Undergraduate Catalog 2005- 2006

Biological Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences
109 Cooke Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1300

Phone: 716.645.2363
Fax: 716.645.2975
Web: www.biology.buffalo.edu

Gerald Koudelka
Chair

James LaFountain
Director of Undergraduate Studies

About the Program

The Department of Biological Sciences offers three programs leading to baccalaureate degrees and two that are combined undergraduate/graduate degree programs.

The bachelor of arts degree. Students qualify for the bachelor of arts degree by successfully completing at least 33 credits of coursework within the department plus 38 credits in chemistry, physics and mathematics. The curriculum for the BA program includes required core courses, as well as elective laboratory and lecture courses. It is designed to provide a broad-based education in the biological sciences.

The bachelor of science degree. Students qualify for the bachelor of sciences degree by successfully completing 44 credits of coursework within the department plus 38 credits of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The BS program is designed to provide the opportunity for in-depth study within particular sub-disciplines of the biological sciences; specific curricula have been formulated for study in (a) cell and molecular biology, (b) ecology and evolutionary biology and (c) pre-health studies.

The bachelor of science degree in bioinformatics and computational biology. In this highly interdisciplinary program, students integrate coursework in applied mathematics, computer science, and the biological sciences and learn how to apply mathematics and computing to the study of genes and proteins. This training prepares students for graduate education in a bioinformatics-related field or for entry into the workforce of this emerging new discipline.

The university offers this bachelor of science degree in bioinformatics and computational biology, with options for a concentration in biology, biophysics, computer science and engineering, and mathematics. Please refer to the bioinformatics and computational biology program for further details.

The combined bachelor of arts/master of science degree. To qualify for the combined degree, students must complete 30 credits of coursework within the department and 38 credits of chemistry, physics, and mathematics in three years of undergraduate study. Then, following admission into the department's graduate program, students must complete an additional 38 credits of graduate coursework over two years. A combined BA/MS degree is awarded after only five years of study. (When the two degrees are completed separately, a BA degree normally takes four years and an MS degree normally takes two years.)

The combined Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. This program combines three years of undergraduate study in biological sciences and four years of graduate work in dentistry, and a combined BS/DDS degree is awarded after seven years. Applicants may be accepted into the program prior to the beginning of the freshman year or while enrolled as a major in the Department of Biological Sciences. Further details concerning this program may be found at the School of Dental Medicine website: www.sdm.buffalo.edu.

In addition to baccalaureate degrees, the Department of Biological Sciences offers a minor in the biological sciences. To qualify, students must complete a short list of required courses and elective courses within the department, achieving a total of 22 credits. A special biotechnology minor is also available for chemical engineering students.

Acceptance Information

Except for the BS degree program in bioinformatics and computational biology, the department accepts students as majors after they have successfully completed all three of the following with a minimum combined GPA of 2.0:
1) A two-semester course in general chemistry (CHE 101-CHE 102, or equivalent),
2) A two-semester course in college calculus (MTH 121-MTH 122, MTH 141-MTH 142, or equivalent)
3) Two college-level biology courses (BIO 200, BIO 201, or equivalent).

These criteria apply to all students, regardless of whether they started college at UB or transferred to UB from another institution. The application form, including a current DARS report, is to be submitted directly to the Department of Biological Sciences.

For the BA/MS combined degree program, undergraduate biology majors (BA or BS) apply at the end of their sophomore year or the beginning of their junior year. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in both science and general education courses and three supportive letters of recommendation from faculty are needed. The combined degree is awarded at the completion of the fifth year of the program. Separate BA and MS degrees are not awarded.

Advisement

Each accepted student is assigned a faculty advisor within the department at the time of acceptance. The advisor should be consulted concerning program requirements and the selection of courses to meet those requirements.

Transfer Policy

Students transferring to UB from other institutions may use course credits achieved elsewhere to meet requirements for baccalaureate degrees offered by the department. Courses from other institutions that have been previously evaluated in comparison to UB courses are listed on UB's course articulation web site, http://www.taurus.buffalo.edu. To fulfill requirements with courses that were completed at other instiutions but are not listed on the TAURUS web site, students must obtain approval through a petitioning process overseen by the department’s director of undergraduate studies. Petition forms are available in the Department of Biological Sciences office, located in 109 Cooke Hall (North Campus). In addition to filling out a petition, the student will be asked to provide supporting documents for transfer courses, such as a catalog description and/or syllabus of the course(s) to be transferred to UB.

Transfer students are reminded that at least 16 credit hours of upper-division coursework must be completed within the department with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

Students enrolled in the BA or the BS program may participate in the departmental honors program during their senior year. Acceptance into the program may be achieved through invitation by the department, nomination by a sponsoring faculty member, or self-nomination by the student. Nomination forms for the honors program are available in the departmental office, 109 Cooke Hall, North Campus. Honors students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 in all biological science and basic science (chemistry, physics, math) coursework. Requirements for honors also include 6 credits of honors research (BIO 498) supervised by a member of the faculty and participation in the honors symposium held at the end of the senior year. Three credits of honors research may be used as electives to fulfill requirements for the BA or a BS degree. Honors are noted on transcripts as highest distinction (GPA of 3.75 - 4.0), high distinction (3.5 - 3.74), or distinction (3.2 - 3.49).

Biological Sciences - B.S.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in BIO 200, BIO 201, CHE 101, CHE 102, and MTH 121-MTH 122 (or their equivalent).

Advising Notes

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in biology courses and minimum GPA of 2.0 in required chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses for degree conferral.
Certificates are awarded to students who concentrate their study in one of the following three programs: (1) cell and molecular biology, (2) ecology and evolutionary biology, or (3) pre-health studies. Details of these programs are available at http://www.biology.buffalo.edu.

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
BIO 201 Cell Biology
CHE 101 General Chemistry
CHE 102 General Chemistry
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I or MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II or MTH 142 College Calculus II

Required Courses

BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 309 Ecology
BIO 319 Genetics
BIO 328 General Physiology
BIO 367 Developmental Biology
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry
CHE 202 Organic Chemistry
PHY 101/PHY 151 College Physics I/Lab or PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 102/PHY 152 College Physics II/Lab or PHY 108/PHY 158 General Physics II/Lab
Four BIO lab courses: choices include BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory, BIO 310 Ecology Methods, BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory, BIO 338 General Physiology Laboratory, BIO 370 Developmental Biology Laboratory
BIO electives to reach 44 credit hours minimum for the BS degree (at least 6 credit hours of BIO electives must be at the 400-level)

Summary
Total required credit hours for the major - 82

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

FIRST YEAR
Fall BIO 200, CHE 101; MTH 121 or MTH 141
Spring BIO 201, CHE 102; MTH 122 or MTH 142

SECOND YEAR
Fall BIO 309, BIO lab course, CHE 201
Spring BIO 205, BIO lab course, CHE 202

THIRD YEAR
Fall BIO 319, BIO lab course, one BIO elective
Spring BIO 328, BIO 367, two BIO lab courses

FOURTH YEAR
Fall PHY 101/PHY 151 or PHY 107
Spring PHY 102/PHY 152 or PHY 108/PHY 158
Fall or Spring Remaining BIO electives


Biological Sciences - B.A.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in the prerequisite courses.

Advising Note

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in biology courses and minimum GPA of 2.0 in required chemistry, physics and mathematics courses for degree conferral.

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
BIO 201 Cell Biology
CHE 101 General Chemistry
CHE 102 General Chemistry
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I or MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II or MTH 142 College Calculus II

Required Courses

BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 319 Genetics
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry
CHE 202 Organic Chemistry
PHY 101/PHY 151 College Physics I (including PHY 151 lab) or PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 102/PHY 152 College Physics II/Lab or PHY 108/PHY 158 General Physics II/Lab
Three BIO lab courses: choices include BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory, BIO 310 Ecology Methods, BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory, BIO 338 General Physiology Laboratory, BIO 467 Techniques in Immunology, BIO 370 Developmental Biology Laboratory, and BIO 498 Honors in Biology (2 credits) or BIO 499 Independent study (2 credits)
BIO elective(s) to reach 33 credit hours minimum for the BA degree
(No more than 3 credits of any combination or BIO 497, BIO 498, or BIO 499 may count towards the BA degree)

Summary
Total required credit hours for the major - 71

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

FIRST YEAR
Fall—BIO 200, CHE 101; MTH 121 or MTH 141
Spring—BIO 201, CHE 102; MTH 122 or MTH 142

SECOND YEAR
Fall—CHE 201, BIO elective(s)
Spring—BIO 205; BIO elective(s) or lab(s); CHE 202

THIRD YEAR
Fall—BIO 319; BIO elective(s) or lab(s)
Spring—BIO elective(s) or lab(s)

FOURTH YEAR
Fall—PHY 101/PHY 151 or PHY 107; BIO elective(s)
Spring—PHY 102/PHY 152 or PHY 108/PHY 158; BIO elective(s)


Biological Sciences - B.A./M.S.

Acceptance Criteria

INITIAL ACCEPTANCE TO BA PROGRAM
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in the prerequisite courses.

SUBSEQUENT UPGRADED APPLICATION TO BA/MS PROGRAM
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in science courses, minimum GPA of 3.0 in general education courses, completion of CHE 201-202, BIO 205, and BIO 309, and three letters of recommendation.

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
BIO 201 Cell Biology
CHE 101 General Chemistry
CHE 102 General Chemistry
MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II or MTH 142 College Calculus II

Required Courses

BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 309 Ecology
BIO 319 Genetics
BIO 328 General Physiology
BIO 367 Developmental Biology
BIO 600 Problems in Biology
BIO 608 Graduate Research
BIO 610 Graduate Student Seminar
BIO 614 Departmental Seminar
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry
CHE 202 Organic Chemistry
PHY 101/PHY 151 College Physics I (including PHY 151 lab) or PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 102/PHY 152 College Physics II/Lab or PHY 108/PHY 158 General Physics II/Lab
Three BIO lab courses: choices include BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory, BIO 310 Ecology Methods, BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory, BIO 338 General Physiology Laboratory, BIO 370 Developmental Biology Laboratory
18 credit hours of graduate-level electives (should be selected in consultation with faculty advisor)

Summary

Total required credit hours for the undergraduate portion - 102

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.

Refer to the Graduate School’s Policies and Procedures Manual for requirements for master’s degree candidates.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

FIRST YEAR
Fall BIO 200, CHE 101; MTH 121 or MTH 141
Spring BIO 201, CHE 102; MTH 122 or MTH 142

SECOND YEAR
Fall BIO 309, BIO lab course, CHE 201
Spring BIO 205, BIO lab course, CHE 202

THIRD YEAR
Fall BIO 319, BIO lab course; PHY 101/PHY 151 or PHY 107
Spring BIO 328, BIO 367, BIO lab courses; PHY 102/PHY 152 or PHY 108/PHY 158

FOURTH YEAR
Fall BIO 600, BIO 610, BIO 614, 8 credit hours of graduate-level electives
Spring BIO 600, BIO 610, BIO 614, 8 credit hours of graduate-level electives

FIFTH YEAR
Fall BIO 608, BIO 610, BIO 614, 2 credit hours of graduate-level electives
Spring BIO 608, BIO 610, BIO 614


Biological Sciences - B.S./D.D.S.

Acceptance Criteria

INITIAL ACCEPTANCE TO BS/DDS PROGRAM
Applications for entry into the combined BS/DDS program are to be submitted to the Student Admissions Committee of the School of Dental Medicine. Visit http://www.sdm.buffalo.edu for details.

Advising Notes

Minimum GPA of 3.5 overall and 3.5 in required science courses (biological sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics) at the undergraduate level prior to entering dental curriculum.

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
BIO 201 Cell Biology
CHE 101 General Chemistry
CHE 102 General Chemistry
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I or MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II or MTH 142 College Calculus II

Required Courses

BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 309 Ecology
BIO 319 Genetics
BIO 367 Developmental Biology
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry
CHE 202 Organic Chemistry
PHY 101/PHY 151 College Physics I (including PHY 151 lab) or PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 102/PHY 152 College Physics II/Lab or PHY 108/PHY 158 General Physics II/Lab
Three BIO lab courses: choices include BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory, BIO 310 Ecology Methods, BIO 319 Genetics Laboratory, BIO 370 Developmental Biological Laboratory

Summary
Total required credit hours for the undergraduate portion: 108

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

FIRST YEAR
Fall BIO 200, CHE 101; MTH 121 or MTH 141
Spring BIO 201, CHE 102; MTH 122 or MTH 142

SECOND YEAR
Fall BIO 309, BIO lab course, CHE 201, PHY 101/PHY 151 or PHY 107
Spring BIO 205, BIO lab course, CHE 202, PHY 102/PHY 152 or PHY 108/PHY 158

THIRD YEAR
Fall BIO 319, BIO lab course
Spring BIO 367, BIO lab course

FOURTH YEAR
Courses from the dental school curriculum.


Biological Sciences - Minor

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in prerequisite courses.

Advising Notes

Minimum GPA of 2.0 in BIO courses is required for a successful completion of the minor.

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
BIO 201 Cell Biology

Required Courses

BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry
BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory
CHE 101 General Chemistry I
CHE 102 General Chemistry II
CHE 201 Organic Chemistry I
BIO electives at the 300-400 level to reach 22 credit hours



Course Descriptions

BIO 101 Licit and Illicit Drugs

Credits:  3
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  None
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

A non-majors course; not an elective for any degree program in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Biological significance of commonly used medicinal and special drugs. Influence of such drugs as aspirin, tranquilizers, alcohol, marijuana.

 

BIO 129 Perspectives in Human Biology

Credits:  3.5
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  None
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC/LAB

View Schedule

A non-majors course: not an elective for any degree program in the Department of Biological Sciences

Lectures and laboratory for students who need to fulfill one year of science plus one semester of lab, and general education requirement. Structural and functional characteristics of living things emphasizing human biology and genetics; the significance of these characteristics with respect to humanity’s future.

BIO 130 Perspectives in Human Biology

Credits:  3.5
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  None
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC/LAB

View Schedule

A non-majors course; not an elective for any degree program in the Department of Biological Sciences

Lectures and laboratory for students who need to fulfill one year of science plus one semester of lab, and general education requirement. Structural and functional characteristics of living things emphasizing human biology and genetics; the significance of these characteristics with respect to the future of humanity.

 

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology

Credits:  5
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  None
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC/LAB

View Schedule

Evidence for evolution; principle of genetics; population genetics; selection (natural, sexual, and kin); evolution of major groups of organisms; speciation; adaptation; coevolution; and sociobiology.

BIO 201 Cell Biology

Credits:  4
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  None
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC/LAB

View Schedule

Lectures emphasize experimental foundations of our understanding of cells and cell organelles and cover the mechanisms underlying cell reproduction, cell motility, and cell energetics. Laboratories provide practice in quantitative analysis emphasizing pipetting, pH, spectrophotometry, and centrifugation.

 

BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry

Credits:  3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  CHE 201
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Basic course in the fundamentals of biological chemistry for students majoring in biological science and nonmajors with an interest in the subject.

BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory

Credits:  2
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  None
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LAB/LEC

View Schedule

Introductory laboratory course in biological chemistry. Experiments deal with the basic methods of isolation, measurements, and characterization of macromolecules.

 

BIO 302 Introduction to Molecular Biology

Credits:  3
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 201
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Structure and function of molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Enzymes and energetics. Nucleic acid synthesis, replication, transcription, protein synthesis, and the genetic code.

BIO 309 Ecology Lecture

Credits:  3
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 200
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Processes that control the abundance and distribution of organisms in their natural environments; emphasizing population, community and evolutionary ecology.

 

BIO 310 Ecological Methods

Credits:  2
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 309
Corequisites:  BIO 309
Type:  LAB/LEC

View Schedule

Field exercises to illustrate major concepts of modern ecology, and the techniques and procedures used in ecological research.

BIO 318 Plant and Fungal Morphology

Credits:  4
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 200, or permission of instructor
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC/LAB

View Schedule

Structure and reproduction of both plant kingdom members and fungi: algae, liverworts, mosses, ferns, and seed plants.

 

BIO 319 Genetics

Credits:  3
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 205
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Basic genetic principles emphasizing the molecular basis of heredity. Structure, replication, and function of the genetic material, regulation of gene expression, and genetic recombination.

BIO 328 General Physiology

Credits:  4
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 205
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Covers general physiology principles, using cells, plants, and animals as models to illustrate mechanisms by which living organisms maintain internal function and adapt to their external environment.

 

BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory

Credits:  2
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 319
Corequisites:  BIO 319
Type:  LAB/LEC

View Schedule

A semester-long series of experiments planned to simulate an actual research project. Students generate a mutation and isolate the normal gene to complement it. The normal and mutant genes are analyzed using techniques from molecular biology and bioinformatics.

BIO 338 General Physiology Laboratory

Credits:  2
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 328
Corequisites:  BIO 328
Type:  LAB/LEC

View Schedule

Hands-on opportunity to learn technical skills with a variety of physiological instrumentation and to observe model systems discussed in BIO 328.

 

BIO 367 Developmental Biology

Credits:  3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 319
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in growth and differentiation in animal development.

BIO 369 Fungi and Their Medical Importance

Credits:  3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 201
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Structure, nutritional requirements, ecology, and economic importance of fungi. Examines the biology of fungi causing major diseases in humans.

 

BIO 370 Developmental Biology Laboratory

Credits:  2
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 367
Corequisites:  BIO 367
Type:  LAB

View Schedule

Studies the morphological aspects of vertebrate development as seen in the chick embryo. Presents various techniques used to study developmental processes.

BIO 400 Bioinformatics / Genome Analysis

Credits:  4
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 319 or permission of instructor
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Computerized analysis of genetic information from a biological perspective. Lectures focus on assumptions, limitations, and strategies of bioinformatics algorithms and statistics. Labs use computers to address biological questions.

 

BIO 401 Advanced Biological Chemistry

Credits:  4
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 205 or BCH 403
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Structure and function of biological macromolecules: proteins, nucleic acids; mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, energy transduction, and metabolic regulation.

BIO 402 Advanced Cell and Developmental Biology 1

Credits:  4
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 205
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Covers major topics in cell and developmental biology at the advanced textbook level. Emphasizes the experimental basis underpinning our current knowledge.

 

BIO 404 Advanced Molecular Genetics

Credits:  4
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 319
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

BIO 401 is not a prerequisite for BIO 404

Biological information flow, replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation and gene expression.

BIO 405 Advanced Cell and Developmental Biology 2

Credits:  4
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  permission of instructor
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

A continuation of BIO 402 covering recent advances in cell and developmental biology. Presents and discusses aspects of cell organization, structure and function.

 

BIO 407 Advanced Ecology

Credits:  3
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 309
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Offered odd calendar years

Advanced course in the foundations of ecology emphasizing population and community ecology. Supplements lectures on basic ecological principles and models with discussions of both current and historically important issues.

BIO 410 Biophysical Aspects of Macromolecules

Credits:  4
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 205 or BCH 403
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Applications of spectroscopic techniques to determinations of kinetic, thermodynamic, and equilibrium constants characterizing interactions between biological macromolecules. Microtubule assembly, hormone/receptor interactions, and lac repressor binding to DNA.

 

BIO 411 Tropical Marine Ecology

Credits:  3
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 309
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Offered even calendar years

Surveys tropical marine ecosystems, emphasizing coral reef communities. Examines processes controlling abundance and distribution of marine taxa using primary literature.

BIO 412 Field Course in Tropical Marine Ecology

Credits:  3
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 411
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC/LAB

View Schedule

Offered even calendar years

An intensive two week field course in the Bahamas focusing on coral reef communities. Combining lectures, fieldwork, and laboratory analyses, students conduct in depth studies of Caribbean marine habitats.

 

BIO 415 Virology

Credits:  3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 404
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Bacterial, plant, animal viruses, emphasizing viral strategies for existence as simple life forms. Medical importance of viruses. Mechanisms leading to virulence and pathogenicity.

BIO 417 Neurobiology

Credits:  3
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 205
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Lectures and class discussions concerning nervous systems and neural functions of humans and other organisms. Emphasizes the physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of motor functions, learning, and memory.

 

BIO 440 Experimental Endocrinology

Credits:  2
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  junior standing in biology or other life sciences, or permission of instructor
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Molecular mechanisms mediating cellular integration of peptide hormone influences: role of hormones in cellular function, surface membrane receptor-transduction mechanisms, and nonmembrane receptor-transduction mechanisms.

BIO 448 Endocrinology

Credits:  3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 328
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Structure and function of the ductless glands as they coordinate physiological activities and influence animal behavior.

 

BIO 449 Evolutionary and Developmental Biology

Credits:  3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 367
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Explores how growing knowledge of developmental circuits, and their variation, affects our understanding of how organisms evolve.

BIO 456 Evolutionary Genetics

Credits:  3
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 319 or permission of instructor
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Genetic and population-level processes that underlie evolutionary change; topics include population genetics, the effects of population size and selection, population structure, molecular evolution, intragenomic conflict, molecular phylogenetics, and evolutionary development.

 

BIO 458 Molecular Ecology

Credits:  4
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  permission of instructor
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

The use of molecular genetic markers is becoming a widespread and important approach to studying ecological phenomena, such as population structure, migration, mating systems, and natural selection. Students learn to isolate and use molecular markers for ecological and evolutionary studies.

BIO 461 Basic Radiation Science

Credits:  4
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  None
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC/LAB

View Schedule

Production, properties, interactions, dosimetry, detection, and instrumentation of radiation from radioisotopes, radiation-producing equipment and nuclear reactors, safe-handling procedures, and survey methods.

 

BIO 467 Techniques in Immunology

Credits:  2
Semester: Sp
Prerequisites:  BIO 468
Corequisites:  BIO 468
Type:  LAB

View Schedule

Studies antigen-antibody interactions; agglutination; precipitation using Oudin and Ouchterlony reactions, immunoelectrophoresis, antibody purification.

BIO 468 Molecular Immunology

Credits:  3
Semester: F
Prerequisites:  BIO 319
Corequisites:  None
Type:  LEC

View Schedule

Immunological phenomena; properties of antigens and antibodies, antigen-antibody interactions and detection, genetic basis of immunoglobulin biosynthesis, involvement of T and B cells in the humoral response.

 

BIO 497 Undergraduate Supervised Teaching

Credits:  1 - 4
Semester: F Sp
Prerequisites:  permission of instructor
Corequisites:  None
Type:  TUT

View Schedule

The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.

Enrollees participate as undergraduate teaching assistants under the supervision of faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences.

BIO 498 Honors in Biology

Credits:  1 - 4
Semester: F Sp
Prerequisites:  permission of instructor
Corequisites:  None
Type:  TUT

View Schedule

The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.

Research experience during the senior year. Enrollees are sponsored by a member of the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences. Upon completion of the requirements of an honors research project, recognition is noted on the student's transcript.

 

BIO 499 Independent Study

Credits:  1 - 4
Semester: F Sp
Prerequisites:  permission of instructor
Corequisites:  None
Type:  TUT

View Schedule

The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.

A program that may include laboratory experience, library research, or tutorial study arranged with a faculty sponsor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Updated: Nov 16, 2005 10:47:28 AM

˙