BIOL 206 - (3) (Y)
Human Physiology and Anatomy I
Designed for pre-professionals in the health sciences, HPA I covers body organization, tissues, the integument, the skeletal system, the muscle system, and the nervous system.

BIOL 207 - (3) (Y)
Human Physiology and Anatomy II
Designed for pre-professionals in the health sciences HPA II covers the endocrine system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the urinary system and the reproductive system.

BIOL 301 - (3) (Y)
Cell Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204; CHEM 141, 142, 141L, 142L
Examines fundamental principles of eukaryotic cell biology at the molecular level. Topics include protein localization, structure, assembly and function of the plasma membrane and organelles, signal transduction pathways, cell-cell interactions, and the perturbations of these processes in diseases such as cancer. Experimental approaches in modern cell biology are emphasized. Required for all biology majors.

BIOL 303 - (3) (Y)
Laboratory in Cell Biology
Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 301 and permission of instructor.
An introduction to the theory and practice of important laboratory techniques used in cell biology research. Techniques studied include microscopy, electrophoresis, and cell culture. Format consists of one laboratory lecture and one afternoon laboratory per week.

BIOL 305 - (3) (Y)
Histology
Prerequisite: BIOL 301
Specific adaptations and organization of cells as they function in tissues and organs.

BIOL 308 - (3) (Y)
Virology
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204, or permission of instructor
A discussion of the molecular basis of bacterial and animal virus life cycles; properties of host cells; and viral-induced neoplastic diseases, including AIDS. Designed for science majors.

BIOL 311 - (4) (Y)
Genetics
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204
Four aspects of genetics are considered: the transmission of genes from one generation to the next, the nature of the genetic material, the manner of replication, and the action of genes, including the utilization of the information encoded in the genetic material. Lectures and discussions. Required for all biology majors.

BIOL 312 - (3) (Y)
Fundamentals of Microbiology
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204, or permission of instructor
Explores a molecular approach to the structure and function of microorganisms. Topics include the diversity of bacteria; importance of microorganisms for genetic engineering, fermentation, energy production, environmental protection, and mining; pathogenic bacteria and pathology; and AIDS.

BIOL 313 - (3) (Y)
Genetics Laboratory
Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 311
Experimental techniques and organisms used to elucidate genetic concepts.

BIOL 317 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Neurobiology
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202
Analysis of the concepts of general neurobiology, including some basic electrochemistry, simple DC circuits, origin of bioelectric potentials, muscle physiology, and developmental neurobiology.

BIOL 318 - (3) (Y)
Introductory Botany
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202 or permission of instructor
Introductory laboratory course examining the basic principles of plant structure, development, classification, and physiology. Laboratory exercises demonstrate these concepts with emphasis on cells and cellular function, structure and organization of higher plants, and a survey of plant and related organisms.

BIOL 322 - (3) (IR)
The Biology of Molluscs
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204
An introduction to the Phylum Mollusca. Topics include systematics, ecology, physiology, and their economic importance to man. Three lecture hours.

BIOL 325 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Animal Behavior
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204
Study of the comparative aspects of animal behavior from a neuro-ethological approach; and the mechanisms employed in generating and guiding behavior.

BIOL 345 - (3) (Y)
Biology of Reproduction
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204
Covers reproductive endocrinology, gametogenesis, development of the reproductive system, sex determination, and mechanisms underlying reproduction in males and females.

BIOL 385, 386 - (1-3) (SI)
Selected Topics in Biology
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Tutorial or seminar course that allows intensive study of the literature in a particular area of biology under the guidance of a faculty member from the department.

BIOL 395 - (3) (S)
Recent Advances in Biology
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Consists of weekly lecture/discussion sessions on recent advances in biology as reported through articles in the current literature and in research seminars presented within the University. Required for DMP students.

BIOL 401 - (3) (Y)
Evolutionary Biology
Prerequisites: MATH 131 and BIOL 201, 202, or permission of instructor
Explores an evolutionary approach to population ecology, animal behavior, and genetics. Topics include the principles of natural selection and the evolution of the phenotype, population regulation and life history evolution, mating systems, foraging behavior, speciation, and phylogeny reconstruction. Includes a weekend field trip to Mountain Lake Biological Station. Cross-listed as EVSC 401.

BIOL 402 - (3) (Y)
Ecological Genetics
Prerequisites: BIOL 311 or permission of instructor
Study of the origins, maintenance and decay of natural populations. Topics include genetic polymorphism, polygenic inheritance, adaptation, natural selection (especially frequency- dependent selection), mimicry, gene flow, and speciation.

BIOL 403 - (3) (Y)
Evolutionary Biology Laboratory
Prerequisites: MATH 131, BIOL 201, 202, BIOL/EVSC 401 (or corequisite) or permission of instructor
An in-depth analysis of important concepts in evolution, and experimental techniques used in evolutionary ecology and population genetics--field research, experimental populations, molecular markers, phylogenetic reconstruction--including aspects of experimental design and statistical analysis of data. Includes a weekend field trip to Mountain Lake Biological Station.

BIOL 404 - (3) (Y)
Biology of Green Plants
Study of the life processes, structure, and evolutionary relationships of higher plants. Laboratory work includes histology, vegetative propagation, greenhouse techniques, and tissue culture.

BIOL 405 - (3) (Y)
Developmental Biology
Prerequisite: BIOL 311 or permission of instructor
Study of the developmental process in plants and animals, emphasizing the experimental basis of contemporary knowledge in embryogenesis, morphogenesis and in cell and tissue differentiation. Lecture and occasional evening discussions.

BIOL 406 - (3) (Y)
Laboratory in Bacterial Genetics
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, BIOL 311 recommended
An integrated lecture-laboratory study of classical and modern concepts of bacterial physiology and genetics. Mastery of basic bacteriological techniques and quantitative analysis of data are stressed. Lecture and open laboratory.

BIOL 407 - (3) (Y)
Developmental Biology Laboratory
Prerequisites: BIOL 311 and BIOL 405, concurrent BIOL 504, or permission of instructor
Laboratory experience illustrating a number of principles and processes in the early development of animals. Laboratory work includes exploring embryonic anatomy, mapping of cell fate, gene expression, tissue interactions, cell and tissue differentiation in culture, and morphogenesis.

BIOL 408 - (3) (IR)
Mechanisms of Animal Behavior
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204
Animal behavior is approached from a mechanistic point of view. Topics include an introduction to classical ethology, neuronal mechanisms underlying behavior, hormonal control and regulation, animal navigation and orientation, genetic basis of behavior, and the evolutionary origins of behaviors. Topics are illustrated with examples from classical and current experiments on both vertebrates and invertebrates. The experimental basis of our present understanding of animal behavior is stressed. Three lecture hours.

BIOL 409 - (4) (Y)
Invertebrate Zoology
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, or permission of instructor
Study of the morphology, physiological adaptations, life histories and evolutionary relationships of invertebrates. Lectures, laboratory and field investigations.

BIOL 410 - (4) (Y)
Vertebrate Zoology
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202 and 204, or permission of instructor
Study of vertebrate groups, their structure, function, origins, relationships, special adaptations and representative organisms. Selected topics in vertebrate biology: flight, molecular evolution, size, thermoregulation, colors, tails, rumination. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 413 - (3) (Y)
Population Biology
Prerequisites: One course in calculus and either a course in evolution (BIOL/EVSC 401) or in ecology (EVSC 320)
A study of ecological, evolutionary and behavioral processes that occur within and between populations in natural communities. Topics include how animals behave as predators, prey, and social organisms; life history evolution in plants and animals; and the mathematics of population dynamics and species interactions. Emphasizes understanding of ecological theory and how models are used to understand the diversity of life histories in plants and animals.

BIOL 414 - (3) (Y)
Plant Cell Physiology
Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or permission of instructor
An in-depth analysis of cell structure and metabolic activity during plant cell growth and differentiation. Promotes an understanding of the biochemical and molecular genetic factors regulating important plant and cellular physiological activities.

BIOL 416 - (4) (IR)
General Zoology
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204
Acquaints the student with animals from the Protozoa to the Mammalia. Topics include structural-functional relationships, adaptational strategies, and evolutionary trends. The lab is designed to supplement and reinforce facts and concepts introduced in lectures and readings.

BIOL 417 - (3) (Y)
Cellular Neurobiology
Prerequisite: BIOL 301 or permission of instructor
Explores a cellular approach to the study of the nervous system. Topics include the structure and function of ionic channels in cell membranes; the electrochemical basis of the cell resting potential; the generation and conduction of nerve impulses; synaptic transmission; the structure and function of representative sensory receptors; function of neuronal ensembles in perception and in the generation of animal movements; and the cellular and molecular basis of neuronal modulation by neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and hormones. Three lecture and demonstration/discussion hours.

BIOL 419 - (3) (Y)
Biological Clocks
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An introduction to biological timekeeping as used by organisms for controlling diverse processes including sleep-wakefulness cycles, photoperiodic induction and regression, locomotor rhythmicity, eclosion rhythmicity, and the use of the biological clock in orientation and navigation.

BIOL 420 - (1) (S)
Field Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204 and permission of instructor
Application of field techniques for biological studies.

BIOL 423 - (3) (Y)
Animal Physiology
Prerequisites: Six credits of upper division BIOL courses or permission of instructor
Discussions concentrate on selected vertebrate organ systems with some consideration of other systems where relevant.

BIOL 424 - (2) (IR)
Neurobiology Laboratory
Prerequisites: BIOL 417 and permission of instructor
Laboratory experiments in neurophysiology and neuroanatomy. Four laboratory hours.

BIOL 425 - (3) (Y)
Human Genetics
Prerequisites: BIOL 301, BIOL 311
Focuses on the fundamental knowledge about organization, expression, and inheritance of the human genome. Reviews classical mendelian genetics and human genetic (pedigree) analysis. Emphasizes understanding human genetics in molecular terms. Topics include gene mapping procedures, methodologies for identifying genes responsible for inherited diseases, the molecular basis of several mutant (diseased) states, the human genome project, and discussions about genetic screening and gene therapy.

BIOL 427 - (3) (Y)
Exploration of Animal Behavior
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; BIOL 325 recommended
Direct experience in approaches used to study animal behavior. Each lab concentrates on a particular aspect of behavior. Students perform experiments that relate to the following topics: central nervous systems; sensory perception; sign stimuli, feeding behavior; social behavior; reproductive behavior; biological timing; and animal observation in the laboratory and field.

BIOL 436 - (3) (Y)
Biology and Culture
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Examination of well-known, current critiques of science, especially (but not exclusively) of biology. Arguments concern such topics as: holism vs. reductionism; "deep ecology" vs. conservationism; animal behavior vs. human behavior, and the assessment of cognitive performance; sex vs. gender; origins of human language; the validity of sociobiology; the "mastermolecule-DNA paradigm;" developmental neurobiology and consciousness; cultural vs. biological evolution; the social construction of biological knowledge.

BIOL 441 - (3) (Y)
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Prerequisite: BIOL 311
The structure and regulation of prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral genes is examined at the molecular level. Experimental approaches in molecular biology that address mechanisms of replication, transcription, RNA processing and translation are emphasized. Current advances in genetic research are discussed.

BIOL 442 - (3) (IR)
Principles of Molecular Evolution
Prerequisites: BIOL 301 and BIOL 311 or permission of instructor
Study of the patterns of biological processes and macomolecular structures in order to infer their evolutions. These results lend insights into underlying mechanisms and the evolution of organisms.

BIOL 444 - (3) (Y)
Endocrinology
Prerequisites: Six credits of upper division BIOL courses or permission of instructor
Study of the mechanisms of hormone action, including the structure, synthesis and physiology of hormones from endocrine systems concerned with metabolism, ion and water balance, growth and development, reproduction, etc.

BIOL 449 - (2) (IR)
Advanced Drosophila Genetics
Prerequisite: BIOL 311 or equivalent
Study of translocation heterozygotes in the generation of segmental anueploids. Topics include compound chromosomes and half-tetrad analysis of gene conversion events; methods for making mosaics and for P-element induced mutagenesis (including site-directed mutagenesis); P-element mediated transformation; and the use of enhancer traps. Cross-listed as BIOL 849.

BIOL 450 - (3) (IR)
Genetics and Development
Prerequisites: BIOL 311 and BIOL 405, or permission of instructor
Study of the genetic dissection of a complex developmental process; isolation of mutants and identification of participating genes, characterization, and the establishment of a hierarchy of regulation.

BIOL 481, 482 - (1) (S)
Seminar in Biological Research
Designed for, required of, and restricted to graduating (fourth-year) Distinguished Majors candidates in biology. The class consists of one-hour, weekly meetings in which topics for discussion include recent advances in biology, as well as more practical matters such as how to write grant applications, how to make seminar presentations, how to apply to graduate programs, and other skills essential to professional success in biology.

BIOL 486 - (3) (IR)
Molecular Biology of the Cell Cycle
Prerequisites: Course work in cell biology or biochemistry
The mechanisms by which chromosomes are separated in cell division; those by which cells cleave once the chromosomes separate; and control of cell division as part of the cell cycle. Emphasis on genetic techniques and in vitro reconstructed systems.

BIOL 495, 496 - (3) (S)
Introduction to Independent Research
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Independent research for qualified undergraduates under the direction of one of the staff. Nine laboratory hours.

BIOL 497, 498 - (3) (S)
Independent Research
Prerequisites: BIOL 495, 496 and permission of instructor
Independent research carried out by the student under the guidance of a departmental faculty member. Students who have completed BIOL 495 and BIOL 496 may enroll for BIOL 497 and BIOL 498 as a "second year" of independent research. Nine laboratory hours.

BIOL 501 - (4) (Y)
Biochemistry
Prerequisites: Organic chemistry or permission of instructor
Structure and function of the major constituents of cells--proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates--and the relationship to cellular metabolism and self-replication. Lectures and discussion.

BIOL 504 - (4) (Y)
Advanced Cell Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or BIOL 501 and permission of instructor
Study of the structure, development, and function of plant and animal cells as demonstrated by modern studies in molecular biology, cell fine structure, and genetics. Lectures and discussion.

BIOL 505 - (3) (Y)
Temporal Organization of Living Systems
Prerequisite: BIOL 419 or graduate standing
Analysis of biological cycles at several levels of organization. Explores both the adaptive significance of biological cycles and the mechanisms that generate them, with emphasis on unanswered questions and unresolved issues.

BIOL 508 - (4) (Y)
Developmental Mechanisms
Prerequisites: BIOL 301 and BIOL 311, or equivalent and BIOL 405 or permission of instructor
An analysis of the cellular and molecular basis of developmental phenomena, reviewing both classical foundations and recent discoveries. Lectures focus on the major developmental systems used for analysis of embryogenesis (for example, mouse, frog and fly) and concentrate on several themes that pervade modern research in this area (e.g. signal transduction mechanisms). Readings are mainly from the primary research literature, but are supplemented by textbook assignments as well. Lectures and discussion.

BIOL 509 - (2) (SI)
Current Topics in Plant Molecular Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or permission of instructor
A discussion of current literature and selected topics on the biochemical and molecular genetic basis for plant cellular growth and differentiation. Weekly readings and student presentations.

BIOL 512 - (3) (Y)
Comparative Biochemistry
Prerequisites: Organic chemistry, BIOL 301 or BIOL 501, and permission of instructor
Examines the biochemical adaptations that have arisen in organisms in response to physiological demands. Topics are drawn from recent advances made in elucidating molecular mechanisms of metabolic regulation.

BIOL 517 - (3) (SI)
Electronics for Biologists
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Consideration of electronics and electronic design for the laboratory. Analog and digital circuits utilized with emphasis on design of equipment for biological laboratories.

BIOL 536 - (3) (Y)
Techniques in Light and Electron Microscopy
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Topics include elementary theory of light and electron optics, theory and practice of specimen preparation, interpretation of micrographs, scientific photography, and use of specialized techniques such as tracer methods, immunocytochemistry, morphometric analysis, and image enhancement techniques. Laboratory sessions demonstrate techniques and instruments available in the department.

BIOL 540 - (3) (IR)
Sensory Neurobiology
Prerequisite: BIOL 417/817, or equivalent
In-depth examination of the organization and physiology of the diverse sensory systems found in vertebrate and non-vertebrate animals. The philosophical focus is on the functional rationale for receptor organization and the manner in which the central nervous system processes incoming sensory information. Visual, auditory, somatosensory, and electrosensory information processing, primarily in vertebrates, are stressed.

Continue to: Department of Chemistry
Return to: Chapter 6 Index