DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (BISC) Donald Roufa Degrees Conferred: M.A., M.S., Ph.D. in Biology (BIOL)
Areas of Concentration: animal behavior, animal physiology, aquatic ecology, biophysics, cellular physiology, cell and molecular biology, conservation biology, community ecology, embryology, evolutionary biology, exobiology, fisheries biology, herpetology, ichthyology, immunology, limnology, microbial ecology, microbial physiology, molecular genetics, molecular systematics, mycology, ornithology, pathogenic microbiology, physiological ecology, plant morphology, plant physiology, population and quantitative genetics, systematics, taxonomy, and wildlife ecology. The graduate programs in Biological Sciences offer opportunity for advanced study and research to students who desire a comprehensive view of biological sciences. Accomplishment is judged by competence and a developing sense of responsibility for the advancement of knowledge rather than the fulfillment of routine requirements. The faculty requires of all candidates for advanced degrees a period of study in residence, advanced competence in the chosen area of expertise, satisfactory introduction to allied subjects, the ability to communicate at a scholarly level, and a satisfactory performance in examinations. Admission to Degree Program: Applicants who wish to study for advanced degrees are expected to present a minimum of 18 hours of biological science. These normally will include training in the three areas of the Biology Subject test of the Graduate Record Examination: (a) cellular and molecular biology, (b) organism biology, and (c) ecology, evolution and population biology. Applicants lacking experience in any of the above areas will be expected to broaden their biological training and may be assigned specific course work to fulfill this requirement. Students lacking a total of 18 hours of biological sciences may be admitted on a conditional basis and are not eligible for assistantships. All students applying for admission to the graduate program must provide scores on (a) the Verbal and Quantitative sections and (b) an appropriate, analytical, subject test of the Graduate Record Examinations. Those scores, along with transcripts and three letters of recommendation, will be used in evaluating applications of students applying for assistantships. All students must have a major professor to enter the graduate program in biological sciences. Ultimately each candidate will have a committee composed of members of the graduate faculty and the student's major professor. Students must also fulfill the Graduate School's residency requirements, which are stated elsewhere in this catalog. All students are required to take Bibliographic Practicum (BIOL 5101) (or present evidence of its equivalent) within the first three academic semesters and to earn credit in two graduate seminars. Students are required to present a research seminar prior to the oral thesis or dissertation defense. Additional seminar requirements may be specified by the major professor in conjunction with the graduate committee. Requirements for the Master's Degree: Two degree programs are available, both of which require a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit specified by the department. The Master of Science degree includes thesis research and at least 24 semester hours of course credit. The Master of Arts degree is awarded when six hours of course credit is substituted for thesis research. A specific coursework program will be selected under the guidance of the student's major professor and graduate committee. All Master's candidates will complete and defend a thesis. The Master of Art degree requires a thesis based on a topic from the current literature wheras the Master of Science degree requires a thesis based on original scientific research. An oral comprehensive final examination is required of all candidates, including defense of the thesis following a seminar by the candidates to present the thesis. Specific Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree: There are no formal coursework requirements for doctoral students, except the required BIOL 5101 and two seminars mentioned previously and prescriptive courses as determined from scores on the Biology Subject test of the Graduate Record Examination. A minimum of 18 hours must be taken in dissertation credit. Students wishing to bypass the Master's degree must complete 24 hours of post-baccalaureate graduate coursework before they can be considered for the doctoral program. The Ph.D. is granted not only for fulfillment of technical requirements, but also for development and possession of a critical and creative ability in science and fruitful expression of imagination as well. Evidence of this is given in the dissertation that the candidate prepares which constitutes an original research contribution to the fields of biological sciences. The Graduate School requires two examinations of all students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy degree. These examinations are designed to assist students in developing the ability to communicate at a scholarly level and to show they have attained intellectual mastery of knowledge relating to the biological sciences. The Candidacy Examination contains both written and oral portions related to the student's field of interest and is taken after approximately two years of graduate study. Successful completion of that examination means that the student becomes a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy; failure of that examination means that the student cannot be readmitted to the graduate program in the Department of Biological Sciences. The oral Final Examination, preceded by a research seminar, is primarily concerned with the candidate's dissertation and is taken at the end of the candidate's program.
COURSES: BIOLOGY (BIOL) BIOL4234 Comparative Physiology (FA) Comparison of fundamental physiological mechanisms in various animal groups. Adaptations to environmental factors at both the organismal and cellular levels are emphasized. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 4230L. Prerequisite: (8 hours in biology or zoology) and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L BIOL4230L Comparative Physiology Laboratory (FA) Corequisite: BIOL 4234. BIOL4353 Ecological Genetics (FA, Odd years) Analysis of the genetics of natural and laboratory populations with emphasis on the ecological bases of evolutionary change. Prerequisite: BIOL 3323 and BIOL 3321L and MATH 2554 and STAT 2023 or equivalent. BIOL4613 Primate Adaptation and Evolution (FA, SP, SU) Introduction to the biology of the order Primates. This course considers the comparative anatomy, behavioral ecology and paleontology of our nearest living relatives. (Same as ANTH 4613) Prerequisite: (BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L) or ANTH 1013. BIOL4724 Protistology (FA, Odd years) The biology of eukaryotes other than Animals, Land Plants, and Fungi with emphasis on morphology and modern approaches to phylogenetic systematics. Three hours lecture, four hours lab/week. Involves writing term papers. Corequisite: BIOL 4720L. BIOL4720L Protistology Laboratory (FA, Odd years) Corequisite: BIOL 4724. BIOL480V Special Problems (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Advanced students with adequate preparation may register for 1-6 credits. May be repeated. BIOL485V Field Ecology (1-3) (SP, SU) Project oriented approach employing current field and laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis. Field trip is required. BIOL5001 Seminar in Biology (FA, SP) Discussion of selected topics and review of current literature in any area of the biological sciences. BIOL5101 Bibliographic Practicum (FA) Systematic survey of biological resources available on CD-ROM, through electronic library on-line services, and on the Internet and World Wide Web. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing. BIOL5263 Cell Physiology (SP) Covers cellular processes involved in growth, metabolism, transport, excitation, signalling and motility, with emphasis on function and regulation in eukaryotes, primarily animals. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 2534 and BIOL 2530L and CHEM 3813 and PHYS 2033. BIOL5261L Cell Physiology Laboratory (SP) Laboratory demonstrations of cell processes involved in growth, metabolism, transport, excitation, signalling and motility. Laboratory 3 hours. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 5263. BIOL529V Research in Physiology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL5334 Biochemical Genetics (SP) Lectures and laboratories based on modern molecular genetic techniques for analyses of eukaryotes and manipulation of prokaryotes. A hands-on course in recombinant DNA techniques: laboratory practices in gene identification, cloning, and characterization. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 5330L. Prerequisite: BIOL 3323 (or equivalent) and CHEM 3813 (or equivalent). BIOL5330L Biochemical Genetics Laboratory (SP) Corequisite: BIOL 5334. BIOL5353 Ecological Genetics (FA, Odd years) Analysis of the genetics of natural and laboratory populations with emphasis on the ecological bases of evolutional change. Prerequisite: BIOL 3323 and BIOL 3321L and MATH 2554 and STAT 2023 or equivalent. BIOL539V Research in Genetics (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL5433 Principles of Evolution (FA, Even years) Advanced survey of the mechanisms of evolutionary change with special emphasis on advances since the Modern Synthesis. Historical, theoretical, and population genetics approaches are discussed. Prerequisite: BIOL 3323 and BIOL 3321L and BIOL 3864. Recommended: BIOL 3023. BIOL5463 Physiological Ecology of Animals (SP, Odd years) Interactions between environment, physiology, and properties of individuals and populations on both evolutionary and ecological scales. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864 and BIOL 4234 and BIOL 4230L. BIOL549V Research in Vertebrate Morphology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL5503 Ecosystem Ecology (SP, Odd years) Factors controlling ecosystem structure and function. Topics include paleoclimate and species migrations, current species alliances, biogeochemical cycles, and climate change and ecosystem stability. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864. BIOL5513 Population Ecology (SP) (Formerly BIOL 5514) Survey of theoretical and applied aspects of populations processes stressing models of growth, interspecific interactions, and adaptation to physical and biotic environments. Corequisite: BIOL 5511L. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864. BIOL5511L Population Ecology Laboratory (SP) (Formerly BIOL 5510L) Demonstration of the models and concepts from BIOL 5513. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 5513. BIOL5523 Physiological Ecology (SP, Even years) Effects of environmental factors on plant growth. Studies of light, temperature, soil, and soil moisture relationships will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864. BIOL556V Research in Invertebrate Morphology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL557V Research in Histology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL558V Research in Cell Biology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL559V Research in Embryology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL569V Research in Invertebrate Zoology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL579V Research in Vertebrate Zoology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL580V Research in Botany (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL581V Research in Microbiology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL5844 Community Ecology (SP, Even years) Survey of theoretical and applied aspects of community processes stressing structure, trophic dynamics, community interactions, and major community types. Corequisite: BIOL 5840L. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864. BIOL5840L Community Ecology Laboratory (SP, Even years) Corequisite: BIOL 5844. BIOL585V Field Ecology (1-3) (SP, SU) Project-oriented approach employing current field and laboratory techniques, experimental design and data analysis. Field trip is required. May be repeated. BIOL589V Research in Field Zoology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) BIOL591V Special Topics in Microbiology (1-6) (FA, SP) Consideration of new areas of microbiological science not yet treated adequately in textbooks or in other sciences. May be repeated. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences. BIOL600V Master's Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Prerequisite: graduate standing. BIOL700V Doctoral Dissertation (1-12) (FA, SP, SU) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COURSES: BOTANY (BOTY) BOTY4104 Taxonomy of Flowering Plants (SP, SU) Identifying, naming, and classifying of wildflowers, weeds, trees, and other flowering plants. Emphasis is on the practical aspects of plant identification. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BOTY 4100L. Prerequisite: BOTY 1613 and BOTY 1611L and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L. BOTY4100L Taxonomy of Flowering Plants Laboratory (SP, SU) Corequisite: BOTY 4104. BOTY4304 Plant Physiology (FA) Study of plant processes. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BOTY 4300L. Prerequisite: BOTY 1613 and BOTY 1611L and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L and general chemistry. BOTY4300L Plant Physiology Laboratory (FA) Corequisite: BOTY 4304. BOTY4424 Mycology (FA) Form and function of the fungi. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: BOTY 4420L. Prerequisite: BOTY 1613 and BOTY 1611L and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L. BOTY4420L Mycology Laboratory (FA) Corequisite: BOTY 4424. BOTY480V Special Problems (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) May be repeated for 6 hours. BOTY5323 Plant Growth and Growth Substances (SP, Even years) Concepts and techniques employed in the study of growth and development with emphasis on growth substances. Prerequisite: BOTY 4304 and organic chemistry.
COURSES: MICROBIOLOGY (MBIO) MBIO4003 Laboratory Techniques in Microbiology (FA) Provides experience with laboratory techniques in microbial physiology, metabolism, and genetics. Laboratory 6 hours per week. Prerequisite: MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L and CHEM 3603 and CHEM 3601L and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L. MBIO4124 Food Microbiology (SP) Microbiology, contamination, preservation, and spoilage of different kinds of foods, food poisoning, sanitation, control, and inspection; microbiology of water; and standard methods for official food and public health laboratories. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. (Same as FDSC 4124) Corequisite: MBIO 4120L. Prerequisite: MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L and CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L or equivalent. MBIO4120L Food Microbiology Laboratory (SP) Corequisite: MBIO 4124. MBIO4233 Microbial Genetics (FA) Principles of molecular genetics in microorganisms, including the concepts of DNA structure and function, mutation, transformation, conjugation, transduction, recombination, and genetic engineering. Prerequisite: MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L and CHEM 3603 and CHEM 3601L and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L. MBIO4303 Physiology of Microorganisms (FA) Life processes of microorganisms. Prerequisite: MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L and CHEM 3603 and CHEM 3601L and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L. MBIO4443 Molecular Virology (SP, Odd years) Presents the molecular mechanisms underlying viral life-cycles; tropism and host cell recognition, penetration, genome replication, gene expression, transformation, assembly, nucleic acid packaging, and egress. Emphasis placed on experimental approaches. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: (MBIO 4233 or BIOL 3323) and (MBIO 4753 or BIOL 2533) or graduate standing. MBIO4703 Pathogenic Microbiology (FA) Mammalian pathogens, the diseases they cause and their control. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Prerequisite: MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L. MBIO4714 Basic Immunology (SP) A general overview of Immunity with emphasis on the underlying cellular, molecular, and genetic events, and discussions of more specialized issues in Immunology, such as disease states involving the Immune system, and other interesting problems in modern Immunology. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: MBIO 4710L. Prerequisite: MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L (or BIOL 2534 or ZOOL 2213 and ZOOL 2211L or equivalent). MBIO4710L Basic Immunology Laboratory (SP) Corequisite: MBIO 4714. MBIO4753 General Virology (SP) An introduction to viral life-cycles, structure, and host cell interactions. Emphasis placed on molecular and biochemical aspects of virology. Two hour lecture and one hour discussion. Corequisite: MBIO 4750D. Prerequisite: MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L, (MBIO 4233 or ANSC 3123 or POSC 3123 or BIOL 3323 and BIOL 3321L) and junior standing. MBIO4750D General Virology Drill (SP) Discussion of research articles and specific relating to lecture in MBIO 4753. Corequisite: MBIO 4753. MBIO480V Special Problems (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) May be repeated for 6 hours. MBIO490V Special Topics in Microbiology (1-6) (IR) Consideration of new areas of microbiological knowledge not yet treated adequately in textbooks or in other courses. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences. MBIO5264 Soil Microbiology (FA, Odd years) A study of the microorganisms in soil and the biochemical processes for which they are responsible. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. (Same as AGRN 5264) Corequisite: MBIO 5260L. Prerequisite: MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L. MBIO5260L Soil Microbiology Laboratory (FA, Odd years) Laboratory exercises related to the study of microorganisms in soil and the biochemical processes for which they are responsible. Laboratory 3 hours per week. (Same as AGRN 5260L) Corequisite: MBIO 5264. MBIO5343 Advanced Immunology (FA) Aspects of innate, cell-mediated, and humoral immunity in mammalian and avian species. Molecular mechanisms underlying the function of the immune system are emphasized. A course in Basic Immunology prior to enrollment in Advanced Immunology is recommended but not required. Lecture 3 hours per week. (Same as POSC 5343, VTSC 5343) MBIO5352L Immunology in the Laboratory (SP) Laboratory course on immune-diagnostic laboratory techniques and uses of antibodies as a research tool. Included are cell isolation and characterization procedures, immunochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA and cell culture assay systems. Laboratory 6 hours per week. (Same as POSC 5352L, VTSC 5352L) Prerequisite: POSC 5343 or VTSC 5343 or MBIO 5343 or MBIO 5714.
COURSES ZOOLOGY (ZOOL) ZOOL4623 Advanced Invertebrate Zoology (SP, Odd years) Detailed consideration of selected freshwater and marine invertebrate taxa with emphasis on functional morphology, embryology, natural history and systematics. Lectures, laboratories, and field trips. Corequisite: ZOOL4620L. ZOOL4620L Advanced Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory (SP, Odd years) Corequisite: ZOOL 4623. ZOOL4712 Aquaculture (SP, Even years) General survey of principles and techniques of aquaculture. Lecture 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: 8 hours biological science. ZOOL4933 Special Topics in Zoology (SU) Discussion of recent outstanding zoological research of interest to zoology majors and public school science teachers. May be repeated with different instructor of a maximum of 6 hours of credit. May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences. ZOOL5504 Experimental Embryology (SP, Even years) Designed to acquaint the student with experimental and theoretical approaches to developmental embryology. Corequisite: ZOOl 5500L. Prerequisite: ZOOL 4544. ZOOL5500L Experimental Embryology Laboratory (SP, Even years) Corequisite: ZOOL 5504. ZOOL5514 Developmental Biology (SP) An analysis of the concepts and mechanisms of development emphasizing the experimental approach. Corequisite: ZOOL 5510L. ZOOL5510L Development Biology Laboratory (FA) Corequisite: ZOOL 5514. ZOOL5544 Comparative Vertebrate Embryology (FA) Comparative study of the embryology of selected vertebrate types through the mammal with special emphasis on humans. Lecture 2, laboratory 6 hours per week. Corequisite: ZOOL 5540L. ZOOL5540L Comparative Vertebrate Embryology Laboratory (FA) Corequisite: ZOOL 5544. ZOOL5643 Invertebrate Phylogeny (SP, Odd years) Introduction to the principles and practice of phylogeny reconstruction and rigorous evaluation of animal relationships inferred from molecular and morphological characters. Emphasis will be on high-level phylogeny of invertebrate taxa. Prerequisite: ZOOL 2814 or equivalent. ZOOL5723 Fish Biology (SP, Odd years) Morphology, classification, life histories, population dynamics, and natural history of fishes and fish-like vertebrates. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: ZOOl 5720L. Prerequisite: 12 hours of biological sciences. ZOOL5720L Fish Biology Laboratory (SP, Odd years) Corequisite: ZOOL 5723. ZOOL5733 Ichthyology (FA, Even years) Taxonomy, systematics, and museum and collecting methods fresh-water fishes, concentrating on the fishes of North America. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 1 hour per week. Corequisite: ZOOL 5730L. Prerequisite: ZOOL 2404 or equivalent. ZOOL5730L Ichthyology Laboratory (FA, Even years) Corequisite: ZOOL 5733. ZOOL5743 Herpetology (SP, Even years) Morphology, classification and ecology of amphibians and reptiles. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 1 hour per week. Corequisite: ZOOL 5740L. ZOOL5740L Herpetology Laboratory (SP, Even years) Corequisite: ZOOL 5743. ZOOL5763 Ornithology (SP, Even years) Taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology of birds. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Corequisite: ZOOL 5760L. Prerequisite: 10 hours of biological sciences. ZOOL5760L Ornithology Laboratory (SP, Even years) Corequisite: ZOOL 5763. ZOOL5783 Mammalogy (IR) Lectures and laboratory dealing with classification, morphology, distribution, ecology, behavior, and physiology of mammals. Corequisite: ZOOL 5780L. ZOOL5780L Mammalogy Laboratory (IR) Corequisite: ZOOL 5783. ZOOL5814 Limnology (FA, Odd years) Physical, chemical and biological conditions of inland waters. Lecture 3 hours per week, laboratory arranged. Corequisite: ZOOL 5810L. Prerequisite: (CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L) or equivalent and 12 hours of biological sciences. ZOOL5810L Limnology Laboratory (FA, Odd years) Corequisite: ZOOL 5814. ZOOL5822 Animal Distribution (FA, Even years) Physical, chronological, and biological factors affecting animal distribution, emphasizing terrestrial and fresh-water vertebrates. ZOOL5833 Animal Behavior (FA, Odd years) Organization, regulation, and phylogeny of animal behavior, emphasizing vertebrates. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Corequisite: ZOOL 5830L. ZOOL5830L Animal Behavior Laboratory (FA, Odd years) Corequisite: ZOOL 5833. ZOOL5914 Stream Ecology (FA, Even years) Current concepts and research in lotic ecosystem dynamics. Lecture, laboratory, field work and individual research projects required. Corequisite: ZOOL 5910L. Prerequisite: some previous course work in ecology is essential. ZOOL5910L Stream Ecology Laboratory (FA, Even years) Corequisite: ZOOL 5914. ZOOL5922 Conservation of Endangered Species (SP, Odd years) Biological, bureaucratic, and political reasons for protection of the nation's plants and animals. Conservation biology, ecology, population genetics, and legal implications of protecting selected species in ecosystem are discussed. Lecture 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: 12 hours of biological sciences. |