Catalog 2011 - 2012

400

BIO 400 Evolution

A study of the scientific foundations of evolutionary theory and the mechanisms responsible for evolutionary change. Topics covered include a historical perspective of evolution, origin of life, natural selection and adaptation, levels of selection, fitness concepts, speciation, Darwinian evolution and punctuated equilibria, extinction, the fossil record, life history evolution and human evolution. Lecture only.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 410 Senior Seminar

An in-depth study of a current topic in biology. Requires independent study project and presentation.

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisites

Senior standing in biology or marine science.

BIO 440 Selected Topics in Biology

Students select a topic of interest in biology and explore the subject thoroughly through independent library research. A formal paper with an extensive literature review is presented to a committee of the biology faculty. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of BIO 410.

Credit Hours: 2
(W)

Prerequisites

At least 16 credit hours in biology, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the major and faculty consent.

BIO 450 Biological Research

Problems must be selected in consultation with the department chair and the professor in charge of the project. Requires a minimum of two hours each week for each credit attempted, a research paper and oral presentation of topic.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

At least 16 credit hours in biology, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major and consent of department chair.

BIO 480 Biology Laboratory Practicum

Through direct involvement both in and out of the classroom students gain practical knowledge of instruction in a college biology laboratory. Under the supervision of faculty, students are involved in the aspects pertaining to teaching a semester's biology laboratory. This may include but is not limited to presenting introductory material, aiding students during laboratories, development and critique of evaluation component(s), and laboratory preparation and maintenance. Counts as general elective only.

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor.

BIO 490 Biological Internship

Provides practical experience in science-related programs in a firm or agency under the supervision of faculty and firm representatives. Can be accomplished on a part-time or full-time basis. Graded on a pass-fail basis. Counts as a general elective only.

Credit Hours: 1-8

Prerequisites

BIO 203 and 204, 56 credit hours, minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major or approval of the department. Note: Prerequisite courses may be specified by the employer.

BIO 495 Special Topics

A lecture or laboratory course offered at the discretion of the Department of Biology. Subject may focus on a current issue in biology, training in a specific research technique, or an area of biology that is of interest to a particular group of students.

Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor.