Biology (BIOL)

Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 1102  Medical Terminology  1 Credit  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
An entry-level course which provides basic vocabulary needed to function in the medical environment. Course content stresses prefix and suffix usage derived from Greek and Latin as applied to Biology. This course does not fulfill BS in Biology degree requirements
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 1108  General Biology (Non-Science Majors) Lab  1 Credit  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This course provides a laboratory experience in biological principles, including chemistry of life, cell structure and function, reproduction, evolution and ecology. THIS COURSE IS NOT INTENDED FOR SCIENCE MAJORS
Corequisite(s): BIOL 1308  
Restriction(s):

Students who are registered in the following programs may not enroll:

  • BA-CHMA
  • BA-PSYA
  • BS-BIOL
  • BS-CHMS
  • BS-COSC
  • BS-GAMD
  • BS-PSYS

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 1115  Plants and Human Society (Non-Majors) Lab  1 Credit  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A plant-oriented, non-chemically based laboratory course for non-science majors including plant anatomy, growth and development and multiple uses of plants by human society.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 1308  General Biology (Non-Science Majors)  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cell structure and function, reproduction, inheritance, evolution and ecology. THIS COURSE IS NOT INTENDED FOR SCIENCE MAJORS.
Restriction(s):

Students who are registered in the following programs may not enroll:

  • BA-CHMA
  • BA-PSYA
  • BS-BIOL
  • BS-CHMS
  • BS-COSC
  • BS-GAMD
  • BS-PSYS

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 1315  Plants and Human Society (Non-Majors)  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A plant oriented, non-chemically based course for non-science majors including plant anatomy, growth and development and multiple uses of plants by human society.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 1406  General Biology I (Majors)  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A survey of organisms, molecules, cells, tissues, photosynthesis, genetics, and evolution.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 1407  General Biology II (Majors)  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Plant and vertebrate structure and function, development, reproduction, and ecology.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 2306  Environmental Science  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
An introduction to contemporary environmental issues and human interactions with ecosystems. Not to be used as a biology major course.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 2401  Anatomy and Physiology I  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Structure and function of cells, tissues, and muscle, skeletal and nervous systems.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 2402  Anatomy and Physiology II  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Structure and function of the circulatory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2401  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 2420  Microbiology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Microorganisms with emphasis on those of medical significance and problems of personal and community health.
Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407) or (BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402)  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 2421  Microbiology for Science Majors  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Students in this course will learn specific information on the fundamentals of microbiology including cell types, cell structure, microbial growth and control, microbial metabolism, microbial genetics and biotechnology, microbes and human interactions, microbial pathogenesis and applied and industrial microbiology. Cause and effect relationships between microbial growth and human disease, interpretation of symptomatic and laboratory information in diagnosis of disease, prevention of disease and treatment of diseases are stressed. Laboratory activities will reinforce principles of microbiology, including metabolism, structure, function, genetics and phylogeny of microbes.
Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407) or (BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402)  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 3428  Comparative Anatomy  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Comparative anatomy presented from systemic viewpoint.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 3440  Advanced Physiology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
General physiology; muscle-nerve relations; digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, nervous and endocrine systems.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 and CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 3450  General Botany  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Introduction to plant structure and function with emphasis on the seed plants.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 3460  Invertebrate Zoology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Classification, natural history, phylogenetic relationships and economic importance of the invertebrate phyla.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1407  
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): BIOL 1406  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 3470  Genetics  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
General principles of heredity, including human inheritance.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 and (BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421)  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4101  Special Topics  1 Credit  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Physiological, anatomical, taxonomic and ecological biology. Laboratory and/or library work and conferences with a faculty member. May be repeated for credit when the area of study differs.
May be Repeated for a maximum of 2 hours  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4201  Special Problems in Biology  2 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Physiological, anatomical, taxonomic, molecular, and ecological biology. Laboratory, field, and/or library work and conferences with a faculty member. May be repeated for credit when the area of study differs.
May be Repeated for a maximum of 2 hours  
Restriction(s):

Students with a class of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4300  Undergraduate Problems  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Individual investigation of a research problem in biology. Formal report to be approved by faculty members.
May be Repeated for a maximum of 9 hours  
Restriction(s):

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Junior or Senior.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4301  Biology Special Topics  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
An investigation into specialized areas of Biology under the guidance of a faculty member. This course may be repeated for credit when topics of investigation differ.
May be Repeated for a maximum of 12 hours  
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 and (BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421)  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4302  Conservation Biology  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Introduces general concepts of conservation biology, with an emphasis on basic and applied research in such fields as ecology, behavior, population genetics, and systematics, as they relate to the preservation of biodiversity at all levels.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4303  Medical Microbiology  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This course will familiarize students with the disease and health relationships between microorganisms and humans. The goal of the course is to have students understand, especially from a molecular point of view, the process by which microorganisms cause disease, virulence factors they possess, portals of entry and the consequences, host responses to disease conditions, the signs and symptoms of a disease, chemical means by which diseases can be treated, methods used for identification of pathogenic organisms and current information on pathogens and infectious diseases. Thus, this course will focus on why the biological properties of organisms are important to disease in humans and will examine etiology, epidemiology, host defenses, identification, diagnoses, prevention and control for each microbe. the course will focus on representative examples of bacterial, fungal, protozoan and viral pathogens.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 and (BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421)  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4307  Life in the Extreme  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Course is designed to examine the basic physiological problems that all organisms face and then see these principles applied to extreme environments.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4308  Medical Botany  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A writing-intensive course covering the history, current uses and trends, and future prospects of medical botany and medical plant use by human society.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 and BIOL 2421  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4344  Development of Biological Thought  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
The history of biological thought and the development of evolutionary concepts and inheritance will be examined. The influence of prevailing philosophies and social contexts and scientific discoveries on how biological systems and concepts were interpreted and theories were formulated will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2317  
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): BIOL 3470  
Restriction(s):

Students with a class of Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4401  Special Topics  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Physiological, anatomical, taxonomic and ecological biology. Laboratory and/or library work and conferences with a faculty member. May be repeated for credit when the area of study differs.
May be Repeated for a maximum of 12 hours  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4403  Field Botany  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A field-oriented course that will introduce students to the flora of the surrounding region. Emphasis will be placed on the sight identification of common species as well as the use of dichotomous keys in identification to the family level.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4404  Molecular Biology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Concepts and applications of procedures for isolation and identification of components found in cells. Addresses structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids as well as the roles of these molecules in important biochemical processes.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4405  Immunology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Organs, tissues, cells, and molecules of the immune response and their interactions.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4408  Mammalogy  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Classification, identification, ecology and natural history of the mammals. Required field trips.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4409  Ornithology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Identification, taxonomy, behavior and biogeography of birds.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4410  Parasitology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A study of the morphology, life history and host-parasite relationships of parasites of man and other animals.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4411  Biomedical Technology and Applications  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Introduction to modern biomedical technology topics such as the process of targeted therapeutic development, biomaterials, nanotechnology, tissue engineering, as well as diagnosis and clinical instrumentations. The course will also provide hand-on experience for quantitative PCR gene expression analysis, next generation sequencing principles, 3D printing technologies and molecular-based diagnosis using various bio-markers. A special emphasis on the regulatory, legal and ethics issues related to modern biotechnology will also be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 and (BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421)  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4413  Medical Neuroscience  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This senior-level course is an introduction to neuroscience and nervous system disorders. It will focus on cellular and molecular neuroscience in individual nerve cells, and system neuroscience based on the nerve cells connection and performance. The course is designed to provide the foundations needed for upper division courses in the health sciences and related fields.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4416  Field Parasitology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A laboratory field based study of the major parasitic animal groups. Several required field trips.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4430  Limnology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Fauna, flora, ecology and productivity of fresh water.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4431  Ichthyology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Natural history, taxonomy and ecology of freshwater and marine fishes. Required field trip.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4432  Tropical Terrestrial and Watershed Biology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This is a two part course, combining traditional lecture with practical field experience. The lecture portion will examine the basic principles of terrestrial and aquatic ecology as they apply to tropical watersheds. Special emphasis will be given to the biogeography, water cycle and watersheds, nutrient cycling, biodiversity and evolution, animal natural history, land-sea margins, and conservation of tropical ecosystems. The practical field experience takes the form of a mandatory two week field trip to Belize where students will experience first-hand biographically distinct watersheds, terrestrial biomes, fish and wildlife, as well as interact with native people and cultures.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4435  Environmental Toxicology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Principals of how contaminants are absorbed, transformed, and eliminated in different organisms. Toxin effects on organismal physiology. Student-lead laboratory experimentation and field trips.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 and CHEM 1411 or (CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1311) and CHEM 1412 or (CHEM 1112 and CHEM 1312)  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4437  Environmental Microbiology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Ecology and application of microorganisms in natural and synthetic environments. Research report writing intensive.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4440  Vertebrate Natural History  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Collection, identification and natural history of area fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4443  Embryology and Development  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Students in this course will focus their studies primarily on the embryonic development of vertebrate organisms, although development patterns of some of the invertebrate and even non-animal groups will be visited as well. Pathways and mechanisms of development will be explored at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels from pre-fertilization through the complete development of the embryo. The interaction of evolution and development will also be considered.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4445  Herpetology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Classification, evolution, natural history, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4450  Marine Biology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Habitats and community relationships of marine plants and animals.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4452  Tropical Marine Biology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This is a two part course, combining traditional lecture with practical field experience. the lecture portion will examine the basic principles of marine biology as they apply to tropical waters. Special emphasis will be given to the tropical ocean and coastal ecosystems of seagrass beds, mangals and coral reefs. the practical experience takes the form of a two-week field trip to Belize where students will get to examine these systems firsthand as well as interact with native cultures.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4460  Ecology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Quantitative approach to both field and experimental studies. Interrelationships of organisms and their environment.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4470  Cell Biology/Histology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Structural and physiological functions of cells at the biochemical and molecular level. Laboratory emphasis on structure and function of mammalian cells and tissues.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 3411 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4480  Aquatic Entomology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Biology, morphology, life history, and classification of aquatic insects. Field trips and personal collection required.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 4490  Comparative Physiology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Course is designed to examine how organisms have solved the problems of gas exchange, circulation, osmoregulation, thermoregulation, locomotion and communication between body parts. Will take an evolutionary view of these solutions and will focus on how organisms maintain homeostasis.
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5101  Special Topics  1 Credit  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Research in areas other than thesis. May be repeated when topic changes
May be Repeated for a maximum of 4 hours  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5110  Graduate Seminar  1 Credit  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Current topics in biological research. See requirement 3 under Degree Requirements.
May be Repeated for a maximum of 3 hours  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5201  Special Problems in Biology  2 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Physiological, anatomical, taxonomic, molecular, and ecological biology. Laboratory, field, and/or library work and conferences with a faculty member. May be repeated for credit when the area of study differs.
Restriction(s):

Students with a class of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5301  Special Topics  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Research in areas other than thesis.
May be Repeated for a maximum of 9 hours  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5302  Graduate Conservation Biology  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Introduces general concepts of conservation biology, with an emphasis on basic and applied research in such fields as ecology, behavior, population genetics, and systematics, as they relate to the preservation of biodiversity at all levels. Emphasizes analysis and synthesis of scientific literature and communication of scientific knowledge.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5303  Graduate Medical Microbiology  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This is an advanced medical microbiology course built from courses taught in medical schools that examines the direct interactions between humans and microorganisms. Advanced principles will be introduced and then applied to the clinical relevance in four segments of the academic preparation for the students: bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology. This course includes major etiological agents responsible for global infectious diseases. Because the territory covered by infections and the host’s immune response expands each year, the focus is on pathogenic mechanisms in order to foster a student’s ability to solve problems in their future career.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 and BIOL 2420  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5307  Life in the Extreme  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Examines the basic physiological problems that all organisms face and then sees these principles applied to extreme environments.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5344  Dev of Biological Thought  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
The history of biological thought and the development of evolutionary concepts and inheritance will be examined. The influence of prevailing philosophies and social contexts and scientific discoveries on how biological systems and concepts were interpreted and theories were formulated will be emphasized.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5390  Thesis  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This is a research project under the guidance of the thesis supervisor and thesis committee. The project is chosen by the student in agreement with the thesis supervisor, and is approved by the thesis committee, before the student starts the research work.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS, Thesis/Dissertation  
BIOL 5391  Thesis  3 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This is a continuation of the research project under the guidance of the thesis supervisor and thesis committee. No credit is assigned until thesis has been completed and submitted to the graduate dean. Must be enrolled at time of completion. May be enrolled in multiple times but only three credits are applied to the number needed to complete the degree.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS, Thesis/Dissertation, Standard Letter  
BIOL 5401  Special Topics  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Research in areas other than thesis. May be repeated when topic changes
May be Repeated for a maximum of 12 hours  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5403  Field Botany  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A field-oriented course that will introduce students to the flora of the surrounding region. Emphasis will be placed on the sight identification of common species as well as the use of dichotomous keys in identification to the family level.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5404  Graduate Molecular Biology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Principles of Molecular Biology is a course that addresses many of the core topics in molecular biology that all graduate students in the biomedical sciences address in their research. The goal of this course is to establish a broad and strong basic knowledge of the workings of a cell, to set the stage for future explorations of specific cellular contexts. The broad area of molecular biology is explored through the lens of gene regulation. Fundamental principles central to molecular biology are discussed as well as the key experimental techniques that have been used to revamp the central theories driving both fields
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5405  Graduate Immunology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Graduate Immunology is designed to provide the basic scientist with an enhanced understanding of immunological concepts and techniques applicable to research in immunology and related fields. Specifically, the goal is to familiarize students with the current immunological concepts, paradigms, and techniques that are applicable not only to research in immunology but are also increasingly necessary for an enhanced understanding of all biological disciplines.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2420  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5406  Graduate Parasitology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A graduate level study of the morphology, life history and host-parasite relationships of parasites of humans and other animals.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5409  Graduate Ornithology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
The lecture will introduce you to the general concepts of avian biology with an emphasis on the evolution, ecology and behavior of birds. The lecture emphasizes scientific analysis and synthesis of scientific literature and communication of scientific knowledge. The lab will introduce you to the external anatomy of birds and will explore how form is related to function in birds. The lab will also introduce you to the identification of common birds of southeast Texas.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5410  Animal Behavior  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
An analysis of the development and significance of various behavior patterns in animals from an evolutionary point of view.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5411  Graduate Biomedical Technology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Explores advanced topics in biotechnology field including subjects in molecular and engineering applications, recombinant DNA techniques, bioinformatics algorithms, and bioethics. Lab exercises examines biomaterials, clinical diagnostics, DNA/RNA/protein biomarker analysis, forensics, cryobiology, and 3D printing technologies.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5412  Graduate Molecular Genetics  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
In this course you will learn advanced knowledge about human genes and their contribution to human traits and disorders. The course focuses on the mode of inheritance of human genes, structure and organization of the human genome, mapping of the human genome, the technology behind sequencing the human genome, identifying human disease genes, cancer genetics, pharmacogenetics and new approaches to treating diseases (gene therapy). The course is designed to provide academic training to graduate students to extend their knowledge for additional post-graduate training or professional appointment.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5413  Graduate Medical Neuroscience  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This course is an introduction to neuroscience and nervous system disorders. It will focus on cellular and molecular neuroscience in individual nerve cells and system neuroscience based on the nerve cells connection and performance. the course is designed to provide the foundations needed for upper division courses in the health sciences and related fields.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5416  Field Parasitology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A laboratory and field based study of the major parasitic animal groups. Several required field trips.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5430  Graduate Limnology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A graduate-level course introducing freshwater ecosystems and habitats. It will focus on the structure, development, chemistry, and biology of lake, groundwater, wetland, and riverine systems as well as the influence of human activity in these systems. More intense study, additional assignments, and higher expectations than the undergraduate course.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5431  Graduate Ichthyology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Taxonomy of freshwater and marine fishes, current issues in fisheries, experimental design and a professional publication.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5432  Tropical Terrestrial and Watershed Biology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This is a two part course, combining traditional lecture with practical field experience. The lecture portion will examine the basic principles of terrestrial and aquatic ecology as they apply to tropical watersheds. Special emphasis will be given to the biogeography, water cycle and watersheds, nutrient cycling, biodiversity and evolution, animal natural history, land-sea margins, and conservation of tropical ecosystems. The practical field experience takes the form of a mandatory two week field trip to Belize where students will experience first-hand biographically distinct watersheds, terrestrial biomes, fish and wildlife, as well as interact with native people and cultures.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5435  Environmental Toxicology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Principals of how contaminants are absorbed, transformed, and eliminated in different organisms. Toxin effects on organismal physiology. Student-led laboratory experimentation and field trips.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5437  Environmental Microbiology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Ecology and application of microorganisms in natural and synthetic environments.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5440  Graduate Vertebrate Natural History  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Collection, identification and natural history of area fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The course emphasizes analysis and synthesis of scientific literature and communication of scientific knowledge.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5443  Graduate Embryology and Development  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A graduate-level lecture and laboratory course in developmental biology, emphasizing embryological development of animal.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5445  Graduate Herpetology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Classification, evolution, natural history, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. The course emphasizes analysis and synthesis of scientific literature and communication of scientific knowledge.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5450  Mammalogy  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Natural history, taxonomy and ecology of mammals. Required field trip.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5452  Tropical Marine biology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
This is a two part course, combining traditional lecture with practical field experience. the lecture portion will examine the basic principles of marine biology as they apply to tropical waters. Special emphasis will be given to the tropical ocean and coastal ecosystems of seagrass beds, mangals and coral reefs. the practical experience takes the form of a two-week field trip to Belize where students will get to examine these systems firsthand as well as interact with native cultures.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5455  Marine Biology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A graduate level field study and identification of area species; current research. Required field trips.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3460 or BIOL 4450  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5460  Graduate Ecology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A graduate level quantitative approach to both field and experimental studies. Interrelationships of organisms and their environment.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5475  Cell Biology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
A graduate level study with focus on mammalian cells. In addition to structural and physiological functions, special emphasis on the molecular and metabolic mechanisms, as well as genetic/epigenetic to phenotype regulations topics are included.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 3411 and BIOL 1407  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5480  Aquatic Entomology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Biology morphology, life history and classification of aquatic insects. Field trips and personal collection required.
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS  
BIOL 5490  Comparative Physiology  4 Credits  
Department: College of Arts and Sciences  
Fundamental physiological processes in animals from the Phylogenetic viewpoint.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 2312 and CHEM 3411 and CHEM 3412 and (BIOL 3460 or BIOL 4440)  
Restriction(s):

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

  
Grade Mode(s): Standard Letter, Registrar do not use FN, Registrar do not use FS