Department of Biological Sciences

BIOL 1401. Environmental Science. 4 Hours.

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. This course is designed for non-science majors to help them meet their General Education science requirement. BIOL 1401 cannot be applied to either a major or a minor in Biology. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 1408. Contemporary Biology. 4 Hours.

Presentation for the non-science major of contemporary hypotheses and the unifying principles of biology, including but not limited to: scientific method and hypothesis testing, the definition of life, cell theory, the central dogma of biology (transcription of DNA to RNA to protein), genetic regulation and heredity, metabolism and homeostasis, organismal evolution, biodiversity, and ecology.  the class builds scientific literacy and critical thinking skills for use in everyday life.  Credit in BIOL 1408 as a laboratory science is contingent upon completion of a the laboratory section.  This course is designed for non-science majors to help them meet their General Education science requirement and cannot be applied to either a major or minor in Biology.  Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 1411. General Botany. 4 Hours.

General principles of botany are presented. Emphasis is placed on morphology, taxonomy, genetics, physiology, and ecology of plants in an evolutionary and ecological context. Students may begin sequence with either BIOL 1411 or BIOL 1413. Includes a 3 hour lab. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 1413. General Zoology. 4 Hours.

General principles of zoology are presented in an evolutionary context. Emphasis is placed on the anatomy, behavior, and ecology of animals. Students are introduced to evolutionary and ecological principles of biology. Students may begin sequence with either BIOL 1411 or BIOL 1413. Includes a 3 hour lab. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 1436. Foundations Of Science. 4 Hours.

The course focuses on the nature of science as a reliable method of acquiring knowledge about the natural world. Students will learn how to apply key scientific facts, concepts, laws and theories to distinguish science from non-science, bad science, and pseudoscience by analyzing a variety of claims and case studies. By employing an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to science education, this course is designed to increase science literacy and critical thinking skills for introductory-level students. This course is designed for non-science majors to help them meet their General Education science requirement and cannot be applied to either a major or a minor in Biology. Students must enroll concurrently in the corresponding lab for this course. Includes a lab. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 2401. Human Anatomy. 4 Hours.

This course deals with structure and form of the human body. It includes studies of cells, tissues, and organ systems. Registration is primarily for students in prenursing or majors in kinesiology or health. Two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring, Summer as needed. Credit in this course cannot be applied to either a major or minor in Biology. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 2402. Human Physiology. 4 Hours.

This course will help students identify and understand the function of several important human organ systems and how these systems maintain homeostasis. Topics and the mechanisms involving circulation, digestion, metabolism, muscle action and respiration will receive the most emphasis. This course is designed to emphasize a clinical knowledge of physiology and techniques required by students studying nursing, physical therapy, and related health fields. Two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring, Summer as needed. Credit 4. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 2401 and CHEM 1406 or CHEM 1411.

BIOL 2420. Intro Applied Microbiology. 4 Hours.

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. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall, Spring, Summer as needed. Credit in this course cannot be applied to a major or minor in Biology. Credit 4. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402, and C or better in CHEM 1411 or CHEM 1406. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 2440. Introductory Cell Biology. 4 Hours.

An introduction to the study of cells, including scientific method, biochemistry, metabolism, cell energetics, membranes, cellular evolution, DNA, protein synthesis, the cytoskeleton, cell division, and the cellular basis of inheritance, with emphasis on the development of problem solving skills. Two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411. BIOL 1413, and CHEM 1411. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3364. Plant Taxonomy. 3 Hours.

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. Two-hour laboratory. Spring. Writing enhanced. Credit 3. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3409. General Ecology. 4 Hours.

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 are an integral part of the laboratory. Three-hour laboratory and field work. Fall, Spring. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411 and BIOL 1413. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3410. Human Biology. 4 Hours.

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. Two-hour laboratory. Offered as needed. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440. This course may not be used for graduation credit by Medical & Allied Health Students. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3420. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. 4 Hours.

A study of representative vertebrates, their anatomy, ontogeny, and phylogeny. The course is strongly recommended for premedical/professional students. Three-hour laboratory. Fall. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413 or consent of the instructor. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3430. Plant Physiology. 4 Hours.

General course dealing with principal life processes of plants. Topics include photosynthesis, respiration, nutrition, flowering, dormancy, hormones, growth, and development. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. As needed. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3440. General Physiology. 4 Hours.

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. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Spring. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, CHEM 2323/2123. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3450. Introductory Genetics. 4 Hours.

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, and DNA technologies. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall, Spring, and Summer as needed. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 2440, CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3460. Pathophysiology. 4 Hours.

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. Four hours lecture per week. Fall. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 2440, and BIOL 3450 or BIOL 3440 or consent of the instructor. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3461. Wildlife Biology. 4 Hours.

The history and basic principles, philosophy and concepts of wildlife management as they relate to habitats, people, and the problems associated with their interactions. Two-hour laboratory and field work. Even year, Spring. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, and BIOL 3409. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3470. General Microbiology. 4 Hours.

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. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall, Spring, Summer as needed. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, CHEM 1412. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3480. Developmental Biology. 4 Hours.

This is a study of the early development of representative vertebrates from fertilization until differentiation of organs has been completed. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Even year, Fall. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math. 

BIOL 3490. Histology. 4 Hours.

A study of animal tissues with emphasis on human materials. Identification and preparatory techniques are stressed. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. As needed. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, CHEM 1412. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 3492. Plant Morphology. 4 Hours.

Survey of the plant kingdom with emphasis on morphogenesis, comparative structure and life cycles of representative plant forms. Three-hour laboratory. Even year, Fall. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, and BIOL 2440. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4080. Field and Experiential Biology. 1-3 Hours.

This course provides students with a first-hand off-campus opportunity to experience biology in a specialized setting. Potential settings include both domestic and international sites, and may consist of particular ecological regions, biological reserves, field data collection sites, laboratories, and clinics. Course prerequisites will be tailored to the specific off-campus course offering. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, and BIOL 2440. Variable credit. Summer. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4095. Undergrad Rsrch Tpcs-Biology. 4 Hours.

This course is designed to allow selected, advanced students in specific areas of biology to participate directly in biological research. The research project will be developed jointly by the student and a faculty mentor, and must be pre-approved by the Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. Variable Credit (1-4). Prerequisite: Biology major, minimum Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4096. Spcl Topics In Undergrad Bio. 3 Hours.

This course of faculty-led study is designed to provide exposure of undergraduate students to new biological topics and concepts in a course setting, prior to that course's formal Department, College, and University course adoption. This course may be repeated for different Special Topics (different courses). Variable Credit (1-4). Prerequisite: Biology major, minimum Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4110. Undergraduate Seminar. 1 Hour.

Discussions of current literature in the biological sciences. Required of senior Biology majors. Fall, Spring. Credit 1. Prerequisite: Biology major, Senior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4111. Undergraduate Seminar. 1 Hour.

Discussions of current research presented by faculty participating in the Department of Biological Sciences weekly seminar series. Fall, Spring. Credit 1. Prerequisite: Biology major, Senior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4306. Philosophy Of Biology. 3 Hours.

This course will help the student understand the philosophical issues associated with defining and applying theoretical terms and constructs within evolutionary biology. Writing enhanced. Odd year, Spring. Credit 3. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, and 8 hrs. advanced biology, and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4320. Environmental Toxicology. 3 Hours.

This course presents basic toxicology as a qualitative and quantitative science of the effects of poisons (toxins) upon the environment, individuals, and populations. The course will also provide a comparison of the toxicology of human and other species’ exposure to common environmental contaminants. Writing enhanced. As needed. Two one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory. Credit 3. Prerequisite: BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, and BIOL 2420 or BIOL 3470; MATH 3379 or BIOL 4374; 8 hrs. CHM, and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4330. Aquatic Biology. 3 Hours.

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. Two-hour laboratory. Fall. Credit 3. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413 and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math. 

BIOL 4350. Immunology. 3 Hours.

Humoral and cell-mediated immunobiology, genetics, and chemistry are considered along with immunoanalyses and pathologies. Spring. Credit 3. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, BIOL 3470, CHEM 2323/2123 and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4360. Genetic Anlys of Human Disease. 3 Hours.

A study of the transmission and molecular basis of human genetic traits and genetic diseases. Various simple and complex genetic disorders will be examined using pedigree, molecular, and biochemical analyses. Novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of human genetic disorders will be discussed. Special topics examining the ethical, legal, and social issues and concerns of genetic testing and discrimination, germ line therapy, genetic enhancement, and human cloning will be examined. Odd year, Spring. Writing enhanced. Credit 3. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 3450, and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4361. Introductory Evolutionary Bio. 3 Hours.

Evolution is the core theory of modern biology. Students will be introduced to the major principles of evolutionary biology, from the history of evolutionary thought through theory and current concepts of evolution. Emphasis will be placed on molecular and cellular evolution, mechanisms of evolution including natural selection, gene flow, founder effect, and speciation. Writing enhanced. Fall, Spring. Credit 3. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of "C" in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, and 8 hrs. advanced biology, and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4362. Paleobiology. 3 Hours.

This course examines temporal and spatial changes of life on earth in an evolutionary context, particularly large scale events such as radiations and extinctions. Emphasis is placed on anatomy and taxonomy of fossil invertabrates and vertabrates. The laboratory component encompasses the collection, preparation, and description of a variety of fossil types. As needed Credit 3. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, or permission of the instructor.

BIOL 4363. Genomics and Bioinformatics. 3 Hours.

This course will discuss advances in genomics and bioinformatics. Students will study computational and bioinformatic approaches to understand the genome structure, function, and evolution. Topics will include DNA sequencing, sequence assembly, gene and protein sequence alignments, whole genome comparison, annotation of DNA sequences, promoter analysis, transcriptomics, proteomics, and phylogenetic analysis. As needed. Credit 3. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 3450, and Junior standing.

BIOL 4370. Microbial Ecology. 3 Hours.

This course introduces the student to basic ecological concepts through the study of microbial communities. Interactions at the microscopic and macroscopic levels will be discussed along with biogeochemical cycles. Bioremediation concepts will also be explored. Two one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory. As needed. Credit 3. Prerequisite: BBIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, and BIOL 2420 or 3470, CHEM 2125/2325, and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4374. Biostatistics. 3 Hours.

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. Spring. Credit 3. Prerequisite: 8 hrs. advanced biology, and MATH 1314, MATH 1410 or MATH 1420 and Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4380. Medical Microbiology. 3 Hours.

An advanced study of the microorganisms that cause disease and of the disease processes with focus on bacteria and viruses. Emphasis will be placed on pathology, epidemiology and treatment/prevention of specific infectious diseases of medical importance. Spring. Credit 3. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 3470 and Junior standing or consent of the instructor. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4394. Biological Sciences Internship. 3 Hours.

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. Writing enhanced. Credit 3. Prerequisite: Biology major, 6 hrs. of advanced biology, Junior standing, 3.0 GPA and approval of Department Chair.

BIOL 4410. General Entomology. 4 Hours.

A study is made of insect morphology, taxonomy, development, and life histories. Collection and identification by use of keys are stressed. Two-hour laboratory. Even year, Spring. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440. Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4430. Vertebrate Natural History. 4 Hours.

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. Two-hour laboratory. Odd year, Spring. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4460. Parasitology. 4 Hours.

Morphology, life cycles, physiological adaptations, evolution, and distribution of parasitic animals. Three-hour laboratory. Fall. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413,and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4470. Animal Behavior. 4 Hours.

A study of the mechanisms and functional explanations of behavior. Experimental approaches to addressing questions of behavior will be emphasized. Topics will include behavioral genetics, neuroethology, migration, habitat selection, foraging, communication, social behavior, reproductive strategies, and human sociobiology. Field studies and independent projects will be integral components of this course. Two-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4471. Invertebrate Zoology. 4 Hours.

This course will explore the diversity of invertebrate types morphologically, embryologically and physiologically. The ecological role of invertebrates will be emphasized. Three-hour laboratory. Odd year, Spring. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4480. Molecular Biology. 4 Hours.

A hands-on study of the structure and function of molecules important for the Central Dogma of molecular biology, including DNA and protein, with emphasis on electrophoretic analysis and gene cloning. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall, Spring. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, BIOL 3450, BIOL 3470, CHEM 2125/2325, and Junior Standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4481. Physiological Ecology. 4 Hours.

This course is a study of the functional processes of organisms within the context of ecological and evolutionary theory, focusing on mechanisms of organismal function, energetics, and the energetic consequences of homeostasis when function is influenced by the environment and other ecological and evolutionary processes. This course does not meet the physiology requirement or recommendation for physiology of medial/dental or allied health programs. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. As needed. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 3450, BIOL 3409, Concurrent enrollment allowed; Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.

BIOL 4490. Cell Biology. 4 Hours.

A study of eukaryotic cell structure and function, including protein synthesis, membrane structure and function, intracellular trafficking, cell communication, cell motility, mitosis, and cell cycle control, with emphasis on the use of model organisms. Three-hour laboratory. Writing enhanced. Fall. Credit 4. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2440, BIOL 3450, CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412, and Junior standing. Demonstrated college-level readiness in reading, writing, and math.