Graduate Studies
College of Arts and Sciences

BIO     550  Research Techniques - 3 credits

An introduction to statistical analysis and laboratory techniques commonly used in research laboratories. Weekly meetings include lectures, data analysis, and student presentations. One lecture period.

BIO   550L  Research Techniques Lab - 1 credit

This course is designed to expose students to the research activity within the department. Students will be rotated through three faculty research laboratories, working in each lab for a four-week period. Students will select the labs to work in based on their interest. This experience is designed to allow students the opportunity to learn the practical side of laboratory techniques and to help students select a research area for study. Times to be arranged.

BIO     552  Graduate Seminar (4285) - 1 credit

Students prepare and present seminars based on current primary literature or their own research work. One period.

BIO     601  Animal Behavior (4115) - 4 credits

Study of animals and their behaviors with strong emphasis on evolutionary relationships and ecology.  Two lecture periods, one four hour laboratory period.

BIO     602  Advanced Cell Biology (4305) - 4 credits

In depth analysis of eukaryotic cell structure and function. Emphasis is on experimental approaches to understanding concepts in cell biology. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory period.

BIO     603  Biometrics and Modeling (4185) - 4 credits

Computer simulation of life science phenomena from the subcellular to population levels. Appropriate statistics are included along with exposure to simulation software. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory.

BIO     604  Biochemistry (4215) - 3 credits

Study of the chemistry of living systems. The study of important macromolecules, metabolic pathways, and control systems. Two lecture periods.

BIO     605  Biomechanics - 4 credits

Students are introduced to the ways in which the behavior, morphology and material composition of plants and animals are affected by and take advantage of physical forces.  This course will include lectures given by the members of the Biology and Physics Department, as well as an integrated laboratory section where students will observe and measure the effect of physical forces on organisms in both aquatic and terrestrial systems.

BIO     606  Comparative Anatomy (4015) - 4 credits

An integrated comparative study of vertebrate structure and development. A synthesis of the embryological development, the gross anatomy, and the histology of selected forms. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory period.

BIO     607  Developmental Biology (4055) - 4 credits

A study of the molecular and cellular aspects of development. Emphasis will be on induction, regeneration, and genetic control of differentiation. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory period.

BIO     608  Histology (4225) - 4 credits

A study in depth of the microscopic structure and function of normal cells, tissues and organs as found in the vertebrates. Students will make extensive use of computer imaging, CD-ROM presentations and biological specimens for study in the laboratory. Two three-hour sessions per week.

BIO     609  Ecology (4135) - 4 credits

Study of complex interrelationship between organisms and their environment. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory period.

BIO     610  Light and Electron Microscopy (4265) - 4 credits

The techniques of light and electron microscopy, including aspects of technique, theory, and operation. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory period.

BIO     611  Molecular Genetics (4145) - 4 credits

Study of the molecular biology of the genetic material, its structure, expression, regulation, and its dynamic nature. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory period.

BIO     612  Neurobiology (4275) - 4 credits

A study of neural activity using examples from invertebrate and vertebrate model systems. The emphasis will be at the cellular and tissue levels with appropriate neurochemistry and pharmacology included. Laboratory work will focus on computer simulation of neural processes including simple nerve nets. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory.

BIO     613  Plant Physiological Ecology (4345) - 4 credits

This course will focus on the physiological mechanisms plants use to respond to their environment. Major topic areas include the basic environmental physiology of carbon, water, and mineral nutrient exchange, and the adaptive mechanisms plants use to survive the variety of global environments. Labs will cover common physiological research methods ranging from cellular to whole organism level measurements and will involve both laboratory and field work. Two lecture periods, one four-hour lab period.

BIO     614  Plant Systematics (4195) - 4 credits

Students will learn to recognize vascular plant families and understand how taxonomists study evolutionary relationships among plant groups. Economic, medical, and ecological importance of various seed plants will be emphasized. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory period.

BIO     615  Immunology (4201) - 3 credits

An introductory course providing students with an overview of how the immune system works, including molecules, cells and organs of the immune system and their functions and interactions. Discussion of the experimental techniques used to understand the cell-cell interactions that occur in immunity as well as the differentiation and activation of the immune response will be included. Three 50 minute lecture periods or two 75 minute lecture periods.

BIO     616  Microbiology (4065) - 4 credits

The structural, cultural, and physiological characteristics of microorganisms and their role in the economy of nature. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory period.

BIO     617  Systemic Physiology (4045) - 4 credits

A study of the fundamental mechanisms of vertebrate physiology. The basis for the function of the various organ systems and the biological controls that result in the integration of these systems will be discussed. Two lecture periods, one four-hour laboratory period.

BIO     619  Invertebrate Zoology (4305) - 4 credits

A study of the morphology, physiology, behavior, and phylogenetic relationships of the major groups of invertebrates. Participants will compare and contrast the physical and biological challenges facing the invertebrates that live on land, in water, and inside other organisms. The laboratory will include observations and experiments on live and preserved animals. Two lecture periods; one four-hour lab period.

BIO    623   Evolution - 3 credits

BIO     624   Biotechnology  -  3 credits

This course is designed to introduce students to recombinant DNA (gene cloning) technology.  Students will learn about traditional and emerging techniques used in the biotechnology field.  In addition, students will learn how biotechnology is used to solve important scientific and societal problems (environmental, animal, agricultural and medical applications).

BIO    703   Virology - 3 credits

BIO    705  Genome Science - 4 credits

Genome Science covers contemporary fields of genomics and bioinformatics.  To work with sequences (DNA and protein) students learn basic theory of searching, alignment, estimating evolutionary divergence, and testing hypotheses.  Many practical tools are used, including BLAST.  As part of the laboratory component to this course, students will work with actual, unexplored genomic sequences to annotate genes and other features.

Topics, course format, and instructors may vary each semester.

BIO     793  Research (4075) - 1-6 credits

Research project undertaken in the laboratory of a member of the graduate faculty. Meeting times arranged.

BIO     794  Thesis Research (4955) - 6 credits

Research credit during preparation of thesis. Times to be arranged.