Professor Jorgensen; Associate Professors Cawley, Crozier, Pysh, Ramesh; Assistant Professors Collins, Lassiter, Poli, Powers; Visiting Assistant Professors O’Neill, Watkinson; Teaching Associates Bosch, Thibodeaux
The Biology Department offers both the B.S. and B.A. degrees.
Students seeking the B.S. degree are required to complete eight and one-half units of Biology coursework: Biology 120, 125, 455 (one-half unit), and six upper division courses (200-level or above) with at least one of the six chosen from each of the four Biology Department curricular core areas: 1) Molecular Biology & Genetics, 2) Cell Biology & Microbiology, 3) Integrative Biology, and 4) Ecology & Evolution (see below). Additionally, B.S. degree candidates must complete Chemistry 222 (Chemistry 111, 112 and 221 are prerequisites), two units of Physics (103/104 or 201/202), and two units of Mathematics/ Statistics (Statistics 101 or INQ 240 and Mathematics 112 or higher; the Mathematics 121/122 sequence is recommended).
Students seeking the B.A. degree must complete seven and one-half units of Biology coursework: Biology 120, 125, 455 (one-half unit), and five upper division courses (with at least one course chosen from each of the four Biology Department curricular core areas – see below). Additionally, B.A. degree candidates must complete Chemistry 112 (Chemistry 111 is prerequisite), one unit of Physics with laboratory (Physics 101 or the equivalent or 103 or higher), and two units of Mathematics/Statistics (Statistics 101 or INQ-240 and Mathematics 112 or higher).
Biology Core Areas
Core area requirements are intended to ensure students’ broad exposure to key areas of modern biology, while allowing significant choice in tailoring their course-of-study to interest and preparation for post-graduate study or work. Students are encouraged to consult Biology Department faculty in determining their course choices and should plan their schedules carefully, paying attention to prerequisite requirements and frequency of course offerings. Please note that most upper division Biology courses are offered on a rotating basis.
The upper-division course component of a student’s program of study (six for the B.S. degree; five for the B.A. degree) must satisfy the following requirements:
a. For either the B.S. or B.A. degree, at least one of these courses must be chosen from each of the four curricular core areas: Genetics & Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Microbiology, Integrative Biology, and Ecology & Evolution.
b. The remaining two upper-level courses for the B.S. degree (one for the B.A. degree) may come from any of the four core areas.
c. At least four of the six for the B.S. degree (three of five for the B.A. degree) must be laboratory courses.
d. Students seeking either degree must have at least two, 200-level laboratory courses.
e. At least three of the six for the B.S. degree (two of five for the B.A. degree) must be at the 300-level or higher.
f. Courses cross-listed in more than one core area may not be used to satisfy the requirement for more than one core area.
g. Independent Study courses (BIOL 350, 355, 460, 470, 495, 496, 497) and Internship (BIOL 450) are taken in addition to major requirements and may not be counted as part of the upper division course requirement for either the B.S. or B.A. degree.
Core areas and distributions:
A. Molecular Biology & Genetics
BIOL 210 – Cell Biology
BIOL 315 – Genetics
BIOL 345 – Special Topics
BIOL 346 – Special Topics
BIOL 365 – Plant Anatomy & Physiology
BIOL 380 – Advanced Genetics
BIOL 400 – Molecular Biology
B. Cell Biology
BIOL 210 – Cell Biology
BIOL 290 – Principles of Physiology
BIOL 345 – Special Topics
BIOL 346 – Special Topics
BIOL 375 – Comparative Animal Physiology
BIOL 390 – Advanced Cell Biology
BIOL 420 – Developmental Biology
BIOL 430 – Immunology
C. Integrative Biology
BIOL 235 – Microbiology
BIOL 240 – Algae & Fungi
BIOL 265 – Plant Kingdom
BIOL 270 – Invertebrate Biology
BIOL 280 – Animal Biology
BIOL 275 – Vertebrate Biology
BIOL 345 – Special Topics
BIOL 346 – Special Topics
BIOL 365 – Plant Anatomy & Physiology
BIOL 375 – Comparative Animal Physiology
D. Ecology & Evolution
BIOL 205 – General Ecology
BIOL 300 – Aquatic Ecology
BIOL 345 – Special Topics
BIOL 346 – Special Topics
BIOL 360 – Terrestrial Ecology
Biology 345 (Special Topics) can be applied to fulfill core area requirements depending upon the specific nature of a particular course and at the discretion of the Department.
Minor In Biology
A minor in Biology requires six units of Biology coursework: Biology 120 and 125 (Biology 101 or the equivalent may be substituted for one of these with Departmental permission) and four additional courses chosen from at least two of the Biology core areas (listed previously). No more than one unit of Independent Study or Internship may be counted. Courses not listed in the Biology core areas require Departmental approval to be counted toward the minor.
101 Life on Planet Earth
Please see description under INQ 250. The Intellectual Inquiry Curriculum was implemented beginning fall term, 2009. Students who completed this course in an earlier term should refer to the 2007-2009 academic catalog for the course description.
120 Principles of Biology
An overview of biological science, focusing on the central role of genetics and its connections to the other major areas of study within biology. The first course in a two-semester introductory sequence for biology majors. (Students intending to major in biology or biochemistry should enroll in this course the Fall semester of their freshman year.) (1)
Lecture: 3hrs/wk; Laboratory: 3hrs/wk.
125 Biodiversity
An overview of ecology, evolution, and organismal diversity, focusing on the variety of organisms present on our planet and the interactions between these organisms and their environments. The second course in a two-semester introductory sequence for biology majors. (Students intending to major in biology should enroll in this course the Spring semester of their freshman year. Prospective biology majors should enroll in Biology 120 before enrolling in Biology 125.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 120 or permission.
205 General Ecology
A study of the interrelationships between organisms and the environment. Emphasis will focus on the physical and biological factors that influence ecosystem functions and the detrimental effects that occur from environment disturbances. (1)
Lecture: 3hrs/wk; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 125.
210 Cell Biology
A study of the fundamental processes that occur within eukaryotic cells, focusing on the structures and functions of the organelles, the cell cycle, and cell signaling. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 120 and Chemistry 112 or permission.
230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Structure and function of the human body at the cell and organ system levels, covering general cell structure and function, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. (This class has a strictly enforced registration restriction with preference given to declared Health and Human Performance majors; this course is an elective for Biology majors.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 101 or the equivalent or 120.
235 General Microbiology
The morphology, taxonomy, ecology, and economic importance of representative microorganisms, with emphasis on bacteria. Human health issues such as sexually transmitted diseases and food safety, and plant health issues will be covered. Microbiological aspects of water and soil will also be examined. Emphasis in the laboratory will be placed on proper application of microbiological techniques. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 120.
240 Algae and Fungi
Morphology, physiology, and ecology of these organisms will be emphasized including field trips to study them in their natural habitats. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 125 or permission.
260 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Structure and function of the human body at the cell and organ system levels, covering the endocrine, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and reproductive systems. (1) (May be used as one of the two upper-level biology electives for the B.S. degree – see Biology core areas section.)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 230
265 The Plant Kingdom
The evolutionary relationships, life histories, and field studies of mosses, ferns, and vascular plants. Field trips to identify and study local spring wildflowers during the second half of the course. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 125 or permission.
270 Invertebrate Biology
A study of the invertebrate animals including phylogenetic relationships among the taxa and focusing on the physiology, embryology, ecology, and behavior of representative forms. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 125 or permission.
275 Vertebrate Biology
Identification, morphology, phylogeny, zoogeography, ecological physiology, and behavior of vertebrates. (1)
Lecture 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 125 or permission.
280 Animal Biology
A study of the Kingdom Animalia, focusing on phylogeny, taxonomy and structure/function of representative animal types. (1)
Lecture: 3hrs/wk; Laboratory: 3hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 120 & 125 or permission.
290 Principles of Physiology
A study of physiological principles in animals. Particular emphasis will be placed on a consideration of how function at the cellular level is integrated through the organ system levels in a variety of vertebrate animal types, with mammals serving as an important example. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Lab: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: BIOL 210.
300 Aquatic Ecology
Synthesis of biological, chemical, and physical factors and processes in streams and lakes. Field work and laboratory analyses of samples collected. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: One 200-level Biology course.
315 Genetics
A study of the principles of Mendelian, population, and molecular genetics. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk; Laboratory 3hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: One 200-level Biology course and Chemistry 112.
320 Animal Behavior
The behavior of representative animals with emphasis on the evolution, adaptive significance, and causation of behavior patterns. The laboratory will emphasize the study of animals in their natural habitats. (Occasionally, early morning or afternoon Saturday field trips will be required.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 210.
345 Special Topics in Biology
Study of a special topic in biology not regularly offered. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Department permission.
346 Special Topics in Biology
A study of a special topic in biology not regularly offered. This course has a required laboratory component. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk; Laboratory: 3hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Department permission.
350 Student Research
Problems chosen and carried out under the direction of a member of the departmental staff. (1)
Prerequisite: Permission.
Open to majors and minors with permission of the Department.
355 Student Research
Problems chosen and carried out under the direction of a member of the departmental staff. (1/2)
Prerequisite: Permission.
Open to majors and minors with permission of the Department.
360 Terrestrial Ecology
Plant and animal communities in selected habitats, and the environmental factors important in community formation. (Occasionally, early morning or afternoon Saturday field trips will be required.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: One 200-level Biology course.
365 Plant Anatomy and Physiology
Cellular, tissue, and organ anatomy of conifers and flowering plants will be studied in detail leading to advanced work in tissue culture, hormonal and light influenced growth responses. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 210 or 215.
375 Comparative Animal Physiology
A study of function at the organ system and cellular levels in a variety of animal forms. Emphasis will be placed on comparing how different animals solve similar physiological problems with particular reference to physiological adaptation to different habitats. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 290.
380 Advanced Genetics
A study of the eukaryotic genome with particular reference to chromosome structure and function. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 315.
390 Advanced Cell Biology
The genetics, biochemistry and physiology of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells at the molecular level. Topics include control of gene expression, protein synthesis, signal transduction and membrane physiology. The laboratory makes extensive use of current techniques in cellular and molecular biology, and places emphasis on student-designed experiments. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 210 and Chemistry 221.
400 Molecular Biology
A detailed analysis of information flow from DNA to RNA to protein, with emphasis on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 210 or 215 and Biology 390.
420 Developmental Biology
An examination of embryonic development at the molecular and cellular levels. Topics will include genetic control of developmental processes, cell-cell signaling, and the molecular basis of differentiation and pattern formation. Examples from vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant systems will be used. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 210 or 215.
430 Immunology
An advanced course for students with a strong background in cell biology. Principles of vertebrate immune systems with emphasis on the cellular and molecular basis of immune responses. Regular readings will be assigned from the current primary scientific literature. Includes topics required for NAACLS transcripts acceptance. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 210.
450 Internship
Work experience in a field of professional biology under the guidance of a member of the biology faculty. (May not be counted as one of the required courses for the Biology major.) (1)
Prerequisite: One 200-level Biology course and permission.
455 Seminar
A semester-long inquiry into a specialized topic in one of six general areas: Cell Biology, Genetics, Animal Biology, Plant Biology, Evolution, or Ecology. Using the primary literature principally, students will summarize the current knowledge in an area through both oral, poster, and written presentations. Special emphasis will be placed on analysis of the application of specific techniques and methodologies in contemporary biological investigations. (1/2)
Lecture: 11/2 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing.
460 Senior Research
Problems chosen and carried out under the direction of a member of the departmental faculty. (Open to BS majors with permission of the Department; must be followed by Biology 470, Senior Thesis.) (1)
Prerequisites: Senior Standing.
470 Senior Thesis
Preparation of a written summary of a senior research project carried out under the supervision of a Department faculty member. An oral presentation will be required. (1)
Prerequisite: Senior Standing.
495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance. Prerequisite: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major, a student, in his/her senior year or in the Summer prior to the senior year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and department. A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. 495 Honors Project is prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. (1/2, 1, 1/2)
Prerequisite: Senior Standing.