Course Information

100 and 200 level courses are introductory and general education courses.

300 level courses are intermediate.

400 level courses are advanced courses covering specialized area of biology.

100/200 Level Courses:

BIOL 100 Fundamentals of Biology (4) A course for non-biology majors that deals with the fundamental concepts of biology and relates them to social issues. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Fall, spring. Credit not applicable for biology majors or minors.

BIOL 107 General Biology (4) Introduces basic principles and processes of plants and animals at the molecular, cellular, genetic and evolutionary levels.  Three hours lecture, two hours lab.  Fall.

BIOL 108 General Zoology (3) Studies major animal phyla with respect to phylogeny, taxonomy, morphology and physiology. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 107 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor.  Spring.

BIOL 109 General Botany (4) Studies major plant groups from a functional, structural, systematic and evolutionary approach. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 107 with a grade of C- or better or permission of the instructor. Spring.

BIOL 110 Clinical Microbiology (3) Introduces microorganisms and includes isolation, pathogenicity, serology, identification, ecology and the significance of microorganisms to humans. Two hours lecture, one hour lab. Fall.

BIOL 112 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4) Introduces basic anatomy and physiology using a systems approach.  Emphasizes cells, tissues, musculoskeletal system and nervous system.  Three hours lecture, two hours lab.  Same as Human Kinetics and Sport Studies 112.  Fall.

BIOL 113 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4) Continues the study of topics covered in Biology 112 and includes the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, urinary and digestive systems.  Three hours lecture, two hours lab.  Prerequisite:  Biology 112 with a grade of C- or better.  Same as Human Kinetics and Sport Studies 113.  Spring.

BIOL 201 Human Genetics and Society (3) A course for non-biology majors that deals with human genetics and its relation to social issues. Summer. Credit not applicable for biology majors or minors.

BIOL 214 Field Zoology (3) Emphasizes the identification, structure, functions, ecology and behavior of vertebrates. Regional field study involved. Summer

BIOL 215 Field Botany (3) A study of fungi, mosses, ferns, conifers and flowering plants, including identification, morphology and ecology. Field study involved. This course may be taken twice for credit if the field sites are different. Summer.

BIOL 225 Horticulture (3) A study of the growth, development and technology involved in the production, maintenance, use and marketing of horticultural plants and products. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Spring alternate years.

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300 Level Courses:

BIOL 305 Microbial Ecology (3) Concerned with the wide range of microorganisms that exist and their roles in the environment.  Concentrates on the following areas: (1) microbial environments (2) detection of microbial activity (3) impact of microbial activity on the environment in terms of nutrient cycling and pollution fate (4) detection and control of pathogens in the environment (5) bioremediation (includes risk assessment and environmental biotechnology).  Three hours lecture, field studies at sites that utilize microbes (e.g., sewage treatment plants, fermentor facilities).  Prerequisite:  Biology 100 or 107 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor.  Spring alternate years.

BIOL 310 History of Life (3) A study of major events in the history of life from the origin of life some four billion years ago to the extinction and speciation episodes that have resulted in the variety of organisms that occupy the planet in more recent geologic time.  Prerequisite:  Biology 100 or 107 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor.  Fall, alternate years.

BIOL 320 Evolution and Ecology (4) Introduces principles and concepts of evolution and ecology, with an emphasis on the intricate and intrinsic relationship between these disciplines. Examines mechanisms of evolutionary change and interactions of organisms, populations and communities of organisms within their environment. Addresses how these interactions occur, what effects they have on the functioning of natural communities and how they influence the evolution of populations and species. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisites: Biology 107 with a grade of C- or better or permission of the instructor.  Recommended:  Biology 108, 109 with a grade of C- or better.  Fall.

BIOL 321 Microtechnique and Microanatomy (3) Studies a variety of section and non-section techniques for preparation of cells and tissues (primarily animal) for microscopic examination and examines anatomical features of such preparations. Two hours lecture, two hours lab.  Prerequisites:  Biology 107, 108 with a grade of C- or better or permission of the instructor.  Summer.

BIOL 330 Mycology (4) Introduces fungi with emphasis on ecology, morphology and taxonomy of representative groups. Two hours lecture, four hours lab. Prerequisites:  Biology 107 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor.  Fall, alternate years..

BIOL 331 Genetics (4) Fundamental principles of inheritance in animals, plants and microorganisms with emphasis on molecular levels of expression. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 107 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor.  Recommended:  Biology 108 with a grade of C- or better.  Spring.

BIOL 333 Animal Behavior (3) Studies the principles of biological rhythms, migration, aggression, competition, learning, reproduction and social behavior of animals.  Three hours lecture, field studies.  Prerequisite:  Biology 108 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor.  Fall, alternate years.

BIOL 350 Vertebrate Zoology (4) Emphasizes the taxonomy, comparative morphology, behavior and life history of vertebrates.  Two hours lecture, four hours lab, field studies.  Prerequisite:  Biology 108 with a grade of C-or better or permission of instructor.  Fall alternate years.

BIOL 360 Summer Field Station Study (1-3) Biology studies conducted at a marine, freshwater, mountain or desert field station. Summer.

BIOL 399 Special Topics in Biology (1-4) Lectures, discussions or special laboratory topics not covered in regular course offerings.  Provides greater depth to topics of special interest or explores rapidly changing areas in biology.  May be repeated.  Prerequisites announced when specific topics scheduled.

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400 Level Courses:

BIOL 414 Plant Taxonomy (4) Studies the identification and classification of local vascular plants. Herbarium collection required. Three hours lecture, two hours lab.  Prerequisite:  Biology 109 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring alternate years.

BIOL 415 Biostatistics (4) Explores biological systems using quantitative biological models. Application of statistical tools, numerical data sets and computer-based techniques to test hypotheses, create predictive models and interpret results and patterns. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite:  Biology 107 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor.  Spring, alternate years.

BIOL 423 Ecology (4) Examines how organisms interact with each other and with their environment. Addresses the physical environment and the physiological adaptations organisms have evolved to exploit it, population dynamics, interactions between species populations, biogeography and environmental issues, especially those that relate to the impact of humans on the ecology of natural populations of plants and animals. Three hours lecture, three hours lab, field studies. Prerequisite: Biology 320 wit h a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor.  Recommended: Biology 108, 109 with a grade of C- or better. Fall alternate years.

BIOL 425 Developmental Biology (4) Studies the cellular and molecular interactions of animal, plant, and microorganism development.  Two hours lecture, four hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 107, 108 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring.

BIOL 427 Animal Physiology (4) Studies the normal functions of animal organs and systems. Topics include metabolism, transmission of nerve impulses, reproduction and effects of hormones. Three hours lecture, two hours lab.  Prerequisite: Biology 107, 108 and Chemistry 240 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring.

BIOL 428 Plant Physiology (4) Major biological activities of higher plants with emphasis on water relations, mineral nutrition, metabolism, growth and development. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 107,109, Chemistry 118 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.

BIOL 430 Microbiology (4) Covers general principles of bacterial growth and activities. Three hours lecture, four hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 107 with a grade of C or better or permission of instructor.  Recommended: Biology 109 with a grade of C- or better. Fall.

BIOL 434 Parasitology (4) Studies the nature of parasitism with respect to morphology, physiology and host parasite relationships. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 107, 108 with a C- or better or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.

BIOL 436 Human Physiology (3) A detailed study of human function, beginning at the cellular level.  Emphasis is placed on the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and endocrine systems.  The effects of exercise and pathology are integrated into each system.  Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Physical Therapy program or permission of the instructor. Fall.

BIOL 440 Cell Biology (4) Studies the basic principles and information that form the foundation of cell biology, provides exposure to some of the underlying questions of cell biology, and improves skills in analyzing and communicating scientific information.  Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 107,108, 331, Chemistry 240 with a grade of C or better or permission of instructor. Spring .

BIOL 442 Immunology (3) Studies cellular and molecular aspects of the immune response. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 107, 108, 440, and Chemistry 240 with a grade of C or better or permission of the instructor. Spring, alternate years.

BIOL 445 Molecular Biology (4) Considers the molecular aspects of biology at the cellular and subcellular levels. Emphasis on the genetic material and intercellular processes and laboratory procedures for studying biology at the molecular level. Three hours lecture; three hours lab. Prerequisites: Biology 331, Chemistry 240,341 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.

BIOL 450 Evolution (3) Introduces principles and concepts of evolutionary biology. Examines the Darwinian paradigm and the Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution. Addresses specific concepts as evolution of sex, group selection, mechanisms of evolutionary divergence, phylogenetic systematics, coevolution, and molecular evolution.  Three hours lecture. Prerequisite:  Biology 320 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor.  Recommended: Biology 107,108,109. Spring, alternate years.

BIOL 460 Special Problems (1-3) Independent research of a biological problem under the guidance of a faculty member.  Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Fall, spring.

BIOL 480 Senior Seminar (3) Focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of biology and how the life sciences relate to contemporary problems and circumstances. Involves investigative projects, written reports and a seminar format. Prerequisites: At least one 400-level biology course and senior standing. Spring.

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