Biology (BIOL)
1000 Freshman Level2000 Sophomore Level 3000 Junior Level4000 Senior Level
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1000 Level Courses
1113. [BIOL 2106, 2206, ENVR 1101] Environmental Problems Laboratory (1). Prerequisite: BIOL 1305 (or concurrent enrollment) or permission of instructor. Laboratory and field studies of environmental problems. Not for major credit. Partially fulfills core Natural Sciences requirement.
1305. [BIOL 2306, 2406, ENVR 1301, 1401] Ecology and Environmental Problems (3). An introduction to ecological principles and the analysis of environmental problems. Not for major credit. BIOL 1401, 1402, 1305, and 1306 may be taken in any sequence or simultaneously. Partially fulfills the lecture component of the core Natural Sciences requirement.
1306. Biology of Sex (3). An introduction to the diversity of reproductive modes in organisms and issues such as human reproduction, the evolution of sex, and mating systems. BIOL 1401, 1402, 1305, and 1306 may be taken in any sequence or simultaneously.
1401. [BIOL 1311+1111, 1411] Biology of Plants (4). An introductory coverage of plant-environment interactions and plant structure and function as they relate to our understanding of the plant world. Expressly designed for students not majoring in a biological science. BIOL 1401 and 1402 may be taken in any sequence or simultaneously. Partially fulfills core Natural Sciences requirement.
1402. [BIOL 1313+1113, 1413] Biology of Animals (4). An introductory coverage of animal-environment interactions and animal structure, function, and behavior as they relate to our understanding of the animal world. Expressly designed for students not majoring in a biological science. BIOL 1401 and 1402 may be taken in any sequence or simultaneously. Partially fulfills core Natural Sciences requirement.
1403. [BIOL 1306+1106, 1406] Biology I (4). Enrollment as a freshman requires a minimum composite SAT reading plus math total of 1100, or a minimum composite ACT score of 24, or a minimum AP Biology score of 3. Students on probation cannot take BIOL 1403. Fundamentals of molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and evolutionary theory. First semester of an integrated course recommended for students majoring in biological sciences or related disciplines.Partially fulfills core Natural Sciences requirement. (Writing Intensive)
1404. [BIOL 1307+1107, 1407] Biology II (4). Prerequisite: BIOL 1403. Fundamentals of organismal biology, population biology, and biological diversity. Second semester of an integrated course recommended for majors in biological and related sciences. Partially fulfills core Natural Sciences requirement. (Writing Intensive)Back to Top
2000 Level Course
2120. Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology (1). An introduction to current areas of research and to recent technological advances in the field of cellular and molecular biology.Back to Top
3000 Level Courses
3109. Principles of Ecology Laboratory (1). Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3309. Explores ecology through laboratory and field exercises that enhance understanding of ecological processes spanning multiple levels from individuals to ecosystems.
3120. Cell Biology Laboratory (1). Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3320. A survey of the experimental techniques used to study cells and cellular processes.
3201. Coral Reef Monitoring (2). Taught from a sailboat. Introduces students to coral reef ecology and techniques used to monitor reef ecology.
3202. Reef Fish Monitoring (2). Taught from a sailboat. Introduces students to ichthyology, reef fish ecology, and techniques to monitor fish populations.
3301. Field Ecology (3). Teaches students how to design, conduct, analyze, and report on the results of field studies in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
3302. Developmental Biology (3). Prerequisite:BIOL 3416.. A synthesis of animal and plant development, stressing the basic principles of molecular, cellular, and organismic development.
3303. Tropical Marine Biology (3). Introduces students to the ecology and diversity of tropical marine communities.
3304. Human Genetics (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 3416. A study of the frequency and transmission of human genetics and chromosomal mutations and the application of this information to individual cases.
3306. Principles of Plant Biology (3). A survey of plant structure and function relationships, plant evolution and the issues of plant reproduction, and plant responses to the environment.
3307. Population Biology (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 3309. Introduction to population biology theory with emphasis on interaction between genetics and ecology. (Writing Intensive)
3309. Principles of Ecology (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 1305, or 1401, or 1402, or 1404. An examination of ecological systems emphasizing populations, communities, and ecosystems.
3310. Experimental Cell Biology (3). Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 3320 or consent of the instructor. An introduction to the modern research techniques used to study cellular and molecular processes in eukaryotic cells.
3320. Cell Biology (3). Prerequisites: BIOL 1403, 1404, 3416, and junior standing. An integrated study of the basic principles of cell structure and function.
3405. Ecological Strategies of Plants (4). Prerequisite: BIOL 3309 or consent of instructor. Concepts relating to plant traits and their influence on ecological processes and relationships with the environment. (Writing Intensive)
3416. Genetics (4). Prerequisite: BIOL 1401, or 1402, or 1403. Genetic principles with emphasis on mechanisms and problem solving. (Writing Intensive)Back to Top
4000 Level Courses
4100. Undergraduate Research in Biology (1). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Selected research problems according to the needs of the students. May be repeated or taken parallel for credit in another field or with new materials in the same field.
4101. Biology Seminar (1). Prerequisite: Senior standing in biology, botany, or zoology. Critical reviews of classical and recent literature and reports of original investigations. May be repeated once for credit. (Writing Intensive)
4110. Topics in Biology (1). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Special areas of current interest not commonly included in other courses. Content normally different each time offered. May be repeated for credit up to three times for different course content
4300. Undergraduate Research in Biology (3). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Selected research problems according to the needs of the students. May be repeated or taken parallel for credit in another field or with new materials in the same field. No more than 6 hours can be applied to degree requirements.
4301. Topics in Biology (3). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Special areas of current interest not commonly included in other courses. Content normally different each time offered. May be repeated for credit up to three times for different course content.
4303. Population Genetics (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 3416 or equivalent course in genetics; MATH 1320 or equivalent course in algebra recommended. The origin, maintenance, and significance of genetic variation in natural and artificial populations. (Writing Intensive)
4305. Organic Evolution (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 3416. The principles and processes of evolution and how they relate to the ecology, physiology, behavior, morphology, and systematic classification of organisms. (Writing Intensive)
4307. Cancer Biology (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 3320; ZOOL 4304 is recommended. Presents a comprehensive overview covering the history of cancer biology to the most recent developments in the field. Molecular and cellular biology as well as clinical topics will be covered. (Writing Intensive)
4310. Community Ecology (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 3309 or consent of instructor. An investigation of theoretical and experimental approaches to understanding the composition, diversity, and structure of plant, animal, and microbial communities.
4320. Molecular Biology (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 3320. Includes the study of molecular processes involved in cellular functioning of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and viruses together with recent technological advances in molecular biology research. (Writing Intensive)
4330. Landscape Ecology (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 1404 or 3309. An examination of how we quantify patterns and effects of spatial heterogeneity on organisms and ecological processes.
4350. Physiological Plant Ecology (3). Prerequisite: BOT 3401. Investigation of the physiological processes of plants that contribute to understanding the ecological distribution and evolutionary success of plants in their physical environment.
4392. Marine Biology (3). Prerequisites: 1403 and 1404. Introduction to the study of marine organisms and their environments.Back to Top
5000 Level Courses
5301. Advanced Genetics (3). Prerequisite: 8 hours of biology, 8 hours of chemistry, one semester of organic chemistry, or consent of instructor. Genetic and molecular analyses of inheritance. Course is offered to graduate students with limited knowledge in genetics.
5302. Advanced Cell Biology (3). Prerequisite: 8 hours of biology, 8 hours of chemistry, plus at least one semester of organic chemistry; or consent of instructor. Structure and function of cells with introduction to modern techniques for cell study. Course is offered to graduate students with no formal training in cell biology.
5303. Advanced Experimental Cell Biology (3). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. A project-oriented introduction to modern research techniques used to study cellular and molecular processes in eukaryotic cells.
5305. Organic Evolution for Advanced Students (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 3416 or equivalent course in genetics. The concept of evolution, its mode and tempo of operation, and its relationship to organic diversity in its broadest sense are emphasized. S.
5306. Advanced Cancer Biology (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 3320; ZOOL 4304 is recommended. Presents a comprehensive overview covering the history of cancer biology to the most recent findings in the field. Molecular and cellular biology as well as clinical topics will be covered.
5309. Advanced Ecology (3). Prerequisite: Background in organismal biology or undergraduate ecology or consent of instructor.. A detailed examination of the structural and functional relationships underlying the organization of populations, communities, and ecosystems.
5310. Advanced Community Ecology (3). Prerequisite: A course in ecology or consent of instructor. An investigation of both theoretical and experimental approaches to understanding the composition, diversity, and structure of plant, animal, and microbial communities.
5311. Ecology for Teachers (3). Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Science program or consent of instructor. An investigation into ecology for individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems for practicing teachers.
5312. Cell and Molecular Biology for Teachers (3). Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Science program or consent of instructor. An investigation into cellular and molecular biology intended for practicing teachers.
5320. Advanced Molecular Biology (3). Coverage includes a rigorous examination of molecular processes in cellular functioning. Experimental approaches used to investigate molecular events in eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses will be emphasized. S.
5330. Advanced Landscape Ecology (3). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. In-depth examination of how we quantify patterns and effects of spatial heterogeneity on organisms and ecological processes. Discussion section is required.
5407. Advanced Population Biology (4). Prerequisite: BIOL 3301, 3303, or equivalent. Introduction to the genetics or ecology of populations including a survey of topical, historic, and current literature with emphasis on experimental evaluation of testable hypotheses. S.Back to Top
6000 Level Courses
6000. Master’s Thesis (V1-6).
6100. Advanced Topics in Biology (1). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Special areas of current interest not commonly included in other courses. Content normally different each time offered. May be repeated for additional credit.
6101. Seminar (1). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Various topics in modern biology. May be repeated for credit.
6202. Preparation for Graduate Learning and Teaching in Biology (2). Prerequisite: Acceptance in a graduate degree program in the Department of Biological Sciences or consent of instructor. Preparation of graduate students for the roles of scholar, researcher, and teaching assistant. Emphasizes literature research, preparation of visual aids, innovative teaching strategies, and problem-solving methods. F.
6301. Advanced Topics in Biology (3). Prerequisites: MBIO 4402 with minimum grade of B and consent of instructor. Special areas of current interest not commonly included in other courses. Content normally different each time offered. May be repeated for additional credit.
6304. Principles and Practice of Phylogenetic Systematics (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 4305 or 5305; ZOOL 6302 recommended. Character, analysis, phylogeny reconstruction, consensus procedures, and phylogenetic classification, using morphologic and molecular data.
6305. RNA Silencing and Regulatory Small RNAs (3). Prerequisites: BIOL 3320 and 3416.Covers the most recent development in small RNA biology, an emerging field in molecular and cell biology.
6309. Advanced Topics in Quantitative Biology (3). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Studies of current applications of mathematics, statistics, and computing to the biological sciences. Content normally different each time offered. May be repeated for additional credit.
6315. Regulation of Gene Expression (3). Prerequisite: BIOL 5320 or 4320. An advanced, in-depth analysis of current research on mechanisms that regulate eukaryotic gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. S.
6350. Advanced Physiological Plant Ecology (3). Investigation of the physiological processes of plants that contribute to understanding the ecological distribution and evolutionary success of plants in their physical environment.
6392. Marine Biology (3). Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree in biology or consent of instructor. The study of marine organisms and their environments.
6408. Research Techniques in Electron Microscopy (4). Prerequisite: B.A. or B.S. in a scientific field. Introduction to operation of electron microscopes emphasizing independent work with organic or inorganic sample preparation and analysis for transmission or scanning electron microscopes.Back to Top
7000 Level Course
7000. Research (V1-12). Back to Top
8000 Level Course
8000. Doctor's Dissertation (V1-12).Back to Top