BIOLOGY (BIO)
Course Descriptions
BIO 404/504
Cr. 3
Plant Taxonomy
Collection, identification, classification, and evolution of
the vascular plants with emphasis on local flora. Lect. 1, Lab.
4. Prerequisite: BIO 203 or 204. Offered Spring, alternate
years.
BIO 405/505 Cr. 2
Aquatic and Wetland Vascular Plants
Identification and collection of vascular plants of aquatic
and marsh habitats with emphasis on adaptive morphology and
ecology of local species. Field trips required. Lect. 1, Lab. 2.
Prerequisite: BIO 203 or 204. Offered Fall, alternate years.
BIO 406/506
Cr. 4
Parasitology
A survey of the major groups of animal parasites with regard
to their taxonomy, morphology, life histories, host-parasite
relationships, and economic importance. Lect. 2, Lab 4.
Prerequisite: BIO 203 or 210 or 303. Offered Fall.
BIO 408/508
Cr. 4
Developmental Biology
A study of primarily animal embryonic development including
fertilization, cleavage, cell determination, gastrulation,
organ-system development, pattern formation and cell
differentiation. Genetic control of developmental processes
using various vertebrate and invertebrate models will be
integrated and emphasized. Lect. 2, Lab. 4. Prerequisite: BIO
203 or 210 or 303 and BIO 306 or MIC 416. BIO 315 recommended.
Offered Spring.
BIO/PAS/PTS 511 Cr. 6
Human Gross Anatomy
A comprehensive consideration of the human anatomy including
both neuro-musculoskeletal components and internal organ
systems. Systems included are musculoskeletal, neurological,
urogenital, gastrointestinal, skeletal, and cardiopulmonary. The
course includes the complete regional dissection of the human
cadaver. Biomechanical function, topographic and radiographic
correlations, and clinical applications are emphasized. Provides
an in-depth understanding of the gross anatomy of the human body
through lecture, audiovisual, computer and gross cadaver
dissection. Lec.5, Lab. 8. Prerequisite: Admission to the
Biology M.S. (Nurse Anesthesia Concentration) program or
permission of the instructor. Cross-listed with PAS 511 and PTS
511; may only earn credit in PAS or PTS or BIO. Offered Summer
session.
BIO 412/512
Cr. 4
Mycology
Mycology
A survey of all the major groups of fungi of the fungal
kingdom (and relatives) in terms of systematics, anatomy,
morphology, ecology, physiology, genetics, evolutionary
relationships, and human and plant pathology. Laboratory
includes microscopic and macroscopic study of the fungi, as well
as making a collection of cultures and of fungal reproductive
structures (including mushrooms) from selected groups. Lect. 2,
Lab. 4. Prerequisite: BIO 203 or 204 or MIC 230. Both are
strongly recommended. Offered Fall.
BIO 413/513
Cr. 3
Medical
Mycology
A study of the increasing number of medically important
fungi, including the yeasts, molds, other fungi, and
actinomycetes that are pathogenic to humans and other animals.
Emphasis is on laboratory techniques for isolation and
identification of these pathogenic fungi. Lect. 2, Lab 2.
Prerequisite: MIC 230 or BIO 412/512. Offered Spring.
BIO 414/514
Cr. 3
Freshwater Invertebrate Zoology
Introduces the ecology and taxonomy of the metazoan,
non-parasitic freshwater invertebrates. An extensive course
designed to provide a foundation for taxonomic knowledge, and
basic understanding of the biology and ecology of freshwater
invertebrates for advanced students in aquatic and environmental
sciences. Lectures will focus on ecology; labs on taxonomy and
quantitative skills. A student reference collection and weekend
field trips will be required. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO
203 or 210 or 341. Offered Fall.
BIO 419/519
Cr. 3
Quantitative Methods in Ecology
An introduction to field and laboratory procedures used by
ecologists to describe and analyze the interactions between
organisms and their environments. The course will emphasize
quantitative techniques, including the use of computer
technology, for collecting, recording and interpreting
ecological data. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 307 or 341.
Offered Fall.
BIO 422/522
Cr. 3
Ichthyology
A study of the taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, and ecology of
fish, with emphasis on the fresh water fishes. Lect. 2, Lab. 2.
Prerequisite: BIO 203 or 210 or 303. Offered Fall. Alternate
years.
BIO 424/524
Cr. 3
Endocrinology
A comprehensive study of the production, regulation,
structure, molecular to whole body actions, metabolism, and
excretion of biochemical signaling molecules. The classical and
more recently recognized neurotransmitter and hormone pathways
and clinical considerations of each will be explored using
lecture, laboratory exercises, and case studies. Prerequisite:
BIO 303 or 312 and 313. Offered Fall.
BIO 428/528
Cr. 3
Advanced Nutrition for Health Professions
A comprehensive study of nutrition-related diseases and
nutrition assessment, evaluation, and management in clinical
settings that people working in healthcare may encounter.
Prerequisite: BIO 313 or NUT 200.
BIO 429/529
Cr. 3
Evolution
Consideration of the principles and the record of organic
evolution of plants and animals. Lect. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 306.
Offered Spring.
BIO 432/532
Cr. 2
Biology of Cancer
A survey of the current knowledge of cancer biology. The
course will include lectures, readings and discussions on a wide
range of cancer topics, including: characteristics of cancer
cells, carcinogenesis, cancer genes, tumor classification,
invasion, metastasis, impact of cancer on body functions,
epidemiology, inheritance, immunology, diagnosis, treatment, and
prevention. Prerequisite: BIO 303 or 313, and BIO 306 or MIC
416. Offered Spring.
BIO 433/533
Cr. 3
Radiation Biology
Applications and effects of nuclear radiation on biological
systems. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105, one
additional course in biology, and CHM 103. Offered Spring.
BIO 435/535
Cr. 3
Molecular Biology
A study of molecular biology with an emphasis on eukaryotic
systems. The course will focus on the molecular aspects
controlling biological processes. The impact of recombinant DNA
technology on biotechnology and medicine will also be examined.
Lect. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 306 and 315, or MIC 416/516; three
semesters of college chemistry including organic chemistry.
Biochemistry strongly recommended. BIO 436/536 is an optional
laboratory which can be taken concurrently. Offered Fall.
BIO 436/536
Cr. 1
Molecular Biology Laboratory
A study of molecular biology with an emphasis on eukaryotic
systems. Laboratory emphasis is on recombinant DNA technology,
current techniques used to express recombinant proteins in
eukaryotic cells, computer based DNA analysis, macromolecular
modeling using computers, and quantitative assay techniques.
Lab. 3. This lab is optional for those enrolled in BIO 435/535.
Prerequisite: To be taken concurrently with BIO 435/535.
Offered Fall.
BIO 437/537
Cr. 3
Plant Growth and Development
Discussion of experiments and analysis of research data
obtained from the living plant. Prerequisite: BIO 203 or 204 or
equivalent.
BIO 439/539
Cr. 3
Plant Anatomy
A detailed examination of plant structure and development as
revealed with the light and electron microscopes. Primarily seed
plants will be examined. Structure and development will be
studied as a means by which plants cope with their ecology,
evolution and function. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 203
or 204 or an equivalent general botany course. Offered Spring,
alternate years.
BIO/MIC 440/540
Cr. 2
Bioinformatics
In this course, students will use computers to study and
compare the sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA, or the amino
acids in a protein. Computers also are used to examine the three
dimensional structure of protein. Being able to manipulate
and study this information is the basis for the current
revolution in biotechnology. Topics include evolution, taxonomy,
genomics and understanding disease. This course provides
students an opportunity to explore the relationships between
biology, microbiology, chemistry, and computer science. Lect. 2,
Lab 1. Prerequisite: BIO 306 or MIC 416; BIO 435 or MIC 416
recommended. Half-semester course. Cross-listed with MIC
440/540; may only earn credit in BIO or MIC. Offered Spring and
Winter Intersession.
BIO 441/541
Cr. 3
Environmental Toxicology
The study of the lethal and sub-lethal effects of chemical
contaminants on ecosystems and humans. Topics covered include
environmental legislation, chemical distribution and fate in the
environment, methods of toxicity testing, assessment of exposure
and risk, effects of chemical contaminants on humans, and fish
and wildlife populations, communities and ecosystems, and
toxicity of specific chemical groups. Prerequisite: BIO 307 or
341; CHM 104. Offered Spring, alternate years.
BIO/MIC 442/542
Cr. 3
Plant Microbe Interactions
This course will explore in-depth various ways that plants
interact with microbes in the environment, at the macroscopic,
cellular, and molecular levels. Case studies will include both
parasitic and mutualistic (symbiotic) interactions. Microbes
include fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses. Includes plant
pathology and studies of the beneficial relationships between
plants and microbes. Inquiry-based labs are integrated into the
lecture and discussion sessions. Lect. 2, Lab 2.
Prerequisite: BIO 203 or 204, MIC 230 and BIO 306 or MIC 416.
Cross-listed with MIC 442/542; may only earn credit in BIO or
MIC. Offered Spring
BIO 443/543
Cr. 3
Molecular Mechanism of Disease and Drug Action
A survey of the leading non-infectious and non-cancerous
diseases in the industrialized world. This course will explore
the molecular mechanisms of disease, clinical symptomology, and
pharmacological treatment. Students will be expected to conduct
thorough research on a given disease and present their results
in a poster session. Prerequisite: BIO 306, 313 and CHM 300 or
304. Offered Spring.
BIO 447/547
Cr. 3
Standard Methods and Quality Assurance of Water Analyses
This course will instruct students on the use of standard
methods for analyses of selected biological, chemical, and
physical constituents commonly included in water quality
analyses. Quality assurance procedures, including Good
Laboratory Practice Standards (GLPS) will be integrated into all
activities. Materials covered include: principles of methods
used; evaluation of precision, bias, and contamination; proper
reporting and interpretation of results; and environmental
sources and significance of constituents analyzed. Lect. 1, Lab
4. Prerequisite: BIO 203 or 204 or 210 or 303, and 3 semesters
of college chemistry. BIO 341 recommended. Offered Spring.
BIO 448/548
Cr. 4
Aquatic Toxicology
A study of the lethal and sub lethal effects of chemical
contaminants in aquatic systems, specific chemical effects,
chemical distribution and fate, and environmental legislation.
Procedures for toxicity evaluation, experimental design and
statistical analysis will be emphasized in the laboratory. Lect.
3, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: four semesters of college biology, BIO
341 recommended, and three semesters of college chemistry.
Offered Spring, alternate years.
BIO 449/549
Cr. 3
Advanced Microscopy and Biological Imaging
Principles and techniques used in modern microscopy and
biological image analysis. Emphasis will be on student projects
to become proficient at confocal, fluorescence, and scanning
electron microscopy. Students will also learn specimen
preparation, digital imaging, and image processing and
analysis for biological applications. Lect. 2, Lab. 2.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and either BIO 315 or MIC 406.
Offered Fall, alternate years.
BIO 456/556
Cr. 4
Plant Ecology
Conservation biology, ecological restoration, and predicting
the effects of climate change all require an understanding of
plant ecology. This course is focused on the interactions among
plants, other organisms, and the environment. We will work
across the individual, population, and community levels, and
emphasize an exploratory approach to plant ecology. Class
activities will include lectures, the discussion of ecological
journal articles, and carrying out student-designed experiments.
Prerequisites: BIO 307 or BIO 341. Offered Fall even years.
BIO 460/560
Cr. 1-3
Symposium in Biology
Studies in biology of interest to specific groups. Varying
topics will be offered at intervals with a specific title
assigned to each. May be staffed by resident faculty or visiting
lecturers. Other departments may be invited to participate.
Prerequisite: four semesters of biology. Repeatable for credit —
maximum 6. Variable offerings — check registration schedules.
BIO 463/563
Cr. 3
Aquatic Animal Health
The study of pathogens of aquatic animals, including fish,
shellfish, crustaceans, amphibians, waterfowl and mammals.
Sections on nutrition and toxicology are included. Emphasis is
on laboratory techniques for isolation and identification of
pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites. Field trips
required. Lect. 2, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105, 203 or
210 or 303, and CHM 103; MIC 230 strongly recommended. Offered
Spring, alternate years.
BIO 464/564
Cr. 3
Stream and Watershed Ecology
Introduces key concepts and theory pertinent to understanding
and managing fluvial ecosystems (rivers and streams) and their
watersheds. The course will emphasize rivers as large-scale
physical and biological systems. Course work includes a
comparative case study of distinctive types of temperate,
tropical, and polar rivers. Prerequisite: BIO 341 or BIO 307.
Offered Spring.
BIO 465/565
Cr. 3
Neurophysiology
An examination of the nervous system beginning at the
cellular level and working up to neuronal systems. Topics
covered include the ionic basis of membrane potentials, synaptic
communication, organization of functional circuits of neurons,
and systems within the brain and/or spinal cord which control
learning and memory, and vision and motor function. Exploration
of these fundamental neurophysiology topics form the basis for
understanding a variety of student-selected topics which will be
covered later in the semester. Late-semester topics often
include higher-order aspects of brain function or challenges to
the nervous system – such as the repair of brain or spinal cord
injury, degenerative disease states, dyslexia, or gender
differences. BIO 467/567 is an optional laboratory course which
can be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: BIO 312. Offered
Spring.
BIO 466/566
Cr. 3
Human Molecular Genetics
A study of the basic principles of heredity in humans. Focus
will be on modern molecular techniques used in isolating human
disease genes and modes of inheritance of human traits and
disorders. Ethical issues in human genetics will also be
discussed. BIO 468/568 is an optional laboratory course which
can be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: BIO 306. Offered Fall.
BIO 467/567
Cr. 2
Neurobiology Laboratory Techniques
An introduction to common laboratory techniques in
neurobiology, including electrophysiology with invertebrate
preparations, mammalian neuronal cell culture, and computational
modeling. Students will receive training in techniques while
performing classical experiments, then design their own novel
experiments and carry them out. Lab. 4. Prerequisite: BIO 312;
BIO 465/565 or concurrent enrollment. Offered Spring.
BIO
468/568 Cr. 1
Human Molecular Genetics
Lab
A study of the techniques used in doing research in human
molecular genetics with a focus on commonly used model organisms
in the study of human genetic disorders. Laboratory emphasis is
on phenotype analysis, library screening, DNA microarray
analysis, gene mapping, and bioinformatics. This lab is optional
for those enrolled in BIO 466/566. Lab. 3. Prerequisite: BIO
306. BIO 466/566 must be taken concurrently. Offered Fall.
BIO 490/590
Cr. 1-3
Current Topics in Biology Education
Biological researchers produce new discoveries almost daily.
The purpose of this course is to train K-12 pre-service and
in-service teachers in the current technologies and theories
used in biology and to demonstrate the current approaches to
teaching these materials. Repeatable for credit under different
topics; not applicable to a major or minor in biology.
Departmental option for Pass/Fail grading.
BIO 701
Cr. 4
Communication in the Biological Sciences
This course covers in detail the preparation and submission
of scientific manuscripts for publication and the presentation
of papers at scientific conferences. Topics covered include
preparation of manuscript sections, figures, and tables; writing
with clarity, precision, and word economy; dealing with journal
editors and reviewers; reviewing and editing of manuscripts;
preparation of proposals for funding; presentation of oral
(platform) and poster papers at scientific conferences;
preparation of visual aids; risk communication; serving on
expert panels; serving as an expert witness; and communicating
with the public, the press, lawyers, and politicians. Offered
Spring, alternate years.
BIO 713
Cr. 2
Physiology of Drug Action
A study of the general principles of pharmaco-dynamics and
pharmacokinetics of drugs in human systems with emphasis on the
physiological responses at the cellular and organ levels.
Prerequisite: BIO 718 or concurrent enrollment.
BIO/MIC 714
Cr. 3
Advanced Genetics
The application of molecular-genetic analysis to problems in
modern biology. The course will cover the fundamentals of
genetic analysis in both procaryotic and eucaryotic systems.
Assigned readings from current literature will be discussed and
evaluated. A variety of topic areas will be considered including
ecology, biotechnology, bioremediation, food science, medicine
and basic research. Prerequisite: a previous course in genetics,
microbial genetics or molecular biology. (Cross-listed with MIC
714; may only earn credit in MIC or BIO.) Offered Spring,
alternate years.
BIO 715
Cr. 3
Pathophysiology I
A study of diseases of the human central nervous system,
pulmonary, cardiovascular, and renal systems with an emphasis on
pathophysiology, treatment, and interaction with other organ
systems. Enrollment is limited to students in the Biology MS —
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program.
Prerequisite: BIO 718, 719.
BIO 716
Cr. 3
Current Topics in Physiology
Consideration of selected topics in physiology such as
advanced cellular physiology, membrane and endocrinological
physiology, and systemic physiology. Assigned readings will be
largely from current literature.
BIO 717
Cr. 3
Pathophysiology II
A study of diseases of the human hepatic, gastrointestinal,
immune, neuromuscular, and endocrine systems with an emphasis on
pathophysiology, treatment, and interaction with other organ
systems. Enrollment is limited to students in the Biology MS —
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program.
Prerequisite: BIO 718, 719.
BIO 718
Cr. 4
Advanced Human Physiology I
An in-depth study of the physiology (including associated
anatomic structures) of human organ systems. Covers the cell,
and the nervous, muscular and respiratory systems. Prerequisite:
B. S. degree in biology or allied health related field. Offered
Fall.
BIO 719 Cr. 4
Advanced Human Physiology II
An in-depth study of the physiology (including associated
anatomic structures) of human organ systems. Covers the
circulation, endocrine, digestive and excretory systems, and
temperature regulation. Prerequisite: BIO 718. Offered Spring.
BIO 720 Cr. 2
Research in Anesthesia
The student will conduct a critical review and analysis of
the primary literature and/or patient records (after IRB
approval) in the area of clinical anesthesia or applied
physiology. The results and analysis will be summarized and
presented in a poster format. Students will be required to
present their poster at a professional meeting. Enrollment is
limited to students in the biology MS – Certified Registered
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program. Prerequisite: BIO 718, 719.
Offered Summer Session.
BIO/MIC 721 Cr. 1-2
Directed Studies
Directed readings or presentation of material not available
in formal departmental courses. Repeatable for credit — maximum
4 between BIO and MIC.
BIO 725 Cr. 1-3
Forum in Biology
An in-depth examination of selected topics in biology through
critical analysis of the primary literature. Participants will
be required to read and discuss the experimental design,
methods, results and major conclusions of scientific research.
Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. Variable offerings - check
registration schedules.
BIO 726 Cr. 1-3
Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Biology
Development of accessory research skills in specialized areas
of biology. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. Variable
offerings - check registration schedules.
BIO 732 Cr. 2
Effective Teaching Strategies for Graduate Teaching Assistants
in the Science Laboratory
This course aims to improve proficiency of graduate teaching
assistants in the science laboratory. Topics covered may
include, but are not limited to, student learning styles,
lecture and question techniques, design of assessment tools,
portfolio development, and grading techniques. Offered
Fall.
BIO/MIC 751 Cr. 1
Graduate Seminar
Reading, oral reports, and discussion on selected topics in
biology. Repeatable for credit — maximum 2.
BIO 761 Cr. 2
Research and Seminar in Biology
Principles of research in Biology. As part of the
requirements for this course and for the degree, each student
must complete an acceptable seminar paper unless pursuing Plan A
and writing a master’s thesis.
BIO 779 Cr. 1-2
Biology Laboratory Assistant
Allows graduate students to gain experience in assisting with
preparation and teaching 300 and 400 level laboratory-based
courses in conjunction with the regular instructor. Students
will be expected to assist in preparation of course materials,
demonstrate proper techniques, and evaluate students’
performance. Lab. 2-6. Prerequisite: Instructor consent;
Graduate standing; Not applicable to assisting in 100 or 200
level courses.
BIO 799 Cr. 1-9
Research: Master’s Thesis
Independent research on a problem selected for a thesis under
the direction of an assigned staff member. For students
following Plan A. Repeatable for credit — maximum 15. Maximum of
six credits applicable to the M.S. - Biology degree.