Biological Sciences Courses
Courses
Independent Research (0-0-1).
Department: Biology
1 Credit Hour
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours
Major Restrictions:
Restricted to majors of BIOL
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Graduate seminar course for students in ecology, evolution and environmental science. Presentations are made by the enrollees and other speakers.
Department: Biology
1 Credit Hour
1 Total Contact Hour
0 Lab Hours
1 Lecture Hour
0 Other Hours
Major Restrictions:
Restricted to majors of EEB, ESCI, ESE
Seminar (1-0) Topics vary and are presented by enrollees and other speakers.
Department: Biology
1 Credit Hour
1 Total Contact Hour
0 Lab Hours
1 Lecture Hour
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Ethical, Social, and Political Dimensions of Science (1-0) Readings, and discussion on the philosophical and social structure, ethical climate, and public policy environment of the modern scientific research establishment.
Department: Biology
1 Credit Hour
1 Total Contact Hour
0 Lab Hours
1 Lecture Hour
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Independent Research (0-0-2)
Department: Biology
2 Credit Hours
6 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
6 Other Hours
Major Restrictions:
Restricted to majors of BIOL
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
This course aims to provide instruction and guidance in the development of professional skills needed by graduate students in ecology, evolution and environmental science.
Department: Biology
2 Credit Hours
2 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Major Restrictions:
Restricted to majors of BIOL, EEB, ESCI
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
This course aims to provide instruction and guidance in the construction and submission of competitive grant proposals, thesis/dissertation proposals and fellowship applications, for graduate students in ecology, evolution and environmental science.
Department: Biology
2 Credit Hours
2 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Major Restrictions:
Restricted to majors of BIOL, EEB, ESCI
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Selected Advanced Topics in the Biological Sciences (0-0-3) Course in the form of formal classes. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Research in the Biological Sciences (0-0-3) Emphasizes research, with writing and discussion. Not given as a formal class. May be repeated, but no more than six hours of credit will be counted towards degree.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Broadly defined as the study of the genetic composition of populations, population genetics attempts to quantify the distribution of genetic variation and changes in the frequencies of alleles. Specifically, we will examine how the four evolutionary processes (mutation, genetic drift, natural selection, and gene flow) affect the genetic composition of natural populations. This includes how concepts in population genetics are advancing the field of Forensic Science. We will be exploring theoretical and practical components of population genetics through lectures and labs, respectively.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
1 Lab Hour
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Herpetology (2-3) A study of the morphology, taxonomy, and life histories of reptiles and amphibians.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
3 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
This course aims at providing Instruction and guidance in the construction and submission of competitive grant proposals and fellowship applications, as well as the development of other professional tools needed by graduate students In the biological sciences.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
The course covers fundamental concepts of the nervous system functions and provides contemporary knowledge and insights into the genetic, molecular, cellular and neural basis of brain diseases. The course will focus on neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders prevalent in our society that include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease, prion disease/CJD, autism, depression, ADHD, mental retardation and PTSD.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Biogeography (3-0) Geographic distribution of plants and animals, and analysis of causative factors.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Biosystematics (3-0) Methods and principles of taxonomy, classification, and systematics.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
G Protein-Coupled Receptor Biology The goal of this course is to help students learn how to thoughtfully discuss and write down their scientific ideas, in a comprehensive, organized manner. In addition to helping the students understand the interdisciplinary nature of the science background required to study signaling processes initiated through activation of G protein-coupled receptors, the course includes interactive lectures, oral presentations and exams.
Endocrinology (2-3) A study of the effects and actions of vertebrate hormones with an emphasis on neuroendocrine control. Laboratory fee required.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
3 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Advances in Evolutionary Theory (3-0) Study of evolutionary processes and phenomena at selected levels of biological organization with respect to current hypotheses and research technologies.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 5301 w/C or better)
Advances in Immunological Concepts (3-0) Study of immunological and immunochemical concepts. Emphasis will be placed on recent experimental advances in immunology.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Prerequisite(s): (MICR 1454 w/D or better AND MICR 3453 w/D or better ) OR (MICR 4453 w/D or better ) OR (MICR 4154 w/C or better AND MICR 4353 w/C or better)
Advances in Ecological Theory (3-0) Study of recent advances in ecological theory with special emphasis on adaptation, population structure and dynamics, behavioral processes, and species interactions.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Biostatistics (2-3) Study and application of specialized numerical methods in biological sciences.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
3 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Physiology of the Bacterial Cell (3-0) The study of the biochemical and physiological process occuring in the bacterial cell. Emphasis will be placed on recent experimental approaches that are in current use in microbial physiology research.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
An examination of cancer, tumor progression, and treatment at the cellular and molecular level.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
The class covers contemporary topics in ecological and evolutionary theory, with assignments to incorporate an understanding of the fundamentals of the field at a practical level. The first part of the course will consist of an introduction to current trends and important concepts in ecology and the second half of the course will focus on evolution. All topics will emphasize how the fields of ecology and evolution can be integrated. Keywords: Ecology, Evolution.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Structure and Function of Macromolecules (3-0) Functional biology of cells, with emphasis on the relationship between molecular structure and function.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Molecular Pathogenesis (3-0) The cellular and molecular basis of diseases induced or exacerbated by microbes, parasites, pollutants, poor sanitation, and malnutrition.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Introduction to Bioinformatics I: Basic Sequence Comparisons (2-3) Theory and practice of sequence analysis, with an emphasis on nucleic acid comparisons and homologue determination. Includes understanding and use of Internet and computational tools with both public sequencing databases and experimental data.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
3 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Introduction to Bioinformatics II: Gene Finding and Genomic Comparisons (2-3) A continuation of BIOL 5351 with an emphasis on the analysis of protein structural information. Also includes gene annotation and whole genome comparisons.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
3 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Study of the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of aquatic environments.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Thesis (0-0-3)
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours
Thesis (0-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 5398.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours
Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 5398 w/P or better)
Independent Research (0-0-4)
Department: Biology
4 Credit Hours
12 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
12 Other Hours
Research in the Biological Sciences (0-0-5) Emphasizes research, with writing and discussion. Not given as a formal class. May be repeated, but no more than six hours of credit will be counted towards degree. Course fee required.
Department: Biology
5 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
5 Other Hours
Classification Restrictions:
Excluded Class: DR
Graduate seminar courses for students in ecology, evolution and environmental science. Presentations are made by the enrollees and other speakers.
Department: Biology
1 Credit Hour
1 Total Contact Hour
0 Lab Hours
1 Lecture Hour
0 Other Hours
Major Restrictions:
Restricted to majors of EEB, ESCI, ESE
Seminar (1-0) Topics vary and are presented by enrollees and other speakers.
Department: Biology
1 Credit Hour
1 Total Contact Hour
0 Lab Hours
1 Lecture Hour
0 Other Hours
Ethical, Social, and Political Dimensions of Science (1-0) Readings, and discussion on the philosophical and social structure, ethical climate, and public policy environment of the modern scientific research establishment.
Department: Biology
1 Credit Hour
1 Total Contact Hour
0 Lab Hours
1 Lecture Hour
0 Other Hours
Independent Research (0-0-1).
Department: Biology
1 Credit Hour
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours
This course aims to provide instruction and guidance in the development of professional skills needed by doctoral students in ecology, evolution and environmental science.
Department: Biology
2 Credit Hours
2 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Major Restrictions:
Restricted to majors of BIOL, EEB, ESCI
This course aims to provide instruction and guidance in the construction and submission of competitive grant proposals, thesis/dissertation proposals and fellowship applications, for doctoral students in ecology, evolution and environmental science.
Department: Biology
2 Credit Hours
2 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Major Restrictions:
Restricted to majors of BIOL, EEB, ESCI
Independent Research (0-0-2).
Department: Biology
2 Credit Hours
6 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
6 Other Hours
Basic Principles of Toxicology: Survey of the biological basis of diseases induced or exacerbated by microbes, parasites, pollutants, and poor sanitation. Topics will include microbial ecology, the integrity and degradation of natural ecosystems, and mechanisms of pathogenesis.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Developmental Neurobiology: The study of the mechanisms regulating normal nervous system development.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Gene Regulation (3-0) The molecular biology of the genome, including genetic engineering, structure, and organization of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome, regulation of gene expression, and processes that damage and repair genetic material.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Physiological Regulatory Mechanisms (3-0) Function of cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive, renal, reproductive, neural, endocrine, and neuroendocrine systems in humans, as a foundation for understanding the body's response to pathobiological challenges.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Cell Physiology (3-0) Physiological aspects of cells and cellular organelles, with emphasis on receptor mechanisms, intra- and extracellular signaling, and cell regulatory mechanisms.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Broadly defined as the study of the genetic composition of populations, population genetics attempts to quantify the distribution of genetic variation and changes in the frequencies of alleles. Specifically, we will examine how the four evolutionary processes (mutation, genetic drift, natural selection, and gene flow) affect the genetic composition of natural populations. This includes how concepts in population genetics are advancing the field of Forensic Science. We will be exploring theoretical and practical components of population genetics through lectures and labs, respectively.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
1 Lab Hour
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
This course aims at providing Instruction and guidance in the construction and submission of competitive grant proposals and fellowship applications, as well as the development of other professional tools needed by graduate students In the biological sciences.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Fundamentals of grant writing, peer review, manuscript structure with professional training for biographical sketches and citation management. Keywords: research, grant application, writing productivity.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Advanced Research Techniques (0-0-6) An overview of advanced research methods and strategies. Students will rotate through three laboratories at 3-4 weeks/laboratory.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
6 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
6 Other Hours
The course covers fundamental concepts of the nervous system functions and provides contemporary knowledge and insights into the genetic, molecular, cellular, and neural basis of brain diseases. The course will focus on neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders prevalent in our society that include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, prion disease/CJD, autism, depression, ADHD, mental retardation and PTSD.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Biodiversity (3-0) This course will treat the importance of maintaining species and populations, preserving intact communities, and maintaining gene pools.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Biogeography (3-0) Geographic distribution of plants and animals, and analysis of causative factors.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Biosystematics (3-0) Methods and principles of taxonomy, classification, and systematics.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
G Protein-Coupled Receptor Biology The goal of this course is to help students learn how to thoughtfully discuss and write down their scientific ideas, in a comprehensive, organized manner. In addition to helping the students understand the interdisciplinary nature of the science background required to study signaling processes initiated through activation of G protein-coupled receptors, the course includes interactive lectures, oral presentations and exams.
Selected Advanced Topics in the Biological Sciences (0-0-3) Course in the form of formal classes. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Advances in Evolutionary Theory (3-0) Study of evolutionary processes and phenomena at selected levels of biological organization with respect to current hypotheses and research technologies.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 5301 w/C or better)
Herpetology (2-3) A study of the morphology, taxonomy, and life histories of reptiles and amphibians.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
3 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Advances in Immunological Concepts (3-0) Study of immunological and immunochemical concepts. Emphasis will be placed on recent experimental advances in immunology.
Advances in Ecological Theory (3-0) Study of recent advances in ecological theory with special emphasis on adaptation, population structure and dynamics, behavioral processes, and species interactions.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Biostatistics (2-3) Study and application of specialized numerical methods in biological sciences. Prerequisite: Department approval.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
3 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Physiology of the Bacterial Cell (3-0) The study of the biochemical and physiological process occuring in the bacterial cell. Emphasis will be placed on recent experimental approaches that are in current use in microbial physiology research.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
An examination of cancer, tumor progression, and treatment at the cellular and molecular level.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
The class covers contemporary topics in ecological and evolutionary theory, with assignments to incorporate an understanding of the fundamentals of the field at a practical level. The first part of the course will consist of an introduction to current trends and important concepts in ecology and the second half of the course will focus on evolution. All topics will emphasize how the fields of ecology and evolution can be integrated. Keywords: Ecology, Evolution.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Structure and Function of Macromolecules (3-0) Functional biology of cells, with emphasis on the relationship between molecular structure and function.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Molecular Pathogenesis (3-0) The cellular and molecular basis of diseases induced or exacerbated by microbes, parasites, pollutants, poor sanitation, and malnutrition.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Molecular Parasitology (3-0) Invasive and non-invasive parasites, tropical diseases, parasite surface proteins and their variation, unusual glycosylation and fatty acylation, unusual strategies for gene expression and RNA editing, and the evolution of parasites. Biochemical and molecular techniques to control parasitic disease will also be discussed. Prerequisites: BIOL 5342 and BIOL 5344.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 5342 w/D or better ) AND (BIOL 5344 w/D or better)
Introduction to Bioinformatics I: Basic Sequence Comparisons (2-3) Theory and practice of sequence analysis, with an emphasis on nucleic acid comparisons and homologue determination. Includes understanding and use of Internet and computational tools with both public sequencing databases and experimental data.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
3 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Introduction to Bioinformatics II: Gene Finding and Genomic Comparisons (2-3) A continuation of BIOL 5351 with an emphasis on the analysis of protein structural information. Also includes gene annotation and whole genome comparisons.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
3 Lab Hours
2 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Limnology (3-0) Study of the freshwater environment, including chemical parameters and biological populations.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Independent Research (0-0-3)
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours
Dissertation (0-0-3)
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours
Dissertation (0-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 6398.
Department: Biology
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
3 Other Hours
Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 6398 w/P or better)
Independent Research (0-0-4)
Department: Biology
4 Credit Hours
4 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
4 Other Hours
Independent Research (0-0-5)
Department: Biology
5 Credit Hours
5 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
5 Other Hours
Independent Research (0-0-6)
Department: Biology
6 Credit Hours
6 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
0 Lecture Hours
6 Other Hours