Biology
The biology department acquaints students with basic and advanced concepts and principles pertaining to the structure and function of living organisms. Four tracks exist to prepare students for future careers: a B.A. or B.S. in biology, a B.S. in biology (molecular track) and a B.S. in biology (environmental track).
Emphasis on collateral training in mathematics, chemistry and physics is intended to provide an awareness of the full scope of biology and the dependence upon interdisciplinary study. A biology degree prepares students for graduate school, professional school, teaching or work in the biological sciences.
Major in biology (B.A. degree - general specialization): 29-31 semester hours, including BIO 143-144 or 147-148, 241, 341, 411, 422, and one organismal biology course (selected from BIO 343, 431), one ecology/integrative biology course (selected from BIO 347, 346, 441, 473), and one molecular/cell biology course (selected from BIO 242, 432, 437, 444).
Supporting courses (B.A. degree): 22 semester hours, including CHEM 143, 144 or 341; MATH 133 or higher, 8 hours of physics, STAT 374.
Major in biology (B.S. degree - general specialization): 41 semester hours, including BIO 143, 144, 241, 242, 341, 343, 347, 411, 422, 431, 444, and three hours selected from BIO 346, 414, 432, 437, 438, 473.
Supporting courses (B.S. degree): 27 semester hours, including CHEM 143, 144 or 341, 248-249; MATH 231; eight hours of physics.
Major in biology (B.S. degree - molecular biology specialization): 36 semester hours, including BIO 143, 144, 242, 341, 411, 414, 422, 431, 432, 437, 444, and three hours selected from BIO 438, 473, CHEM 342 or 344.
Supporting courses (molecular biology specialization): 30 semester hours, including CHEM 143, 144 or 341, 248-249; MATH 231; STAT 374; eight hours of physics.
Major in biology (B.S. degree - environmental biology specialization): 38 semester hours, including BIO 143-144, 241, 242, 341, 343, 347, 411, 422; seven hours selected from BIO 346, 430, 431, 441, 444, 473.
Supporting courses (environmental biology specialization): 30 semester hours, including CHEM 143, 144 or 341, 248-249; MATH 231 or 238; STAT 374; eight hours of physics.
Minor in biology: 19-20 semester hours, including BIO 143-144 or 147-148; 241 or 242; and two courses selected from BIO 341, 343, 346, 347, 431, 437, 438, 444, 473.
Honors Program Participants: Biology Honors students must meet the same degree requirements as those listed for non-honors students, with the exception that six hours must have Biology Honors designations. HON designated biology courses usually include three hours Independent Study and a regular upper division biology course with an honors contract agreement.
BIOLOGY
BIO 130. Basic Biology (3:2:3)
A general introductory course in biology with lab. The class will cover basic structural and functional characteristics of plants and animals with an emphasis on current biological issues. Topics will include the effects of humans on the environment, genetic engineering, and medical concerns such as cancer and AIDS. This course is designed for the non-science major.
BIO 131. Issues in Biology (3:3:0)
An introductory course in biology without lab. The class will focus on an important issue in society and biology. The topic will be determined by the instructor among such topics as genetic technology, evolution, disease, and medicine. This course is designed for the non-science major.
BIO 143. Biological Systems I (4:3:3)
A study of the unity of life, including molecular and cellular processes; theories and evidence of evolution, and the concepts of biology and its relevance to human beings. May be used for biology majors and minors. Credit will not be given for both BIO 147 and BIO 143.
BIO 144. Biological Systems II (4:3:3)
A continuation of the topics of BIO 143 with emphasis on the diversity of life, how plants and animals work, and ecology.
BIO 147. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4:3:3)
An introductory course examining the organization of the human body and mechanism for maintaining homeostasis. Topics include cell structure and function; basic metabolism; basic histology; and the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Emphasis is placed upon integration of systems as they relate to normal health. Credit will not be given for both BIO 147 and BIO 143.
BIO 148. Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4:3:3)
Second course in a two-semester sequence in which the organization of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis are examined. Topics include the anatomy and physiology of the special senses and the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Prerequisite: BIO 147 or BIO 143.
BIO 220, 230, 320, 330. Directed Study (X:X:X)
Individualized study courses under the general supervision of a biology faculty member. The topic chosen by the student and approved by the faculty member and department chairman must be sufficiently delimited to permit oral and written reports. In this type of study, the student is expected to consult the faculty member periodically and report on progress being made. Directed study is open to students of all classifications. The student must have demonstrated a capacity to do individual work and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade average.
BIO 235. Principles of Nutrition (3:3:0)
A study of human nutrition at both the cellular and systemic levels. Each nutrient will be examined: its requirement, source, digestion, function, and metabolism. Application to normal health and eating regimes will be studied as well as several specific topics including vegetarianism, weight control, eating disorders, physical fitness, chronic disease prevention, and the evaluation of nutritional information. Does not apply toward a major in biology. Prerequisite: one semester of university-level biology or chemistry.
BIO 219, 229, 239, 419, 429, 439. Internship In Biology/Allied Health Sciences (X:X:X)
Opportunities in specialty fields are designed to familiarize the student with the challenges, opportunities and demands inherent in specific career fields. Maximum credit allowable, three semester hours.
BIO 241. Plant Biology (4:3:3)
A study of the biology of aquatic and terrestrial plants; emphasizing cytology, morphology, function, growth and reproduction. Course also includes taxonomy and an examination of specific plants with medicinal, pharmacological, food and agricultural importance. Prerequisite: eight hours of biology.
BIO 242. Microbiology (4:3:3)
An introduction to microorganisms, with emphasis on the bacteria, including the study of morphology and metabolism, culturing and staining techniques. Prerequisite: eight hours of biology, eight hours of chemistry, or permission of instructor.
BIO 341. Genetics (4:3:3)
A study of the principles and molecular mechanisms of genetic transmission in higher organisms with emphasis on humans; the identification and functioning of hereditary material. Prerequisite: 12 hours of biology and MATH 133.
BIO 343. Comparative Anatomy and Embryology of the Vertebrates (4:3:3)
An integrated study of vertebrate morphology and development. Laboratory includes study of the protochordates, lamprey, frog and chick embryos, shark, and cat. Prerequisite: eight hours of biology.
BIO 346. Aquatic Biology (4:3:3)
A study of the functioning of freshwater ecosystems and the taxonomy, morphology, and natural history of freshwater organisms. Laboratory will emphasize field techniques and identification of freshwater species, especially invertebrates. Prerequisite: eight hours of biology.
BIO 347. General Ecology (4:3:3)
A study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. Prerequisite: eight hours of biology.
BIO 379. Special Topic (3:3:0 or 3:2:3)
Specialized topics for biology majors. Offered only upon sufficient demand and availability of staff. Prerequisite: eight hours of biology.
BIO 410, 420, 430. Independent Study (X:X:X)
Intensive, individual study and/or research available to qualified students with a special interest in doing advanced work in specific areas not covered by regular courses. The student devises the study proposal in consultation with the faculty supervisor and obtains the approval of the department chair. Independent study is open only to juniors and seniors who have performed exceptionally well academically with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. Credit earned may be from one to three hours for each course with a maximum of six hours in a term.
BIO 411. Senior Capstone Seminar (1:0:0)
Preparation and presentation of a public speech and scientific poster describing research done by the student. Course will include guest lectures and discussion sessions. Prerequisite: Bio 422.
BIO 414. Biochemistry/Physiology Lab (1:0:3)
Laboratory course in modern biochemical and physiological techniques with an emphasis on experimental design, manipulations, and data analysis. Limited to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: BIO 242; MATH 138; CHEM 248, 249; BIO 437 and/or BIO 431 should be taken in advance or concurrently. (Also offered as CHEM 414.)
BIO 422. Senior Capstone Research (2:2:0)
A systematic investigation of a selected topic in biology followed by writing of scientific research report or review paper. Course will include guest lectures from leading biologists and discussion of how the student’s education in biology can prepare them for leadership and service in society.
BIO 432. Fundamentals of Neuroscience (3:3:0)
A comprehensive survey of knowledge concerning brain structure and function. Emphasis on understanding complex neuronal networks in terms of physiological and molecular mechanisms. Limited to juniors and seniors. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite: BIO 431, 444, one year of chemistry; one year of physics.
BIO 437. Biochemistry (3:3:0)
The study of the chemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Emphasis is on enzymes and metabolic regulation in mammalian systems. May not be counted for both biology and chemistry credit. (Also offered as CHEM 437.) Prerequisite: BIO 242; CHEM 248, 249 or consent of instructor.
BIO 438. Advanced Microbiology (3:3:0)
An intensive study of one aspect of microbiology. Topics will vary from term to term, to include immunology, microbial physiology, and virology. Prerequisite: BIO 242, junior standing or permission of instructor.
BIO 441. Advanced Plant Biology (4:3:3)
An intensive study of one aspect of plant biology. Topics will vary from term to term, to include plant taxonomy, plant anatomy and/or plant morphology, plant physiology, economic botany, and/or other topics of interest. Prerequisites: BIO 143, 144, 241.
BIO 444. Molecular Biology (4:3:3)
A study of the synthesis, localization, structure, and function of biomolecules. Emphasis is placed on cell regulatory mechanisms controlling signal transduction and gene expression. Topics vary to reflect current issues in molecular biology such as gene therapy, restriction fragment length plymorphism analysis, loss of cell cycle regulation in tumorigenesis and aging, and molecular systematics. Models to explain pathophysiological problems are examined. Prerequisite: BIO 242, 341; CHEM 249, 341. Limited to juniors and seniors.
BIO 473. Evolutionary Biology (3:3:0)
An exploration of historical and current ideas in evolutionary biology, with a focus on biological mechanisms, scientific methods, and evolutionary theory. Prerequisite: eight hours of biology.
