Administered by Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences
Effective Spring 2004
50.100 Cells, Genes and Molecules (3) - General principles of biology studied from the cellular, genetic and molecular levels. Discusses how modern techniques in biology shape and affect our lives. Not applicable to biology major. Three hours of lecture per week.
50.101 Human Biology (3) - Presents major concepts and principles of biology relating to humans. Not applicable to biology major. Three hours of lecture per week.
50.102 Ecology and Evolution (3) - Studies biology from the ecological, evolutionary and behavioral perspectives with emphasis on humankind. Not applicable to biology major. Three hours of lecture per week.
50.107 Medical Terminology (1) - Studies roots, prefixes and suffixes of medical terms via programmed instruction. Recommended for students in the health sciences. Pass/fail credit only. Not applicable to biology major.
50.114 Concepts in Biology I (4) - Introductory course provides a framework of key biological concepts and unifying themes. Topics include the nature and process of science, the unity and diversity of living things, the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, principles of inheritance and animal form and function. Laboratory work emphasizes application of biological principles, experimental design, observation, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Three hours lecture/three hours laboratory per week.
50.115 Concepts in Biology II (4) - Continuation of Concepts in Biology I. Introductory course that presents key biological concepts in an evolutionary framework. Topics include: plant form and function, population, community and ecosystem ecology, evolution, systematics and a survey of key phyla of plants, animals and microorganisms. Laboratory work emphasizes application of biological principles, experimental design, observation, data collection, analysis and interpretation as well as written and oral communication skills. Three hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 50.114 or permission of the instructor.
50.173 Anatomy and Physiology I (4) - An introductory course integrating the structure and function of the human body. Covers fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology, the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and special senses. Three hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Not applicable to biology major.
50.174 Anatomy and Physiology II (4) - Introductory course integrating the structure and function of the human body. Covers blood and defense mechanisms, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, metabolism, nutrition, urinary system, fluid and electrolyte balance, endocrine system, reproductive system, growth and development and human genetics. Three hours lecture/3 hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 50.173 or consent of the instructor. Not applicable to biology major.
50.200 Dendrology (3) - Covers the basic principles of dendrology: the identification, biology and economic significance of trees and shrubs. Emphasis is placed on tree species of eastern North American forests. Two hours of lecture and 18 hours of field work per week (3 week session). Summer session only. Prerequisite: 50.115.
50.205 Introduction to Nutrition (3) - A foundation of nutritional concepts and practices that can be applied to personal lives and incorporated into careers. Concepts include nutritional requirements for optimal health and performance throughout the life span, making food choices in the marketplace, analyzing nutritional information in the media and controversial issues in nutrition and health. Not applicable to biology major. Three hours of lecture per week. (One credit hour may be applied toward the Fitness and Recreation requirement.)
50.211 Invertebrate Zoology (3) - Studies the principal phyla of invertebrate animals in relation to their anatomy, classification and behaviors in the ecosystems in which they participate. Field trip component at Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, Va., includes additional student costs. Three hours lecture/2 hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 50.115.
50.212 Vertebrate Zoology (3) - Studies the biology of vertebrate animals, emphasizing natural history, physiology, morphology, taxonomy and behavior. Reviews evolutionary and ecological aspects of each class. Includes laboratory work with living and preserved specimens to familiarize students with representative individuals of the major classes of this group. Field trip component at the Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, Va., includes additional student costs. Two hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 50.115.
50.222 Comparative Biology of Plants (3) - Provides a phylogenetic study of land plants with emphasis on their development, structure, reproduction and selected ecological and paleobotanical aspects. Two hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 50.115.
50.231 Biology of Aging (3) - The biological mechanisms of the aging process are discussed with special emphasis on these processes in humans. Discussions include studies of aging at the molecular, cellular, systems and organism levels of organizations. Three hours of lecture per week. Not applicable to biology major.
50.233 Human Genetics (3) - Explores the principles of human genetics and their application to problems in anthropology, biology, medicine, psychology, sociology and special education. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisite: 50.100, 50.101, 50.114 or consent of the instructor.
50.240 Introductory Microbiology (3) - Presents elementary aspects of morphology, metabolism and cultivation of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms with consideration of their relationship to public health and various industrial processes. Three hours lecture and 2 hours laboratory per week. Not applicable to biology major.
50.242 Microbiology (4) - Introduces the fundamental principles of nomenclature, classification, microscopy, cytology and anatomy, cultivation, growth, metabolism and genetics of the microbial world. Microbial interrelationships and control are integrated into a systematic approach to classical microbiology as it relates to humans and the environment. Three hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 50.115 and 52.115.
50.252 Field Zoology (3) - Studies animals (mainly vertebrates) with emphasis on field observation and recognition and some collections. Also the class visits various field zoologists' study sites to learn about this profession. Field trip to Wallops Island at additional student cost. Two hours of lecture and 18 hours of field work per week (3 week session). Summer session only. Prerequisite: 50.115 or consent of the instructor.
50.254 Social Implications of Biology (3) - Explores the societal implications of current thought in biology. Addresses values, ethics and responsible decision making. Three hours of lecture and discussion per week. Not applicable to biology major. Meets Values, Ethics and Responsible Decision Making requirement.
50.263 Field Botany (3) - Field identification of local vascular plants, principles of plant systematics, ecology and evolution. Two hours of lecture and 8 hours of field work per week (6 week session). Summer session only. Prerequisite: 50.115 or consent of the instructor.
50.271 Cell Biology (4) - Examines the structure and function of the cell and its organelles. Emphasis on general principles and processes by which all cells function. Three hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 50.115 and 52.115.
50.275 Drugs in America (3) - Examines the basic mechanisms of drug action for legal and illegal, prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications. Introduction covers terminology, drug sources, federal laws and principles of drug action. More specific mechanisms will be discussed for the following categories: narcotic analgesics, stimulants, barbiturates, tranquilizers, marijuana, hallucinogens, antiovulatory agents, OTC pain relievers, other common OTC medications and antibiotics. Three hours of lecture per week. Not applicable to the biology major or minor. Counts for Group C and meets Values, Ethics and Responsible Decision Making requirement. Prerequisites: 50.101 or 50.114 or 50.174.
50.331 Embryology (3) - Reviews the patterns, processes and principles of animal development. Laboratory studies emphasize descriptive embryology of a number of representative vertebrates with emphasis on amphibian, avian and mammalian development. Field trip component at Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, Va., includes additional student costs. Two hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 50.115 or consent of the instructor.
50.332 Genetics (3) - Addresses mechanisms of heredity in animals and plants; Mendelian inheritance, linkage, probability, crossing over, chromosomal modifications, nucleic acids and gene action. Three hours of lecture/2 hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory hours will vary. Prerequisite: 50.271.
50.333 Molecular Biology (3) - Investigates the practical and theoretical aspects of molecular biology and gives students an opportunity to explore ontogenic and developmental problems from a molecular perspective. Topics include information processing from DNA to proteins, regulation of gene expression, DNA mutability and repair and genetic engineering. Two hours lecture/discussion, three hours of lab per week. Prerequisites: 50.271, 50.242 and 52.231 or 52.230.
50.342 Medical Microbiology (3) - Provides a study of bacteria capable of causing disease in humans. Emphasizes laboratory aspects of bacterial disease but includes pathogenicity, identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Two hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 50.242 and 50.271.
50.343 Immunology (3) - Introduction to components and functions of human immune system; application of immunology to infectious disease, blood transfusion organ transplantation and cancer; consideration of conditions involving the immune system such as immunodeficiencies (AIDS), allergies and autoimmune diseases. Prerequisites: 50.271; and a background in genetics organic/biochemistry and/or infectious diseases recommended.
50.350 Plant Pathology (3) - Examines the nature of vascular plant diseases, the biology of plant pathogens and the impact of diseases on human affairs. Lecture stresses principles of plant pathology: disease and pathogen classification, modes of pathogenesis, host response to disease and disease control. Laboratory stresses identification of plant pathogens and disease symptoms, histology of diseased tissues and research techniques. Three hours of lecture/2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 50.242 and 50.271; or consent of the instructor.
50.351 Ecology (3) - Investigates the interactions of organisms and their environment. Includes behavior, population dynamics, community interactions and ecosystem function. Field-based labs are an integral part of the course. Two hours lecture/3 hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 50.115 or consent of the instructor.
50.361 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (3) - Presents a comparative study of the chordates emphasizing the vertebrate classes. Attention given to structure, morphogenesis, functional adaptations and evolutionary trends. Laboratory emphasis is placed on the lamprey, shark and cat. Field trip component at Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, Va., includes additional student costs. Two hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 50.115 or consent of the instructor.
50.364 Vertebrate Histology (3) - Studies the structure and function of vertebrate cells and tissues from various body systems. Laboratory studies include the use of prepared microscope slides and color photomicrographs. Two hours lecture/3 hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 50.271 or consent of instructor.
50.366 Anatomy and Physiology: Head, Neck and Thorax (Spring) (3) - Focuses on the anatomy, physiology and development of the head, neck and thorax. Emphasizes the organ systems that relate to the hearing and speech mechanisms. Three hours lecture/2 hours laboratory per week. Preference given to students in communication disorders. Not applicable to biology major.
50.390 Undergraduate Research in Biology I (1-3) - Acquaints students with techniques of scientific research, data collection and analysis by engaging in a program of research with the aid of a faculty member. Research culminates in a scholarly paper written by the student that presents findings of the laboratory or field investigation in a form suitable for publication. Prerequisite: junior standing.
50.391 Undergraduate Research in Biology II (3) - Continuation of 50.390.
50.411 Radiation Biology (3) - Studies effects of radiation on living organisms and nuclear structure; studies fundamental properties of radiation, including physical, chemical and genetic effects on plants and animals from cells to whole organisms; studies application of radiochemicals in biological studies. Minimum of 4 hours per week including laboratory. Prerequisite: 50.233 or 50.332, 54.111 or consent of the instructor.
50.430 Evolution (3) - Studies the major concerns of the theory of evolution and contributions toward their solutions made by genetics, paleontology, systematics and ecology. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 50.332 or 50.351 or permission of the instructor.
50.431 Developmental Biology (3) - A study of the genetic, molecular, cellular and morphological changes that occur during development. Current mechanistic concepts in development will be presented along with classical embryology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes that direct a fertilized single-cell egg to develop into a complex multi-cellular organism. Particular attention will be paid to recent molecular mechanisms, which are revolutionizing our understanding of the developmental process. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
50.432 Microbial and Molecular Genetics (3) - A study of macromolecules, macromolecular complexes, protein synthesis and gene regulation using viruses, bacteria and lower eukaryotes. Topics include DNA/chromosome structure, genetic recombination, plasmids, transposons, recombinant DNA and genetic analysis. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. The laboratory hours will vary. Prerequisites: Two of the following: 50.242, 50.332, 52.341; or permission of instructor.
50.435 Bioinformatics and Genomic Analysis (3) - Concerns itself with understanding and manipulating genomic sequence information with regards to extracting meaningful information about genes, gene structure, gene regulation, and gene evolution. A bioinformatics approach will be used to identify coding, non-coding and regulatory sequence in a variety of plant and animal species. The course will focus on the kinds of information that can be extracted from large DNA sequences in order to understand gene function. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding our genetic predisposition(s) to disease and the relationship of the human genome to the genomes of other organisms. Prerequisites: 50.271, 53.141, and either 50.332 or 50.333, or permission of the instructor.
50.442 Virology of Mammals (3) - Introduces viral structure, classification, replication, genetics and pathogenesis. Studies entail the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of viral infection and families of viruses that cause disease in humans and other mammals. Includes such current topics as AIDS and tumor virology. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: 50.332 or 50.342 or 50.343 or 52.341; background in microbiology recommended.
50.444 Plant and Animal Tissue Culture (1) - Explores the practical and theoretical aspects of plant and animal tissue culture. Primary focus will be on the development of laboratory skills to a level sufficient to enable the student to gain an entry-level position in a cell culture laboratory. Topics include: regeneration of plants from tissue culture, hybridoma technology, animal tissues culture techniques, establishing primary cell cultures and maintenance and storage of cell cultures. One hour of lecture/discussion per week, three hours lab. Intended for biotechnology students. Prerequisites: 50.271; 52.230 or 52.231
50.450 Mycology (3) - A critical survey of the kingdom Fungi, with emphasis on the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Deuteromycota. Lectures cover the topics of morphology, physiology, biochemistry, cytology, genetics, systematics, ecology and evolution. Laboratory stresses comparative morphology of higher fungi, laboratory techniques and field mycology. Two hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 50.271; one course in genetics recommended; or consent of the instructor.
50.451 Conservation Biology (3) - Presents the science of preserving biodiversity and sustaining the earth. Draws on and synthesizes information from the fields of ecology, evolution, genetics, philosophy, economics, sociology and political science. Emphasis on the development of strategies for preserving populations, species, biological communities and entire ecosystems in the face of growing human populations and their impact on the environment. Brings scientific principles and theory to bear on problems of management for preserving the richness of life on earth. Three hours of seminar per week. Prerequisites: 50.115; 50.351; 41.105 or consent of the instructor.
50.452 Limnology (3) - Chemical, biological and physical aspects of freshwater lakes, ponds and streams. Includes laboratory and field investigations. Two hours of lecture and 8 hours of field work per week (6 week session). Summer session only. Prerequisite: 50.351.
50.455 Environmental Microbiology (3) - Studies the interactions of microbes with plants and animals and with each other in natural air, water and soil habitats. The roles of microbes in biogeochemical cycling, pollution and waste management are reviewed. Lab experience in sampling, counting and monitoring microbes in the environment. Four hours per week. Additional time may be required. Prerequisite: 50.242 or consent of instructor.
50.457 Entomology (3) - Studies the physiology, morphology, behavior, classification and general biology of the insects. A collecting period provides an opportunity for students to collect, mount and properly display insects for study. Taxonomic emphasis limited to order and family. Equivalent to 5 hours per week including laboratory. Prerequisite: 50.115.
50.459 Ornithology (3) - Studies the biology of birds including bird identification in the field by song and sight, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology and other aspects. Two hours of lecture/3 hours of laboratory per week. Some study off-campus may be required. The field trip component at Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, Va., includes additional student costs. Prerequisite: 50.115 or consent of the instructor.
50.460 Population Biology (3) - Presents selected themes in the biology of animal, plant and fungal populations. Topics include: population structure and dynamics, population genetics, population ecology and speciation. Fundamental principles and current models and hypotheses will be stressed, along with treatments of research techniques, computer modeling and potential for future research. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisite: 50.332 and 50.351.
50.461 Animal Behavior (3) - In depth introduction to modern ethology. Emphasizes current models of animal behavior and theoretical foundations of ethology. Research and project oriented. Students may incur additional cost due to the field trip component at Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, Va. Three hours of lecture/2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite or concurrent: 50.332 and 50.351.
50.472 Animal Cell Physiology (3) - Examines the principles of physics and chemistry as they relate to biological processes of animal cells. Relates the structure and properties of certain organic molecules to the structure of biological membranes and the functions of different organelles. Emphasizes the role of membrane transport processes to the maintenance of the cell's physiochemical environment. Uses intermediary metabolism and bioenergetics to present the role of chemical messengers in the regulation of cell processes. Prerequisites: 50.271, and 52.230 or 52.231 or permission of the instructor.
50.474 Vertebrate Systems Physiology (3) - Studies the major organ systems and how they work together to maintain body conditions compatible with life. Uses human systems to explain function, but includes examples from other vertebrates to broaden students' understanding of the variety of mechanisms used to maintain homeostasis. Mechanisms by which the systems' functions are integrated in the whole organism are emphasized. Three hours lecture and discussion per week. Prerequisites: 50.271, and 52.230 or 52.231, or permission of the instructor. Competence in college algebra.
50.476 Neurophysiology (3) - Examines normal physiology of the nervous and skeletal muscular systems; specifically studying cellular neurophysiology, muscle contraction, sensory physiology, motor control and their integration. Three hours lecture and discussion per week. Background in mammalian or systemic physiology, biochemistry and anatomy recommended. Prerequisites: 50.472, 50.473 or 50.474.
50.477 Plant Physiology (3)- An introduction to plant function including discussions of water relations, carbohydrate metabolism and translocation, photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, plant growth hormones and growth and development. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisites: 50.271, and 52.230 or 52.231 or permission of the instructor.
50.478 Microbial Physiology (3) - Studies life processes of microorganisms, including how they maintain homeostasis in response to changing environmental conditions. Examines general similarities as well as significant differences between microbial groups. Covers principles of nutrition and growth, substrate uptake and transport systems. Discussion of energy-yielding metabolism in microorganisms will highlight the diversity of systems. Outlines precursor and macromolecule synthetic pathways and their regulation, with emphasis on industrial applications. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 50.242, 50.271, 52.116.
50.479 Integrated Physiology Laboratory (1) - Provides hands-on investigations of physiological principles across taxonomic groups and all organizational levels. Investigates evolutionary adaptations to various physical problems and reinforces awareness of the unity of living systems. Emphasizes the application of the scientific method and provides opportunities for independent investigation. Four hours laboratory per week, including one hour discussion. Offered each semester. Prerequisites: 50.271, 52.116, and 52.230 or 52.231 or permission of the instructor. Students need an understanding of college algebra. Pre or Co-requisite: 50.472, 50.474, 50.478, 50.477, or 50.480.
50.480 Comparative Animal Physiology (3) - Concerns itself with the adaptation of animals to their environments. Adaptive mechanisms for marine, freshwater, terrestrial and extreme environments will be examined using a combination of morphological, physiological, biochemical, molecular and evolutionary perspectives. The course will focus on a broad range of invertebrate and vertebrate animals with the goal of understanding the physiological and biochemical strategies they have evolved that allow them to successfully thrive within the uniqueness of each environment. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 50.271 and 52.230 or 52.232, or consent of instructor.
50.481 Senior Biology Seminar (1) - Addresses the practice of critical reading and of the scientific literature in biology, preparing written and oral analyses of original research, and engaging in critical discussion. One hour of seminar per week. Prerequisite: senior standing in biology.
50.484 Methods in Biotechnology (3) - An investigation-based course in which students undertake a project of their own design employing methods used in biotechnology. Students will be required to submit project proposals prior to the semester that they enroll. Students will be allowed to register for the course on approval of the project. Students will meet as a research group for three hours/week with the instructor. Prerequisites: 50.333 or 52.422 and permission of instructor.
50.589 Current Topics in Biology (3) - Critically examines a specialized topic in biology in a lecture/seminar format. Topic varies each semester offered. Three hours of lecture/seminar per week.
50.490 Internship in Biology and Biology Research (3-15) - A work-study program open only to juniors and seniors majoring in biology and allied health sciences. No more than 15 semester hours of internship may be taken.
50.493 Honors Independent Study I - Biological Research (3) - Consists of a laboratory or field investigation of a particular problem or topic in biology. The study will be conducted under the supervision of a biology faculty member. The course is open to students enrolled in the B.A. and B.S. in biology degree programs. Prerequisite: 08.300 and admission to the Honors Program.
50.494 Honors Independent Study II - Biological Research (3) - Consists of a laboratory or field investigation of a selected problem or topic in biology. The study will be conducted under the supervision of a biology faculty member. This course completes the requirements for Biology Honors research. Prerequisite: 50.493.
50.530 Evolution (3) - Examines major events in the history of life on Earth. Examines theoretical models of evolutionary processes and the evidence of evolutionary change from studies of fossil and extant species. Three hours lecture per week.
50.531 Developmental Biology (3) - A study of the genetic, molecular, cellular and morphological changes that occur during development. Current mechanistic concepts in development will be presented along with classical embryology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes that direct a fertilized single-cell egg to develop into a complex multi-cellular organism. Particular attention will be paid to recent molecular mechanisms, which are revolutionizing our understanding of the developmental process. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
50.532 - Microbial and Molecular Genetics (3) - A study of macromolecules, macromolecular complexes, protein synthesis and gene regulation using viruses, bacteria and lower eukaryotes. Topics include DNA/chromosome structure, genetic recombination, plasmids, transposons, recombinant DNA and genetic analysis. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. The laboratory hours will vary. Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. or M.Ed. Program in Biology, or permission of instructor.
50.535 Bioinformatics and Genomic Analysis (3) - Concerns itself with understanding and manipulating genomic sequence information with regards to extracting meaningful information about genes, gene structure, gene regulation, and gene evolution. A bioinformatics approach will be used to identify coding, non-coding and regulatory sequence in a variety of plant and animal species. The course will focus on the kinds of information that can be extracted from large DNA sequences in order to understand gene function. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding our genetic predisposition(s) to disease and the relationship of the human genome to the genomes of other organisms. Prerequisites: 50.271, 53.141, and either 50.332 or 50.333, or permission of the instructor.
50.550 Mycology (3) - A critical survey of the kingdom Fungi with emphasis on the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Deuteromycota. Lectures cover morphology, physiology, biochemistry, cytology, genetics, systematics, ecology, and evolution. Laboratory sessions stress comparative morphology of higher fungi, laboratory techniques, and field mycology. Two hours lecture/3 hours laboratory per week.
50.551 Conservation Biology (3) - Presents the science of preserving biodiversity and sustaining the Earth. Draws on and synthesizes information from the fields of ecology, evolution, genetics, philosophy, economics, sociology and political science. Emphasis on the development of strategies for preserving populations, species, biological communities and entire ecosystems in the face of growing human populations and our impact on the environment. Brings scientific principles and theory to the problems of management for preserving the richness of life on Earth. Three hours of seminar per week.
50.552 Limnology (3) - Chemical, biological and physical aspects of freshwater lakes, ponds and streams and their biota. Includes laboratory and field investigations. Two hours of lecture and 8 hours of field work per week (6 week session). Summer session only. Prerequisite: 50.351.
50.559 Ornithology (3) - Presents the biology of birds along with bird identification in the field and from museum collections along with a review of ornithological literature. Emphasis on bird vocalizations, behavior and morphology in making identifications. Students deliver a presentation on an ornithological topic and participate in class discussions. Field trips to study birds of the area also include an extended trip to an area such as Wallops Island, Va. Extra costs will be incurred for the extended trip. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Off-campus field trips are required.
50.560 Population Biology (3) - Provides a rigorous treatment of the characteristics of natural populations of animals, plants and fungi. Introduces students to current concepts in speciation, ecological models of population structure and dynamics and principles of population genetics. Stresses current research, theoretical and computational mathematical models and current techniques in the study of populations. Additional time commitments and costs will be incurred for required extended off-campus field trips. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week.
50.561 Animal Behavior (3) - An in-depth introduction to modern behavioral biology, ecology and evolution. Emphasizes current models of animal behavior and theoretical foundations of ethology. Project oriented. Students master appropriate theory, familiarize themselves with appropriate literature and apply principles in project designed by the students under the direction of the professor. Additional time commitments and costs will be incurred for required off-campus field trips. Three hours of lecture discussion, two hours laboratory per week.
50.571 Endocrinology (3) - Studies the individual glands of the endocrine system with respect to their development, morphology, function, regulation, and significance in integrating physiological activities of higher vertebrates. Three hours lecture per week.
50.576 Neurophysiology (3) - Examines normal physiology of the nervous and skeletal muscular systems; specifically studying cellular neurophysiology, muscle contraction, sensory physiology, motor control and their integration. Three hours lecture and discussion per week. Background in mammalian or systemic physiology, biochemistry and anatomy recommended. Prerequisites: 50.474 or 50.573 or equivalent and knowledge of chemistry and electrical circuitry.
50.580 Comparative Animal Physiology (3) - Concerns itself with the adaptation of animals to their environments. Adaptive mechanisms for marine, freshwater, terrestrial and extreme environments will be examined using a combination of morphological, physiological, biochemical, molecular and evolutionary perspectives. The course will focus on a broad range of invertebrate and vertebrate animals with the goal of understanding the physiological and biochemical strategies they have evolved that allow them to successfully thrive within the uniqueness of each environment. Three hours of lecture per week.
50.589 Current Topics in Biology (3) - Critically examines a specialized topic in biology in a lecture/seminar format. Topic varies each semester offered. May be repeated once, provided that the topic is different. Three hours of lecture/seminar per week.
50.591 Directed Study in Biology (3) - An independent investigation, conducted under the direction of a member of the Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences, in an area of biology in which the student has a particular interest. Student encouraged to identify a problem, employ an experimental design, and analyze collected data. Study of pertinent literature is required.
50.592 Master of Education Thesis (1-6) - Independent research and the preparation of a formal thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of education in biology.
50.593 Master of Science Thesis (1-6) - Independent research and the preparation of a formal thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of science in biology.