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2017-2018 Graduate Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: CONTENT MAY NOT BE CURRENT. USE THE DROP DOWN ABOVE TO ACCESS THE CURRENT CATALOG.
Courses - School of Life Sciences
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School of Life Sciences
BIOL 602 - Great Biological Discoveries
Credits 3
Students will critically examine ~25 of the most important biological discoveries of all time and learn to examine data, develop hypotheses, identify valid conclusions, challenge interpretations of results, and discuss significance. The course will help students identify the origins of biological fields and develop a “big picture” view of biology.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 603 - Restoration Ecology
Credits 3
The science and practice of repairing ecosystems that have been damaged or destroyed; including determining reference conditions, restoration practices across biomes, and challenges to restoration during an era of global change in climate, disturbance, and biological invasions.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 403. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 604 - Principles of Neurobiology
Credits 3
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 404. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 607 - Molecular Biology
Credits 3
Introductory molecular biology. Study of genes and their activities at the molecular level, including transcription, translation, DNA replication, and recombination. Concepts of molecular biology presented along with experimental strategies and data the led to those concepts.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 405. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 609 - Virology
Systematic examination of animal, plant, and bacterial viruses including their structure and genome organization, their reproduction and assembly, and their effects on host organisms.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 409. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 611 - Molecular Evolution
Graduate credit may be obtained for courses designated 600 or above. A full description of this course may be found in the Undergraduate Catalog under the corresponding 400 number.
Notes
Credit at the 600 level normally requires additional work.
BIOL 613 - Introduction to Scientific Writing
Credits 2
Scientific writing for those intending to publish manuscripts, technical reports, or academic papers in the sciences. Writing techniques, published literature, and student writing examples are presented and evaluated. Students will improve their writing skills and learn to critique published writing samples. This course is crosslisted with BIOL 413. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 616 - Bioinformatics
Credits 3
This class covers basic principles in bioinformatics, as well as Perl programming, algorithms, databases, and use of many bioinformatics resources. In class “laboratory” exercises reinforce these topics with hands-on activities and individual/group learning exercises. The class emphasizes a conceptual and practical understanding of bioinformatics applied to biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 618 - Microbial Ecology
Study of microbes as individuals, populations, and communities in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial environments. Topics such as nutrient cycling, biodegradation, and biotechnology discussed from an ecological standpoint.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 418. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 622 - Taxonomy of Vascular Plants
Study of the evolutionary relationships of the principal orders, families and genera; systems of classification; collection and identification of local flora.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 422. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 625 - Genomics
Study of the sequencing, assembling and annotating of genomes. Examination of new approaches that integrate genetics, molecular biology, and computer sciences to answer biological questions in novel ways. Applications of genomics, proteomic and bioinformatic technologies in medical researches.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 425. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 626 - Plant Anatomy
Study of the basic structure of plant organs and tissues, particularly with regard to relationships between structure and function.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 426. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 628 - Biometry
Credits 3
Analysis of large data sets, statistical hypothesis testing, and experimental design. Examples drawn from molecular biology (e.g. microarrays, RNA-Seq), ecology, systems biology, and population genetics. Introduction to programming in the R programming language.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 428. Coursework at the graduate level requires additional work.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 631 - Ichthyology
Study of biology of fishes, including morphology, physiology, ecology, and evolution. Emphasis on local fish, field work with state and federal agency biologists.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 431. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 632 - Herpetology
Introduction to various aspects of the ecology, behavior, and evolution of recent amphibians and non-avian reptiles. In the laboratory students will learn diagnostic characteristics, some functional attributes, and aspects of the natural history of recent amphibians and non-avian reptiles, particularly of species from southwestern North America.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 432. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 633 - Ornithology
Principles of avian biology and evolution.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 433. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 634 - Mammalogy
Credits 4
Study of mammalian biology, evolution, and ecology, with attention to issues in mammal conservation biology. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory with possible weekend and overnight field trips.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 434. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 635 - Forest Ecology
Credits 3
Principles of the ecology and conservation of forest ecosystems; tree species traits, forest development, and disturbance effects on forests; evolutionary processes in forest change; animal and microorganism use of forest habitats and influences on forests; effects of fire, forest pests, and global change on forest ecology and biodiversity.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 435. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in biology.
BIOL 638 - Soil Plant Water Relations in Arid Environments
Credits 3
The class will cover soil plant water relationships relevant to arid environments under limited water resources. Topics that will be discussed in detail include; the hydrologic cycle, water properties, soil physical and chemical properites, environmental demand, plant stress associated with drought and salinity, water quality and irrigation management as it relates to plant growth and productivity. The class will be taught in a lecture/lab format.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 438. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
Prerequisites
CHEM 121, CHEM 122, and BIOL 197 or equivalents.
BIOL 640 - Mammalian Physiology
Credits 3
Principles of mammalian physiology, normal functioning of mammalian body as a whole, and interrelationships of organs and organ systems. Emphasis on physiological processes and their interrelationships.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 440. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
Prerequisites
Departmental consent.
BIOL 641 - Field Ecology
Introduction to ecological research. Weekly field projects emphasize population biology, interactions among species, and ecosystem processes.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 441. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 642 - Principles of Plant Physiology
Credits 4
Introduction to the basic physiological processes in plants: metabolism, nutrition, growth, and development.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 442. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 644 - Principles of Plant Ecology
Credits 3
Introduction to the ecology of wild plants, particularly structure, ecology of populations, interactions of plants with their environment and other organisms, and survey of the major global vegetation types.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 444. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 645 - Cell Physiology
Credits 3
Cell physiology provides an understanding of the basic processes of eukaryotic cells and their relationship to cellular ultrastructure.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 445. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 647 - Comparative Animal Physiology
Credits 4
Comparative physiology provides a detailed understanding of the diverse array of physiological systems evolved to allow animals to function in various environments. The comparative approach is used to understand physiological adaptations to various environments and the evolution of physiological systems.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 447. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 648 - Endocrinology
Credits 3
Survey of the structure and function of vertebrate endocrine systems, with emphasis on the biochemical basis of hormone action and the role of cell communication in endocrine physiology.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 414. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 651 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory
Credits 2
The companion laboratory course of . Hands-on dissection of specimens representing major vertebrate groups. Numerous demonstration specimens sample the diversity of fishes, amphibians, and amniotes. Review of fossil vertebrates with emphasis on phylogenetic relationships.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 451. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
Prerequisites
Biology degree or consent of instructor.
Corequisite
BIOL 653 - Immunology
Credits 3
Study of the immune response, cell-mediated and humoral. Topics include the diversity of antibodies and antigen receptors, evolution of immunity, cell-cell interactions, importance of major histocompatibility complex immune regulation, and immunity to microorganisms.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 453. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 655 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Biomechanics
Credits 3
Examines structure-function relationships in the context of vertebrate evolution. Tissues and structures of the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular system are emphasized. Biomechanics of materials, structures, and movements are related to adaptations of vertebrates to life in their physical worlds.
Prerequisites
Biology degree or consent of instructor.
Corequisite
BIOL 658 - Stem Cells and Regeneration Biology
Credits 3
A survey of research literature in regeneration biology and stem cells across the organismal, tissue, and molecular levels. Our focus is on understanding tissue regeneration through model organism studies (invertebrates and vertebrates). Topics include stem cells, wound healing, organogenesis, and age dependent-regeneration, with discussions of applicability towards promoting human regenerative repair.
BIOL 660 - Microbial Physiology
Credits 4
Exploration of the major aspects of microbial physiology, including structure and growth of bacteria, generation of ATP and intermediary metabolism, synthesis of macromolecules and cellular components, and coordination of intracellular activities.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 460. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 664 - Bacterial Pathogenesis
Credits 3
Addresses the molecular mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause disease. Basic principles of bacterial pathogenesis will be considered before a survey of bacterial pathogens and their specific virulence factors is conducted. Includes aspects of bacterial genetics, physiology, immunology, and the cell biology of host-parasite interactions.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 464. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
Prerequisites
BIOL 351 or equivalent microbiology class.
BIOL 665 - Vertebrate Embryology
Credits 4
Development of vertebrates, with emphasis on amphibians, birds, and mammals. Considerations of gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, early morphogenesis, and organogenesis included.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 465. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 668 - Histology
Credits 4
Microscopic structure and function of vertebrate tissues with emphasis on mammals.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 468. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 670 - Topics in Applied Microbiology
Credits 3
Applications may include bioremediation, food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, vaccine development, water treatment, or genetic engineering. Presentation and discussion of current literature. Topics published in the class schedule. Maximum of two different topics may be selected for a total of six credits.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 470. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 671 - Aquatic Ecology
Credits 3
Principles of aquatic ecology including physical, chemical and biotic attributes - and their interactions - relating to both freshwater and marine systems.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 471. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 672 - Limnology
Credits 4
Notes
Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 678 - Genetics and Cell Biology of Cancer
Credits 3
An exploration of the genetic controls that go arwy during carcinogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis leading to cancer. A mixture of formal lectures, student presentations, and class discussions are employed. Course is crosslisted with BIOL 478. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
Notes
Course is crosslisted with BIOL 478. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor.
BIOL 680 - Introduction to Biological Modeling
Credits 3
Introduction to the modeling of biological systems and processes through the use of computers.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 480. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 685 - Microbial Genetics
Credits 4
Examines genetics of prokaryotic microorganisms, including induction of mutations and selection of mutants, alternative processes of genetic exchange and gene mapping, and gene organization and regulation.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 485. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 687 - Principles of Systematics
Credits 3
Principles and applications of methods used to reconstruct history and biotic diversity among genes, species, and higher taxa. Considers several approaches to tree construction and significance of phylogenetic history within the context of evolution, biogeography, and conservation biology.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 487. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 689 - Developmental Genetics
Credits 3
Topics in molecular genetics of developmental processes explored through current literature.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 489. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 690 - Biogeography
Credits 3
Study of distributional patterns of plant and animal groups, including consideration of theories and principles, derived from a variety of disciplines, related to those patterns.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 490. Credit at the 600 level requires additional work.
BIOL 699 - RNA Biology
Credits 3
Comprehensive survey designed to cover multiple types and biological roles of RNA. Specific topics include role of RNAs in the regulation of important cellular and physiological processes, and how alteration of RNA functions could lead to human genetic diseases as well as RNA-based therapies.
Notes
This course is crosslisted with BIOL 469. Coursework at the 600-level requires additional work.
BIOL 701 - Ethics in Scientific Research
Credits 2
Examination of ethical issues in scientific research, including research design, planning, and support; data manipulation and accessibility; publication practices and authorship; peer review; and scientific misconduct.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing or consent of instructor
BIOL 703 - Biochemical Genetics
Credits 3
Detailed study of the structure of nucleic acids and the molecular genetic mechanisms of replication, transcription, and induction and repression of genetic information. Biochemical genetics of gene transfer.
Prerequisites
BIO 300 and CHEM 471.
BIOL 705 - Secondary Education: Teaching Evolution and the Nature of Science
Credits 1 – 3
Focus on Science and Creationism and hands-on activities and inquiry-based computer simulations that can be used in classrooms to illustrate evolutionary principles. Workshop taught using scientific methods so educators are well-versed in methods of evolutionary study and principles.
Notes
Follow up sessions explore implementations of lessons from workshop.
BIOL 711 - Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics
Credits 3
Focuses on the biology and genetics of common model organisms: C. elegans, Drosophila, Arabidopsis, Zebrafish, and mouse, and their relationship to the biology of human health and agriculture. The goal is help students understand current research topics in functional genetics and genome manipulation.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 714 - Population Genetics
Credits 3
Examines the interactions of evolutionary processes, such as natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation, and effects of these interactions on population differentiation, speciation, and extinction. Theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of DNA substitutions and quantitative genetic change addressed.
Prerequisites
MATH 181 and BIO 310 or consent of instructor.
BIOL 722 - Advanced Taxonomy of Vascular Plants
Credits 3
Identification, classification, and evolutionary relationships of the subfamilies and tribes of the composite, legume, and grass families.
Notes
Three hours laboratory.
Prerequisites
BIO 422
BIOL 730A-D - Special Lectures in Life Sciences
Credits 3
Reserved for formal didactic classes with varying special current topics in different disciplines of life sciences. Lettering system reflects focus on topics specific for each Section within Life Sciences (A = Ecology and Evolution, B = Organismal Physiology, C = Cell and Molecular Biology, D = Microbology).
Notes
May be repeated to a maximum of nine credits.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 742 - Topics in Advanced Plant Physiology
Credits 2
Advanced treatment of current topics in plant physiology. Topics for consideration selected from one of the three following major subject areas: (a) Water relations, ion balance, and mineral nutrition; (b) Photosynthesis, intermediary metabolism, and plant growth; and (c) Stress physiology. Instructor and students decide which area covered during a given semester.
Notes
May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.
Prerequisites
BIO 442
BIOL 743 - Ecological Plant Physiology
Credits 3
Examination of the physiological responses and adaptations of terrestrial plants to their environment. Primary topics covered include microclimate analysis, water relations, gas exchange, nutrient relations, and adaptations to stress. Adaptations of plants from contrasting physical environments emphasized.
Prerequisites
BIO 340 and BIO 442.
BIOL 745 - Arid Zone Soils
Credits 3
Role soils have in the soil-plant-atmospheric continuum of arid regions, influence of arid zone soils on all aspects of plant growth and development, influence of soil forming factors on the development of arid soils.
Same as
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 748 - Environmental Physiology
Credits 3
Examination of physiological responses, including adaptation and acclimatization to extreme physical environments. Consideration of desert, tropical, arctic, mountain, and aquatic environments and their physiology, ecological, and phylogenetic implications.
BIOL 763 - Vertebrate Reproductive Biology
Credits 3
Study of vertebrate reproduction at the systematic, organismal and population levels. Individual or group projects.
Prerequisites
BIOL 350, 448 or 465, and consent of instructor.
BIOL 781 - Population and Evolutionary Ecology
Credits 3
Advanced topics in population growth, population interaction and evolution in ecological systems. Includes reading and class discussion of both theoretical and empirical material with emphasis on individual student analysis and integration.
Notes
Three hours of lecture and discussion.
Prerequisites
BIO 340 or equivalent and consent of instructor.
BIOL 783 - Community and Ecosystem Ecology
Credits 3
Readings and evaluation of the highest levels of organization in ecology through: a) exploration of the fundamental concepts of community distributions, structure, organization, and change; and b) analysis of ecosystem-level processes of primary and secondary production and nutrient cycling.
Prerequisites
BIO 340 or equivalent and consent of instructor.
BIOL 784 - Conservation Biology
Credits 3
Science of scarcity and diversity viewed from the perspective of understanding the causes and consequences of extinction as well as the conditions necessary for maintenance of biotic diversity. Review regional and worldwide developments in this emerging subdiscipline.
Prerequisites
BIO 340 or consent of instructor.
BIOL 786 - Bioenergetics
Credits 3
Review of primary and secondary productivity and associated topics dealing with ecosystem energetics.
Notes
Four hours laboratory.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 787 - Research Laboratory Rotation
Credits 1 – 3
Provides an opportunity for newly admitted graduate students to experience the research of Biological Sciences graduate faculty through one-on-one interactions. Gives graduate students the information they need to make informal choices about the lab(s) where they carry out their thesis and dissertation research.
Notes
May be repeated to a maximum of three credits.
Grading
S/F grading only.
Prerequisites
Admission as a regular graduate student in the M.S. or Ph.D. Program.
BIOL 789 - Independent Graduate Study in Life Sciences
Credits 1 – 3
Students use this class to receive research credit related to their thesis or dissertation project prior to registering for BIOL 797 or BIOL 799.
Notes
May be repeated to a maximum of nine credits.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 790A-D - Research Colloquium in Life Sciences
Credits 1 – 3
Students use this class to present their individual research results to a section-wide audience. Lettering system reflects focus on topics specific for each Section within Life Sciences (A = Ecology and Evolution, B = Organismal Physiology, C = Cell and Molecular Biology, D = Microbiology).
Notes
May be repeated to a maximum of nine credits.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 791 - Research Laboratory Discussions in Life Sciences
Credits 1-2
Students present their research and discuss the work of colleagues during formal laboratory meetings with their mentor’s research group.
Notes
May be repeated to a maximum of ten credits.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 792 - Advanced Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology
Credits 1 – 3
Includes papers, oral presentations and discussion of current literature in these fields.
Notes
Topics announced with each offering. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credits.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
BIOL 793A-D - Advanced Topics in Life Sciences
Credits 1 – 2
A seminar-style class where presentations are organized around a common theme. Students present and discuss the related primary literature. Lettering system reflects focus on topics specific for each Section within Life Sciences (A = Ecology and Evolution, B = Organismal Physiology, C = Cell and Molecular Biology, D = Microbiology.
Notes
May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 794 - Techniques in Molecular Biology
Credits 3
Introduction to the theory and laboratory methods used in molecular biology research. Topics include the isolation and purification of nucleic acids, restriction digests, cloning. Southern blotting, PCR, DNA sequencing, and electrophoresis.
Notes
Three to nine laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
BIOL 795 - Teaching Strategies for University Science Courses
Credits 2
Designed for graduate students in the sciences and will prepare you for University-level science teaching, whether pursuing a research-based or teaching-based faculty position. We explore different learning theories, current research about learning science and applying them to teaching and the development of a personal teaching philosophy.
BIOL 796 A-D - Graduate Seminar
Credits 1 – 2
Instructs students on how to prepare and present seminars on topics of current interest in life sciences. Lettering system reflects focus on topics specific for each Section within Life Sciences (A = Ecology and Evolution, B = Organismal Physiology, C = Cell and Molecular Biology, D = Microbiology).
Notes
May be repeated to a maximum of ten credits.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing in biology.
BIOL 797 - Thesis
Credits 3 – 6
Notes
May be repeated but only six credits applied to the student’s program. Enrollment by consent of instructor only.
Grading
S/F grading only.
BIOL 799 - Dissertation
Credits 3 – 6
Research analysis and writing toward completion of dissertation and subsequent defense.
Notes
May be repeated but a maximum of only 18 credits may be applied to the degree program.
Grading
S/F grading only.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing in the Biology Ph.D. program and consent of instructor.
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