BIOL 501. Intro to Computational Biology. (3 Credits)

This course will expose the student to many of the fundamental tools needed to analyze and manipulate large biological data sets. This course will introduce different methods of data management, computer programming methods, and data analysis. The course format will be primarily hands-on activities with targeted lectures and assignments. The overall goal of the course is to give the students the basic tools needed for computational biology and data analysis with resources to allow them opportunities for deeper self-study in each topic area.

BIOL 508. Biology & Human Affairs. (1-4 Credits)

A seminar designed to inquire into the impact and potential of biology and society. Topics discussed might include such things as population control, the biological meaning of race, the ecological crises, biological nuclear and chemical toxicants, control of fertility and aging.

BIOL 510. Human Genetics. (1-3 Credits)

Theory and methods of analyses of genetic traits in individuals, families, and populations. Techniques include pedigree analysis, cytogenetics, tissue culture, and probability determination. Prerequisite: BIOL 320 Principles of Genetics or permission of the instructor. Lab A laboratory course designed to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 510 Human Genetics lecture course. This course will involve exercises related to selected lecture topics. Co-requisite: BIOL 510 Human Genetics lecture.

BIOL 511. Topics In Modern Biology. (3 Credits)

Explores the recent developments in the field of biology on a chemical-physical basis. Includes discussions on the nature of science, evidence and trends in evolution; metabolism photosynthesis, nutrition and respiration; and the biological events in cell division growth, genetics, enzyme activity and the treatment of disease. Lectures, demonstrations, and discussions. Prerequisites: Two semesters each of mathematics, biology, and physics; three semesters of chemistry; or permission of the department.

BIOL 513. Seminar. (1 Credit)

A one hour seminar is held each week. The course will feature presentations by researchers, outside speakers and second year graduate students. Students in the first year are expected to attend all presentations and to complete other assignments as required. Students in their second year will be expected to make presentations during seminars.

BIOL 514. Endocrinology. (1-4 Credits)

The study of hormonal integration of life activity of animals. Along with a survey of glands of internal secretions, consideration is given to the concepts of self-regulation through "servo" or "feed-back" mechanisms. Some consideration is given to the mechanism of hormone action at the molecular level. The neuroendocrine system as a functional entity is discussed. Attention is given to the role of internal secretions in metabolism, in growth and development, and in reproduction. Prerequisite: BIOL 417 General Physiology LAB A laboratory course designed to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 514 Endocrinology lecture course. This course will involve exercises related to selected lecture topics. Co-requisite: BIOL 514 Endocrinology lecture.

BIOL 515. Advd Invertebrate Zoology. (3 Credits)

An intensive study of the classification, morphology, development, physiology and life histories of the invertebrates exclusive of insects. Prerequisite: BIOL 313 General Zoology.

BIOL 518. Advanced Plant Physiology. (3 Credits)

Primarily a reading course designed for advanced undergraduates and graduate students to cover such topics as photosynthesis, plant nutrition and metabolism, and other topics not treated in the plant physiology program.

BIOL 520. Cytology. (1-4 Credits)

A study of cell structures and cytological techniques with emphasis on the morphologic, physiologic, and genetic aspects of modern cytology. Attention is given to the chemical and ultrastructural aspects of cytology. Consideration is given to the instruments employed in studying the sub microscopic structures of the cell. Prerequisite: Twelve semester hours of biological science or the permission of the instructor LAB A laboratory course designed to be taken in conjunction with the BIOL 520 Cytology lecture course. This course will involve exercises related to selected lecture topics. Co-requisite: BIOL 520 Cytology lecture.

BIOL 521. Plant Morphogenesis. (1-4 Credits)

A study of growth in general, the cellular basis of growth, and meristems; the phenomena of morphogenesis correlation, polarity, symmetry, differentiation, regeneration, tissue mixtures, and abnormal growth; morphogenic factors-light, water temperature, various physical factors of mechanical nature; chemical factors, types and influences of growth substances. The laboratory work includes: a study of representatives of the plant kingdom which show various stages of development of tissues and organs; the influence of the environment and chemicals upon the development of various plant structures; isolation of cells, tissue transplant, and tissue cultures. Prerequisites: BIOL 310 Plant Morphology LAB A laboratory course required to be taken in conjunction with the BIOL 521 Plant Morphogenesis lecture course. This course will involve exercises related to selected lecture topics. Co-requisite: BIOL 521 Plant Morphogenesis lecture.

BIOL 522. Investigations In Biology. (3 Credits)

The department has facilities to enable qualified students to undertake studies of an investigative nature. Students will undertake supervised research activity in different labs (depending upon availability) that will expose them to varied research questions and methods. Students in the thesis option will use these experiences to aid in the selection of a thesis research project. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

BIOL 524. Research & Thesis. (2-6 Credits)

Students conduct research and write theses under the supervision of thesis or research professors. Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy for the master’s degree and permission of thesis professor.

BIOL 525. Leading a Biology Lab Course. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to provide experience leading in a biology lab course. Persons who enroll in Biology 525 will attend the course lectures, observe and participate in an organization and planning session each week and supervise a laboratory course during the semester. This course is available to students in the second year of their program who have completed at least 18 graduate credit hours.

BIOL 526. Experimental Embryology. (1-4 Credits)

Experimental morphology of growth and development: Fertilization, organ differentiation, and regeneration. The first part of the course will deal with classical experiments and concepts. LAB A laboratory course required to be taken in conjunction with the BIOL 526 Experimental Embryology lecture course. This course will involve exercises related to selected lecture topics. Co-requisite: BIOL 526 Experimental Embryology lecture.

BIOL 533. Introduction to Neuroscience. (3 Credits)

This course is a general introduction to the field of neuroscience. The course provides a foundation in the basic operating principles of neural tissue. The course moves from a focus on the basic element of nervous systems, the neuron, to studying how simple sensory, motor, and learning capacities arise from the operations of neural networks.

BIOL 537. Oral And/Or Writn Comp Exm. (0 Credits)

A requirement of the non-thesis M.S. option to be taken during the last semester. A candidate for the Master of Science degree must pass satisfactorily an examination arranged by his/her chairperson or committee. This examination may be oral or written or both, and will cover the biology major and minor areas of study.

BIOL 542. Advanced Biochemistry. (3 Credits)

A study of the principal types of biochemical activities of the microorganisms: (1) respiration, fermentation, photosynthesis and different types of phosphorylation, (2) metabolism of proteins, nucleic acids and general properties and activities of enzymes, and (3) physical and chemical factors affecting biochemical activities. Prerequisite: CHEM305/307 Organic Chemistry I or permission of the instructor.

BIOL 546. Advanced Immunobiology. (3 Credits)

An advanced treatment of current theory and its application to various aspects of immunobiology; antibody specificity, antigen antibody reactions, immediate and delayed hypersensitivity, immunological tolerance and autoimmunization are among the topics covered. Prerequisite: BIOL 443 Immunology and Serology, BIOL 443 Immunology and Serology Laboratory and a course in biochemistry or the equivalent.

BIOL 548. Molecular Biology. (3 Credits)

A study of the principles of biological organization and activities on the molecular level. Analysis of the important events in terms of established principles of physics and chemistry. Basics structures and functions of important classes of biological molecules such as proteins, enzymes, RNA and DNA will be emphasized. Prerequisites: One semester of genetics.

BIOL 551. Topic in Molecular Biol & Geno. (3 Credits)

Study of recent advances and applications of research in genomics and molecular biology offered in accordance with faculty and student interest.

BIOL 552. Topic in Ecology and Evol Biol. (3 Credits)

Study of recent advances and applications of research in ecology and evolutionary biology offered in accordance with faculty and student interest.

BIOL 553. Topic in Organismal Biology. (3 Credits)

BIOL 554. Topic in Computational Biology. (3 Credits)

Study of recent advances and applications of research in computational biology offered in accordance with faculty and student interest.