| Course Number |
Course Description |
| BIOL 440 |
| Biochemistry I (CHEM 440) |
3.00 Credits |
Lectures on the structure and function of the major classes of biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids) will be followed by a discussion of primary carbohydrate metabolism. Pre/Co-requisites: CHEM 331, CHEM 310. Semester: Fall. |
| BIOL 441 |
| Comparative Physiology |
3.00 credits |
A comparative study of the physiological mechanisms, processes and responses of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. Physical, chemical and biochemical principles common to physiological systems, such as respiration, excretion, and metabolism, will be covered. Goals of the course are to reveal the mechanisms, adaptive significance, and evolution of physiological systems using a comparative approach. Pre/Co-requisites: BIOL 202, Junior standing or higher, Enrollment is limited to science majors. Semester: Fall. |
| BIOL 443L |
| Biochemistry Laboratory I (CHEM 443L) |
1.00 Credit |
An investigation of the techniques used to examine biomolecules and biochemical systems. Students perform integrated laboratory experiments in biochemistry. Pre/Co-requisites: BIOL 440. Semester: Spring. |
| BIOL 445 |
| Biochemistry II (CHEM 445) |
3.00 Credits |
This course is an extension of BIOL 440. Emphasis is placed on the metabolism of biomolecules and the structure and function of membranes. Material will also be selected from topics such as gene expression, the transmission of genetic information, vitamins, hormones, and viruses. Pre/Co-requisites: BIOL 440. Semester: Spring. |
| BIOL 456 and 456L |
| Molecular Biology |
4.00 Credits |
This course provides essential background for understanding the application of recombinant DNA technology as applied in biological research and biotechnology. The construction, manipulation, and analysis of recombinant DNA molecules are the focus of the laboratory section. Pre/Co-requisites: BIOL 202. |
| BIOL 460 and 460L |
| Plant Physiology |
4.00 Credits |
Plant structure, function, physiology, and biochemistry are explored. Emphasis is placed on physiological phenomena such as fluid transport processes, the regulation of plant growth, and photosynthesis. Aspects of plant molecular biology and genetic engineering of crop plants are also investigated. Pre/Co-requisites: BIOL 202. |
| BIOL 471 |
| Wildlife Management |
4.00 Credits |
Introduces students to the questions, principles and tools used by resource managers in the Kenyan savanna ecosystem. Students will study habitat assessment, plant and animal identification, plant and animal associations and distributions, and other approaches to evaluating savanna ecosystems. Semester: School for Field Studies Program only. |
| BIOL 472 |
| Wildlife Ecology |
4.00 Credits |
Presents students with the information and conceptual background necessary to understand the underlying ecological principles of the East African savanna ecosystem. Focus on the fundamental processes and relationships between the biotic and abiotic environment. Semester: School for Field Studies Program only. |
| BIOL 473 |
| Tropical Marine Ecology |
4.00 Credits |
Discusses the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance patterns of tropical marine organisms, with emphasis on the ecology of near-shore areas. Basic principles of ecology are integrated with physical, chemical, and geological oceanography. Semester: School for Field Studies Program only. |
| BIOL 474 |
| Rainforest Ecology |
4.00 Credits |
Introduces the structure and function of tropical rainforests including the floral and faunal components. Ecological processes that maintain biodiversity and the evolutionary processes that generate it will be presented. Semester: School for Field Studies Program only. |
| BIOL 475 |
| Principles of Forest Management |
4.00 Credits |
Presents the ecological and analytical tools used in the management of terrestrial, living resources. Uses examples from the tropics to stress the theories and skills that provide the foundation for land management worldwide. Semester: School for Field Studies Program only. |
| BIOL 476 |
| Principles of Resource Management |
4.00 Credits |
Introduces practical tools used in addressing complex environmental problems including coastal zone planning, guidelines for ecologically sustainable development, environmental impact assessment, fisheries management techniques, and protected-area planning and management. Semester: School for Field Studies Program only. |
| BIOL 477 |
| Coastal Ecology |
4.00 Credits |
Examines the ecological processes at the interface between land and sea in order to provide an understanding of how human perturbations can impact both marine and terrestrial systems. The watershed concept will be used to explore nutrient flow, energy cycling, erosion, coastal circulation, productivity, and biotic interactions. Semester: School for Field Studies Program only. |
| BIOL 484 |
| Research Seminar |
1.00 Credit |
A forum for students to present results of their independent research to students and faculty. Pre/Co-requisites: Permission. |
| BIOL 490 |
| Directed Reading |
1.00-3.00 Credits |
Reading material will be selected by the student after consultation with a faculty member in the department. Course may be repeated to total not more than six credits. A maximum of six credits of any combination of BIOL 490 and BIOL 498 can be applied to Biology electives. Pre/Co-requisites: BIOL 202, Permission. Semester: Fall, Spring. |
| BIOL 496 |
| Biological Research Techniques |
1.00-4.00 Credits |
An introduction to some of the experimental techniques used in biological research. Course content will vary by instructor. Course may be repeated to total not more than six credits. Pre/Co-requisites: BIOL 202, Permission. Semester: Fall, Spring. |
| BIOL 498 |
| Directed Research |
1.00-3.00 Credits |
This course provides the motivated student with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project under the direction of a Biology Department faculty member. A maximum of six credits of any combination of BIOL 490 and BIOL 498 can be applied to Biology electives. Pre/Co-requisites: BIOL 202, Permission. Semester: Fall, Spring. |
| BIOL 499 |
| Comprehensive Exam |
1.00 Credit |
Required of all majors. This course meets once per week to review students' framework of biological knowledge and discuss biological principles. Recent primary literature articles on current topics in
biology may be examined as a means of review. At the end of the semester, students are required to take the Major Field Exam in Biology. Pre/Co-requisites: Senior standing. |
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