Biology Courses (BIOL)
Related Catalog Entry: College of Arts and Sciences / Biology
Related Mason Website: Biology (http://www.gmu.edu/departments/Biology/)
103 Introductory Biology I (4:3:3). A survey course suitable for any major.
Topics include the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, heredity, evolution,
and the diversity of life and animal systems. Students who have already received
four credits of biology are not eligible to take this course. f,sum
104 Introductory Biology II (4:3:3).Prerequisite: BIOL 103. Topics include
human structure, function and homeostatic mechanisms, animal systems, behavior, plants,
major ecosystems, and ecological problems. Students who have already received eight
credits of biology are not eligible to take this course. s,sum
124, 125 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4:3:3), (4:3:3). Introduction to
structure and function of major organ systems of the body. Must be taken in sequence.
Does not satisfy the natural science requirement for the B.A. in the College of Arts
and Sciences. Not available for biology major credit. Students may not receive credit
for BIOL 124 or 125 and 228. f,s,sum
200 Community Experience in Biology (1:0:0).Prerequisite: Enrollment in
an appropriate biology or biology-related course. An opportunity to apply theory
and facts learned in biology-related classes through volunteer experience in the
community. Not available for biology major credit and may not be repeated.
213 Cell Structure and Function (4:3:3). For science majors and preprofessionals
in the life sciences. An introduction to the chemistry, metabolism, genetics, and
evolution of cells. f,s,sum
225 Human Reproduction and Sexuality (3:3:0). Examination of the anatomy
and physiology of human reproductive systems, physiology of sexual intercourse, normal
pregnancy, birth, congenital conditions, sex determination and its expression, diseases
of the reproductive organs, and technical developments related to reproduction. Not
available for biology major credit. f
226 Women's Health Issues (3:3:0). Female anatomy, physiology, sexuality,
and health issues such as breast and cervical cancers, eating disorders, sexually
transmitted diseases including AIDS, the effects of smoking, alcohol, and drugs,
and hormone therapies. Not available for biology major credit.
246 Introductory Microbiology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL
228 or BIOL 124 and 125 or one year of general biology or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: BIOL 306. Introduction to microbial cell structure, physiology, and
pathogenicity. Emphasis on control of microorganisms, host-parasite interactions
including immunology and viral and bacterial pathogens. Not available for biology
major credit. Not available to students who have taken BIOL 261, 302, or 418. f,s
303 Animal Biology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL 213 or permission
of instructor. Emphasizes structure and function of vertebrates, but surveys all
animal groups and protozoa. Also covers evolutionary theory and evolutionary history
of major animal groups. f,s,sum
304 Plant Biology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL 213 or permission
of instructor. Introduction to the study of plants, their structure, development,
nutrition, and ecology. Emphasizes flowering plants, but surveys all groups and their
phylogenetic relationships. f,s,sum
305 Biology of Microorganisms (3:3:0).Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL
228 or 213, or permission of instructor; corequisite: BIOL 306. The morphology, physiology,
and pathogenicity of certain groups of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Host-parasite
interactions are stressed. Not available to students who have taken BIOL 261 or 302.
f,s,sum
306 Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory (1:0:3). Corequisite: BIOL 305.
Laboratory techniques in culturing, staining, and identifying microorganisms. f,s,sum
307 Ecology (4:3:3).Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and 304, or permission of
instructor. Physical environment, energy flow, structure and function of populations,
the dynamics of communities, and succession. f,s,sum
309 Introduction to Oceanography (3:3:0).Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 111
and BIOL 103 or 213, or permission of instructor. Introduction to chemical, biological,
and geological aspects of the oceanic environment. f
311 General Genetics (4:3:3).Prerequisites: BIOL 213, 303, 304, 305-306,
all completed with no more than one D; or permission of instructor. Basic principles
of heredity and modern developments in this field. f,s,sum
312 Biostatistics (4:3:2).Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and 304, or permission
of instructor. Use of probability and descriptive and inferential statistical techniques
in the interpretation of biological data. f
313 Human Genetics for the Social Sciences (3:3:0).Prerequisite: One year
of biology, or permission of instructor. Emphasizes topics of interest to students
in the social sciences but open to any non-biology major: the human genome and its
inheritance; nature versus nurture; genetic disease; the genetics of sex-determination,
intelligence, personality, and mental illness; genetic differences within and between
populations; evolution of human beings. Not available for biology credit. s,odd
320 Comparative Chordate Anatomy (4:2:6).Prerequisite: BIOL 303 or permission
of instructor. Comparison of anatomy and morphology of major chordate groups. Lab
emphasizes shark, mudpuppy, cat, and rabbit. af
322 Patterns of Animal Development (4:3:3).Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and
60 credits, or permission of instructor. Concepts of vertebrate organization, reproduction,
embryogenesis, and organ system development. s
326 Animal Physiology (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 213, 303, and 60 credits.
General consideration of invertebrate and vertebrate function emphasizing common
life problems and a variety of methods for solving them. Topics include electrolyte
balance, excretion, respiration, metabolism, thermoregulation, neuroendocrine control,
and physiological rhythms.
327 Animal Physiology Laboratory (2:1:3). Prerequisites or corequisites:
BIOL 326 and permission of instructor. Investigation of invertebrate and vertebrate
physiology. Emphasis on responses to environmental changes.
331 Invertebrate Zoology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: BIOL 303 or permission
of instructor. Survey of the invertebrate phyla, excluding insects, showing the morphology,
phylogeny, and general biology of these groups. f
332 Insect Biology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: BIOL 303 or permission of instructor.
Survey of insects including taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, ecology,
and economic importance. sum
333 Vertebrate Zoology (4:2:6).Prerequisite: BIOL 303 or permission of
instructor. Phylogeny and systems of major vertebrate groups. Emphasis on ecological
adaptation. Lab includes field studies of local fauna. s
342 Plant Morphology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or permission of instructor.
Origin and development of organs, tissue systems, and life cycles of green plants,
with phylogenetic comparisons from algae to angiosperms. f
344 Taxonomy of Flowering Plants (4:3:3).Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or permission
of instructor. Study of terminology and identification of flowering plants with emphasis
on local flora. s
345 Plant Communities (4:3:3).Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or permission of
instructor. Plant associations and formations and their successions in North America.
Three Saturday or Sunday field trips required. f
371 Animal Distributions (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and 304, or permission
of instructor. Relations of the North and South American faunas with other regions
in the light of continental drift. Emphasis on vertebrates. s
377 Applied Ecology (3:3:0).Prerequisites: 8 credits of biology, geology,
or chemistry; 60 credits; or permission of instructor. Introduction to ecosystem
concepts and their applications to natural and managed ecosystems.
380 Bioinstrumentation (4:3:3).Prerequisites: CHEM 211, 212, BIOL 213;
one semester college mathematics, or permission of instructor. Introduces modern
instrumentation including basic electronics, data processing, principles of measurements,
and sample handling. Presents theory necessary to understand bases of the instruments
and principles involved in specific measurements. s
385 Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL
311, CHEM 211, 212, MATH 110 or 113. Theory and applications are emphasized including
significance and societal implications of biotechnology applied to medicine, agriculture,
and the environment.
401 Microbial Diversity: An Organismal Approach (3:3:0).Prerequisites:
BIOL 305, 306, or permission of instructor. Study of the nonpathogenic microbial
world emphasizing detection, enumeration, and classification of microorganisms, their
physiological and evolutionary relationships, and biotechnological applications.
402 Applied and Industrial Microbiology (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 213,
305, 306; CHEM 211, 212; or permission of instructor. Biology of microorganisms of
ecological and industrial significance. Includes food production, spoilage and preservation,
fermentation technology, waste disposal, water purification, biodeterioration, and
decomposition.
403 Techniques in Applied and Industrial Microbiology (1:0:3).Prerequisites:
BIOL 213, 305, 306; CHEM 211, 212; Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 402, or permission
of instructor. Laboratory exercises illustrate basic and applied methodologies including
isolation of commercially useful strains: production and purification of industrial
products.
413 Human Genetics for Biologists (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 311 and
permission of instructor, may not be combined with BIOL 572 for credit. Emphasizes
topics of interest to students in the social sciences but open to any non-biology
major: the human genome and its inheritance; nature versus nurture; genetic disease;
the genetics of sex-determination, intelligence, personality, and mental illness;
genetic differences within and between populations; evolution of human beings. s,odd.
418 Current Topics in Microbiology (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 305, 306.
Study of current topics in microbiology. Topics vary. May be repeated for credit.
425 Mammalian Physiology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: BIOL 213, 303, or permission
of instructor. An organ system approach to the study of mammalian homeostasis, including
cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine, and nervous system functions.
s
440 Field Biology (4:2:6).Prerequisites: BIOL 303, 304, and 60 credits,
or permission of instructor. Directed field studies emphasizing ecology and behavior.
Topics vary, but include design of field manipulations, data collection and analysis,
and an introduction to organisms of study site. Students bear the cost of required
field trip(s). May be repeated once with permission of department chair. The total
limit for 440, 495, and 497 is six credits toward the 44 credits for the B.S. and
only four credits toward the 32 credits for the B.A., not to exceed four credits
in any one semester.
446 Environmental Physiology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 326 or permission
of instructor. Physiological responses of animals to environmental factors and changes
in the natural environment. Topics include biorhythms and adaptation to temperature,
high pressure, and altitude. Emphasis on vertebrates.
449 Marine Ecology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 307 or permission of instructor.
Plants and animals of marine environments and physical and chemical conditions that
affect their existence. as
451 Mushrooms, Molds, and Molecules (4:3:3).Prerequisites: BIOL 304, 305,
306, or permission of instructor. Study of fungal biology emphasizing those aspects
having medical, environmental, economic, and biotechnological impact. Laboratory
emphasizes techniques for the experimental manipulation of fungi.
452 Immunology (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 213 and 305, 306, 311, or permission
of instructor. Topics include structure and function of immunoglobulins, role of
cell-mediated immunity, protective role of the immune system, and disease and injury
related to malfunctions of the immune system. s
453 Immunology Laboratory (1:0:3). Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 452.
Techniques relevant to BIOL 452 including enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA),
immuno-diffusion, protein electrophoresis, and immune fixation.
465 Histology (4:3:3).Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and 60 credits, or permission
of instructor. Microscopic structure of animal tissues and organs with emphasis on
vertebrates. f
471 Evolution (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 311 or permission of instructor.
Process of evolution with emphasis on the role of genetics, the properties of populations,
and population differentiations. s
472 Introductory Animal Behavior (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 213, 303,
or permission of instructor and 60 credits; corequisite: BIOL 473. Study of the mechanisms,
functions, and evolution of behavior. Not available to students who have taken BIOL
324.
473 Introductory Laboratory in Animal Behavior (1:0:3). Corequisite: BIOL
472. Field and/or laboratory study in animal behavior with emphasis on mechanisms,
functions, and evolution of behavior. Stress is placed on experimental design and
analysis of data. Writing intensive lab. Not available to students who have taken
BIOL 324.
482 Introduction to Molecular Genetics (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 311,
CHEM 313, 314, 315, 318, and 54 credits, or permission of instructor. Basic concepts
of the structure and function of genetic material at the molecular level.
483 General Biochemistry (4:3:1).Prerequisites: BIOL 213, CHEM 313, 314,
or permission of instructor. Structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, and
lipids, enzymology, and metabolism and its control. Chemistry of nitrogen compounds
is emphasized.
484 Eukaryotic Cell Biology (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 311, 483, MATH
110 or 113, or permission of instructor. Structure and function of cell membranes
and organelles with regard to cellular transport, sorting, and compartmentalization,
signaling, motility, and cell division.
485 Eukaryotic Cell Biology Laboratory (1:0:1). Corequisite: BIOL 484 or
permission of instructor. Laboratory experiments utilizing cell biology techniques
including microscopy, spectrophotometry, centrifugation, chromatography, and electrophoresis.
492 Senior Seminar (1:1:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 307, BIOL 311 and 90 credits.
A capstone course required of all biology majors for graduation. f,s
494 Honors Seminar in Biology (1:1:0).Prerequisites: Admission to Biology
Department honors program and permission of instructor. A weekly seminar course dealing
with recent advances in the field of biology. Topics are selected from recent publications
in the field. May be repeated for credit six times. f,s
495 Directed Studies in Biology (1-2:0:0).Prerequisite: Permission of
both instructor and department chair. Study of a topic not otherwise available to
the student. May involve any combination of reading assignments, tutorials, lectures,
papers, presentations, or field or lab study, determined in consultation with the
instructor. May be taken for 1-2 credits and repeated once for a total of two credits.
The total limit for 400, 495, and 497 is six credits toward the 44 credits for the
B.S. and only four credits toward the 32 credits for the B.A., not to exceed four
credits in any one semester.
497 Special Problems in Biology (1-4:0:0).Prerequisites: 60 credits and
permission of both instructor and department chair. Lab or field project leading
to a written report of research. The research and paper are completed under the instructor's
guidance. The total limit for 400, 495, and 497 is six credits toward the 44 credits
for the B.S. and only four credits toward the 32 credits for the B.A., not to exceed
four credits in any one semester.
505 Selected Topics in Environmental Science (1-4:1-3:0-6).Prerequisite:
A course in ecology or permission of instructor.
506 Selected Topics in Microbiology (1-4:1-3:0-6).Prerequisites: BIOL
305, 306, or permission of instructor. Topic depends on instructor's speciality.
May be repeated only with permission of department chair.
507 Selected Topics in Ecology (1-4:1-3:0-6).Prerequisite: A course in
ecology or permission of instructor. Topic depends on instructor's speciality.
May be repeated only with permission of department chair.
508 Selected Topics in Animal Biology (1-4:1-3:0-6).Prerequisite: BIOL
303 or permission of instructor. Topic depends on instructor's speciality.
May be repeated only with permission of department chair.
520 Systematics in Complex Angiosperm Families (3:1:6).Prerequisite: BIOL
344 or 534 or permission of instructor. Morphology and speciation of the more complex
families such as Poaceae, Cyperaceae, and Asteraceae. Lab emphasizes identification
of specimens and acquaintance with taxonomic literature.
526 Paleoecology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Study
of origin and evolution of interrelationships between components of the earth's
major ecosystems.
532 Animal Behavior (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 324 or permission of instructor.
Ecological aspects of animal behavior.
533 Selected Topics in Plant Biology (1-4:1-3:0-6).Prerequisite: BIOL
304 or permission of instructor. Topic depends on instructor's specialty.
May be repeated only with permission of department chair.
534 Advanced Plant Taxonomy (3:1:6).Prerequisite: Course in plant taxonomy
or permission of instructor. Laboratories consist of field trips and collection and
identification of specimens.
535 Ancient Plants and Their Environment (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 304,
a course in paleontology, or permission of instructor. Study of factors involved
in the origin, history, and extinction of fossil plants, including adaptations, paleoecology,
and major geological events.
536 Ichthyology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: Course in ecology or permission
of instructor. Study of the systematics, evolution, physiology, ecology, and behavior
of fishes.
537 Ornithology (4:2:6).Prerequisite: Course in ecology or permission
of instructor. Study of the evolution, systematics, physiology, ecology, and behavior
of birds, emphasizing field work. as
538 Mammology (4:2:6).Prerequisite: Course in ecology or permission of
instructor. Study of the evolution, systematics, physiology, ecology, and behavior
of mammals, emphasizing field work. af
539 Herpetology (4:2:6).Prerequisite: Course in ecology or permission
of instructor. Study of the evolution, systematics, physiology, ecology, and behavior
of amphibians and reptiles, emphasizing field work. as
543 Tropical Ecosystems (4:3:3).Prerequisite: Course in ecology or permission
of instructor. Terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems in the tropics emphasizing
plant communities, plant-animal interactions, and the role of man in the tropics.
Field trip to the tropics is required as part of lab.
546 Estuarine and Coastal Ecology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: Course in ecology
and permission of instructor. Emphasizes marine biology of estuarine and coastal
habitats of the Chesapeake Bay region and factors affecting distribution and abundance
of organisms. Lab provides training in field measurement of physical and chemical
parameters and collection and identification of local organisms. Extended field trips
made to mid-Atlantic sites. sum
547 Terrestrial Plant Ecology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: Course in ecology.
Consideration of community organization, development, productivity, and mineral cycling;
interactions between plants and competitors; herbivores; and various environmental
factors, especially light, water, and soil. Fieldwork and lab emphasize data collection
and statistical analysis.
550 Waterscape Ecology and Management (3:3:0).Prerequisites: General chemistry
and a course in ecology. A study of the physical, chemical, and biological components
of freshwater ecosystems with emphasis on streams, rivers, and lakes; on linkages
between watersheds and freshwater systems; and on the impact of human management.
551 Mushrooms, Molds, and Molecules (4:3:3).Prerequisites: BIOL 304, 305,
or permission of instructor. Study of fungal biology emphasizing those aspects having
medical, environmental, economic, and biotechnological impact. Laboratory emphasizes
techniques for the experimental manipulation of fungi.
553 Advanced Topics in Immunology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 452 or permission
of instructor. Comprehensive study of immunologic mechanisms as they pertain to immunologic
diseases and transplantation.
555 Laboratory in Waterscape Ecology (1:0:3). Prerequisite or corequisite:
BIOL 550 or permission of instructor. Field and laboratory approaches to freshwater
ecology with emphasis on study design, sample methods, laboratory and data analysis,
and report writing.
556 Microbial Physiology and Metabolism (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 305,
306, or permission of instructor. Comprehensive study of microorganisms covering
aspects of growth, nutrition, transport, autotrophic and heterotrophic metabolism,
regulation, and differentiation. af
561 Comparative Animal Physiology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 326 or permission
of instructor. Detailed study of selected physiological systems of invertebrates
and vertebrates, emphasizing current research.
563 Virology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 482 or permission of instructor.
Fundamental concepts of the nature of viruses, virus classification, cultivation,
and biochemistry. Bacteriophage and animal viruses emphasized. f
564 Techniques in Virology (2:1:3). Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 305,
306, or permission of instructor. Emphasis on propagation of animal viruses in embryonated
eggs and cell culture, titration of animal viruses and bacteriophage, serological
techniques used in virology, and biochemical and biophysical characterization of
viruses.
568 Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 482
or permission of instructor. Comprehensive study of regulatory mechanisms controlling
gene expression in viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes, emphasizing current research.
570 Laboratory Workshop (1-3:0:3-9).Prerequisite: BIOL 385 or 482 or permission
of the director of biotechnology concentration. Current laboratory techniques in
molecular biology and microbiology. Lecture and laboratory taught by ATCC and George
Mason instructors. Workshops meet all day for two to five consecutive days. Topics
vary. May be repeated for credit with permission of the department chair.
572 Human Genetics (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 311 or permission of instructor.
The inheritance of humans, emphasizing current problems, including genetic control
of metabolic diseases, effects of radiation and chemical agents in the environment,
and directed genetic change. af
573 Developmental Genetics (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 311 or permission
of instructor. Genetic approaches to the problem of eukaryotic development emphasizing
current research on the regulation of gene enzyme systems.
574 Population Genetics (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 307 and 311, or permission
of instructor. The genetic structure and dynamics of populations, both real and ideal.
as
575 Selected Topics in Genetics (1-4:1-3:0-6).Prerequisite: BIOL 311 or
permission of instructor. Different topics in different years. Topics include molecular,
developmental, physiological, and classical genetics emphasizing current problems
and research. May be repeated once with permission of department chair.
577 Biogeochemistry: A Global Perspective (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Introductory
courses in ecology and chemistry, or permission of instructor. Structure and function
of ecosystems, their interactions as components of landscapes, and their contributions
to the global environment. Course emphasizes biogeochemical cycles of natural, disturbed,
and managed ecosystems, and their integration at the landscape and global level as
related to current ecological problems such as transfer of nonpoint source pollutants,
atmospheric deposition, stratospheric ozone depletion, and global change.
580 Computer Applications for the Life Sciences (3:3:0).Prerequisites:
12 credits of biology and one year of college mathematics or permission of instructor.
Study of the uses of computers in the biological sciences. Lectures are combined
with supervised exercises on mainframe and microcomputers. Each student presents
a seminar on an advanced application and does a project using a computer to fulfill
a major assignment associated with another course or with employment.
583 General Biochemistry (4:3:1).Prerequisites: BIOL 213, CHEM 313, 314,
or permission of instructor. Structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates and
lipids, enzymology, and metabolism and its controls. Chemistry of nitrogen compounds
is emphasized.
584 Eukaryotic Cell Biology (3:3:0).Prerequisites: BIOL 311, 483, MATH
110 or 113, or permission of instructor. Structure and function of cell membranes
and organelles with regard to cellular transport, sorting, and compartmentalization,
signaling, motility, and cell division.
585 Eukaryotic Cell Biology Laboratory (1:0:1). Corequisite: BIOL 584 or
permission of instructor.
589 Teaching Practicum (1:0:3), (1-2:0:3-6).Prerequisites: Permission
of instructor, chair, and course coordinator (if any). Experience teaching biology
in the laboratory or in the field under the supervision of a faculty member. Undergraduate
assists the instructor.
607 Fundamentals of Ecology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Permission of department.
An overview of concepts in physiological, population, community, and ecosystem ecology
restricted to graduate students with little or no background in ecology.
610 Bioremediation: Theory and Applications (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Course
in microbiology and either organic chemistry or biochemistry, or permission of instructor.
Provides the basis for understanding the proper application of bioremedial technologies
to treatment of hazardous wastes. Includes evaluation of data to determine successful
treatment.
611 Techniques in Environmental Microbiology (2:0:4).Prerequisite: Laboratory
course in experimental microbiology or permission of the instructor. Laboratory exercises
illustrate techniques used to demonstrate microbial degradation, detection of microbes,
isolation, and evaluation of their physiological and genetic characteristics. Open
first to those enrolled in BIOL 610.
622 Methods and Principles of Animal Taxonomy (3:1:6).Prerequisite: Course
in evolution or permission of instructor. Theoretical basis of techniques used in
animal classification with emphasis on their practical application to a lab problem
dealing with a particular animal group.
640 Environmental Biology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Course in ecology or permission
of instructor. Patterns of climate and weather, tectonics, soil formation, and surface
and ground water movements. f
641 Environmental Science and Public Policy (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Course
in ecology or permission of instructor. Effects of human activities on environment.
Airborne, waterborne, and solid "waste" material are considered with
respect to sources, control, and effects on the ecosystem. s
643 Microbial Ecology (4:3:3).Prerequisite: Course in microbiology or
permission of instructor. Study of relationships between microorganisms and their
natural environment, and methodology for observing their natural environment and
biochemical activities in that environment. s, odd
644 Wetland Ecology and Management (4:3:3).Prerequisites: Courses in ecology,
chemistry, and physics; or permission of instructor. Structure and function of wetland
ecosystems. Course emphasizes biogeochemical and hydrological processes, the effects
of disturbance, and management implications.
645 Freshwater Ecology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: BIOL 550 or permission of
instructor. Study of biotic and abiotic interactions affecting the structure and
composition of freshwater ecosystems. Emphasis on the research literature and experimental
and theoretical approaches.
648 Population Ecology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Course in ecology or permission
of instructor. Survey of ecological models and theory. Topics include population
growth and regulation, competition, predator-prey relationships, and models of community
structure. f
649 Biological Resource Management (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Course in ecology
or permission of instructor. Modern ecological theories and methods applied to biological
resource management in developing and developed countries. Problems in achieving
optimum productivity of specific resources and application of systems analysis.
650 Environmental Analysis and Modeling (4:3:3).Prerequisite: Course in
ecology, or permission of instructor. Students learn to conceptualize ecological
systems, to represent these conceptualizations mathematically, and to develop and
test models against field data. Model applications are emphasized.
665 Environmental Hazards to Human Health (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Courses
in animal physiology and organic chemistry, or permission of instructor. Health effects
of chemical contaminants of air, water, and food resulting from industrialized society.
Includes identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards.
668 Advanced Techniques in Molecular Biology (4:2:6).Prerequisite: BIOL
568; or permission of instructor. Experimental studies using current methods for
purification and characterization of biologically important compounds; designed to
provide training for research in molecular biology.
669 Pathogenic Microbiology (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Courses in microbiology
and biochemistry. Molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity, and the immune
response in infectious diseases.
670 Environmental Law for Biologists (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Course in ecology,
environmental biology, or permission of instructor. Study of environmental laws such
as the National Environmental Policy Act and regulatory issues such as the Clean
Water and Clean Air Acts. Emphasis on critical evaluation of alternatives to unresolved
issues in environmental policies.
680 Experimental Design and Analysis for the Life Sciences (4:3:3).Prerequisite:
Course in biostatistics or permission of instructor. Advanced course in application
of probability and statistics to research in the life sciences. Examples drawn from
environmental, medical, physiological, genetic, and chemical biology. s
690 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology (1:1:0). Required of all
new M.S. students in biology. f
691 Current Topics in Biology (1-4:1-3:0-6). May be repeated for credit.
692 Seminar in Environmental Biology (1:1:0). Topics vary. May be repeated
for credit.
693, 694 Directed Studies in Biology (1-8:0:0).Prerequisites: Permission
of instructor, chair, and student's graduate committee. Study of topic not
otherwise available in graduate program. May involve any combination of reading assignments,
tutorials, lectures, papers, presentations, or lab or field study, determined in
consultation with instructor. May not be used to fulfill explicit undergraduate prerequisites
for graduate work.
695 Seminar in Molecular, Microbial, and Cellular Biology (1:1:0). Review
and discussion of recent literature in a specialized area. Includes student presentations.
May be repeated for credit.
741 Advanced Topics in Environmental Biology (1-4:1-3:0-6).Prerequisite:
Eight credits of ecology or permission of instructor. Topics vary. May be repeated
only with permission of department chair.
745 Environmental Toxicology (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Courses in ecology
and physiology, or permission of instructor. Study of nature, distribution, and interaction
of toxic chemicals released into the environment. Emphasizes effects on nonhuman
biota, detection and fate of chemicals, and implications for government regulation.
793 Research in Biology (1-3:0:0).Prerequisites: Eight graduate credits
in BIOL and permission of instructor and chair. Library, lab, or field investigation
under supervisor's guidance. May be repeated for a total of three credits.
798 Master's Research Project (1-3:0:0).Prerequisites: Permission
of instructor and department chair. An experimental or theoretical research project
chosen and completed under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. A comprehensive
report acceptable to the student's advisory committee is required. Students
who take BIOL 793 may receive no more than a total of six credits for both BIOL 793
and 798.
799 Thesis (1-6:0:0).Prerequisites: Eight graduate credits in BIOL and
permission of instructor and department chair. Thesis research under direction of
supervisor. Students who take BIOL 793 may receive no more than a total of six credits
for both BIOL 793 and BIOL 799.
800 Studies for the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (variable credit).
Prerequisite: Admission to the Ph.D. in Education program to study in biology. Program
of studies designed by the student's discipline director and approved by student's
doctoral committee, which brings the student to participate in research of discipline
director and results in a paper reporting the original contributions of the student.
The paper is presented in a subsequent Ph.D. summer seminar. Enrollment may be repeated.
See EVPP, Environmental Science and Public Policy, for
additional course work.
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