Biological Sciences
Head: Brenda S. J. Winkel
Distinguished Professor: J. J. Tyson
Harold H. Bailey Endowed Chair: J. R. Walters
Professors: J. Barrett, L. K. Belden, E. F. Benfield, D. Cimini, J. O. Falkinham, M. J. Friedlander, K. W. Hilu, R. Jensen, L. Li, I. T. Moore, E. T. Nilsen, B. D. Opell, D. L. Popham, J. Phillips, J. Sible, and A. M. Stevens
Associate Professors: B. Brown, D. Capelluto, C. Finkielstein, M. Fox, D. Hawley, D. Kelly, C. B. Lawrence, I. Lazar, S. B. Melville, B. Scharf, F. Schubot, D. Tholl, R. A. Walker, and Z. Yang
Assistant Professors: F. Aylward, C. Carey, J. Chen, S. Hauf, E. R. Hotchkiss, C. N. Jones, S. Kojima, J. W. McGlothlin, M. C. Mims, K. Mukherjee, M. M. Muñoz, J. Smyth, J. C. Uyeda, G. Valdez, and S. R. Whitehead
Assistant Professors of Practice: L. A. Blanc, J. G. Tokuhisa
Instructors: J. Evans, E. P. Hogan, M. V. Lipscomb, M. S. Rosenzweig, and R. W. Seyler
Adjunct Instructional Professors: R. G. Benoit and B. J. Turner
Web: www.biol.vt.edu
Overview
The Department of Biological Sciences offers two B.S. degree paths: the B.S. in Biological Sciences and the B.S. in Microbiology.
The B.S. in Biological Sciences program provides majors with a broad education in the study of life. This curriculum exposes students to the fundamentals of the discipline: genetics, cell and molecular biology, evolutionary biology, and ecology. In addition, Biological Sciences majors may take advantage of elective courses on topics such as macromolecular structure, pathogenic bacteriology, cancer biology, infectious disease ecology, human genetics, and global change ecology.
The B.S. in Microbiology program provides majors with a more focused education in the biology and roles of microscopic life forms present in our environments. The laboratory-intensive curriculum provides knowledge in the genetics and physiology common to all microbes and allows students to explore specific interests with a broad range of advanced electives such as pathogenic bacteriology, immunology, environmental microbiology, food microbiology, virology, microbial forensics, and bioinformatics.
Modern biology increasingly relies on knowledge, skills, and perspectives associated with other scientific fields, particularly chemistry, mathematics, physics and statistics. Success in biological sciences-associated careers requires students to master the fundamentals of these cognate fields and to be able to apply these skill sets.
As a scientific discipline, biology is more than simple knowledge about living organisms. By integrating education and research, our majors are training to be leaders in their field who practice innovative and interdisciplinary approaches in biological research. By participating in undergraduate research during the academic year, our students are discovering through hands-on experience what it means to Invent the Future. Our majors are strongly encouraged to explore internships and research opportunities on campus and elsewhere during the summer.
The majority of our graduates continue on to advanced studies in the health professions or in various branches of the biological sciences. Graduates pursue professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and nursing, or M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in ecology, environmental biology, microbiology, botany, zoology, cell biology, molecular biology, and biomedical sciences. Students interested in entering the workforce are provided the core background for opportunities in biotechnology, food science, bioinformatics, bio-business, and health-related industries.
Preparation for Advanced Study
Graduate Study
Students who satisfactorily complete the undergraduate curriculum in biological sciences or microbiology may pursue advanced studies leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. in various branches of the biological sciences.
Preparation for Medicine
The training afforded by the first three years (approximately 96 hours) meets the pre-medical training requirements of medical colleges that accept students with only three years of undergraduate work. It is strongly recommended, however, that all students complete a B.S. before entering medical school.
Preparation for Dentistry
Dental colleges require a minimum of three years of college training for admission, but it is generally advisable for students to complete the B.S. before entering dental school.
Preparation for Allied Health Professions
Schools of Allied Health Professions, such as nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, physical therapy, etc., require two or more years of college work for admission. Specific requirements are available from Career Services or the Biological Sciences Department.
Preparation for Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary schools require a minimum of three years of college training for admission. Few students who meet only the minimum entrance requirements are accepted by veterinary schools.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Minor Requirements
The requirements to earn a minor in Biology can be found on its checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Satisfactory Progress
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.S. in Biological Sciences and the B.S. in Microbiology can be found on their major checksheets by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (BIOL)
1004: BIOLOGY ORIENTATION SEMINAR
An introduction to academic and career planning for majors
in Biology and students who may be considering Biology as a
major.
(1H,1C)
1005,1006: GENERAL BIOLOGY
Primarily for those not majoring in the life sciences.
General principles of biology and their relevance to
society. 1005: Cell function and physiology, nutrition,
circulation and water balance in plants and animals,
hormones, nerves. 1006: Muscles, behavior, genetics,
development, populations, evolution, ecology and the life
kingdoms. (Duplicates 1105, 1106).
(3H,3C)
1015,1016: GENERAL BIOLOGY LAB
Primarily for students not majoring in the life sciences.
Laboratory experiments emphasizing observation and
experimental procedures to investigate biological processes
and phenomena. 1015: Cell biology and genetics.
1016: Plant, animal and environmental biology.
(Duplicates 1115, 1116; 1125, 1126).
(2L,1C)
1024: CANCER: CAUSES, TREATMENTS, COSTS
Introduction to risk factors and biological mechanisms
associated with cancer. Current approaches to cancer
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Personal,
socioeconomic, and global aspects of cancer.
(3H,3C)
1034: BIOLOGY OF SEX
Sexual reproduction in living organisms from a scientific
perspective including morphology, physiology, behavior,
development and evolution. Biological basis and ethical
considerations of human societal issues including
contraception, homosexuality, and gender/sex.
(3H,3C)
1105,1106: PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY
For students majoring in the life sciences. 1105:
biological molecules, cell structure, metabolism, and
reproduction; Mendelian and molecular genetics. 1106:
animal and plant anatomy and physiology, ecology, and animal
behavior. (Duplicates 1005, 1006).
Co: 1115 for 1105; 1116 for 1106.
(3H,3C)
1115,1116: PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY
Emphasizes biological principles through investigative
exercises and collaborative learning. 1115: cell
chemistry, physiology and reproduction and genetics; 1116:
plant and animal form and function, and ecology. Primarily
for students majoring in the life sciences. (Duplicates 1015
1016, 1125, 1126).
X-grade allowed.
Co: 1105 for 1115; 1106 for 1116.
(3L,1C)
1125,1126: BIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES LAB
Emphasizes biological principles through experimental design
and collaborative learning. 1125: cell chemistry,
physiology and reproduction, genetics and evolution.
1126: plant and animal form and function, and ecology. This
writing intensive course is part of the Writing Across the
Major option; these two laboratory courses plus three
additional designated Biology courses will fulfill the
Area I Writing Intensive requirement for Biology majors.
Primarily for students majoring in Biology. (Duplicates
1015, 1016, 1115, 1116).
Co: 1106, 1105 for 1125.
(3L,1C)
1135-1136: PHAGE HUNTERS
Isolation, identification, and characterization of
bacteriophages from environmental sources. 1135:
Bacteriophage DNA purification, genomic analysis, imaging,
and sequencing. 1136: Bioinformatic characterization and
annotation of sequenced bacteriophage genomes, comparative
genomic analysis, submission of bacteriophage sequence data
to public databases.
(6L,2C)
1205H,1206H: HONORS BIOLOGY
Emphasizes biological principles through investigative
exercises and collaborative learning. 1205H: cell chemistry
and structure, energy transformations, genetics and
microevolution. 1206H: macroevolution, plant and animal
physiology, populations, ecology and behavior. This is a
writing intensive course. Simultaneous enrollment in
laboratory required. For students who qualify for the
University Honors Program. (Duplicates 1005, 1006;
1105,1106).
(3H,3L,4C)
1984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2004: GENETICS
Mendelian transmission, chromosome behavior and
organization, gene and chromosome mutation, genetic
properties of nucleic acids, gene expression and
development, DNA technology.
X-grade allowed.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H), (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1056 or CHEM 1036H or CHEM 1056H or CHEM 1016 or ISC 2105). (3H,3C)
2104: CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Fundamental molecular mechanisms essential for the function
of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Topics will include:
organization and maintenance of cellular structure, energy
production, transcriptional regulation, protein synthesis,
regulatory pathways, cell-cell interactions and
reproduction.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H or BIOL 1006), (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1056 or CHEM 1016 or CHEM 1036H or CHEM 1056H or ISC 2105). (3H,3C)
2124: CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY FOR ENGINEERS
Composition, structure and function of cells; fundamentals
of gene expressions, cell physiology, cellular movement
and reproduction; stem cells and tissue formation;
synthetic biology and applied cell and molecular biology.
Not for Biological Sciences majors.
Pre: ENGR 2164 or COS 2164.
(2H,2C)
2134: CELL FUNCTION AND DIFFERENTIATION
Fundamental mechanisms essential for cell function. Methods
used to study cells. Cellular structure and physiology,
energy production, cell survival and reproduction. Cell
interactions and communication, stem cells, cell
differentiation, tissue formation.
Pre: 2004.
(3H,3C)
2204: PLANTS AND CIVILIZATION
The uses of plants as sources of food, medicine, drugs,
spices, beverages, poisons, fiber, oils, and plant exudates.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3C)
2304 (HORT 2304): PLANT BIOLOGY
Introductory botany. Form, growth, function, reproduction,
and ecological adaptations of major groups of plants.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3C)
2404 (ALS 2404): BIOTECHNOLOGY IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY
Introduction to the world-wide impact of biotechnology and
molecular biology, including applications to plants,
animals, and microorganisms. Explores basic concepts of
genetic engineering, scientific and ethical issues, and
public concerns related to biotechnology. Topics include:
environmental release of genetically engineering organisms,
bioremediation, safety of genetically engineered food
products, transgenic plants and animals, gene therapy, and
genetic screening.
Pre: (1005, 1006) or (1105, 1106) or (1205H, 1206H), CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016.
(3H,3C)
2504: GENERAL ZOOLOGY
Morphology, features, adaptations, and ecology of major
animal groups, emphasizing major patterns of evolutionary
change.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3C)
2604: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
Microbial structure, function, metabolism, genetics and
ecology. The role of microorganisms in host/parasite
relationships will be emphasized.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H), (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1056 or CHEM 1036H or CHEM 1056H or CHEM 1016 or ISC 2105).
(3H,3C)
2604H: HONORS GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
Microbial structure, function, metabolism, genetics and
ecology. The role of microorganisms in host/parasite
relationships will be emphasized. Additional written
assignments, class discussions, and readings from the
primary literature will be required.
Pre: (1005, 1006) or (1105, 1106) or (1205H, 1206H), (CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016) or (CHEM 1035, CHEM 1036).
(3H,3C)
2614: GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY
Introduction to microbiological techniques and procedures.
Aseptic technique and safe handling. Culture,
characterization, and identification of microorganisms.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106), (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1056 or CHEM 1036H or CHEM 1056H or ISC 2105).
Co: 2604.
(4L,2C)
2704: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Evolutionary mechanisms, systematic principles, and theories
of the origin and evolution of life.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3C)
2704H: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Evolutionary mechanisms, systematic principles, and theories
of the origin and evolution of life.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3C)
2804: ECOLOGY
Fundamental interaction of organisms with the biotic and
abiotic components of ecosystems. Topics will include:
physical environment and organismic interactions, concepts
of population ecology and community ecology, ecosystems
interactions, and environmental problems.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3C)
2804H: HONORS ECOLOGY
Fundamental interaction of organisms with the biotic and
abiotic components of ecosystems. Topics will include:
physical environment and organismic interactions, concepts
of population ecology and community ecology, ecosystems
interactions, and environmental problems.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3C)
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section.
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
2994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
3014 (ENT 3014): INSECT BIOLOGY
Insect biology provides an introduction to the science of
entomology. The course covers the diversity of insects,
their biology and behavior, the importance of insects and
insect control programs in agriculture, and the effects that
insects have had on human history and culture. Laboratory
(3024) is optional.
Pre: (1005, 1006) or (1105, 1106) or (1205H, 1206H).
(2H,2C)
3024 (ENT 3024): INSECT BIOLOGY LABORATORY
Taxonomy and ecology of insects commonly encountered.
Identification of all orders and many common families.
Ecological attributes of each taxon, including food,
habitat, life cycle, and behavior. An insect collection is
required.
Pre: (1005, 1006) or (1105, 1106) or (1205H, 1206H).
Co: 3014.
(1H,3L,2C)
3104: CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY
Introduction to methods used to study prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells. Recombinant DNA, protein expression
and purification, the polymerase chain reaction,
bioinformatics, and microscopy.
Pre: 2104.
(3L,1C)
3114: FIELD AND LABORATORY ECOLOGY
Experimental and field studies of population growth,
competition, stressed ecosystems, plant distribution, and
other interactions of plants, animals and microbes with
their environments. Several required weekend field trips.
Pre: 2804 or 2804H.
(3L,1C)
3124: CELL PHYSIOLOGY
Cell structure and metabolism, including enzymes, energy
production, photosynthesis, membranes, nerve conduction,
muscle contraction, and regulation of cellular activity.
Pre: 2104, CHEM 2536.
(3H,3C)
3134: HUMAN GENETICS
Principles of genetic analysis in humans with emphasis on
genetic diseases of humans; methods of karyotyping human
chromosomes; methods of pedigree and genetic analysis of
humans; principles, techniques, and analysis of twin studies
in humans; techniques used to identify and characterize
normal and abnormal chromosomes; principles and methods of
DNA fingerprint analysis of humans.
Pre: 2004 or 2104.
(3H,3C)
3204: PLANT TAXONOMY
Systematic survey of vascular plants, emphasizing
identification, terminology, classification, evolutionary
relationships.
X-grade allowed.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(2H,3L,3C)
3254 (ENT 3254): MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
An introduction to the roles of insects and other arthropods
in the direct causation of disease in humans and animals,
and as vectors in the transmission of disease organisms.
The epidemiology and replication cycles of vector-borne
pathogens with major medical and veterinary importance
will be examined. Information will be provided on the
biology and behavior of disease vectors and external
parasites, and on the annoying and venomous pests of
humans and animals. Mechanisms of control will be discussed
Pre: (1005, 1006) or (1105, 1105) or (1205H, 1206H).
(3H,3C)
3264 (ENT 3264): MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY LABORATORY
Taxonomy and anatomy of insects and arthropods of medical
and veterinary importance. Examination of feeding behavior
and ecology. Emphasis on the mechanism of injury or
pathogen transmission by each group.
Pre: (1105, 1106) or (1005, 1006) or (1205H, 1206H).
Co: 3254.
(3L,1C)
3404: INTRODUCTORY ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
A comparative systems level approach to the physiology of
animals, emphasizing vertebrates: metabolic, temperature,
osmotic, and ionic regulation; function of respiratory,
circulatory, digestive, muscle, nervous, and locomotory
systems; endocrine regulation and biological rhythms.
Must have prerequisites or instructor's permission.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3C)
3454: INTRODUCTORY PARASITOLOGY
Ecology, taxonomy, morphology, life cycles, pathogenesis,
and host-parasite relationships of parasitic eukaryotes.
Pre: (1005 or 1105 or 1205H or ISC 2105), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3L,4C)
3504: HEALTH PROFESSIONS PRECEPTORSHIP
Cooperative shadowing experience in conjunction with select
regional hospitals and local health provider. Students
observe various medical or dental specialties under the
supervision of health professionals. Selection by Director,
Office of Health Professionals Advising, and prehealth
advisors. Approval by health faculty and mentor required.
Pre: junior standing; minimum overall GPA of 3.3.
Pass/Fail only.
Pre: 1105, 1106, CHEM 1036.
(6L,2C)
3514: INTRODUCTION TO HISTOLOGY
Overview of tissue structure and function in the human
body; microscopic examination of tissue sections;
organization of tissues in different organ systems;
histopthology of tissues and organs.
Pre: 2104.
(2H,3L,3C)
3604 (FST 3604): FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
Role of microorganisms in foodborne illness, food quality,
spoilage, and preservation. Control of microorganisms in
foods. Methods to enumerate, identify, and characterize
microorganisms in foods.
Pre: 2604, 2614.
(3H,3L,4C)
3774: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Advanced study of the molecular biology of prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells, including mechanisms of gene expression
and regulation, relative merits of experimental model
systems, and practical applications in agriculture and
medicine.
Pre: 2104 or ALS 3104.
(3H,3C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4004: FRESHWATER ECOLOGY
Interactions of physical, chemical, and biological
properties of freshwater ecosystems.
Pre: 2804 or 2804H.
(3H,3L,4C)
4014: ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
Discussion of ecotoxicological and philosophical issues in
the development of standards for control of toxic chemicals
in freshwater, including site-specific examples, application
of current control methods, recovery of damaged ecosystems,
and government regulations.
Pre: 2804.
(2H,2C)
4104: DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Morphological, physiological, and molecular events in
embryological and developmental systems, including
regulation at the level of transcription, translation, and
enzyme or hormone activation.
Pre: 2004.
(3H,3C)
4114: GLOBAL CHANGE ECOLOGY
Effects of human alteration of climate, landscapes and
biogeochemical cycling on ecological structure and
functioning at the global scale. Influence of global
changes on ecosystem processes and biodiversity with
paleo- and contemporary examples. Current and future
potential feedbacks between biological systems and the
global environment.
Pre: (2704 or 2704H), 2804.
(3H,3C)
4134: EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS
Genetic variation, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, agents of
change in gene frequencies, molecular evolution, mechanisms
of speciation. Comparison of theoretical models with
natural and laboratory populations.
Pre: 2004, (2704 or 2704H).
(3H,3C)
4164 (CSES 4164) (ENSC 4164): ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
Ecology, physiology, and diversity of soil and aquatic
microorganisms; incorporates the significance of these
topics within the context of environmental applications such
as bioremediation, wastewater treatment, control of plant-
pathogens in agriculture, and pollution abatement in natural
systems. The laboratory portion of the course will stress
methodology development, isolation and characterization of
microorganisms from natural and engineered systems, and
examination of the roles of microorganisms in biogeochemical
cycling.
Pre: 2604.
(2H,3L,3C)
4314: PLANT ECOLOGY
Introduction to ecology of terrestrial plants including
major plant functional types, ecophysiological aspects of
functional types, molecular plant ecology, behavior of
populations, responses of plant communities to disturbance,
and vegetation analysis. Laboratory covers methods for
measuring and analyzing natural vegetation, and setting up
field and greenhouse experiments.
Pre: (2304 or 2804 or FOR 3314) or HORT 2304.
(3H,3L,4C)
4334: CHEMICAL ECOLOGY
Chemical interactions between organisms with emphasis on the
plant biosphere. Fundamental concepts, theories, and general
methodology of chemical ecology: mechanisms of chemically-
mediated interactions; and engineering of natural chemical
defenses in sustainable agriculture.
Pre: (2304 or 2804 or FOR 2314 or BCHM 4115), CHEM 1035.
(3H,3C)
4354 (ENT 4354): AQUATIC ENTOMOLOGY
Biology and taxonomy of insects and other
macroinvertebrates most commonly encountered in
freshwater environments. Selected aspects of biology,
such as habitat, feeding, locomotion, and life history.
Identification of individual taxa, mostly at family and
genus level. Significance of these organisms in aquatic
ecology, pollution monitoring, and natural resource
management.
Pre: (1005, 1006), (1015, 1016) or (1105, 1106, 1115, 1116).
(3H,3L,4C)
4404: ORNITHOLOGY
Biology of birds, including functional anatomy, systematics,
evolutionary history, behavior, and ecology. Laboratory on
systematics, anatomy, and field experience in the areas of
behavior and ecology.
Pre: 2804.
(3H,3L,4C)
4454: INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Identification, morphology, evolutionary relationships,
and natural history of free-living invertebrates, excluding
insects.
Pre: 2504.
(3H,3L,4C)
4474: ETHOLOGY
An evolutionary and ecological approach to animal behavior,
drawing on behavioral genetics, endocrinology,
neurophysiology, and behavioral ecology to explain how and
why the behavior of an organism is adapted to its
environment.
Pre: 2504.
(3H,3C)
4484 (ENT 4484) (FIW 4484): FRESHWATER BIOMONITORING
Concepts and practices of using macroinvertebrates and fish
to monitor the environmental health of freshwater
ecosystems. Effects of different types of pollution and
environmental stress on assemblages of organisms and
underlying ecological principles. Role of biological studies
in environmental regulation. Study design, field and
laboratory methods, data analysis and interpretation,
verbal and written presentation of results.
Pre: (2804), (4004 or 4354 or ENT 4354 or FIW 4424 or FIW 4614).
(3H,3L,4C)
4554 (ALS 4554): NEUROCHEMICAL REGULATION
Neurochemical transmission within the vertebrate brain will
be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the chemical coding
underlying the control of various behaviors and how these
systems can be modified by various drugs or diet.
Pre: (ALS 2304 or BIOL 3404), (CHEM 2535).
(3H,3C)
4564: INFECTIOUS DISEASE ECOLOGY
Principles of infectious disease dynamics from ecological
and evolutionary perspectives. Examines a variety of
wildlife hosts and disease-causing agents (bacteria,
viruses, and parasites) using the framework of agent-host-
environment interactions. Selective coverage of specific
host and pathogen models to illustrate underlying principles
of wildlife disease emergence, maintenance, and spread, as
well as connections between wildlife and human health.
Pre: (2704 or 2704H), (2804 or 2804H).
(3H,3C)
4574 (ALS 4574): SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF BIRDS AND MAMMALS
This course examines origins, influences and implications
of social behavior in a variety of avian and
mammalian species. Emphasis is placed on understanding
group organization and dynamics in inter and intra-species
situations. Experimental data from several disciplines
(e.g., genetics, physiology, biochemistry) are reviewed
to demonstrate their associations with behavioral
adaptive mechanisms. Avian and mammalian species
living in wild, zoo, agricultural companion and
laboratory settings are discussed.
Pre: 1106, ALS 3104 or BIOL 2004.
(3H,3C)
4624: MICROBIAL GENETICS
Molecular genetics of bacteria and their associated plasmids
and phages.
Pre: 2004, (2604 or 2604H).
(3H,3C)
4634: MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY
The study of the structure, function and metabolic
activities of prokaryotic microorganisms. Topics covered
included cell composition and growth, metabolic unity and
diversity, patterns of regulation, transport mechanisms,
environmental sensing and response and cellular
differentiation processes. (BIOL 4624 is recommended,
but not required.)
Pre: (2604 or 2604H), (2104 or 2004).
(3H,3C)
4644: MICROBIAL MOLECULAR GENETICS AND PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY
Introduction to classical and molecular methods used
for the study of bacterial genetics and physiology.
Laboratory exercises cover analysis of patterns of gene
regulation; assay of enzymatic activities; mutagenesis
followed by selection, screening, and physiological
characterization of mutant strains; genome database
utilization; and large scale fermentation.
Pre: (2004 or 2104), (2604 or 2604H), 2614.
(1H,6L,3C)
4664: VIROLOGY
Classification, structure, pathogenesis, host response,
and replication strategies of viruses of bacteria, plants,
and animals, stressing mechanisms elucidated by molecular
biological techniques.
Pre: 2104, (2604 or 2604H), 2614.
(3H,3C)
4674: PATHOGENIC BACTERIOLOGY
Characteristics of bacteria that cause human disease, nature
of infectious processes, virulence factors, epidemiology,
resistance, immunization.
Pre: 2004, 2104, (2604 or 2604H), 2614.
(3H,3C)
4704: IMMUNOLOGY
Immunochemistry of antigens and antibodies, serological
reactions, chemistry of complement, control of immunity,
immune response of an intact animal.
Pre: 2104, (CHEM 2536 or CHEM 2566).
(3H,3C)
4714: IMMUNOLOGY LABORATORY
Serological and immunobiological techniques used to
interpret the consequences of an immune response.
Pre: 2104, (CHEM 2536 or CHEM 2566).
Co: 4704.
(3L,1C)
4724: PATHOGENIC BACTERIOLOGY LAB
Microbiological techniquesused to identify and characterize
bacteria that cause infectious disease.
Pre: 2004, 2104, (2604 or 2604H), 2614.
Co: 4674.
(4L,2C)
4734: INFLAMMATION BIOLOGY
Cellular and molecular pathways controlling human responses
to inflammatory challenges. Regulation of immune cells
during inflammation. Interaction of host cells and tissues
with environmental risk factors that cause inflammation.
Pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases including
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, multi-organ
failure, aging, neurological diseases and sepsis.
Therapeutic intervention of inflammatory diseases.
Pre: 2104.
(3H,3C)
4764: MICROBIOLOGY SENIOR SEMINAR
Review and discussion of contemporary research topics in
microbiology and immunology, methods of research data
analysis, the research publication process, research
presentation and interview skills, career paths for
microbiology and immunology graduates, preparation for
graduate school, preparation for entry into the job
market.
Pass/Fail only.
Co: 4624.
(2H,2C)
4774: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LAB
An introduction to recombinant DNA methods, including
restriction endonuclease digestion, gel electrophoresis,
cloning, Southern blotting, polymerase chain reaction,
sequencing and analysis of reporter gene expression in
transgenic organisms. BIOL 3774 may be taken as a
corequisite with 4774.
Pre: 3774.
(1H,6L,3C)
4804: PROKARYOTIC DIVERSITY
The study of the vast array of physiological, morphological,
and behavioral properties of prokaryotes. Topics include:
modern prokaryotic classification, prokaryotic diversity,
relationship and importance to cell and molecular biology
and biochemistry, application and use in industry and
agriculture, and to the maintenance of the biosphere.
Must have pre-requisites or consent of the instructor.
Pre: (2604 or 2604H), 2614, (3124 or 4634 or BCHM 3114).
(3H,3C)
4824: BIOINFORMATICS METHODS
Application of bioinformatics methods in biological
research. Methods to access bioinformatics data. Theory and
methods for analysis of DNA sequences, and analysis of
complex data sets including whole genome sequences and gene
expression data. Use of standard bioinformatics software and
databases.
Pre: 2004, 2104.
(2H,3L,3C)
4834: PRACTICAL ANALYSIS OF PROTEIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Application of biophysical and biomechanical methods to
characterization of protein structure and function,
macromolecular interactions and conformational changes.
Strategies, experimental design, practical considerations,
troubleshooting, data analysis.
Pre: 2104, (CHEM 2536 or CHEM 2566), (PHYS 2206 or PHYS 2306).
(2H,3L,3C)
4844: PROTEOMICS AND BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY
Introduction to mass spectrometry (MS) instrumentation and
advanced proteomic methods for systems biology applications.
Peptide mass fingerprinting, tandem MS, quantitation,
phospho/glyco proteomics, and bioinformatics tools for
evaluation and interpretation of mass spectrometry data.
Pre: 2104, CHEM 2536, PHYS 2205, PHYS 2206.
(3H,3C)
4854: CYTOGENETICS
Structure and function of eukaryotic chromosomes, with
emphasis on (i) use of model systems to study specific
chromosome substructures or functions; (ii) techniques used
to identify and classify both normal and aberrant
chromosomes; and (iii) diseases caused by defective
chromosome structure and/or function.
Pre: 2004, 2104.
(3H,3C)
4874: CANCER BIOLOGY
The molecular and cellular basis of cancer, including viral
and cellular oncogenes, tumor suppression mechanics,
cellular immortality, genomic integrity, angiogenesis,
metastasis, and traditional and developing theories.
Pre: 2004, 2104.
(3H,3C)
4884: CELL BIOLOGY
Advanced study of the inner workings of eukaryotic cells,
including membrane structure and function, protein
secretion, the cytoskeleton, cell cycle control and
intercellular communication.
Pre: 3774 or BCHM 4116.
(3H,3C)
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section.
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Honors section.
Variable credit course.