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Biological Sciences

UW-PARKSIDE 2019-21 CATALOG
Greenquist 344 • 262-595-2744

College:
Natural and Health Sciences

Degrees and Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Science
Major - Biological Sciences
Major - Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
Minor - Biological Sciences
Minor - Biological Sciences for Elementary Teachers
Minor - Biological Sciences for Secondary Teachers

Student Organizations/Clubs:
Biology Club, Molecular Biology Club, Pre-Health Professions Club

Career Possibilities:
Health professional; research scientist; veterinary medicine; secondary school teacher; industrial research, development, quality control, product specialist; zoologist; botanist; ecologist; conservation biologist; naturalist.

Department Overview

Since the opening of the university in 1968, UW-Parkside’s Biological Sciences Department has developed and maintained a reputation for outstanding preparation for careers in life and health sciences. The department currently attracts many of the best students found on the campus and has one of the strongest pre-health programs in the state.

The instructional program emphasizes quality teaching, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology, and involvement of undergraduate students in research. The department has high-quality faculty, several of whom are nationally and internationally known. The faculty sees itself as an excellent example of the teacher-scholar model for a predominantly undergraduate institution. The department maintains active research facilities with modern instrumentation. In addition, the UW-Parkside campus, the Chiwaukee Prairie, Harris Tract, Ranger Mac’s Fen, Renak Polak Woods, Petrifying Springs, and Sanders Park provide field areas for environmental studies.

The biological sciences include many different aspects of biology such as botany, microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics and zoology. The undergraduate majors are based on core courses designed to convey a common body of concepts and skills essential to the training of biologists regardless of their ultimate specialization. This part of the program emphasizes the similarities and unifying ideas applicable to all living systems.

The department offers two majors. The biological sciences major is appropriate for students with a general interest in biology. The molecular biology and bioinformatics major is designed for students who wish to specialize in this rapidly growing field of biology. Both majors are appropriate for students preparing for the health professions; consult with the pre-health advisors for advice relating to your particular career goal.

Biological science majors interested in obtaining a minor in environmental studies should consult with the director of environmental studies.

The department supports several student organizations: Biology Club, Molecular Biology Club, and the Pre-Health Professions Club. These clubs promote learning and career preparation outside the formal classroom. Activities include field trips, guest lectures, mentoring, and social activities. See your academic advisor or contact the department office for information about how to become involved.

The biological sciences program offers many courses for other majors and/or programs such as applied health sciences, biochemistry, environmental studies, gerontology, and pre-professional programs. There are also courses available that are designed specifically for non-science students and for general education.
 

Program Level Objectives for Biological Sciences

  1. Biological complexity and evolution: students demonstrate expertise regarding the nature of living organisms and biological processes. 
  2. Inquiry and research methods: students develop analytical and critical thinking skills, including hypothesis generation and testing, and engage in the practice of biology. 
  3. Scholarship and communication: students develop the capacity to engage in current thinking, discoveries and methodologies via reading the scientific literature and communicating (discussion, writing, presentation).

Requirements for the Biological Sciences Major (76 credits)

The major in biological sciences consists of a minimum of 43 credits in biological sciences with additional courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Within the major, a minimum of 15 credits in courses numbered 300 or above must be completed at UW-Parkside.

  1. Required Core Courses (19 Credits)
    BIOS 101 Bioscience 4 cr
    BIOS 102 Organismal Biology 4 cr
    BIOS 210 Biostatistics 4 cr
    BIOS 260 General Genetics 4 cr
    BIOS 435 Experimental Methods/Biochemistry Lab 2 cr
    BIOS 495 Senior Seminar 1 cr

    Students must complete core courses numbered in the 200s and below before they enroll in 400-level biological sciences courses. Exception from this prerequisite requires approval from the program faculty. Students should consult with their academic advisor before registration if such a situation arises.
     

  2. Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics Courses (33 credits)
    1. Mathematics Courses (5 credits)
      MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I  5 cr

    2. Chemistry Courses (18 credits)

      CHEM 101 General Chemistry I 4 cr
      CHEM 102 General Chemistry II 4 cr
      CHEM 103 General Chemistry Lab I 1 cr
      CHEM 104 General Chemistry Lab II 1 cr
      CHEM 321 Organic Chemistry I 4 cr
      CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry II 4 cr
           
      Recommended:
      CHEM 323 Organic Chemistry Laboratory* 3 cr

    3. Physics Courses (10 credits)

      PHYS 105 College Physics I 5 cr
      PHYS 106 College Physics II 5 cr
      OR    
      PHYS 201 General Physics I 5 cr
      PHYS 202 General Physics II 5 cr

      *Strongly recommended, but not required. Most graduate and professional schools require an organic chemistry course with a laboratory component. Students who plan to do graduate work are also advised to take MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II.
       

  3. Elective Courses (24 credits)
    Each student must complete a minimum of 24 elective credits selected from 200-400 level biological sciences courses. At least 3-credit hours must be obtained from each of the four designated areas listed below. BIOS 494 Internship, and BIOS 499 Independent Study, cannot be used to satisfy the requirement within these areas. Students are required to check with their advisors concerning biological sciences special topics courses (BIOS 290, 390, 490) counting toward the topic areas listed below.

    Choose courses:
    1. Cell and Molecular Biology
      BIOS 301 Cell Biology  3 cr
      BIOS 307 Biochemical Metabolism 3 cr
      BIOS 309 Molecular Biology 3 cr
      BIOS 355 Biology of Cancer 3 cr
    2. Organismal Structure and Function
      BIOS 300 Human Functional Anatomy (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 317 Developmental Biology 3 cr
      BIOS 341 Mammalian Physiology 3 cr
      BIOS 344 Plant Physiology 3 cr
      BIOS 420 Neuroscience 3 cr
    3. Biological Diversity
      BIOS 303 Microbiology (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 311 Parasitology (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 313 Invertebrate Zoology (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 318 Vertebrate Zoology (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 324 Botany (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 329 Paleontology (L) 3 cr
      BIOS 351 Virology 3 cr
    4. Population Biology
      BIOS 305 Principles of Ecology (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 314 Evolutionary Biology 3 cr
      BIOS 330 Topics in Field Biology (L) 3 cr
      BIOS 333 Restoration Ecology (L) 3 cr
      BIOS 336 Conservation Biology 3 cr
      BIOS 340 Animal Behavior (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 414 Molecular Evolution 3 cr

    5. A course in each of the four areas is required. Students can select among any of the remaining 200-400 level biological sciences courses to complete the remaining 12 elective credits, which may include up to three credits each of BIOS 494 and BIOS 499.

      To complete the requirement of 24 elective credits, at least one 300 level or higher elective class must include a laboratory. Classes that meet this requirement are marked with an (L) in the list above as well as BIOS 453 and 455. BIOS 435 Experimental Methods/Biochemistry Lab and BIOS 445 Experimental Methods in Ecology and Evolution are core classes and do not satisfy this requirement.

      Students pursuing careers in the health professions are strongly urged to contact the Pre-Health office at 262-595-2327 for advising.
       

  4. Optional Concentration in Pre-Health Professions (27 credits)
    Students who are planning to pursue graduate/professional work in health sciences should consider completing the biological sciences major with a concentration in pre-health professions. Students complete the same biological sciences major core course requirements (A) and mathematics, physics and chemistry course requirements (B), but use the following course plan for the elective course requirements (C):
     

    1. Required Concentration Courses (20 credits)

      BIOS 300 Human Functional Anatomy (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 303 Microbiology (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 307 Biochemical Metabolism 3 cr
      BIOS 341 Mammalian Physiology 3 cr
      CHEM 323 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 3 cr
           
      BIOS 314 Evolutionary Biology 3 cr
      OR    
      BIOS 414 Molecular Evolution 3 cr

       

    2. Elective Concentration Courses (7 credits minimum)

      BIOS 301 Cell Biology 3 cr
      BIOS 309 Molecular Biology 3 cr
      BIOS 311 Parasitology (L) 4 cr
      BIOS 317 Developmental Biology 3 cr
      BIOS 342 Mammalian Physiology Laboratory 1 cr
      BIOS 351 Virology 3 cr
      BIOS 355 Biology of Cancer 3 cr
      BIOS 420 Neuroscience 3 cr

 

Program Level Objectives for Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

  1. Knowledge of the Natural World: Breadth of scientific knowledge, specifically, the ability to think beyond one’s area of concentration.
  2. Critical and Creative Thinking Skills: Experiential and problem solving skills as well as higher order qualitative and quantitative reasoning.
  3. Effective Communication Skills: Competence in speaking, reading, and writing abilities.
  4. Individual, Social and Environmental Responsibility: Civic knowledge and engagement (both local and global), ethical reasoning, and action; ability to interact and work with people under standard civility and professional norm.
     

Requirements for the Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Major (79 credits)

The major in molecular biology and bioinformatics consists of a minimum of 43 credits in biological sciences, with additional courses in mathematics, chemistry, computer science and physics. Within the major, a minimum of 15 credits in courses numbered 300 or above must be completed at UW-Parkside. Students must maintain a minimum UW-Parkside cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all courses required for the major to graduate.

  1. Required Core Courses (40 credits)
    BIOS 101 Bioscience 4 cr
    BIOS 102 Organismal Biology 4 cr
    BIOS 210 Biostatistics 4 cr
    BIOS 260 General Genetics 4 cr
    BIOS 301 Cell Biology 3 cr
    BIOS 303 Microbiology 4 cr
    BIOS 309 Molecular Biology 3 cr
    BIOS 453 Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics of Nucleic Acids 4 cr
    BIOS 455  Protein Biochemistry and Bioinformatics 4 cr
    BIOS 489 Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Senior Project 2 cr
    BIOS 499 Independent Study (over two semesters) 4 cr
    Students must complete core courses numbered in the 300s and below before they enroll in 400-level biological sciences courses. Exception from this prerequisite requires approval from the program faculty. Students should consult with their academic advisor before registration if such a situation arises.
     

  2. Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science and Physics Courses (33 credits)

    1. Mathematics Course (5 credits)

      MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I  5 cr

    2. Chemistry Courses (18 credits)

      CHEM 101 General Chemistry I 4 cr
      CHEM 102 General Chemistry II 4 cr
      CHEM 103 General Chemistry Lab I 1 cr
      CHEM 104 General Chemistry Lab II 1 cr
      CHEM 321 Organic Chemistry I 4 cr
      CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry II 4 cr

    3. Physics Courses (10 credits)

      PHYS 105 College Physics I 5 cr
      PHYS 106 College Physics II 5 cr
      OR    
      PHYS 201 General Physics I 5 cr
      PHYS 202 General Physics II 5 cr
      Students who plan to do graduate work are advised to also take MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II; and CHEM 302 & 303 Physical Chemistry I and II.
       

  3. Elective Courses (6 credits minimum)
    Choose two courses:
    BIOS 300 - 600 level courses (excluding: BIOS 435 Experimental Methods; BIOS 495 Senior Seminar; BIOS 499 Independent Study)
     

    CHEM 323* Organic Chemistry Laboratory 3 cr
    CHEM 620 Advanced Biochemistry 3 cr
    CSCI 241 Computer Science I 4 cr
    CSCI 242 Computer Science II 4 cr
    MATH 222* Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 5 cr
    MATH 231 Discrete Mathematics 3 cr
    MATH 309 Probability and Statistics 3 cr
    MIS 322 Business Programming II-C# 3 cr
    MIS 328 Database Management Systems 3 cr

    *Recommended but not required. Some graduate and professional schools require a second semester calculus and professional schools require a second semester calculus and/or an organic chemistry course with a laboratory component. It is recommended that students who are thinking about graduate or professional schools consult with their advisor to discuss options.

     

Requirements for the Biological Sciences Minor (20 credits)
 

  1. Required Courses (8 credits)
    BIOS 101 Bioscience 4 cr
    BIOS 102 Organismal Biology 4 cr
  2. Elective Courses (12 credits)

    BIOS 200+  Electives 200 level or above
    (excluding BIOS 202 General Microbiology) 

    		 12 cr

     

Requirements for the Biological Sciences for Elementary Teachers Minor (24-38 credits)
 

  1. Required Courses (12 credits)
    BIOS 101 Bioscience 4 cr
    BIOS 102 Organismal Biology 4 cr
    MATH 111 College Algebra I 4 cr
  2. Elective Options (12-26 credits)
    Choose one option:
    1. Elective Option I (26 credits)
      Required:
      BIOS 105 Human Physiology and Anatomy I 5 cr
      BIOS 106 Human Physiology and Anatomy II 5 cr
      BIOS 190 Fundamentals of Nutrition 2 cr
      CHEM 101 General Chemistry I 4 cr
      CHEM 102 General Chemistry II 4 cr
      CHEM 103 General Chemistry Lab I 1 cr
      CHEM 104 General Chemistry Lab II 1 cr
      CHEM 215 Organic and Biochemistry 4 cr
    2. Elective Option II (12 credits)
      1. Required courses (6 credits)
        BIOS 103 Human Biology 3 cr
        BIOS 104 Environmental Science 3 cr
      2. Elective courses (6 credits)

        Any additional BIOS courses
        200-level or above

        		 6 cr

 

Requirements for the Biological Sciences for Secondary Teachers Minor (41-45 credits)
 

  1. Biological Sciences Courses (26-27 credits)
    1. Required Courses (19 credits)
      BIOS 101 Bioscience 4 cr
      BIOS 102 Organismal Biology 4 cr
      BIOS 210 Biostatistics 4 cr
      BIOS 260 General Genetics 4 cr
      BIOS 314 Evolutionary Biology 3 cr
    2. Elective Courses (7-8 credits)
      1. Choose one (3-4 credits)
        BIOS 305 Principles of Ecology (L) 4 cr
        BIOS 333 Restoration Ecology (L) 3 cr
        BIOS 336 Conservation Biology 3 cr
      2. Choose one (4 credits)
        BIOS 303 Microbiology (L) 4 cr
        BIOS 311 Parasitology (L) 4 cr
        BIOS 313 Invertebrate Zoology (L) 4 cr
        BIOS 318 Vertebrate Zoology (L) 4 cr
    3. Mathematics Courses (5-8 credits)
      Choose one option:
      1.  
        MATH 111 College Algebra I  4 cr
        MATH 112 College Algebra II 4 cr
        OR
      2.  
        MATH 114 College Algebra II with Trigonometry 5 cr
    4. Chemistry Courses (10 credits)
      CHEM 101 General Chemistry I 4 cr
      CHEM 102 General Chemistry II 4 cr
      CHEM 103 General Chemistry Lab I 1 cr
      CHEM 104 General Chemistry Lab II 1 cr

 

Departmental Honors Program

Students completing a bachelor of science degree in either biological sciences or molecular biology and bioinformatics may earn departmental honors reflecting outstanding achievement in academics and research.  To attain honors a student must have:

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a GPA of 3.5 or higher for all courses required within one of the majors,
  • Minimum of four credits of BIOS 499 Independent Research,
  • Successfully complete an oral or poster presentation detailing independent research accomplishments within BIOS 499,
  • Successfully complete a written research thesis detailing independent research accomplishments within BIOS 499,
  • Satisfactory completion of the above requirements must be evaluated and approved by a departmental committee composed of two biological sciences faculty members.

Students interested in completing departmental honors must file a biological sciences honor application with the department prior to their senior year.

Teacher Education Licensure in Biological Sciences

Students interested in becoming teachers will need to complete an approved program pathway to a Wisconsin initial educator license. The approved pathway to this license is a structured collaboration between the biological sciences department and the Institute of Professional Educator Development (IPED).

The requirements for teacher licensure are specific, and therefore, students must meet with the IPED Advisor to coordinate the major and teacher education curriculum. It is very important to contact the IPED advisor at 262-595-2180 or Molinaro D111 as soon as possible. Students are required to seek advising each semester from both the IPED Advisor and the biological sciences department liaison to the teacher education program. Complete information about the Teacher Education Program can be found on the IPED website at:

https://www.uwp.edu/learn/departments/educatordevelopment/

Courses in Biological Sciences (BIOS)
 

100

Nature of Life
Prereq: None. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Nature of living things is explored and current developments in biology are discussed. Designed specifically for non-science majors; not for credit toward biological sciences major. Three-hour lecture.

 3 cr
101

Bioscience
Prereq: MATH 111 or concurrent enrollment; placement into ENGL 100 or higher. Freq: Fall, Spring.
This course focuses on biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology. It is intended to provide a background upon which upper division courses will be built. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
102

Organismal Biology
Prereq: MATH 111 or concurrent enrollment; placement into ENGL 100 or higher. Freq: Fall, Spring.
A broad introduction to the diversity of life, recognizing functional similarities and dissimilarities as related to successful adaptation to the environment. It is intended to provide a background upon which upper division courses will be built. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
103

Human Biology
Prereq: None. Freq: Yearly.
A general course which covers basic information about the human body. Designed specifically for non-science majors; not for credit toward biological sciences major. Three-hour lecture.

 3 cr
104

Environmental Science: A Biological Approach
Prereq: None. Freq: Spring, Summer.
The study of the associations between human populations, biodiversity, resources, technology, lifestyles and environmental crisis from a biological approach. Meets DPI content requirement in environmental education; not for credit toward biological sciences major. Three-hour lecture.

 3 cr
105

Human Physiology and Anatomy I
Prereq: None. Freq: Fall, Spring.
An integrated lecture/laboratory course using a system approach to understand structure and function of the human body. Topics include homeostasis, biological and chemical principles, tissues, skin, skeleton, muscles and digestion, and includes cat dissection and cadaver demonstration. Not for credit toward biological sciences major. Three-hour lecture; two-hour discussion; two-hour lab.

 5 cr
106

Human Physiology and Anatomy II
Prereq: BIOS 105. Freq: Fall, Spring.
A continuation of BIOS 105; focusing on the nervous, immune, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems. Not for credit toward biological sciences major. Three-hour lecture; two-hour discussion; two-hour lab.

 5 cr
109

Biology of Aging
Prereq: None. Freq: Spring.
Introduces the process of human aging. Explains fundamental principles of human physiology and how it relates to successful aging. Includes student team presentations.

 3 cr
114

Freshman Seminar in Biological/Health Sciences
Prereq: None.  Freq:  Fall.
Overview of education, careers, and potential growth opportunities in health-related fields and biological sciences. Not for credit toward biological sciences major. Two-hour lecture.

 1 cr
190

Fundamentals of Human Nutrition
Prereq: BIOS 106, CHEM 215. Freq: Spring.
A study of requirements and functions of essential nutrients throughout life. Cultural influences on food habits and the basis for diet assessment will also be discussed. Recommended for UW-Milwaukee nursing students; not for credit toward biological sciences major. Two-hour lecture.

 2 cr
202

General Microbiology
Prereq: BIOS 105 or NURS 251; CHEM 102 and 104 or 115; or consent of instructor. Freq: Fall.
Explores structure, growth, reproduction, and activities of microorganisms including medical applications. Covers isolation and propagation of bacteria. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
207

Research Process in Biology
Prereq: BIOS 101 or BIOS 102 and consent of instructor. Freq: Spring
Introduces the methods of scientific inquiry and the skills needed to be productive in a research environment. Fosters a dynamic perspective of science, where ongoing observation, experimentation and interpretation continuously shape understanding.

 2 cr
210

Biostatistics
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102 and MATH 112, 113; or equivalent. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Introduces quantitative methods of scientific inference used in the analysis and design of biological observations and experiments. Topics include measurement, sampling, descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and analysis of frequencies. Three- hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
260

General Genetics
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102; 210 or concurrent registration and CHEM 102, 104. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Explains fundamental principles including transmission, molecular and population genetics. Introduces lab techniques for investigating organisms including microorganisms, plants, lower animals, and humans. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
290

Special Topics in Biological Sciences
Prereq: Varies with topic. Freq: Occasionally.
Selected topics in the biological sciences.

 1-4 cr
300

Human Functional Anatomy
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102; or consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Fundamental study of organization and structure of tissues, organs and systems of the human body and their relationship to function. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
301

Cell Biology
Prereq: BIOS 260; CHEM 322 or concurrent registration. Freq: Spring (odd years).
Studies cells and cellular organelles. Emphasizes the relationship between cellular and macromolecular structure and function. Three-hour lecture; one-hour discussion.

 3 cr
303

Microbiology
Prereq: BIOS 260 or consent of instructor. Freq: Spring.
Advanced treatment of the structure, growth and activities of microorganisms, including medical microbiology, microbial pathogenesis, and environmental microbiology. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
305

Principles of Ecology
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102, and 210. Freq: Fall (odd years).
Introduces the relations of plants and animals to their organic and inorganic environments emphasizing phenomena and causes of distribution and abundance at the population and community levels. Includes a field-oriented laboratory. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab; field trips. Requires lab fees. Cross-listed with BIOS 505.

 4 cr
307

Biochemical Metabolism
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102 and CHEM 322; or consent of instructor. Freq: Fall.
A study of the chemistry of biological systems with emphasis on metabolism and macromolecular biosynthesis. Three-hour lecture. Cross-listed with CHEM 307.

 3 cr
309

Molecular Biology
Prereq: BIOS 260, CHEM 322 or concurrent registration. Freq: Spring.
Study of DNA, RNA, and proteins; the regulation of their synthesis; and the important roles they have in cells and organisms. Three-hour lecture.

 3 cr
311

Parasitology
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102; or consent of instructor. Freq: Fall (odd years).
Investigates the biology, ecology, classification, and significance of parasitic animals of humans and wildlife in Southeast Wisconsin. Includes host-parasite interactions, distribution of parasites throughout the world and examination of parasite life cycles and transmission. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
312

Medical and Forensic Entomology
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102 and 210. Freq: Occasionally.
Investigates the ecology of human and insect interactions, their significance to public health, and application to forensic science. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
313

Invertebrate Zoology
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102, and 210. Freq: Fall (even years).
Explores the diversity, distribution, ecology, and evolutionary relationships of nonchordate animals, emphasizing Arthropoda. Includes experimental research and field surveys. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
314

Evolutionary Biology
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102, and 260. Freq: Spring.
Introduces basic mechanisms of evolutionary change including population genetics and speciation. Considers evolutionary history including phylogenetic estimation, the fossil record, and biogeography. Three-hour lecture. Cross-listed with BIOS 514.

 3 cr
317

Developmental Biology
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102; or consent of instructor.  Freq:  Spring.
Studies developmental anatomy and molecular mechanisms of development among representative vertebrate types from cleavage through organogenesis. Three-hour lecture.

 3 cr
318

Vertebrate Zoology
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102; or consent of instructor.  Freq: Fall.
An introduction to the biology of vertebrates with emphasis on structure, diversity, evolution, and distribution. Field trips. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
324

Botany
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102. Freq: Fall (even years).
Studies plants from the viewpoints of systematics, evolution, morphology and ecology. Field trips. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
329

Paleontology
Prereq: GEOS 102 or BIOS 102. Freq:  Spring.
Applies principles, practices, and procedures important fossil invertebrate groups; generalized discussion of plants and vertebrates; elements of biostratigraphy; paleoenvironmental interpretations. Field trips. Two-hour lecture; two-hour lab. Cross-listed with GEOS 309.

 3 cr
330

Topics in Field Biology
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102; or consent of instructor.  Freq: Occasionally.
A field-oriented course including topics such as ecology of major biomes, geographical and geological impact on organisms, aspects of plant/animal systematics. The course will focus on selected areas of interest in field biology. Field trips. Special fees required. One-hour lecture.

 3 cr
333

Restoration Ecology
Prereq:  BIOS 102 or 104 or ENVS 101. Freq:  Occasionally.
Explores the diversity, distribution, ecology, and evolutionary relationships of nonchordate animals, with an emphasis on Arthropoda.  Includes experimental research and field surveys. Three-hour lecture; Three-hour lab.

 4 cr
336

Conservation Biology
Prereq:  BIOS 102 or 104 or ENVS 101. Freq: Occasionally.
Introduces biological and social aspects of conservation. Includes a history of the conservation movement emphasizing modern techniques for monitoring and maintaining biological diversity. Focuses on applications to local and regional conservation problems. Three-hour lecture. Cross-listed with BIOS 536.

 3 cr
340

Animal Behavior
Prereq: BIOS 210. Freq: Fall (even years).
Emphasizes the evolution and complexity of animal behaviors based on a variety of animal species from invertebrates to mammals. Three-hour lecture; three-hour lab.

 4 cr
341

Mammalian Physiology
Prereq: BIOS 210, CHEM 321; or consent of instructor; BIOS 300 recommended. Freq: Fall.
Advanced treatment of major mammalian organ systems and their roles in homeostasis. Three-hour lecture.

 3 cr
342

Mammalian Physiology Laboratory
Prereq: BIOS 341; or concurrent registration in BIOS 341, or consent of instructor. Freq: Fall
Uses models, computer programs, and experiments to examine major mammalian organ systems and their role in homeostasis. Three-hour lab.

 1 cr
344

Plant Physiology
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102. Freq: Occasionally.
Examines plant growth, development and nutrition from the physiology point of view. Includes aspects of plants and their impacts on food production, the environment and human health. Three-hour lecture.

 3 cr
351

Virology
Prereq: BIOS 260, CHEM 321; or consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
Presents a broad overview of viruses and other subcellular infectious agents with respect to their molecular structure, diversity of chemical composition, taxonomy, and strategies of infection and replication. Bacteriophage, plant viruses and animal viruses will be discussed. Special topics include biotechnological applications of viruses, the remodeling of their hosts by bacteriophage, defense against viral infection, and viruses and cancer.

 3 cr
355

Biology of Cancer
Prereq: BIOS 260, CHEM 322; or concurrent registration. Freq: Spring (even years).
A study of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying the broad disease of cancer.  Three-hour lecture/discussion.

 3 cr
390

Special Topics in Biological Sciences
Prereq: Varies with topic. Freq: Occasionally.
Selected topics in the biological sciences.

 1-4 cr
410

Cellular and Molecular Immunology
Prereq: BIOS 260, 307, 309, and consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
The immune system and its analysis at the cellular and molecular level. Three-hour lecture.

 3 cr
411

Microbial Physiology and Diversity
Prereq: BIOS 303 or consent of instructor. Freq: Alternate years.
Explores diverse molecular mechanisms of microbial physiology. Topics include microbial regulation of gene expression, metabolism, behavior, symbiosis, and applications to biotechnology.  Three-hour lecture/discussion.

 3 cr
414

Molecular Evolution
Prereq: BIOS 309 or 314; or consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
Examines the evolution of nucleic acids and proteins. Considers five major topics: genetic variability; the causes of molecular evolution and the neutral theory; methods of detecting genetic variability; the use of molecular markers for estimating phylogeny and the evolution of genome structure. Three-hour lecture/discussion.

 3 cr
420

Neuroscience
Prereq:  BIOS 300, 341; or consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
This course emphasizes the neuroanatomy and the related neurophysiology of the human nervous system.  Communication between the external environment and the central nervous system is presented using electrical and chemical methods of cell signaling systems, integration of sensory and motor function, and some of the pathology associated with the nervous system.   Three-hour lecture; one-hour discussion.

 3 cr
435

Experimental Methods/Biochemistry Lab
Prereq: CHEM 322. and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Familiarization with the use of scientific instruments and techniques; developing proficiency in the process of scientific investigation. This is a capstone course intended for biological sciences majors who have completed all 200-level core courses.  Cross-listed with CHEM 308. Four-hour lab.

 2 cr
436

Conservation Biology Lab
Prereq: BIOS 210; and BIOS 305 or 336; and consent of instructor. Freq: Spring (odd years).
Provides a practical experience applying the theories from general ecology and conservation biology toward developing conservation strategies and communities. Cross-listed with BIOS 636.

 2 cr
445

Experimental Methods in Ecology and Evolution
Prereq: BIOS 101, 102, 210, 260 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall.
Provides a capstone experience in applied field and laboratory research. Includes sampling natural and experimental populations and ecological communities coupled with advanced statistical and analytical methods for ecology and evolution. 

 2 cr
453

Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics of Nucleic Acids
Prereq: BIOS 260, 309, and consent of instructor. Freq: Spring.
Covers techniques and theory of nucleic acid isolation (DNA and RNA) and analysis including laboratory and computational methods. Includes common laboratory methods for isolating and characterizing nucleic acids. Eight-hour lecture/lab.

 4 cr
455

Protein Biochemistry and Bioinformatics
Prereq: BIOS 260, 309, and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall.
Provides practical experience in protein expression, purification, and characterization with emphasis on enzymology and use of computer programming for development of relevant bioinformatics applications. Eight-hour lecture/lab. Requires lab fee.

 4 cr
489

Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Senior Project
Prereq: BIOS 453, 455. Freq: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Students work independently on a project, applying skills and knowledge acquired from previous course work. Students submit a written report and give a public, oral presentation of their project. May be repeated for maximum of 2 credits.

 1 cr
490

Advanced Topics in Biology
Prereq: Varies with topic. Freq: Occasionally.
Selected advanced topics in the biological sciences.

 1-4 cr
494

Internship in Biological Sciences
Prereq: BIOS 210, 2.80 GPA, consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Provides learning experiences in which a student works with a sponsoring organization in either the public or private sector under the joint guidance of a member of the sponsoring organization and a faculty member. Graded credit/no credit. A maximum of 3 credits of BIOS 494 may be used toward elective credit in the major.

 1-3 cr
495

Senior Seminar
Prereq: Senior standing and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Each participant presents several seminars involving literature search, synthesis of research data, and organization into an effective oral presentation.

 1 cr
499

Independent Study
Prereq: Consent of instructor and department chair. Junior standing and minimum 2.80 GPA in BIOS courses recommended. Freq: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Student research performed under the supervision of a regular faculty member. A maximum of 3 credits may be used toward elective credit in the major.

 1-3 cr
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