BIOLOGY (BIO)

Biology (BIO)

College of Science and Allied Health

Department Chair: Mark Sandheinrich

3004 Cowley Hall, 608-785-8238

Professors: Brice, Gillis, Mowbray, Sandheinrich, Sutherland, Tyser, Volk; Associate Professors: Abler, M., Cooper, Gerber, Haro, Maher; Assistant Professors: Galbraith, Howard, Miskowski, Saros, Seebach; Lecturers: Hanmer, Hoar, Nontelle.

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Honors Program in Biology:

III. Evaluation

IV. Methods of Implementation

Note: Each student must have a minimum of three 400-level BIO credits (excluding BIO 450, 479, 489, 491, 492, and 499) to fulfill requirements of the major. BIO 492 may be taken in lieu of BIO 491 by Biology Honors Program students.

* A maximum of eight credits from BIO 303, 312, 313 can be applied to the major.

Biology Major

(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits, including BIO 103 or 105, 204, 210, 306, 307, 315, 491, and remaining electives from the following courses: *BIO 302, 303, 312, 313, 321, 337, 341, 404, 406, 408, 412, 413, 414, 417, 419, 422, 423, 424, 428, 429, 432, 433, 435, 436, 437, 439, 440, 442, 443, 447, 448, 449, 463, 464, 465, 466, and 492; MIC 230, 350, 406, 420, 421, 426, 427, 428, and 434. A maximum of two non-lab courses may be applied toward the biology major elective requirements, excluding BIO 499. Up to two credits of BIO 499 may be used as electives. Three semesters of chemistry, including organic CHM 300 (or 303, 304 and 305) and MTH 145 or 250 are required.

Biology Major:

Aquatic Science Concentration

(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits, including BIO 103 or 105, 204, 210, 306, 315, 341, 491;MIC 230. Remaining credits from the following electives: BIO 307, 405, 414, 419, 422, 423, 447, 448, 463, 464; MIC 434. Up to two credits of BIO 499 may count toward the major. A minimum of 20 chemistry credits is required, including CHM 103, 104, 301, 300 (or 303, 304 and 305). A minimum of 8 credits of mathematics including MTH 145 or 250 and 175 or 207 is also required. C-S 101 (or equivalent skills) is required.

Biology Major:

Biomedical Science Concentration

(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits, including BIO 103 or 105, 210, 306, 312, 313, 315, 491, and 408 or 424 or 465. Remaining credits from the following electives: BIO 204, 307, 406, 408, 413, 424, 428, 432, 433, 435, 436, 440, 443, 449, 463, 465, and 466; MIC 230, 406, 407, 420, and 421. Up to two elective credits from a combination of BIO 450, 479, 489 and 499 of which only BIO 499 can be taken for two credits. A minimum of 24 chemistry credits is required including CHM 103, 104, 300 (or 303, 304 and 305), 301, and 325 or (417 and 418). MTH 145 or 250 and C-S 101 (or equivalent skills) are also required.

Biology Major:

Cellular and Molecular Biology Concentration

(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits, including BIO 103 or 105, 204, 210, 306, 315, 435, 436, 491; MIC 230. Remaining credits from the following electives: *BIO 303, 307, 312, 313, 337, 406, 408, 412, 424, 428, 432, 433, 440, 443, 463, and 466; MIC 406, 420, 421, and 427. Up to two credits from BIO 450, 489, and 499 may count toward the major. A minimum of 24 chemistry credits is required including: CHM 103, 104, 301, 300 or (303, 304 and 305), 325 or (417 and 418). A minimum of four credits of mathematics is also required, including MTH 145 or 175 or 250 or 207. C-S 101 (or equivalent skills) is also required.

Biology Major:
Environmental Science Concentration

(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits, including BIO 103 or 105, 204, 210, 306, 307, 315, 419, 491. Remaining credits from the following electives: BIO 321, 337, 341, 404, 405, 412, 414, 422, 429, 440, 447, 448, 463, 464; MIC 230, 350, 434. Up to two credits of BIO 499 may count toward the major. Three semesters of chemistry, including CHM 103, 104 and 300 (or 303, 304 and 305) and eight credits of mathematics (MTH 175 or 207, 145 or 250) are required. A minimum of five-six credits of environmental science support courses is also required which include CHM 301, or GEO/ESC 250 and 481, or C-S 120 and MTH 305.

Biology Minor

(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 24 credits, including

BIO 103 or 105, 204, 210, and electives* in biology or microbiology including at least one course numbered 302 or above. (BIO 102, 106, 201, and MIC 100, 407, 416, 425 are not applicable as electives.) A maximum of two non-lab courses can be applied toward the biology minor elective requirement, excluding BIO 499.

Biology Major

(Teacher Certification programs) — 36 credits including BIO 103 or 105, 204, 210, 306, 307, 315, 491; MIC 230, and remaining electives from the following courses: *BIO 302, 303, 312, 313, 321, 337, 341, 404, 406, 408, 412, 413, 414, 417, 419, 422, 423, 424, 428, 429, 432, 433, 435, 436, 437, 439, 440, 442, 443, 447, 448, 449, 463, 464, 465 and 466; MIC 230, 350, 406, 420, 426, 427, 428, and 434. Up to two credits of BIO 499 may count toward the major. A maximum of two non-lab courses may be applied toward the biology major elective requirement, excluding BIO 499. In addition to this sequence, GEO 200 is a statutory requirement; C-I 381, an administrative code requirement; and three semesters of chemistry, including organic CHM 300 (or 303, 304 and 305), and MTH 145 or 250 are required. BIO 429 — Evolution — is strongly recommended.

Biology Minor

(Teacher certification programs) — 22 credits including BIO 103 or 105, 204, 210; MIC 230 or BIO 315, 306, 307. (BIO 102, 106, 201, and MIC 100, 407, 416, 425 are not applicable as electives.) A maximum of two non-lab courses can be applied toward the biology minor elective requirement, excluding BIO 499. In addition to the above sequence, GEO 200 and C-I 381 are required.

Broadfield Science Major

(Middle Level/Secondary Education). See description of this broadfield major on p. 71.

Dual Degree Program in Chiropractic

Students spend three years (94 credits) at UW-La Crosse completing General Education requirements, Palmer College Core Requirements, and many of the requirements for a B.S. in Biology (Biomedical Science Concentration), with a 3.0 average. These students are then admitted to Palmer College for three years of study, leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Upon completion of this degree, Palmer credits transfer back to UW-La Crosse as 36.3 semester credits to satisfy all requirements for a B.S. in Biology: Biomedical Science. In six years, successful students earn both a Bachelor of Science degree (from UW-La Crosse) and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. For complete degree requirements, see the pre-chiropractic adviser.

(See also Pigeon Lake Field Station for additional biology offerings, p. 27.)

The biology department incorporates a significant amount of writing throughout the required courses instead of identifying particular courses as writing emphasis courses. Students who complete the biology major, including any of the concentrations, will fulfill the university writing emphasis requirement.

+ above a course number indicates a

General Education course.

+

BIO 102 Cr. 3

Contemporary Issues in Biological Sciences

An intra-disciplinary approach to investigating current issues within the biological sciences. Specific topics under the general categories of health, medicine, environment, genetics, and industrial technology will be identified, described and characterized. The science underlying the issue will be explored and the potential impact (past and future) of applied scientific advances within the respective disciplines will be examined in depth. Not applicable to a major or minor in biology. Offered Sem. II.

+

BIO 103 Cr. 4

Introductory Biology

A survey of modern biology. Subjects discussed include ecology, cell biology and genetics. Themes developed through the course are the use of the scientific method and the relationships between society, technology and science. This course is designed as a general education course for non-science or non-allied health majors. Lect. 3, Lab 2.

Students cannot earn credit in both BIO 103

and 105.

+

BIO 105 Cr. 4

General Biology

An introduction to biology including topics in ecology, population biology, nutrient cycling, food webs, cell structure and function, metabolism, photosynthesis, reproduction, genetics, molecular biology and evolution. This course provides a strong foundation for further science courses, and is designed for science majors, allied health majors and students with an interest in science. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Students cannot earn credit in both

BIO 103 and 105.

BIO 106 Cr. 3

Nature Study

A study of the common plants and animals of the area. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Not applicable to a major or minor in biology. Offered occasionally.

+

BIO/PSY 107 Cr. 3

Brain Basics: Linking Society and Neuroscience

Students will be introduced to the field of neuroscience, including an examination of the cells that make the brain operate, how they operate together to form structures and systems, and how the operation of these systems relates to human behavior. The range of behaviors to be examined will include everyday learning and memory, sleeping and dreaming, as well as an exploration of the brain when abnormal behaviors occur. We will also investigate the impact that advances in the neurosciences have had on society in general. (Cross-listed with PSY; may only earn credit in BIO or PSY.) Not applicable to Biology major or minor. Offered Sem. II.

BIO 201 Cr. 4

Human Biology

Biological principles and concepts relevant to the human body, society and the environment. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105. Not applicable to a major or minor in biology. Offered occasionally.

BIO 204 Cr. 4

Plant Biology

An investigation of the general morphology and life patterns of plants, fungi, algae and bacteria — with emphasis on plants — and inquiry into their economic importance, ecology, evolution, growth and development. The importance of photosynthetic organisms will be a general theme throughout the course. Lect. 3, Lab. 2.

Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105.

BIO 210 Cr. 4

Animal Biology

A phylogenetic survey of the animal kingdom beginning with single-celled organisms and

ending with vertebrates. Innovation of form and function of each major taxonomic group will be discussed along with their ecology, natural history, distribution and relationship to humans. Lect. 3, Lab 2. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105.

BIO 302 Cr. 2

Introductory Plant Identification

Introduction to the identification of trees, shrubs, and other herbacious plants of both local native and cultivated species. Field trips required. Lect. 1, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 204. Offered Sem. I, odd years.

BIO 303 Cr. 4

Vertebrate Form and Function

Anatomy and physiology of the vertebrates with the rat as the basic study animal. Lect. 2, Lab. 4. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105.

BIO 306 Cr. 4

Genetics

A comprehensive study of the basic principles of heredity, including Mendelian and Molecular Genetics. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105 and a second biology course applicable to the major.

BIO 307 Cr. 3

Ecology

A study of interactions that determine the

distribution and abundance of living organisms. The basic principles of ecology are presented in order to develop an understanding of the nature of these interactions at the individual, population and community levels of biological organization. Prerequisite: BIO 204 and 210.

BIO 309/509 Cr. 3

Entomology

Morphology, physiology, classification, life histories, distribution, and economic importance of insects. Individual collections of local insects are required. Lect 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: BIO 210. Offered Sem. I. Offered occasionally.

BIO 312 Cr. 4

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

A comprehensive study of general physiological principles, membrane physiology, body fluid compartments, the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and the special senses. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105 and CHM 103.

BIO 313 Cr. 4

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

A comprehensive study of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, fluid/electrolyte balance, reproduction and the endocrine system. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 312.

BIO 315 Cr. 4

Cell Biology

A comprehensive overview of cell structure and function, including the nature of biomolecules, cellular metabolism and its regulation, the dynamics of membranes and the cytoskeleton, the execution and control of the cell cycle, cell interactions, and cell signaling. Lect.3, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105, one additional semester of biology, MTH 145 or 250, and a minimum of three semesters of chemistry through organic chemistry.

BIO 321 Cr. 3

Ornithology

Field identification and ecology of birds with emphasis on Wisconsin forms. Lect. 2, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 210 or 303. Offered occasionally.

BIO 337 Cr. 3

Plant Physiology

An introduction to plant water relations, mineral nutrition, respiration, photosynthesis, growth, and development with emphasis on the physiology of seed plants. Prerequisite: BIO 204. Offered Sem. II, even years.

BIO 341 Cr. 3

Limnology

This course includes fundamentals of aquatic ecology, with special reference to community ecology. Taxonomy, stratification and succession of organisms to be investigated. Energy traffic through aquatic ecosystems will also be investigated. Field trips required. Lect. 2, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105, one additional biology course, and one semester of chemistry. Offered Sem. I.

BIO 390 Cr. 2

Latin and Greek Roots in Scientific Terminology

Most scientific terminology comes to us as derived from Latin and Greek words. This course provides a solid background in scientific vocabulary by learning root words, prefixes and suffixes, as well as combinations of two or more root words and prefixes. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105. Does not apply toward biology major in any concentration. Offered Sem. II.

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 204. Offered Sem. II, 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 204. Offered Sem. I, even 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 210 or 303. Offered Sem. I.

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 210 or 303; BIO 306 or MIC 416; BIO 315 recommended. Offered Sem. I.

BIO 412/512 Cr. 4

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 204 or MIC 230. Both are strongly recommended. Offered Sem. I.

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 pathogenic fungi. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 412/512 or MIC 230. Offered Sem. II.

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 field trips will be required. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 210 or 341. Offered Sem. I.

BIO 417/517 Cr. 4

Animal Physiology

Consideration of how vertebrates solve physiological problems. Material covered includes: movement, information processing and sensory physiology, respiration, circulation of nutrients and oxygen, water and solute metabolism, thermoregulation, and chemical coordination. Lect. 3, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 303 or BIO 312-313. Offered Sem. II. Offered occasionally.

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 BIO 341. Offered Sem. I.

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 210 or 303. Offered Sem. I, alternate years.

BIO 423/523 Cr. 3

Fisheries Management

An introduction to the science of managing fish populations, fish communities, and anthropogenic impacts. The application and rationale of methods of manipulating fish populations will be investigated. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 307 or 341; BIO 422 strongly recommended. Offered occasionally.

BIO 424/524 Cr. 3

Endocrinology

A study of the anatomy and physiology of the glands comprising the endocrine system. Prerequisite: BIO 303 or BIO 312-313 or ESS 205-206.

BIO 428/528 Cr. 3

Animal Metabolism, Nutrition and Disease

An in-depth coverage of animal digestion, absorption and metabolism (biochemical pathways) of key nutrients, including protein, lipids, carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals. There will also be substantial consideration of energy balance, nutrient partitioning, life span dietary recommendations for humans, food nutrient content and the role of nutrient metabolism in disease. Prerequisite: BIO 313 or approval of instructor.

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 Sem. I.

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 Sem. II.

BIO 433/533 Cr. 3

Radiation Biology

Applications and effects of nuclear radiation on biological systems. Lect. 2, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or 105, one additional course in biology, and CHM 103. Offered Sem. II.

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. Prerequisite: BIO 306 and 315, or MIC 416, and three semesters of college chemistry including organic chemistry. Biochemistry strongly recommended. BIO 436 is an optional laboratory which can be taken concurrently. Offered Sem. I.

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. This lab is optional for those enrolled in BIO 435. Lab. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 435 must be taken concurrently. Offered Sem. I.

BIO 437/537 Cr. 3

Plant Growth and Development

Discussion of experiments and analysis of research data obtained from the living plant. Prerequisite: BIO 204 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

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 204 or an equivalent general botany course. Offered Sem. II, 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 are also 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. Prerequisite: BIO 306 or MIC 230 (BIO 435 or MIC 416 recommended). Lab 1. Lect. 2. Half-semester course (2 weeks in J-term). Cross-listed with MIC 440/540; may only earn credit in MIC or BIO. Offered Sem. II and J-term.

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. Prerequisite: BIO 204, MIC 313, plus either BIO 306 or MIC 416. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Offered Sem. II, even years.

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 Sem. II.

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 204 or 210 or 303, MIC 230, and three semesters of college chemistry. BIO 341 recommended. Offered Sem. II.

BIO 448/548 Cr. 4

Aquatic Toxicology

A study of the lethal and sublethal 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, and three semesters of college chemistry. BIO 341 recommended. Offered Sem. II, alternate years.

BIO 449/549 Cr. 3

Microtechnique and Electron Microscopy

Principles and techniques of specimen preparation and microscopy. Students develop proficiency in light microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope operation and learn how to prepare biological specimens for viewing and resulting photographs for presentation. Lect. 1, Lab. 4. Prerequisite: junior standing and BIO 315 or MIC 361. Offered Sem. I, alternate years.

BIO 450 Cr. 1-3

Internship in Biology

An academically relevant field experience in government, industry, business, or community agencies. Students must have their internships approved and be advised by the department. Students must be on their internship worksite during the semester for which they are registered for academic credit. Credits earned will count only toward university electives and not toward the completion of any major or minor unless listed. Repeatable for credit — maximum 8. Pass/Fail grading.

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, 210 or 303, and CHM 103; MIC 230 strongly recommended. Offered Sem. II, 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. Lect. 3. Prerequisite: BIO 341 or BIO 307.

Offered Sem. II.

BIO 465/565 Cr. 4

Neurophysiology

An examination of the workings of the brain beginning at the cellular level and working up to neuronal systems. Inquiry-based laboratory experiments will provide a foundation for discussion of neural development, the biological basis of learning and memory, and neurobiological bases of brain disease and dysfunction. Lect. 2, Lab. 4. Prerequisite: BIO 312. Offered Sem. II.

BIO 466/566 Cr. 3

Human 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. Prerequisite: BIO 306. Offered. Sem. I.

BIO 479 Cr. 1-2

Biology Laboratory Assistant

An opportunity to assist in the preparation and instruction of a biology laboratory. Students will be expected to assist in preparation of course materials, demonstrate proper techniques, and evaluate student performance. Lab. 2-6. Admission by instructor consent. Repeatable for credit — maximum 4. Pass/Fail grading.

BIO 489 Cr. 1

Independent Study in Biology

A directed reading project or job shadowing experience within the discipline but outside that offered through regularly scheduled courses. Under the direction of the supervising faculty member (and in coordination with mentoring professional for job shadowing experience). A written report is an expected outcome. Admission by instructor consent and department approval. Repeatable for credit — maximum 2.

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 491 Cr. 1

Capstone Seminar in Biology

A seminar-style course designed for students to review and discuss basic concepts necessary for a career in the biological sciences and to assess their major in biology. This course will cover basic concepts of resume and cover letter writing, quantitative skills, computer literacy and current topics in biology. Students are expected to actively participate in an assessment of their major, and participate in discussions on major issues and developments in the biological sciences. Students will present a seminar on a contemporary biological topic incorporating primary literature. Prerequisite: senior standing.

BIO 492 Cr. 1

Honors Capstone Seminar in Biology

A seminar-style course designed for students to review and discuss basic concepts necessary for a career in the biological sciences and to assess their major in biology. This course will cover basic concepts of resume and cover letter writing, quantitative skills, computer literacy and current topics in biology. Students are expected to actively participate in an assessment of their major, and participate in discussions on major issues and developments in the biological sciences. Students will present a seminar on a contemporary biological topic incorporating primary literature. Prerequisite: senior standing.

BIO 499 Cr. 1-3

Independent Research

Individual research projects. Open to advanced students. Prerequisite: four semesters of biology and the completion of a consent form signed by the project director. Students may enroll for 1-3 credits per semester for a maximum of 6 credits. A maximum of two credits can be applied to the major in biology.