Undergraduate Upper-Division Courses

An introduction to the principles, concepts, and processes involved in scientific research, with emphasis in biology. This includes study design, basic data analyses, data interpretation and evaluation of the scientific literature. Satisfies the LAS and Compass Curriculum Quantitative and Qualitative Reasoning requirement as a statistics course when taken by a student who has either 1) successfully completed MATH 1040 (or a mathematics course that has college algebra as a prerequisite), OR 2) scored 87% or higher on the College Algebra placement test and scored 50% or higher on the Business Calculus placement test. Prer., BIOL 3830 and MATH 1350 or consent of instructor. Meets with BIOL 5020..

Study of the structural and functional aspects of cellular life with emphasis on biological macromolecules, organelles, membranes, and cellular processes including respiration, photosynthesis, mitotic division and signal transduction. Prer., BIOL 3830.

Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 3100. Prer., BIOL 3100 concurrently or preceding.

Virology is an upper division course covering the molecular genetics of viruses and their interactions with living organisms. Prer., BIOL 3020. Meets with BIOL 5140.

An examination of how invertebrates and vertebrates have met the problems of survival through physiological adaptations. Prer., BIOL 1200 or BIOL 1300/1310, BIOL 1210 or BIOL 1350/1360, and BIOL 3020..

A comprehensive study of the physiology of photosynthetic organisms emphasizing molecular and cellular biology. Prer., BIOL 1200 or BIOL 1300/1310, BIOL 1210 or BIOL 1350/1360; prior or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 3101.

Effective Fall 2019, this course will be offered only in the fall.

A survey of environmental relationships of plants and animals. Topics include speciation, abiotic, and biotic limiting factors, population, community and ecosystem dynamics, and terrestrial and aquatic biomes. Spring (even years). Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Prer., BIOL 1200 or BIOL 1300/1310 and BIOL 1210 or BIOL 1350/1360.

The major focus is the application of biological and ecological principles to preserve biodiversity. Ultimate sources and current worldwide losses of biological diversity are emphasized. Because conservation biology demands multidisciplinary approaches, historical, legal, economic, and ethical issues are also included. Approved for LAS Natural Science area requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirements: Navigate; Sustainability; Writing Intensive. Prer., BIOL 1200 or BIOL 1300/1310, BIOL 3700 recommended. Meets with GES 3750 and BIOL 5700.

Molecular basis of heredity, gene expression and mutation with emphasis on meiosis and Mendel’s laws, linkage and recombination, chromosomal structure and aberrations, human genetics and quantitative approaches. Prer., BIOL 1300/1310 (formerly BIOL 1200), BIOL 1350/1360 (formerly BIOL 1210), CHEM 1401/1402 (formerly CHEM 1301 or CHEM 1030), CHEM 1411/1412 (formerly CHEM 1311 or CHEM 1060).

A basic study of immunity which treats the biochemical, physiological, and genetic aspects of the immune response, particularly in humans. Prer., BIOL 3020.

Specialized topics and current issues are considered. Subject matter will change depending upon individual instructors. The topic in any given semester will be specified in the semester class schedule. May be repeated for credit more than one semester. Spring. Meets with BIOL 5000

This capstone course centers around the review and discussion of pertinent research subjects. Students will present seminars based on current research in the field. Fall, Spring. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Summit. Prer., BIOL3020 and Senior standing.

An instructor training course for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in biology education. This course is required for teaching lab courses in the general biology lab series. Approved for LAS Oral Communication area requirement. Prer., BIOL 1300/1310 (formerly BIOL 1200), BIOL 1350/1360 (formerly BIOL 1210), CHEM 1401/1402 (formerly CHEM 1301 or CHEM 1030), CHEM 1511/1513 (formerly CHEM 1311 or CHEM 1060). Meets with BIOL 5040.

Effective Spring 2019, this course will no longer be offered. 

Lecture. Examines cellular development with emphasis on vertebrate systems and experimental analysis. Prer., BIOL 3020.

Lecture. This course focuses on recent advances in understanding the molecular genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying nervous system development. This course introduces students to contemporary approaches for the study of neural development, emphasizing genetic and molecular techniques. Prer., BIOL 3020 and BIOL 3830. Meets with BIOL 5200.

An introduction to the basic principles and methods for studying human disease and improving public health. Prer., Open to Juniors/Seniors only. Meets with BIOL 5220.

An introduction to evolutionary biology focusing on the principle of common descent and mechanisms responsible for generating the amazing diversity of life. Prer., BIOL 3830.

Lecture, lab, and field studies. Origin, evolution and adaptation, geographic distribution, ecology, and taxonomy of mammals. Fall. Prer., BIOL 1200 or BIOL 1300/1310, and BIOL 1210 or BIOL 1350/1360. Meets with BIOL 5280

The study of animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective. Examines the adaptive significance of behaviors involved in survival, foraging, habitat selection, reproduction, and social interactions in animals ranging from insects to humans. Prer., BIOL 3830. Meets with BIOL 5420.

A Introduction to biological research on the interactions among organisms and their environments. This course emphasizes field work in a variety of systems including soils, plants, insects, vertebrates, and aquatic biology. Lecture and laboratory. Prer., BIOL 1300, BIOL 1310, BIOL 1350, BIOL 1360, or by permission of the instructor. Meets with BIOL 5460.

This course is concerned with understanding evolutionary patterns and processes at the genetic level. Students learn principles behind methods used in the field and gain hands-on experience with techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), gene sequencing, gene expression analysis, and bioinformatics. Prer., BIOL 3830. Meets with BIOL 5610.

Learn how fundamental principles of chemistry and biology are applied to modern day biotechnologies. Examine the chemical and biological properties of nucleic acids, proteins and restriction enzymes and how they are used to clone genes, characterize proteins and discover drugs. Prer., BIOL 4840 or by consent of instructor. Meets with BIOL 5670.

A program of study and learning outside the classroom. Practical exposure to field of interest is intended to provide appropriate experience to a student’s career orientation. A variety of opportunities exists, and students may explore their own avenues as well. Some externships are in open competition. Students must have departmental permission and completed permission form to register. It is necessary for students interested in this program to plan their participation one semester before they plan to enroll. (Note: Externship is to be performed off campus at an institution performing biologically-oriented work, e.g., medical clinics and research laboratories.) Students must speak with faculty before registering for all externships. Fall, Spring.

Focuses on the biochemistry and techniques used to study prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression and regulation. Topics include transcription, translation, and transposition. Prer., BIOL 3020. Meets with BIOL 5840.

Laboratory course for advanced biology students and graduate students interested in research experience. Course includes experimental design, laboratory and/or field projects, and interpretation and presentation of data from individual projects. Meets with BIOL 6930.