The Department of Biological Sciences offers curricula leading to majors in Biology and Environmental Science.
The Biology major may choose from among two degree programs: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.
BACHELOR OF ARTS | |||
---|---|---|---|
First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
BIO 135/115, 136/116 | 8 | BIO 345, BIO (Restricted Elective*-one course) | 6-7 |
ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 275, or 295 | 3 |
FL (one field) | 8 | CHM 138/ 118, 139/119 | 8 |
KIN 215 or accepted substitute | 1 | PHL | 3 |
KIN activity or accepted substitute | 1-3 | FL (one field) | 6 |
MTH 170 and MTH 379 or BIO 474 | 6 | ||
HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ||
Total | 32-34 | 30-31 |
Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
BIO (Restricted Electives*-4 courses) | 12-16 | BIO advanced electives (2 courses) | 6-8 |
ART, DNC, MUS, THR, or PHL 366 | 6 | BIO 410, 411 | 2 |
Minor | 9 | Minor | 9 |
POL 261, POL elective | 6 | ENG (200 level or higher) or SCM | 3 |
Criterion VI | 9 | ||
Electives | 4 | ||
Total | 33-37 | 33-35 |
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE | |||
---|---|---|---|
First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
BIO 135/115, 136/116 | 8 | BIO 345, BIO (Restricted Elective*-1 course) | 7-8 |
ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 275, or 295 | 3 |
HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ENG 330 | 3 |
CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | MTH 172, 173 | 6 |
KIN 215 or accepted substitute | 1 | Criterion VI | 6 |
KIN activity or accepted substitute | 1-3 | CHM 248, 249 | 8 |
Total | 30-32 | 33-34 |
Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
BIO (Restricted Electives*-4 courses) | 12-16 | BIO (advanced electives-3 courses) | 9-12 |
POL 261, POL | 6 | BIO 410, 411 | 2 |
PHY 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | ART, DNC, MUS, or THR | 3 |
Minor** | 6 | Minor and electives | 16 |
Criterion VI | 3 | ||
Total | 32-36 | 33-36 |
Physiology | |
---|---|
BIO 341 | HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY |
BIO 344 | GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY |
BIO 362 | PLANT PHYSIOLOGY |
Ecology | |
BIO 340 | GENERAL ECOLOGY |
BIO 433 | AQUATIC BIOLOGY |
BIO 470 | ANIMAL BEHAVIOR |
Taxonomy | |
BIO 364 | INTRODUCTORY PLANT TAXONOMY |
BIO 430 | VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY |
BIO 431 | GENERAL ENTOMOLOGY |
BIO 446 | PARASITOLOGY |
BIO 471 | INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY |
Morphology/Anatomy | |
BIO 342 | COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY |
BIO 348 | VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY |
BIO 349 | HISTOLOGY |
BIO 392 | PLANT MORPHOLOGY |
BIO 493 | ENDOCRINOLOGY |
Cell Biology | |
BIO 347 | GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY |
BIO 435 | IMMUNOLOGY |
BIO 449 | CYTOLOGY |
BIO 461 | ELECTRON MICROSCOPY TECHNIQUES |
BIO 480 | INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY |
BIO 481 | BIORADIATION |
In addition to selecting their five restricted elective courses, biology majors are free to choose the remaining 2-3 advanced electives from among any of the five restricted elective blocks. BIO 474 Biostatistics may also be taken as an advanced BIO elective.
Students seeking a major in elementary education with certification in the life/earth science teaching field are required to take BIO 135/115, 136/116, 341, GEL 133/113, 330, GEO 141, and PHY 397/317 plus 6 hours BIO or GEL selected from BIO 340, 345, GEL 360, 431, 432 or 437.
For elementary certification in Biology, students are required to take BIO 135/115, 136/116, 341, 392, 340, plus two courses, each selected from a different restricted elective block with BIO 345 as one of the options.
Those students seeking a secondary teaching certificate along with their biology minor should include BIO 341, 392, 340 among their four restricted electives for a total of 24 semester hours of biology.
Presentation for the non-science
major of biological
concepts and topical subjects related to science methods, embryological development,
reproduction, genetics, evolution, human organ systems, disease, and environmental biology.
Ethical considerations of reproduction and birth control, genetic engineering, environmental
pollution and population control will be included. Credit in BIO 134 as a laboratory science is
contingent upon completion of BIO 114. Credit in this course cannot be
applied to either a major
or minor in the sciences. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 3.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Credit 1.
An organismic approach to biology is presented in the context of the scientific method. Basic principles of organismic diversity and
structural and functional features of major animal and plant groups are presented. General
principles of ecology are introduced. Students may begin sequence with either BIO 135 or
136.
Fall, Spring,Summer.
Credit 1.
A general cellular approach to the
principles of biology is presented and includes scientific methods, origins of life, chemistry of life,
cell structure, metabolism, genetics, evolution and reproduction. Students may begin sequence
with either BIO 136 or 135. Credit for BIO 136 as a
laboratory science is contingent on completion of BIO
116. No prerequisite. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 3.
Fall, Spring,
Summer. Credit 1.
A general course designed
to cover all areas relating to contemporary ecological problems. Topics include air, water, and soil
pollution; radiation, limnology, climate, pesticides, wastes, and land conservation. Two-hour
laboratory. Fall, Spring. Credit 4.
This course deals with structure and
form of the
human body. It includes studies of the cell, tissues, and organ systems. Registration is primarily
for students in pre-nursing or majoring in kineseology or health. Credit in this course cannot be
applied to either a major or minor in Biology. Two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring. Credit 4.
This course consists of a study of
the cause
and effect relationship of body functions and disorders. Clinical techniques are emphasized in the
laboratory. Credit in this course cannot be applied to a major or minor in Biology.
Prerequisite: BIO 245. Two-hour laboratory. Fall,
Spring. Credit 4.
An introduction to
microorganisms, their morphology, growth requirements, methods of culture, and the manner in
which they affect health. Reactions of the body toward pathogenic organisms and the principles of
immunity and chemotheraphy are considered. Credit in this course cannot be applied to a major or
minor in Biology. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Spring. Credit 4.
A broad-spectrum approach to
the proper utilization of fish, wildlife, and recreational resources as they apply to landowners and
other users. Special emphasis will be placed on the economic aspects of wildlife management and
recreation. Other topics to be covered include: identification of animals, geographical distribution,
habitat evaluation, census methods, population analysis, life histories, and propagation of selected
animal species. Credit in this course cannot be applied to a major or minor in Biology. Lab and
field work. Prerequisite: BIO 135. Fall, Spring.
Credit 3.
A study of physical and biotic components of the
environment, responses of organisms to their environment, community ecology, natural
ecosystems, and human's interaction with ecosystems. Field studies will be an integral part of the
laboratory. Three-hour laboratory and field work. Prerequisite:
BIO 135, 136. Fall. Credit 4.
This course deals with the study of structure and function of the human body. The structure of various organ systems are discussed
and their function as organs and systems described. This course is not recommended for
preprofessional students. Prerequisite: BIO 135,
136. Two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 4.
Study of representative vertebrates,
their anatomy ontogeny and phylogeny. The course is required of pre-medical students.
Prerequisites: BIO 135,136.
Two-hour laboratory. Fall. Credit 4.
The study of the primary mechanisms by which
autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms function. Important fundamental aspects of cellular,
regulatory, and systemic physiology are presented emphasizing the functional aspect of living
systems at the cellular and molecular levels. Students are expected to develop an integrated
understanding of the areas presented and recognize the interdependence of these mechanisms in
the maintenance of homeostasis. Prerequisites: BIO 135,
136 and 8 hours Chemistry. Three-hour laboratory.
Writing enhanced. Spring. Credit 4.
Study is made of the physical bases of
inheritance and
principles of heredity and variation. Topics include Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, molecular
basis of genetics, gene expression and regulation, DNA technologies and population genetics.
Prerequisites: BIO 135, 136,
138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall, Spring, Summer.
Credit 4.
An introduction to microorganisms
including bacteria,
viruses and fungi. Major areas considered are morphology, physiology, genetics, and pathology.
Microorganisms are studied in relation to soil, water, food, industrial processes, and disease. Prerequisites: BIO 135, 136, and
eight hours of chemistry. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall, Summer.
Credit 4.
This is a study of the early development of
representative vertebrates from fertilization until differentiation of organs has been completed.
Prerequisites: BIO 135, 136.
Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Even year Fall. Credit 4.
A study of animal tissues with emphasis on human materials.
Identification and preparatory techniques are stressed. Prerequisites:
BIO 135, 136, CHM 138/118,
139/119. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall. Credit 4.
General course dealing with principal life
processes of plants. Topics include photosynthesis, respiration, nutrition, f
lowering, dormancy, hormones, growth, and development.
Prerequisites: BIO 135/115,
BIO 136/116, CHM 138/118, 139/119.
Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Even year Fall. Credit 3.
A study of the
characteristics and
classification of plants emphasizing systematic techniques. Focus on identification of the more
common plant families allows transfer of knowledge to other regions of the country and world.
Prerequisite: BIO 135, 136. Two-hour
laboratory. Odd year Spring. Writing enhanced. Credit 3.
Survey of the plant kingdom with
emphasis on morphogenesis, comparative structure and life cycles of
representative plant forms.
Prerequisites: BIO 135, 136.
Three-hour laboratory. Fall, Summer. Credit 3.
Discussions of current
literature in the biological sciences. Required of senior Biology majors.
Prerequisite: Senior standing. Fall, Spring. Credit 1
each.
This course deals with the taxonomy, natural history and
ecology of vertebrates. Laboratories emphasize the identification of Texas Vertebrates and field
techniques used in their study. Prerequisite: BIO 135,
136. Two-hour laboratory. Spring. Credit 3.
A study is made of insect
morphology, taxonomy,
development, and life histories. Collection and identification by use of keys are stressed.
Prerequisite: BIO 135, 136.
pine Two-hour
laboratory. Odd year Spring. Credit 3.
Physical, chemical, and biological features
of inland
waters;
organisms of freshwaters; factors in biological productivity; methods and equipment. Largely a
field course dealing with various approved methods of studying freshwater systems. This course is
designed to meet the needs of chemists, teachers of science, biologists, and environmental
scientists. Prerequisites: 11 hrs. BIO, 8 hrs. CHM, and junior or senior standing. Two-hour
laboratory. Odd year Spring. Credit 3.
Humoral and cell mediated immunobiology,
genetics, and chemistry
are considered along with immunoanalyses and pathologies. Prerequisites: Genetics and
biochemistry. Two-hour seminar. Spring. Credit 3.
Morphology, life cycles, physiological
adaptations,
evolution and
distribution of parasitic animals. Prerequisites: BIO
135, 136 plus advanced standing. Two-hour
laboratory. Odd year Fall. Credit 4.
A physical and chemical study of cells, their
ultrastructure and
nuclei.
Studies of metabolism, growth, differentiation and reproduction are included with special
emphasis on mitosis and meiosis. Prerequisites: BIO 135,
136, CHM 138/118, 139/119,
plus advanced standing.
Three-hour laboratory. Writing Enhanced. Even year Spring. Credit 4.
This course is
designed to prepare the
student in methods of fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining, and photography as they apply to
electron microscopy and to ultrastructure studies. Prerequisites:
BIO 135, 136; CHM 138/118,
139/119; plus advanced standing. Two-hour laboratory. Writing Enhanced. Odd year Spring.
Credit 3.
A study of behavioral adaptations of
animals to their
environments. Introduction to the objective analysis of behavioral patterns in clarifying
evolutionary relationships and studies of current concepts and theories in ethology are considered.
Prerequisites: BIO 135, 136. Two-hour laboratory. Even year Spring. Credit 3.
This course will explore the
diversity of invertebrate
types morphologically, embryologically and physiologically. The ecological role of invertebrates
will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO 135, 136. Two-hour laboratory. Even year Fall. Credit 3.
This course includes an introduction to statistical
methods
and their
application to real biological problems. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability
distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, and analysis of variance.
Use of the computer in statistical analyses will also be stressed. Prerequisites: MTH 170 and 8
hours of Biology. Fall. Credit 3.
The course
emphasizes the
structural and functional characteristics of proteins, RNA and DNA, and their individual and
collective contributions to life. The course provides the conceptual and experimental framework
for genetic engineering and the new Biotechnology. Models from procaryotic and eucaryotic
organisms as well as viruses and plasmids are used. The laboratory will include methods of gene
cloning and electrophoretic analyses of proteins, RNA and DNA.
Prerequisites: BIO 135, 136, 345, 347; Organic
Chemistry. Three-hour laboratory. Writing Enhanced. Spring. Credit 3.
This course presents fundamental radiological
principles and
techniques for the use of free radionuclides as a tool in biological assays and tracer investigations.
The course will emphasize safety and legal considerations of radiological studies.
Prerequisites: BIO 135/115,
136/116, CHM 241, PHY 138https://www.shsu.edu/catalog/96-98/artsci/physics.html#phy118">/118,
This course is designed to familiarize the
student with the
structure, development, comparative anatomy, and physiology of the endocrine system. Particular
emphasis will be given to the endocrine control of reproductive processes.
Prerequisites: BIO 135, 136;
CHM 138/118,
139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Odd year Fall.
Credit 3.
A supervised,
off-campus intern work
experience in an approved area of the biological sciences with business, industry or government.
This elective course provides the student with direct professional work experience in such areas as
biotechnology, biomedical research, ecological assessment, wildlife biology, and science/nature
education. Academic credit is based on a written technical report and an oral presentation.
Prerequisites: Biology major, six hours of advanced biology, junior standing, 3.0 GPA and
approval of department chair. Writing enhanced. Credit 3.
This course is designed to allow
independent
study
by selected advanced students in specific areas of biology not covered by organized
undergraduate courses. Instruction is on individual basis with the student being supervised in his
studies by an appropriate faculty member. Prerequisite: senior standing in Biology. This course
may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this
Catalogue. Credit 1, 2, or 3.
*Subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board.
BIOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIO 134 CONTEMPORARY BIOLOGY.
BIO 114
CONTEMPORARY BIOLOGY LABORATORY.BIO 135 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I. [BIOL 1309]
Credit for BIO 135 as a laboratory science is
contingent on completion of BIO 115. No prerequisite.
Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 3.BIO 115 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY LABORATORY I. [BIOL 1109]
BIO 136 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II. [BIOL 1308]
BIO 116 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY LABORATORY II. [BIOL 1108]
BIO 147 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE.(Also listed as ESC 147).
BIO 245 HUMAN ANATOMY. [BIOL 2401]
BIO 246 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY. [BIOL 2402]
BIO 247 INTRODUCTORY APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY. [BIOL 2420]
BIO 336 FISH, WILDLIFE, RECREATION MANAGEMENT.
*BIO 340 GENERAL ECOLOGY.
BIO 341 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY.
BIO 342 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY.
BIO 344 GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY.
BIO 345 INTRODUCTORY GENETICS.
BIO 347 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY.
BIO 348 VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY.
BIO 349 HISTOLOGY.
BIO 362 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY.
BIO 364 INTRODUCTORY PLANT TAXONOMY.
BIO 392 PLANT MORPHOLOGY.
BIO 410:411 UNDERGRADUATE SEMINAR.
BIO 430 VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY.
BIO 431 GENERAL ENTOMOLOGY.
BIO 433 AQUATIC BIOLOGY.
BIO 435 IMMUNOLOGY.
BIO 446 PARASITOLOGY.
BIO 449 CYTOLOGY.
BIO 461 ELECTRON MICROSCOPY TECHNIQUES.
BIO 470 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR.
BIO 471 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY.
BIO 474 BIOSTATISTICS.
BIO 480 INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY.
BIO 481 BIORADIATION.
BIO 493 ENDOCRINOLOGY.
BIO 494 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES INTERNSHIP.
BIO 495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY.
First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
ESC 147 | 4 | ENG 265, 275, or 295 | 3 |
ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 330 | 3 |
CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | CHM 241 | 4 |
BIO 135/115, 136/116 | 8 | GEL 133/113 | 4 |
HIS 163, 164 | 6 | BIO 247 or 347 | 4 |
KIN 215 or accepted substitute | 1 | PHY 138/118, 139/119 or 141, 142 | 8 |
KIN activity or accepted substitute | 1-3 | MTH 172, 173 | 6 |
34-36 | 32 |
Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
---|---|---|---|
ESC 330, 430 | 6 | ESC 343, 440, and 495 or 461 | 11 |
CHM 248, 249 | 8 | ESC 410, 411 | 2 |
POL 261, POL | 6 | BIO 433 or 463 or 465 | 3 |
ART, DNC, MUS, or THR | 3 | CHM 440 | 4 |
BIO 474, MTH 274, or MTH 379 | 3 | Criterion VI | 3 |
ECO 234 | 3 | Restricted Electives* | 12 |
Criterion VI | 3 | ||
32 | 35 |
Under normal circumstances ESC majors having a minor field and/or a second major field must choose their restricted electives courses from departments outside of these fields.
A general course designed to cover all areas relating to contemporary ecological problems. Topics include air, water, and soil pollution; radiation; limnology; climate; pesticides; wastes; land conservation. Two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring. Credit 4.
A study
comparing various state
and federal laws with particular emphasis on the State of Texas statutes will be conducted. Nature
of evidence for prosecution under these laws will be considered.
Prerequisites: ESC 147, CHM 241, and junior standing.
Fall. Credit 3.
A study of topics relating to
public health and
sanitation. The causative agents of human diseases of public health importance are characterized,
and present knowledge of prevention and control of these diseases is reviewed.
Prerequisites: BIO 135/115,
136/116, 247 OR
347, and eight hours of chemistry. Two-hour laboratory.
Even year Fall. Credit 3.
A study of solid wastes and
recycling pertaining
to sources, storage, processing, economics, and legal issues involved. Physical and chemical
components of wastes and waste processing and their environmental effects will be stressed.
Prerequisites: BIO 247 or 347,
ESC 330, GEL 133https://www.shsu.edu/catalog/96-98/artsci/geo.html#gel113">/113,
A study of industrial hygiene and
occupatioal health and
safety. This course will present the basics of industial hygiene and work place monitoring.
Emphasis will be on fundamentals of work place hazard recognition, techniques of evaluation, and
methods of control. Prerequisites: BIO 135, 136; CHM 241; PHY 138/118, 139/119. Even year. Spring.
Credit 3.
Water
supply, development,treatment and distribution; waste water collection and treatment; water purification and reuse; and
the chemistry and ecology of aquatic systems are studied. Prerequisites:
ESC 147, CHM 241, and junior standing. Two-hour
laboratory. Fall. Credit 4.
Student discussions of
current scientific
literature in environmental science. Required of environmental science majors. Prerequisite:
Senior standing. Fall, Spring. Credit 1 each.
This course deals with
the technical and
regulatory aspects of handling and disposing of toxic and hazardous wastes based on recently
mandated legislation procedures. This course will educate current students in an area that is of
major national concern and will update persons already working in the field of environmental
science. Prerequisites: CHM 241, ESC 147, GEL 133/113,
and junior standing. Spring. Credit 3.
An in-depth study of the sources of air pollution
is made.
Sampling
procedures and the chemical analysis required for identification of pollutants are studied. Control
methods for the restriction of air pollution are outlined. Prerequisites:
CHM 241, ESC 147, and junior standing. Two-hour
laboratory. Spring. Credit 4.
A
supervised off-campus
intern work experience in an approved area of Environmental Science with industry, business, or
government. This course provides the student with direct professional work experience with
industry or governmental entity. Academic credit is based on a written technical report and an oral
presentation. Prerequisite: 6 hours of advanced Environmental Science and approval of instructor.Summer. Credit 3.
Individual
study in specialized
areas of Environment Science. To be directed and approved by the Environmental Science
advisor. Credit 1, 2, or 3.
Return to the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Catalogue
Return to the Undergraduate Catalogue
ESC 330 LEGAL ASPECTS OF POLLUTION CONTROL.
ESC 331 ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION.
ESC 332 SOLID WASTES AND RECYCLING.
ESC 333 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE.
ESC 343 WATER SUPPLY AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL.
ESC 410:411 UNDERGRADUATE SEMINAR.
ESC 430 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT.
ESC 440 AIR QUALITY.
ESC 461 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FIELD EXPERIENCE.
ESC 495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE.
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