Catalog 2013-2014

BIO - Biology

BIO 112 Environmental Science

An interdisciplinary study concerned with the historical, ecological, social, political and economic ramifications of the global environmental crisis. Addresses issues such as demographics, energy, pollution, natural resources and environmental policy. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Credit Hours: 3
(IG)

BIO 124 Biological Science

This course is a survey of topics in biological sciences for students not majoring in biological or chemical sciences. It is structured in a lecture/discussion format to allow flexibility in pursuit of contemporary topics in biology. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Credit Hours: 3

BIO 132 Biogeography and Biomes

Explores the question, "How did species of plants and animals end up where they are?" The course focuses on the ways that millions of years of geological, oceanographic and climatic processes have directed the evolution of the earth's inhabitants. Topics include the general features of the earth's major biomes, the unique biotic features of the earth's major geographic regions, and the ways in which the study of biogeography has played an important role in the history of science. This course also examines the ways that our own species has been affected by, and continues to influence, the distribution of the planet's species. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Credit Hours: 3
(IG)

BIO 135 Biodiversity Conservation

Explores topics such as the value of biological diversity, threats to biodiversity, strategies employed to protect endangered species and habitats, and sustainable development. How the process of science is applied to the conservation of endangered species and habitats is the central theme of the course. Case studies focus on regions of the planet that have been designated as biodiversity hotspots. Satisfies a portion of the natural science component of the baccalaureate experience requirements but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Credit Hours: 3
(IG)

BIO 137 Sustainability in Cities

An experiential learning course focused on sustainability issues and solutions in urban areas around the world. Main topics include water, waste, energy, transportation and food. Includes cross-cultural comparison of lifestyles and resource usage, and site visits to relevant local facilities are included. Satisfies general distribution requirements. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Credit Hours: 3
(IG)

BIO 183 Microbiology for the Allied Health Sciences

Focuses on diseases and the organisms that cause them. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsia and disease-causing protozoan. Additionally, the course focuses on infectious disease caused by medical and surgical practices and accidental injuries. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites

CHE 150 or equivalent.

BIO 203 Biological Diversity

Examines the diversity of life through investigations of the taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution of all major prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. Basic ecological and evolutionary theory are focal points of the course as these represent the mechanisms through which biological diversity arises. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward biology lower-core requirements. 

Credit Hours: 4

BIO 203L Biological Diversity Laboratory

Examines the diversity of life through investigations of the taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution of all major prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. Basic ecological and evolutionary theory are focal points of the course as these represent the mechanisms through which biological diversity arises.

Credit Hours: 0

BIO 204 Biological Unity

A study of cellular biology, emphasizing cell structure, metabolism, control mechanisms and genetic systems of plants and animals. Must be completed with a grade of "C" or better to count toward biology lower-core requirements.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Pre- or corequisites: CHE 152 and CHE 153L

BIO 204L Biological Unity Laboratory

A study of cellular biology, emphasizing cell structure, metabolism, control mechanisms and genetic systems of plants and animals.

 

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Pre- or corequisites: CHE 152 and CHE 153L

BIO 205 Tropical Biology and Conservation

This course is intended for students interested in the natural history, biology, and ecology of the tropics, the most biologically diverse region of the world.  Students will study evolutionary, ecological, and other biological principles of tropical ecosystems and the natural history of the organisms that live there.  We will examine conservation programs, sustainable development practices, and the widespread impact of this region of the globe.  The course culminates in a two-week long travel experience where students will visit such places as lowland tropical rain forests, high elevation tropical cloud forests, coastal ecosystems, primary and secondary forests, and more.   In the field, students will conduct brief research programs designed to illustrate the possibilities of careers working in the tropics over a broad range of possible biological specialties ranging from working in tropical biodiversity, evolution, and sustainability to such diverse topics as agriculture and medicine.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and permission of the instructor

BIO 212 Ecology

Examines relationships between species and their environment. Students explore the contributions of abiotic and biotic factors to limitations in numbers and distributions of organisms. A strong emphasis is placed upon classical ecological issues such as production dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and competition and life history strategies in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 212L Ecology Laboratory

Examines relationships between species and their environment. Students explore the contributions of abiotic and biotic factors to limitations in numbers and distributions of organisms. A strong emphasis is placed upon classical ecological issues such as production dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and competition and life history strategies in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 224 Invertebrate Zoology

A study of the structure, physiology, life histories and group relationships of invertebrate animals.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 224L Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory

A study of the structure, physiology, life histories and group relationships of invertebrate animals.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 225 Vertebrate Zoology

A study of the structure, ecology, behavior and taxonomy of the major vertebrate classes.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 225L Vertebrate Zoology Laboratory

A study of the structure, ecology, behavior and taxonomy of the major vertebrate classes.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 227 Ecosystems and Ecophysiology

A study of the interaction between organisms and their environment with a focus on stress physiology. Covers detailed measurement of environmental parameters impacting animal metabolism and primary production. Focuses on the adaptive and acclimative mechanisms in animals, plants and symbiotic relationships in coping with environmental stresses. Major topics include osmoregulation, metabolism, circulation, excretion, hormonal controls, coping with extremes in salinity, heat and oxygen, radiation, temperature, water relations, stomatal mechanics, evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, respiration, greenhouse effect and drought. The emphasis of the laboratory is on research exploring the adaptive and acclimative strategies employed by organisms under stress.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 227L Ecosystems and Ecophysiology Laboratory

A study of the interaction between organisms and their environment with a focus on stress physiology. Covers detailed measurement of environmental parameters impacting animal metabolism and primary production. Focuses on the adaptive and acclimative mechanisms in animals, plants and symbiotic relationships in coping with environmental stresses. Major topics include osmoregulation, metabolism, circulation, excretion, hormonal controls, coping with extremes in salinity, heat and oxygen, radiation, temperature, water relations, stomatal mechanics, evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, respiration, greenhouse effect and drought. The emphasis of the laboratory is on research exploring the adaptive and acclimative strategies employed by organisms under stress.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 228 Biology of Plants

Studies the morphology, anatomy and physiology of vascular plants, with emphasis on plants and their role in human society. Additional emphases are placed upon plants' reproduction, response to environmental change, ethnobotany, medicinal botany and the development and uses of plants in ancient and modern human societies.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 228L Biology of Plants Laboratory

Studies the morphology, anatomy and physiology of vascular plants, with emphasis on plants and their role in human society. Additional emphases are placed upon plants’ reproduction, response to environmental change, ethnobotany, medicinal botany and the development and uses of plants in ancient and modern human societies.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 230 Experimental Design and Biostatistics

Investigates the use of statistical methodology to evaluate biological hypotheses. Topics include basic experimental design, descriptive statistics, and scientific inference and hypothesis testing using statistical tests such as analysis of variance, correlation, regression, contingency tables and nonparametric equivalents. Example data sets drawn from ecology, general biology and biomedical sciences are used to explore concepts. Class time is broken into lecture and laboratory components.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 235 Geographic Information Systems

Teaches students the applications of geographic information systems technology to a variety of biological issues including delimiting species and habitat distribution, identifying landscape-level relationships between abiotic and biotic factors and their spatial effects on populations; identifying potential effects of human activity on natural areas and populations; and developing management and regulatory policies including defining potential protected areas.

Credit Hours: 4

BIO 242 Environmental Science and Policy

Covers many of the most threatening environmental problems facing society. When possible, these issues are discussed at local, national and global levels to demonstrate how policy and cultural differences impact the various threats to the environment and to the human population. Environmental threats are discussed both in the context of their impact on natural ecosystems and their potential threat to human health and economic growth.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (IG)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 242L Environmental Science and Policy Discussion

Covers many of the most threatening environmental problems facing society. When possible, these issues are discussed at local, national and global levels to demonstrate how policy and cultural differences impact the various threats to the environment and to the human population. Environmental threats are discussed both in the context of their impact on natural ecosystems and their potential threat to human health and economic growth.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 250 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

Examines vertebrate evolution through a detailed study of the systems of the vertebrates.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 250L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory

Examines vertebrate evolution through a detailed study of the systems of the vertebrates.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 300 General Genetics

A detailed survey of Mendelian, molecular and evolutionary genetics. Topics covered include mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, recombination, linkage, mapping, gene expression and regulation, mutation, DNA damage and repair, DNA technologies, population and quantitative genetics.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 300L General Genetics Laboratory

A detailed survey of Mendelian, molecular and evolutionary genetics. Topics covered include mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, recombination, linkage, mapping, gene expression and regulation, mutation, DNA damage and repair, DNA technologies, population and quantitative genetics.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 302 Clinical Anatomy

This course examines the relationship between anatomy and the clinical reasoning skills used in medical diagnostics. The course relies on anatomical knowledge gleaned from dissections of model organisms as well as human prosections. This course is intended for advanced undergraduates with intentions of pursuing a career in the health professions.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 250

BIO 302L Clinical Anatomy Laboratory

This course examines the relationship between anatomy and the clinical reasoning skills used in medical diagnostics. The course relies on anatomical knowledge gleaned from dissections of model organisms as well as human prosections. This course is intended for advanced undergraduates with intentions of pursuing a career in the health professions.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 250

BIO 307 Microbiology

A study of the structure, function and taxonomy of microorganisms, and their interactions with humans and their environment.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 307L Microbiology Laboratory

A study of the structure, function and taxonomy of microorganisms, and their interactions with humans and their environment.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 310 Developmental Biology

A study of the developmental process in animals with emphases on cellular mechanisms, controlling development and morphology of embryos.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum; BIO 250 recommended.

BIO 310L Developmental Biology Laboratory

A study of the developmental process in animals with emphases on cellular mechanisms, controlling development and morphology of embryos.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum; BIO 250 recommended

BIO 315 Virology

This course will introduce concepts in modern virology, with an emphasis on virus genetics, replication strategies, host-virus interactions, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention and control of virus infections.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 315L Virology Laboratory

This course will focus on laboratory techniques and methodology used in modern virology, with an emphasis on virus isolation, characterization, and cellular interactions.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 317 Parasitology

A study of the major groups of parasites, emphasizing those affecting humans and domesticated animals. Examines the morphology, life history, ecology and pathogenicity of each parasite.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 317L Parasitology Laboratory

A study of the major groups of parasites, emphasizing those affecting humans and domesticated animals. Examines the morphology, life history, ecology and pathogenicity of each parasite.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 320 Molecular Genetics

This course addresses the major concepts in the field of genetics with an emphasis on the molecular basis of genetics. Major topics include DNA and protein chemistry, prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication, transcription, translation and gene regulation, protein trafficking, pedigree analysis, DNA technologies, DNA damage and repair, recombination, transposable elements, genomics, chromosome structure, transgenic organisms and current advances in molecular genetics.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 320L Molecular Genetics Laboratory

This course addresses the major concepts in the field of genetics with an emphasis on the molecular basis of genetics. Major topics include DNA and protein chemistry, prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication, transcription, translation and gene regulation, protein trafficking, pedigree analysis, DNA technologies, DNA damage and repair, recombination, transposable elements, genomics, chromosome structure, transgenic organisms and current advances in molecular genetics.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 330 General Physiology

A study of the major physiological systems of animals from a comparative perspective. Covers functional anatomy, homeostasis, evolutionary relationships, neurophysiology, dynamics of muscle contraction, endocrinology, cardiovascular physiology and environmental physiology.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 330L General Physiology Laboratory

A study of the major physiological systems of animals from a comparative perspective. Covers functional anatomy, homeostasis, evolutionary relationships, neurophysiology, dynamics of muscle contraction, endocrinology, cardiovascular physiology and environmental physiology.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 340 Ichthyology

Examines the relationship between the unifying biological principles of evolutionary adaptation and the diversity of form and function found among fishes. The course considers the physical and biological selective pressures this group of vertebrates has faced during its evolutionary history and the morphological, physiological, developmental and behavioral adaptations that have arisen in response to these ecological factors. How fishes function in marine and freshwater ecosystems and the management actions being taken to conserve them as natural resources are examined.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 225 or 250.

BIO 340L Ichthyology Laboratory

Examines the relationship between the unifying biological principles of evolutionary adaptation and the diversity of form and function found among fishes. The course considers the physical and biological selective pressures this group of vertebrates has faced during its evolutionary history and the morphological, physiological, developmental and behavioral adaptations that have arisen in response to these ecological factors. How fishes function in marine and freshwater ecosystems and the management actions being taken to conserve them as natural resources are examined.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 225 or BIO 250

BIO 346 Conservation Biology

A study of the biological and human factors relating to the current global extinction crisis and how conservation practices are used to evaluate and preserve threatened species and habitats. Emphases are placed upon how issues in ecology, population, biology and taxonomy affect the status of a species, and how these issues relate to policy and management decisions. Materials covered are connected to current literature in weekly discussion periods.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 212 or MAR 222.

BIO 346L Conservation Biology Discussion

A study of the biological and human factors relating to the current global extinction crisis and how conservation practices are used to evaluate and preserve threatened species and habitats. Emphases are placed upon how issues in ecology, population, biology and taxonomy affect the status of a species, and how these issues relate to policy and management decisions. Materials covered are connected to current literature in weekly discussion periods. This course may be used as an elective for biology and marine science-biology majors, and is a required course for a major and minor in environmental science.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 212 or MAR 222

BIO 349 Water, Wetlands and Wildlife

This lecture course covers the struggle between rapid human population growth, the availability of clean water, and the health of aquatic and wetland systems and the wildlife within. Covers a broad range of topics from three major themes: 1) water resource use and water pollution impacts and policy; 2) wetlands biology, impacts, legislation, jurisdictional determination and policy; and 3) the biology, impacts, assessment and conservation of aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife. International case studies will augment a focus on water issues in the U.S.

Credit Hours: 4
(IG)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 350 Cell Biology

A study of general cellular organization, the physico-chemical aspects of living systems, cell energetics, cell membrane systems, signal transduction and second messenger systems, membrane phenomenon and cell cycle.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and CHE 232.

BIO 350L Cell Biology Laboratory

A study of general cellular organization, the physico-chemical aspects of living systems, cell energetics, cell membrane systems, signal transduction and second messenger systems, membrane phenomenon and cell cycle.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and CHE 232

BIO 360 Immunology

A study of the fundamental concepts of immunology, including the essentials of immunological expression, cellular and humoral immunity, immunity and disease, auto-immunity, and developmental and comparative immunology, focusing on landmark experiments that underlie its theoretical framework.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and CHE 232; BIO 307 is recommended.

BIO 360L Immunology Laboratory

A study of the fundamental concepts of immunology, including the essentials of immunological expression, cellular and humoral immunity, immunity and disease, auto-immunity, and developmental and comparative immunology, focusing on landmark experiments that underlie its theoretical framework.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and CHE 232; BIO 307 is recommended

BIO 370 Molecular Biology

Provides a background in molecular biology with a focus on the regulation of gene expression and the experimental approaches used to study this regulation. Topics include DNA replication, transcription, translation and the mechanisms that regulate these processes. Cancer genetics and mammalian coat color genetics also are discussed as models for gene regulation. The laboratory portion of the course provides experiential learning of some of the laboratory techniques discussed in lecture. Topics covered in the laboratory include DNA extraction, PCR cloning of a gene, gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing, and analysis using bioinformatics.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 370L Molecular Biology Laboratory

Provides a background in molecular biology with a focus on the regulation of gene expression and the experimental approaches used to study this regulation. Topics include DNA replication, transcription, translation and the mechanisms that regulate these processes. Cancer genetics and mammalian coat color genetics also are discussed as models for gene regulation. The laboratory portion of the course provides experiential learning of some of the laboratory techniques discussed in lecture. Topics covered in the laboratory include DNA extraction, PCR cloning of a gene, gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing, and analysis using bioinformatics.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

BIO 380 Behavioral Biology

Course focuses on historical knowledge and recent advances concerning the evolution and adaptive significance of behavior from a comparative point of view. Topics include the genetic basis of behavior, the nervous system and integration of behavior, and social behavior, including mating and reproduction, predator-prey relationships and the biological bases of aggression, territoriality and communication.  Students will develop their communication skills as part of the writing-intensive requirement, learning about discipline-specific writing and research processes that engage course topics through formal and informal writing assignments, with opportunities for in-class discussion of the material, through student-led formal discussions and professor-led informal discussions.
Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum or equivalent

BIO 380L Behavioral Biology Discussion

Course focuses on historical knowledge and recent advances concerning the evolution and adaptive significance of behavior from a comparative point of view. Topics include the genetic basis of behavior, the nervous system and integration of behavior, and social behavior, including mating and reproduction, predator-prey relationships, and the biological bases of aggression, territoriality and communication.  Students will develop their communication skills as part of the writing-intensive requirement, learning about discipline-specific writing and research processes that engage course topics through formal and informal writing assignments, with opportunities for in-class discussion of the material, through student-led formal discussions and professor-led informal discussions.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum or equivalent

BIO 390 Essentials of Electron Microscopy

Introduces the techniques used in preparation and viewing of biological specimens on the scanning and transmission electron microscopes.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and consent of instructor.

BIO 390L Essentials of Electron Laboratory

Introduces the techniques used in preparation and viewing of biological specimens on the scanning and transmission electron microscopes.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and consent of instructor

BIO 392 Natural Environments of Southern Africa

The natural history and ecology of southern Africa, including studies of the arid environments of the Namib, the fynbos and karoo, mopane woodlands and the conservation practices to protect unique plant and animal assemblages. Requires the ability to take a three-week field trip to southern Africa in the weeks following the end of the semester.

Credit Hours: 4
(IG) (NW)

Prerequisites

biology lower core curriculum and consent of instructor.

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 405 Human Evolution

A study of the evolution of humans, beginning with the origin of primates. Course includes emphases on evolutionary phenomena, morphological and molecular evolution, extinct and modern human diversity, primate behavior, and human functional anatomy and paleontology.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum: BIO 225, BIO 250 or BIO 400 recommended

BIO 405L Human Evolution Laboratory

A study of the evolution of humans, beginning with the origin of primates. Course includes emphases on evolutionary phenomena, morphological and molecular evolution, extinct and modern human diversity, primate behavior and human functional anatomy and paleontology.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum; BIO 225, BIO 250, or BIO 400 recomended

BIO 408 Bioinformatics and Genomics

This course introduces fundamental concepts, algorithms, and methods in bioinformatics and genomics.  Topics include, but are not limited to: pairwise sequence alignment, multiple sequence alignment, biological database searching, phylogenetic analysis, protein structure prediction, genome annotation, and comparative genomics.  The course introduces the use of computer programming and various computational tools to analyze biological data.  Understanding of bioinformatics methods and the practical application of these methods are emphasized.  No prior programming experience is necessary.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and one of the following: BIO 300, BIO 320, BIO 370, or CHE 320

BIO 408L Bioinformatics and Genomics Laboratory

This course introduces fundamental concepts, algorithms and methods in bioinformatics and genomics.  Topics include, but are not limited to: pairwise sequence alignment, multiple sequence alignment, biological database searching, phylogenetic analysis, protein structure prediction, genome annotation and comparative genomics. The course introduces the use of computer programming and various computational tools to analyze biological data. Understanding of bioinformatics methods and the practical application of these methods are emphasized. No prior programming experience is necessary.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and one of the following: BIO 300, BIO 320, BIO 370 or CHE 320

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 directed literature-based research. Requires at least two hours each week for each credit attempted and a formal paper with extensive literature review. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of BIO 410. Counts as general elective credit only.

Credit Hours: 2-6
W

Prerequisites

At least 16 credit hours in biology, and faculty and department chair consent

BIO 445 Biological Research

Research questions must be selected with the professor in charge of the project with approval from the department chair. Requires at least two hours each week for each credit attempted. Counts as general elective credit only.
Credit Hours: 2-6

Prerequisites

At least 16 credit hours in biology, and faculty and department chair consent

BIO 450 Biological Research - Capstone

Research topics must be selected in consultation with the professor in charge of the project with approval from the department chair. Usually requires preliminary library or laboratory research prior to attempting a BIO 450 project (volunteer research, BIO 440 or BIO 445 recommended). Requires at least two hours each week for each credit attempted, a research paper and oral presentation of topic. Oral presentation of results may be used in place of BIO 410. Counts as general elective credit only.

Credit Hours: 2-6
W

Prerequisites

At least 16 credit hours in biology, and faculty and department chair consent

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 BIO 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.