Course Descriptions

Major
Minor

CHAIR: To Be Named

FACULTY: Bagdonas, DeShaw, DeVore, Dewees, Foerster, Hall, Hudson, Kurtz, Long, Meade, Moldenhauer, Sailer, Thies, Turner, Warnock, E. Wilson

The Department of Biological Sciences offers curricula leading to majors in Biology and Environmental Science.

The objectives of the Biology Program are: (1) to present to the general university student the methods of science and the fundamental principles of biology; (2) to provide students broad foundation training in biology in preparation for professional careers in teaching, medicine, dentistry (and other health professions), biotechnology, industry, government and research; and (3) to provide training in specialized fields as service to programs in Agriculture, Psychology, Health, Home Economics, Kinesiology, and others.

The Biology major may choose from among two degree programs: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.
 

1. Physiology

BIO 341 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
BIO 344 GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
BIO 362 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

2. Ecology

BIO 340 GENERAL ECOLOGY
BIO 433 AQUATIC BIOLOGY
BIO 470 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

3. Taxonomy

BIO 364 INTRODUCTORY PLANT TAXONOMY
BIO 369 ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
BIO 430 VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY
BIO 431 GENERAL ENTOMOLOGY
BIO 446 PARASITOLOGY
BIO 471 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY

4. Morphology/Anatomy

BIO 342 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY
BIO 348 VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY
BIO 349 HISTOLOGY
BIO 371 PLANT PATHOLOGY
BIO 392 PLANT MORPHOLOGY
BIO 493 ENDOCRINOLOGY

5. 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

 
CHOICE OF RESTRICTED ELECTIVES IN BIOLOGY

Students majoring in Biology are required to take at least one course in each of the five restricted elective blocks described above. Students may select courses in General Biology, Botany, Zoology or Cell/Molecular Biology within the framework of the restricted elective blocks upon counsel with their faculty advisor.

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.

Preprofessional Biology Majors

Biology majors following the preprofessional curricula of premedicine, predentistry, prephysical therapy, and preveterinary medicine should take the following restrictive elective Biology courses: BIO 342, 344, 347, and 349. General electives recommended for preprofessional students are BIO 348, 435, 446, 449, 474, and 480.

Biotechnology Biology Majors

To satisfy B.S. degree requirements, Biology majors desiring to prepare for biotechnology careers should take the following advanced Biology courses: BIO 344, 345, 347, 349, 410, 411, 435, 449, 480, 481, and BIO 474 or MTH 379. These students also should take a minor in chemistry, including CHM 438 and 440. Internships (BIO 494) in biotechnology are available to qualified students. For further details about biotechnology, see the department chair.

1. BIO 341, 392 and 340 as part of the restricted elective course requirements in Biology.
2. SED 383, 392, 394, 464, 480, 496, and 497.
3. SCM 161 or 384 (plus 12 hours ENG).
4. SED 374 (in Criterion VI elective block).
5. CS 3-4 hours.
6. An approved 24-hour minor to serve as a second teaching field. In place of the minor, a Biology major may obtain the science composite teaching certificate by completing the following additional science courses: CHM 138/118, 139/119; GEL 133/113, 134/114; PHY 138/118, 139/119; and GEO 131/111 or PHY 397/317.

Students seeking a major in elementary education with certification in the life/earth science teaching field are required to take BIO 138/118, 139/119, 341, GEL 133/113, 330, GEO 131/111, 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 138/118, 139/119, 341, 392, 340, plus two courses, each selected from a different restricted elective block with BIO 345 as one of the options.

BIO 134 CONTEMPORARY 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.

BIO 114 CONTEMPORARY BIOLOGY LABORATORY. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 1.

*BIO 138 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY OF CELLS. [BIOL 1308] 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 138 or 139. Credit for BIO 138 as a laboratory science is contingent on completion of BIO 118. No prerequisite. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 3.

*BIO 118 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY OF CELLS LABORATORY. [BIOL 1108] Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 1.

*BIO 139 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY OF ORGANISMS. [BIOL 1309] 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 138 or 139. Credit for BIO 139 as a laboratory science is contingent on completion of BIO 119. No prerequisite. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 3.

*BIO 119 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY OF ORGANISMS LABORATORY. [BIOL 1109] Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 1.

BIO 147 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. (Also listed as ESC 147). 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.

BIO 245 HUMAN ANATOMY. [BIOL 2401] 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 kinesiology or health. Credit in this course cannot be applied to either a major or minor in Biology. Two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring. Credit 4.

BIO 246 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY. [BIOL 2402] 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: Minimum grade of C in BIO 245. Two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring. Credit 4.

BIO 247 INTRODUCTORY APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY. [BIOL 2420] 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 chemotherapy are considered. Credit in this course cannot be applied to a major or minor in Biology. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall, Spring. Credit 4.

BIO 336 FISH, WILDLIFE, RECREATION MANAGEMENT. 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 139/119. Fall, Spring. Credit 3.

BIO 340 GENERAL ECOLOGY. 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: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Fall, Spring. Credit 4.

BIO 341 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 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: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 4.

BIO 342 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY. Study of representative vertebrates, their anatomy ontogeny and phylogeny. The course is required of pre-medical students. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Fall. Credit 4.

BIO 344 GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY. 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. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119; CHM 138/118, 139/119, and 238/218. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Spring. Credit 4.

BIO 345 INTRODUCTORY GENETICS. 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. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119; CHM 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 4.

BIO 346 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY. A study of basic physiological systems and underlying system dysfunctions associated with human disease processes across the life span. Relationships between etiologic agents and their consequence to human form and function will be stressed. Critical thinking processes integrating symptoms, treatment and prognosis will be applied to physiological perspectives. This course is designed for prenursing and other health and allied health majors; credit in this course cannot be applied to either a major or minor in biology. Four hours lecture per week. Prerequisites: CHM 135/115, BIO 245, 246. Credit 4.

BIO 347 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY. 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. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119 and eight hours of chemistry. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall, Spring. Credit 4.

BIO 348 VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY. This is a study of the early development of representative vertebrates from fertilization until differentiation of organs has been completed. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Even year Fall. Credit 4.

BIO 349 HISTOLOGY. A study of animal tissues with emphasis on human materials. Identification and preparatory techniques are stressed. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119; CHM 138/118, 139/119. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Spring. Credit 4.

BIO 362 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY. General course dealing with principal life processes of plants. Topics include photosynthesis, respiration, nutrition, flowering, dormancy, hormones, growth, and development. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119; CHM 138/118, 139/119. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Odd year Fall. Credit 3.

*BIO 364 INTRODUCTORY PLANT TAXONOMY. 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: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Spring. Writing enhanced. Credit 3.

*BIO 369 ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. A study of basic principles of entomology as related to modern principles of insect pest management. Included are discussions of the biology and control of economically important insects in Texas. Collections and mounts of insects are made. Not open to students with credit in BIO 431. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory/week. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119, and Junior standing or consent of instructor. Even year Fall. Credit 3.

*BIO 371 PLANT PATHOLOGY. The study of the diseases common to field crops, orchards and gardens in Texas emphasizing the identification, cause and control of these diseases. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory/week. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119, and Junior standing or consent of instructor. Odd year Spring. Credit 3.

BIO 392 PLANT MORPHOLOGY. Survey of the plant kingdom with emphasis on morphogenesis, comparative structure and life cycles of representative plant forms. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Three-hour laboratory. Fall, Summer. Credit 3.

BIO 410:411 UNDERGRADUATE SEMINAR. Discussions of current literature in the biological sciences. Required of senior Biology majors. Prerequisite: Biology major, Senior standing. Fall, Spring. Credit 1 each.

BIO 430 VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY. 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: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Spring. Credit 3.

BIO 431 GENERAL ENTOMOLOGY. A study is made of insect morphology, taxonomy, development, and life histories. Collection and identification by use of keys are stressed. . Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Odd year Spring. Credit 3.

BIO 433 AQUATIC BIOLOGY. Physical, chemical, and biological features of inland waters; organisms of freshwater; 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. Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119, 8 hrs. CHM, and junior or senior standing. Two-hour laboratory. Spring. Credit 3.

BIO 435 IMMUNOLOGY. Humoral and cell mediated immunobiology, genetics, and chemistry are considered along with immunoanalyses and pathologies. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119, Genetics and biochemistry recommended. Two-hour seminar. Spring. Credit 3.

BIO 446 PARASITOLOGY. Morphology, life cycles, physiological adaptations, evolution and distribution of parasitic animals. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119 plus advanced standing. Two-hour laboratory. Odd year Fall. Credit 4.

BIO 449 CYTOLOGY. 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. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119; CHM 138/118, 139/119, plus advanced standing. Three-hour laboratory. Writing Enhanced. Fall. Credit 4.

BIO 461 ELECTRON MICROSCOPY TECHNIQUES. 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. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119; CHM 138/118, 139/119; plus advanced standing. Two-hour laboratory. Writing Enhanced. Odd year Spring. Credit 3.

BIO 470 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. 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. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Even year Spring. Credit 3.

BIO 471 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY. This course will explore the diversity of invertebrate types morphologically, embryologically and physiologically. The ecological role of invertebrates will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Even year Fall. Credit 3.

BIO 474 BIOSTATISTICS. 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.

BIO 480 INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. 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. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119; and BIO 345, 347; Organic Chemistry. Three-hour laboratory. Writing Enhanced. Spring. Credit 3.

BIO 481 BIORADIATION. 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. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119; CHM 241, PHY 138/118, 139/119 and consent of the instructor. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Even year Fall. Credit 3.

BIO 493 ENDOCRINOLOGY. 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. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 138/118, 139/119; CHM 138/118, 139/119. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Odd year Fall. Credit 3.

BIO 494 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES INTERNSHIP. 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.

BIO 495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY. 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.

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