Courses for the Nonmajor

These courses fall into three categories: 1. L100 is designed to offer the nonmajor an opportunity to examine the fundamental principles of biology and to prepare for more advanced courses should the decision be made to continue in biology. 2. L104 offers freshmen and sophomores the opportunity to explore particular areas of biology in a lecture-only format. L104 cannot be used to undertake later study as a biology major. 3. Nonmajor courses at the 200–400 level are designed to acquaint students possessing a minimal science background with the basic principles underlying the modern biological sciences. Emphasis is given to those biological concepts and advances that are of prime importance to the liberally educated nonscientist. These courses may not be counted toward a major in the Department of Biology.

• BIOL–L 100 Humans and the Biological World (5 cr.) N & M Principles of biological organization, from molecules through cells and organisms to populations. Emphasis on processes common to all organisms, with special reference to humans. Credit given for only one of the following: L100, L104, E112, L112, S115, or Q201.

• BIOL–L 104 Introductory Biology Lectures (3 cr.) Enrollment limited to freshmen and sophomores. N & M An introduction to living organisms. Designed for nonscientists with no background in biology. Does not count as a preprofessional course. Primary emphases may vary with the instructor. Credit given for only one of the following: L100, L104, E112, L112, S115, or Q201.

• BIOL–L 222 The City as Ecosystem (3 cr.) N & M Principles of ecosystem ecology and their application to the sustainable use of energy and resources in urban and agricultural ecosystems, with emphasis on the integration of environmental, social, and economic concerns.

• BIOL–L 302 Topics in Human Biology (3 cr.) P: Junior or senior standing. N & M Not open to biology majors. Physiology, genetics, and biochemistry at a level to appreciate the human condition. Topics to be considered may vary from year to year: cancer, genetic disease, cardiovascular disease, blood groups, immune systems, genetic damage, contraception and pregnancy, genetics of intelligence, environmental hazards, genetic engineering.

• BIOL–L 330 Biology of the Cell (3 cr.) P: Any college biology course. R: College chemistry. N & M Not open to biology majors. The structure and function of animal, plant, and microbial cells, with attention to membranes and biologically important molecules. Will include the function of nerves, muscles, and the immune system. Credit given for only one of L330 or L312.

• BIOL–L 340 Biological Basis of Sex Differences (3 cr.) Not open to biology majors. N & M Course will introduce students to biological processes underlying male-female differences in anatomy, physiology, and behavior. Discussions of sexual differentiation in organisms ranging from yeast to humans will be included. Functional (evolutionary/ecological) and mechanistic (developmental/physiological) explanations for sex differences will be addressed.

• BIOL–L 350 Environmental Biology (3 cr.) P: Junior or senior standing. N & M Not open to biology majors. Interactions of human beings with other elements of the biosphere with emphasis on population, community, and ecosystem levels of ecology.

• BIOL–L 369 Heredity, Evolution, and Society (3 cr.) P: Junior or senior standing. N & M Not open to biology majors. Basic concepts and principles of evolution, heredity, and individual development. Problems of the individual and society raised by present and future genetic knowledge and technology.

Courses for the Biology Major

Credit will be given for only one of these courses: L100, L104, E112, L112, or Q201.

• BIOL–E 111 Basic Biology by Examination I (3 cr.) N & M Credit by examination for demonstrating an understanding of basic facts and concepts of the lecture content of L111. Credit not given for both E111 and L111.

• BIOL–E 112 Basic Biology by Examination II (3 cr.) N & M Credit by examination for demonstrating an understanding of basic facts and concepts of the lecture content of L112. Credit given for only one of the following: L100, L104, E112, L112, or Q201.

• BIOL–H 111 Integrated Freshman Learning Experience I (4 cr.) P: Acceptance to IFLE Project. N & M Intensive seminar/laboratory experience exploring the interdisciplinary nature of the modern life sciences. The course will revolve around a central question chosen by the students and will analyze how life scientists from biochemistry, cellular/molecular biology, and neuroscience might contribute to the common understanding of a fundamental problem. Credit given for only one of the following: H111, L104, L112, E112, L113, S115, Q201.

• BIOL–H 112 Integrated Freshman Learning Experience II (5 cr.) P: Acceptance to IFLE Project, H111. N & M Continuation of H111. Intensive seminar/laboratory experience exploring the interdisciplinary nature of the modern life sciences. The course will revolve around a central question chosen by the students and will analyze how life scientists from biochemistry, cellular/molecular biology, and neuroscience might contribute to the common understanding of a fundamental problem. Credit given for only one of the following: H112, L112, L113.

• BIOL–L 111 Introduction to Biology: Evolution and Diversity (3 cr.) For biology and other science majors. N & M For biology and other science majors. Preference will be given to freshmen and sophomores. Processes of evolution (selection, speciation, macroevolution, origin and early history of life) and organismal function (morphology, physiology, and behavior). Credit not given for both E111 and L111.

• BIOL–L 112 Introduction to Biology: Biological Mechanisms (3 cr.) P: High school or college chemistry. For biology and other science majors. N & M For biological and other science majors. Preference will be given to freshmen and sophomores. Integrated picture of manner in which organisms at diverse levels of organization meet problems in maintaining and propagating life. Credit given for only one of the following: L100, L104, L112, E112, or Q201.

• BIOL–L 113 Biology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: L112. R: L111. C: L112. N & M Laboratory experiments in various aspects of biology, with a focus on investigative logic and methods. Introduces aspects of cell biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology. Should not be taken during first semester of residence unless credit has been earned for both E111 and E112.

• BIOL–L 211 Molecular Biology (3 cr.) P: L112 and CHEM C117. N & M Structure and function of DNA and RNA. DNA replication, mechanisms of mutation, repair, recombination, and transposition. Mechanisms and regulation of gene expression. The genetic code, transcription, and translation. Introduces bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA. Credit given for only one of L211 or S211.

• BIOL–S 211 Molecular Biology, Honors (5 cr.) P: L112 and CHEM C117. R: CHEM C341 concurrent. N & M Structure and function of DNA and RNA. DNA replication, mechanisms of mutation repair, recombination, and transposition, mechanisms and regulation of gene expression. The genetic code, transcription, and translation. Introduces bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA. Course will be taught at an honors level. Credit given for only one of L211, S211, L323, or L324.

• BIOL–M 250 Microbiology (3 cr.) P: Two semesters of college chemistry; M255 concurrently; L211 recommended prior or concurrently. N & M Application of fundamental principles to the study of microorganisms. Significance of microorganisms to humans and their environment.

• BIOL–M 255 Microbiology Laboratory (2 cr.) P: M250 concurrently. Audio-tutorial laboratory of exercises and demonstrations to yield proficiency in principles and techniques of cultivation and utilization and microorganisms under aseptic techniques.

• BIOL–L 299 Career Directions in Biology: Jobs for Life Scientists (1 cr.) P: Sophomore standing or above. Intended for biology, biotechnology, and microbiology majors. Focuses on identification of and preparation for life science career paths. Covers career information resources, resumes, cover letters, and application processes. Content includes interviewing skills, discussion of graduate and professional programs, careers in biology, personal assessment, and job search strategies. Not repeatable for credit.

• BIOL–B 300 Vascular Plants (4 cr.) P: One introductory biology course. N & M Survey of the ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants, including their morphology, classification, ecology, evolution, and economic importance.

• BIOL–L 301 Information Literacy in Biology (1 cr.) C: Enrollment in an upper-level biology lecture, field, or laboratory course. Methods of information search and retrieval, critical evaluation of primary literature, and generation of technical writing skills necessary for research in biology. Work will focus on a topic chosen from an upper-level lecture, field, or laboratory course in which the student must be concurrently enrolled.

• BIOL–L 305 Project Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Genetics (3 cr.) P: L211 or S211 or consent of instructor. Explore the different stages of scientific investigation by performing research using molecular biology and genetic techniques. Design and execute research projects under supervision of the instructor in a teaching laboratory setting on problems including mutant isolation, gene cloning, gene expression, protein localization, protein structure-function, cell division, cell differentiation, etc. A maximum of 12 credit hours between L305 and L490 may count toward graduation.

• BIOL–L 311 Genetics (3 cr.) P: L211 or S211. Analysis of the mechanisms of inheritance, including developmental processes that lead to the construction of whole organisms and to the transmission to their offspring of specific genetic traits. Includes the principles of genetics and the analysis of mutations affecting development. Credit given for only one of L311 or S311.

• BIOL–S 311 Genetics, Honors (5 cr.) P: L211 or S211. Principles governing the transmission of specific traits to the progeny of prokaryotes and eukaryotes including bacteria, viruses, fungi, higher plants, and animals. Analysis at the level of the individual and population; interactions between genetic constitution and environment; application to the study of development, human genetic diseases, and/or agricultural breeding. Course includes a laboratory. Credit given for only one of L311, S311, or L319.

• BIOL–L 312 Cell Biology (3 cr.) P: L211. Current views of the structure and function of cellular organelles and components, with emphasis on the flow of information through the cell, the metabolism that supports cellular functions, and differences among different specialized cells. Current techniques will be stressed. Credit given for only one of L312 or L330.

• BIOL–L 313 Cell Biology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: L113 and L211, or CHEM C342, or consent of instructor. R: BIOL L312, CHEM C484. Theory and techniques of experimental cell physiology. Enzyme purification using spectrophotometry, ion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography, gel electrophoresis. Respiration and photosynthesis analyzed by cell fractionation, oxygen electrode, and radioactive tracer techniques.

• BIOL–L 317 Developmental Biology (3 cr.) P: L311 or S311. Analysis of developmental processes that lead to the construction of whole organisms from single cells. Includes the principles of embryology and analysis of mutations affecting development.

• BIOL–L 318 Evolution (3 cr.) P: L311 or S311. Provides a rigorous exploration of the theory of evolution—the conceptual core of biology. Topics include origins and history of life; the interplay of heredity and environment in shaping adaptations; molecular, behavioral, and social evolution; patterns of speciation, extinction, and their consequences; methods for inferring evolutionary relationships among organisms. Credit not given for both L318 and S318, or both L318 and L479.

• BIOL–S 318 Evolution, Honors (4 cr.) P: L311 or S311. Provides a rigorous exploration of the theory of evolution—the conceptual core of biology. Topics include origins and history of life; the interplay of heredity and environment in shaping adaptations; molecular, behavioral, and social evolution; patterns of speciation, extinction, and their consequences; methods for inferring evolutionary relationships among organisms. Credit not given for both L318 and S318, or both S318 and L479.

• BIOL–Z 318 Developmental Biology Laboratory (2 cr.) P: L211, L311. P or C: L317. A laboratory about developing organisms, with emphasis on vertebrate embryology and organogenesis.

• BIOL–L 319 Genetics Laboratory (3 cr.) P or C: L311. Experiments with plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses demonstrating fundamental genetic mechanisms. Credit given for only one of L319 or S311.

• BIOL–L 321 Principles of Immunology (3 cr.) P: L211, and CHEM C101 or C117. R: L312. An introductory survey of the basic principles of immunology and their practical applications.

• BIOL–L 322 Writing Workshop in Biology (3 cr.) P: L211. N & M Development of scientific writing styles and techniques to help students learn about complex phenomena, sharpen thought processes used in evaluating complicated data, and develop skills essential for communicating intricate ideas and concepts. Research reports will be regularly reviewed by the instructor, and in the context of cooperative learning groups.

• BIOL–L 323 Molecular Biology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: L211. Manipulation and analysis of genes and genomes. Gene cloning and library screening. Gene amplification and disease diagnosis. Gene mapping and Southern blot analysis of complex genome structure. Credit given for only one of L323, L324, or S211.

• BIOL–L 324 Human Molecular Biology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: L211 or consent of instructor. Theory and molecular biology techniques used to study the human genome and human genes. Students isolate DNA from their cells and apply current techniques for DNA fingerprinting of macro- and microsatellites, telomere length estimation, SNP and Alu polymorphism analysis, gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing, and computer analysis. Credit given for only one of L323, L324, or S211.

• BIOL–L 331 Introduction to Human Genetics (3 cr.) P: A course in genetics. Principles of human genetics are presented. The emphasis is on new developments in the field afforded by present-day techniques in molecular biology. Among the topics considered are sex inheritance, molecular basis of genetic diseases, oncogenesis, and immune system structure.

• BIOL–M 350 Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry (3 cr.) P: M250, M255, and CHEM C341. Intended for majors in microbiology, biology, or chemistry. Introduction to microbial biochemistry and physiology; nutrition, growth composition, and metabolism of selected bacteria.

• BIOL–B 351 Fungi (3 cr.) P: L111 and L112. R: Junior or senior standing or consent of instructor. Morphology, life histories, classification, genetics, physiology, development, ecology, medical and economic importance of fungi.

• BIOL–B 352 Fungi: Laboratory (2 cr.) P or C: B351. R: Junior or senior standing or consent of instructor. Laboratory and field studies of fungi and their activities.

• BIOL–M 360 Microbial Physiology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: M250, M255, and CHEM C341. Introduction to techniques for the fractionation, isolation, and purification of cellular components. Analysis of bacterial growth, enzyme purification, chromatographic analysis of proteins and other metabolites, gel electrophoresis and fermentation studies.

• BIOL–B 364 Summer Flowering Plants (4–5 cr.) P: One introductory biology course. N & M For those desiring a broad, practical knowledge of common wild and cultivated plants. SS.

• BIOL–B 368 Ethnobotany (3 cr.) P: L111. N & M Plants in relation to man with primary emphasis on food plants. Credit given for only one of L370 or B368.

• BIOL–B 371 Ecological Plant Physiology (3 cr.) P: College chemistry and L111 and L112. The interrelationships among plant function and temperature, water supply, nutrient level, light quality, light quantity, gases, and other organisms.

• BIOL–B 373 Mechanisms of Plant Development (4 cr.) P: L111, L211. Lecture and lab explore the physiological and molecular mechanisms controlling plant growth and development from germination to reproduction. Studies structural and functional relationships with an emphasis on how external stimuli like light, gravity, nutrition, and temperature affect gene activities and physiological processes that control growth.

• BIOL–Z 373 Entomology (3 cr.) P: One introductory biology course. Insects, with emphasis on evolution, distribution, behavior, and structure.

• BIOL–Z 374 Invertebrate Zoology (3 cr.) P: One introductory biology course. Ecology, evolution, and phylogeny of major invertebrate groups, with emphasis on current controversies and concepts.

• BIOL–M 375 Human Parasitology (4 cr.) P: L111 and L112. Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Biology of human parasites focusing on their etiology, epidemiology, immunology, diagnosis, and treatment. Major groups of protozoa, helminths, and medically important arthropods covered. Lab presents both live and fixed materials complementing lecture.

• BIOL–Z 375 Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory (2 cr.) P: One introductory biology course. Laboratory and field studies of invertebrates, with an emphasis on experiments with living specimens.

• BIOL–L 376 Biology of Birds (4 cr.) P: L111 and L112. Avian systematics, distribution, evolution, ecology, and behavior, emphasis on migration and orientation, territoriality, communication, and reproductive behavior. Field trips will concentrate on identification, interpretation of behavior, and research methods. Intended for biology majors.

• BIOL–L 377 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (3 cr.) P: L111, L112, L113. An extensive study of amphibians and reptiles, including behavior, physiology, ecology, and evolution. Course will include a survey of world diversity, comparative dissections, field exercises, behavioral experiments, and review of the primary literature.

• BIOL–L 390 Learning Enhancement in Biology (1 cr.) Additional discussion, learning group, laboratory, or field experiences to accompany another course in biology. Offered as a corequisite for the other course. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credit hours when taken with different corequisite courses.

• BIOL–Z 406 Vertebrate Zoology (5 cr.) P: L111 and L112, junior or senior standing or consent of instructor. Morphology, evolution, adaptations, and general biology of vertebrates.

• BIOL–L 410 Topical Issues in Biology (2–3 cr.) P: L111, L112, and L113. Topics not related extensively in other courses. The topic will vary depending on the instructor and on student needs. May be repeated once with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

• BIOL–M 416 Biology of AIDS (3 cr.) P: L311 or L312. A detailed examination of the biology of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), its causative agent (HIV), the immune response, and available therapies. For senior biology or biochemistry majors or beginning graduate students.

• BIOL–M 430 Virology Lecture (3 cr.) P: L211. R: L311 and L312. N & M Viruses of plants, animals (including humans), and bacteria; emphasis on molecular biology of viral systems. Viruses and human disease such as cancer and AIDS; viruses and their evolution.

• BIOL–L 433 Tropical Biology (3 cr.) Field course taught in a tropical area overseas. Topics center on ecology and evolution and may include plants and animals, their interactions in rain forests, seasonally dry forests and mangroves, cloud forests, marine biology, marine/land interface, coral physiology, and reef development. Requires detailed field journal and other projects on areas visited. May not be repeated for credit.

• BIOL–M 435 Viral Tissue Culture Laboratory (3 cr.) P or C: M430 or consent of instructor. Laboratory techniques in phage, viruses, and tissue culture.

• BIOL–L 440 Introduction to Biotechnology (3 cr.) P: L211 or consent of instructor. N & M Lecture will cover topics central to biotechnology and the biotechnological industry, including industrial organisms, recombinant DNA techniques, protein isolation and assay, genetic and molecular identification of therapeutic targets, development of therapeutics, bioinformatics, intellectual property, biotechnology companies, and regulatory issues.

• BIOL–M 440 Medical Microbiology: Lecture (3 cr.) P: BIOL L211. R: BIOL M250, M255. Microorganisms as agents of disease; host-parasite relationships; epidemiology; chemotherapy. Credit given for only one of M440 or M200.

• BIOL–M 445 Medical Microbiology: Laboratory (3 cr.) P: M255 and M440, which may be taken concurrently. Laboratory methods of isolation and identification of microorganisms from normal and simulated disease conditions of the human.

• BIOL–M 460 Biology of the Prokaryotes (3 cr.) P: M250 and M350 or CHEM C483. Nutritional, physiological, and cultural properties of the major groups of nonpathogenic bacteria and their relationships as revealed by modern taxonomic methods.

• BIOL–Z 460 Ethology (3 cr.) P: Senior or graduate standing in psychology or biology and consent of instructor. Introduction to the zoological study of animal behavior. Emphasizes both internal and external factors involved in the causation of species-typical behavior of animals (protozoa–primates) in their natural environment.

• BIOL–L 465 Advanced Field Biology (3 cr.) P: L473 or equivalent and consent of instructor. Lectures and two to three weeks of fieldwork on various problems of ecosystem structure and dynamics. Quantitative comparisons will be made of ecosystems in several different environments. May be repeated once for credit. SS.

• BIOL–M 465 Biology of the Prokaryotes: Laboratory (3 cr.) P: M255. P or C: M460. Isolation and study of members of the major groups of non-pathogenic bacteria. Selected physiological experiments.

• BIOL–Z 466 Endocrinology (3 cr.) P: L211. R: CHEM C341. Mechanisms of hormone action from the molecular to the organismal level in vertebrates.

• BIOL–Z 469 Endocrinology Laboratory (2 cr.) P: BIOL L211. R: BIOL Z466 and L312. Survey of various endocrine systems using molecular, cellular, and whole organism methodologies. Emphasis on structure, function, and regulation of endocrine glands and cells, and their roles in maintaining homeostasis within the organism.

• BIOL–L 472 Microbial Ecology (3 cr.) P: Junior standing in biology. Principles of microbial ecology with emphasis on the population, community, and ecosystem ecology of bacteria and fungi.

• BIOL–L 473 Ecology (3 cr.) P: L111. R: L318. Major concepts of ecology for science majors; relation of individual organisms to their environment, population ecology, structure and function of ecosystems. Credit not given for both L473 and L479.

• BIOL–L 474 Field and Laboratory Ecology (2 cr.) P: L111. R: L473 or concurrent. Introduction to research problems and techniques in the ecology of individuals, populations, and ecosystems.

• BIOL–Z 476 Biology of Fishes (3 cr.) P: L111, L112, and L113. An in-depth study of the anatomy, physiology, evolution, behavior, and diversity of fishes. Course includes comparisons among fish taxa and other vertebrate taxa, evaluation of primary literature, dissection and classification techniques, behavioral and ecological experiments, and fieldwork.

• BIOL–L 479 Evolution and Ecology (4 cr.) P: L311. Evolution and ecology for science majors. Origin of life; physical environment and the individual; population ecology and population genetics; species interactions; community organization; development, structure, and function of ecosystems. Credit given for only one of L318, S318, L473 or L479.

• BIOL–M 480 Microbial and Molecular Genetics (3 cr.) P: L211 and M250-M255 or consent of instructor. Analysis of the molecular genetics of Escherichia coli and its heritable elements. Will include the genetics of other microorganisms as well as molecular cloning.

• BIOL–M 485 Microbial and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (3 cr.) P: M480. C: M480. The genetics of Escherichia coli and its viruses. Techniques include transformation, mutation, bacterial recombination, transduction, transposition, molecular cloning, restriction mapping, Southern blotting, and other recombinant DNA techniques.

• BIOL–L 490 Individual Study (arr.; 12 max. cr.) P: Overall GPA 2.500 or above and written permission of faculty member supervising research. Must present oral report to complete more than 6 credit hours. Must complete a written assignment as evidence of each semester’s work. Must present oral report to complete more than 6 credit hours. Section authorization. Maximum of 6 credits allowed for summer internships/research.

• BIOL–S 495 Honors Thesis Research (1 cr.) P: 3.300 GPA or higher, permission of department, and research involvement. Required for honors notation. Students must complete at least 5 credit hours of L490 plus S495 over a minimum of two semesters or over one semester and one full summer. Required for honors notation. Students must complete at least 5 credit hours of L490 plus S495 over a minimum of two semesters or over one semester and one full summer. Thesis committee must approve the thesis to receive honors.

• BIOL–L 499 Internship in Biology Instruction (3 cr.) P: Consent of departmental chairperson. Supervised experience in teaching undergraduate biology course. May be repeated once for credit.

• BIOL–P 451 Integrative Human Physiology (4 cr.) P: Consent of departmental chairperson. Intended for the junior or senior science major. Course in human physiology designed to introduce the senior undergraduate student to the function of the human body in health, disease, and extreme environments. Emphasizes how the different organ systems work to maintain homeostasis and how organ function is integrated. The content and key concepts are presented in order to provide students insight into the scientific process through problem-solving and exploration of resources. Utilizes experimental inquiry, case-based and problem-oriented methodology with students working in teams, and an emphasis on clinical application. The laboratory component is incorporated into the structure of the course.

Related Courses in Medical Sciences

These courses are acceptable for biological sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences distribution requirement, but do not count in the biology major.

• MSCI–M 131 Disease and the Human Body (3 cr.) N & M Suitable for non–science majors at all levels. Basic science knowledge is advantageous but not necessary. This course is team-taught by Medical Sciences faculty. Provided will be a description of a disease or injury and a discussion of the normal anatomy and physiology of relevant body systems and the alterations that are due to the disease or injury. Included will be various drug and other medical interventions that can be used to diagnose and treat the diseases and injuries. The format consists primarily of lectures with some interactive demonstrations. Four objective exams are scheduled throughout the semester, and standard grading policies are utilized. No text is required, and extensive handouts are provided.

• ANAT–A 215 Basic Human Anatomy (5 cr.) N & M Intended for science majors and not recommended for first-semester freshmen. An organ-systems approach to the study of the human body, including microscopic and gross structure. The course starts with an introduction to basic cell structure and tissue construction, and continues with the coverage of all human systems with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular, reproductive, and nervous systems. Bones, models, and prosected cadavers are used to study these topics concurrently in the laboratory.

• PHSY–P 215 Basic Human Physiology (5 cr.) N & M Intended for science majors and not recommended for first-semester freshmen. An organ-systems approach to the study of human body function. Presentation begins with basic cell function and communication systems of the body, progressing to control systems, defense mechanisms, transport, gas exchange, and balancing of nutrients, water, and electrolytes. Focus for the course is on how organ systems contribute to essential metabolic activity and the maintenance of homeostasis. The laboratory emphasizes the application of material presented during lecture and is a required part of this course.

• MSCI–M 216 Medical Science of Psychoactive Drugs (3 cr.) N & M An entry-level examination of the biological mechanisms underlying the effects of psychoactive drugs. Drug actions in the brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, liver and other organs and tissues will be detailed. Molecular mechanisms and genetic factors involved in drug-induced therapeutic and adverse effects will be emphasized.

Courses for a Degree in Biotechnology—B.S.

• BIOL–T 301 Seminar in Biotechnology (1 cr.) P: Junior or senior standing, or permission of the instructor. Outside speakers from the biotechnology industry present students with the latest research developments, information about career opportunities, and internship possibilities. Students will write a paper on each seminar, discussing what they have learned and how this knowledge affects their career decisions. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credit hours.

• BIOL–T 310 Biotechnology Lecture (3 cr.) P: L211. C: T315. Application of microbial diversity in biotechnology; synthesis of macromolecules; principles of gene expressions; gene cloning; protein engineering, overexpression and purification; genomics; proteomics; bioinformatics.

• BIOL–T 312 Societal Issues in Biotechnology (3 cr.) P: L211. Consideration of the effects of recent advances in biotechnology on human affairs and the environment.

• BIOL–T 315 Biotechnology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: L211. C: T310. Students use a problem-based approach to gene cloning; for example, cloning the gene for an industrially important enzyme, α-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis. In this example, students would purify α-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis and affinity-tagged α-amylase overproduction clone for purification and compare the activity of the purified proteins.

• BIOL–T 322 Biotechnology Writing and Communication (3 cr.) P: Completion of the English composition requirement, and BIOL L211 or M255 or CHEM C343. Students learn oral and written scientific communications as appropriate in biotechnology. Topics include figures and tables, technical talks, reading and writing scientific publications, and writing industrial-style documents, including standard operating procedures and study protocols. Peer and instructor review will aid learning.

• BIOL–T 415 Theory and Applications of Biotechnology Laboratory I (3 cr.) P: One of the following: L319, L323, L324, L373, T315. In-depth application of advanced laboratory techniques currently used in biotechnology. Course is divided into three modules, each emphasizing a specific discipline within biotechnology. General laboratory techniques are taught in all modules.

Courses for Programs Outside the Department of Biology

Because these courses are presented as contributions to programs or curricula outside the Department of Biology, they cannot be applied toward requirements for majors in biology nor toward the distribution requirements of the College.

• BIOL–M 200 Microorganisms in Nature and Disease (3 cr.) P: High school chemistry and biology. Principles of microbiology, including study of major microbial groups; cultivation, physiology, and genetics; destruction and control of microbial life; activities of microorganisms in nature and disease. For students in programs requiring only one semester of microbiology (not premedical or medical technology students). No credit in this course for students who have already passed M440.

• BIOL–Q 201 Biological Science for Elementary Teachers (3 cr.) P: Q200. An introduction to the principles and practice of biology designed especially for prospective elementary education teachers. All major areas of biology will be considered, with a concluding emphasis on the relations between various organisms and their environment. Credit given for only one of Q201, L100, L104, E112, L112.

• BIOL–M 215 Microorganism Laboratory (1 cr.) P: M200 concurrently. Introduction to basic techniques and procedures of microbiology laboratories. Emphasis on aspects deemed useful to nursing students. Growth and transfer of living microorganisms, aseptic techniques, and the staining and identification of bacteria. Audio-tutorial format. Enrollment preference given to nursing students.

Related Non-College of Arts and Sciences Courses

These courses are acceptable for credit in biology.

Medical Sciences

• PHSL–P 416 Comparative Animal Physiology (3 cr.) Intended for junior and senior science majors. Principles of physiology are explored in a comparative animal context. Function of the respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and related systems will be examined. Examples of unusual vertebrate and invertebrate function will be used to illustrate basic and comparative physiological principles.

• PHSL–P 421 Biophysical Principles in Physiology (3 cr.) Permission of instructor required. Intended for junior and senior science majors. Permission of instructor required. This course offers an organ-systems approach to the study of biophysical principles governing human body function. Lectures provide a broad survey of the communication and control systems of the body, defense mechanisms, transport, gas exchange, and balancing of nutrients, water, and electrolytes. Problem-solving skills, critical evaluation of data, and exploration of research and resources in the study of physiology will be emphasized in this course.

• PHSL–P 460 Anatomy of the Ear and Vocal Organs (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Development and structure of face, nasal cavities, mouth, palate, pharynx, larynx, ear, and related portions of respiratory and nervous systems.

• ANAT–A 464 Human Tissue Biology (4 cr.) Intended for junior and senior science majors. This course analyzes the structure and activities of the cells that makeup the human body. The course begins with an overview of the animal cell, concentrating on aspects of cellular morphology important for biochemical functions. Fundamental types of distinct multicellular tissues, including connective, epithelial, muscular, and nervous tissues are then described at the light and electron microscopic level, emphasizing the functional significance of the structural features. After the basic tissue types are understood, the various organ systems of the body are discussed, again primarily with regard to how their tissue composition and arrangement mediate their diverse functions. Each lecture is followed by a laboratory session devoted to the same topic in which students examine and study the relevant cells, tissues, and organs using the light microscope and electron micrograph preparations. Note: A464 counts toward the minimum 25 College of Arts and Sciences credit hours required in the major, even though it is a non–College course.
  

• MSCI–M 470 Mechanisms of Human Disease (3 cr.) P: Intended for junior and senior science majors; One introductory biology course. R: L211. The course will examine the epidemiology, mechanisms of injury, and social impact of selected infectious diseases introduced by Europeans and Africans into New World Native Populations. We will consider the genetic diversity of New World Native Americans at the time of European contact and investigate the emergence and evolution of selected infectious diseases such as measles, smallpox, influenza, tuberculosis, and syphilis. We will investigate selected New World epidemics using historic documents and archaeological and anthropological sources.

School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA)

• SPEA–E 400 Topics in Environmental Studies (3 cr.) P: SPEA E272. For biology majors, Coral Reef Ecology as a “Field Techniques in Ecology” course only.

• SPEA–E 455 Limnology (4 cr.) P: College chemistry and biology or permission of instructor. Limnology is the ecology of inland lakes and streams, combining the principles of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics to understand how they function. The effects of human perturbation on aquatic systems will be highlighted in both lectures and laboratory work to aid student understanding of the concepts involved. Credit given for only one of E455 or E457.

• SPEA–E 457 Introduction to Conservation Biology (3 cr.) P: A 300-level ecology course. Ecological principles associated with rare species and with biodiversity, laws and statutes used to conserve biodiversity, and land and species management practices. The aim is to understand scientific and political complexities of conservation biology and to study different methods used to conserve living resources and resolve conflicts associated with conservation. Credit given for only one of E455 or E457.

Related College of Arts and Sciences Courses

These courses are acceptable for credit in biology.

Chemistry

• CHEM–C 483 Biological Chemistry (3 cr.) P: C342 or S342 or R340. N & M Introduction to structure, chemical properties, and interrelationships of biological substances. Credit given for only one of C483 or C484-C485.
  

• CHEM–C 484 Biomolecules and Catabolism (3 cr.) P: C342 or S342. N & M Structure and function of cellular components and the generation of phosphate-bond energy. Credit given for only one of C484-C485 or C483.

Psychological and Brain Sciences

• PSY–P 466 Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology (3 cr.) P: P326 or P346. N & M Introduction to the cellular and molecular processes that give the nervous system its unique character. Covers the cell biology of neurons and glia and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Examines the genetic and molecular approaches to the biological basis for higher brain functions such as learning and memory.