Southwestern University
2000-2001 Catalog

Associate Professor Rebecca Ann Sheller, PhD, Chair
Professor Stephanie L. Fabritius, PhD
Professor Vicente D. Villa, PhD
Associate Professor Robert A. Morgan, PhD
Assistant Professor Deborah Eastman, PhD
Assistant Professor Damon E. Waitt, PhD
Instructor Linda Southwick Johnson, MT, MS
Visiting Assistant Professor Donald Dearborn, PhD

The Biology Department presents students with the challenge and excitement of learning about living organisms and their relationships to their environment. The courses offered by the department cover a broad range of topics within three main subdivisions of biology: cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, and population biology. Many of the courses have a lecture component combined with a laboratory component. Laboratories are conducted in Fondren-Jones Science Hall facilities as well as at a 17-acre biological field station on the North San Gabriel River.

Introductory courses in the Department of Biology can serve either as prerequisites for further study for the biology major/minor or satisfy the life science component of The Natural World in the Perspectives on Knowledge area of the General Education Requirements. Non-introductory courses are designed for students seeking more in-depth information on cellular and molecular, organismal, and population biology and for students with specific vocational aims.

The Department of Biology offers majors and minors for the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. An interdisciplinary major in Animal Behavior is offered jointly by the Departments of Biology and Psychology.

By proper selection of course combinations, students can prepare for various options, such as entrance into graduate or professional schools (dental, medical, medical technology, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary) and acquisition of positions in industry, government, public health, and teaching. Students should consult with their academic advisors and other member of the department for assistance in making proper course selections that will prepare them for their chosen career directions. The Bachelor of Science degree is recommended for students seeking entrance into professional schools, graduate schools or technician positions in industry. The Bachelor of Arts degree allows flexibility, particularly for students wishing to obtain a minor outside of the Division of Natural Sciences.

The capstone experience for the biology major consists of two research project options, an Honors Research Project or a special capstone seminar. Consult with the Department Chair for more details on the capstone experience.

Degrees

Requirements for a major in Biology for the BS and BA degrees are:

A. 50-102 Cell Biology

50-112 Biological Diversity and Interactions

50-122 Molecular, Classical, and Popolation Genetics

50-132 Life Processes

Note: Students must have completed Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132 with a grade of at least C-before enrolling in any above-introductory level Biology course.

and

B. Any seven of the following courses, with the additional requirements that: (a) a minimum of five of the courses selected must include a laboratory component and (b) at least one course is taken from each of the subdisciplines of cellular, organismal, and population biology.

Cellular and Molecular:

50-384 Microbiology

50-394 Developmental Biology

50-454 Histology

50-464 Fundamentals of Immunology

50-554 Genetics

50-573 General Biochemistry I & Laboratory (571)

50-583 General Biochemistry II

50-581 General Biochemistry II Laboratory

50-754 Cellular Physiology

50-874 Molecular Biology

Organismal:

50-224 Botany

50-264 Physiology of Reproduction

50-294 Comparative Vertebrate Morphology

50-364 Vertebrate Embryology

50-593 Neurobiology

50-764 Organ Physiology

Population:

50-234 Ecology

50-284 Natural History of the Vertebrates

50-333 Evolution

50-374 Animal Behavior

50-254 Plant Systematics

C. Upon recommendation of the advisor, up to two of the following courses may be substituted for courses in B above. These courses do not count under any specific subdiscipline.

50-303 Selected Topics

50-953 Introduction to Research

50-983 Honors Biology

Bachelor of Science

In addition to A, B, and C above, those taking the BS degree must also take:

Mathematics 52-154; 52-253 or 52-213

Chemistry 51-153, 151; 163, 161; 553, 551; 563, 561

Physics 53-154, 164

A minor is required. (See following text.)

Bachelor of Arts

In addition to A, B, and C above, those taking the BA degree must also take:

Chemistry 51-153, 151; 163, 161; and 553, 551.

Also, it is strongly recommended that students take:

Mathematics 52-154

Chemistry 51-563, 561

Physics 53-154, 164

A minor in some other subject is strongly recommended for students majoring in Biology with a BA degree. A minor in biology must include: 50-102, 112, 122, and 132; and enough courses from "B" above to total 12 semester hours above the introductory level. At least two of these courses must include laboratory components.

Programs

Premedical and Predental

Students who elect to take at least six semester hours of English will have satisfied all premedical and predental requirements by completion of the BS degree. In addition to the six semester hours of English, students completing the BA degree will have met all requirements for medical or dental school if they elect the listed chemistry and physics courses, plus 51-563 and 561, Organic Chemistry II.

Graduate School

To prepare for graduate school, a student should follow the BS degree requirements including a course in statistics plus six semester hours of English and an introduction to computing; or the BA degree requirements plus all three of the mathematics, chemistry, and physics courses, plus a minor, plus a course in statistics or other mathematics course plus six semester hours of English, and an introductory course in computing.

Biology (BIO)

†50-102 CELL BIOLOGY (3-3; half-semester). An introduction to biologically important molecules, cell structure and function, cellular bioenergetics (cellular respiration and photosynthesis) and cellular reproduction. Emphasis on animal and plant cells. The course includes a weekly laboratory session. The course is a foundation-building course required of students majoring in biology.

†50-112 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND INTERACTIONS (3-3; half-semester). Following a review of evolution and natural selection, this course will survey the plant and animal kingdoms. Emphasis will be placed on how different organisms interact with their environment and with each other. The course includes a weekly laboratory session. The course is a foundation-building course required of students majoring in biology.

†50-122 MOLECULAR, CLASSICAL, AND POPULATION GENETICS (3-3; half-semester). The molecular genetics portion includes the chemical nature of genes and gene replication, expression, and regulation. The classical genetics portion includes Mendelian genetics, genetic maps, sex determination, and polygenic inheritance. The population genetics portion includes Hardy-Weinberg law, changes in allele frequencies, natural selection, and genetic variation. The course includes a weekly laboratory session. The course is a foundation-building course required of students majoring in biology.

†50-132 LIFE PROCESSES (3-3; half-semester). An introduction to the structural and functional aspects of complex, multicellular organisms at the organ systems level. The organ systems in animals include the integument, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory, circulatory, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Course also includes an introduction to developmental processes in animals. Although primary emphasis will be on animals, examples of plant life processes will be cited. The course includes a weekly laboratory session. The course is a foundation-building course required of students majoring in biology. NOTE: Successful completion of any two of the above four courses will yield credit for POK-Natural World: Life Science.

†50-113 HUMAN BIOLOGY TODAY (2-2). A life science perspectives course focusing on the function of selected organ systems within the body and how they are altered by various disease processes, such as bacterial and viral infections, hypertension, HIV, cancer, heart disease, hearing loss, visual impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory exercises rein force lecture material and promote observation, experimentation, and analysis skills. Microcomputers are used in the laboratory. (POK-Natural World: Life Science)

†50-133 MICROBES IN EVERYDAY LIFE (2-2). A life science perspectives course on the dynamics and diversity of the microbial world. In addition to learning the scientific approach and techniques used in the study of the microbial world, the course emphasizes the role microbes play in the everyday life of humankind. Different aspects of microbial ecology, medical microbiology, industrial microbiology, water and food microbiology, and biotechnology will be explored. (POK-Natural World: Life Science)

†50-143 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2-2). A life science perspectives course emphasizing the interactions of organisms with their environment. In addition to this introductory survey of ecology, we will study current applied ecological issues such as species diversity, conservation biology, greenhouse effects, acid rain, and biological control. (POK-Natural World: Life Science)

†50-153 NATIVE PLANTS OF TEXAS (2-2). A life science perspectives course focusing on scientific issues pertaining to diversity, systematics, ecology, and natural history of the local flora. As described, Native Plants of Texas will be a field-oriented course in which students are exposed to the techniques scientists have used to study diversity both past and present. An added benefit of this course is that students will develop an appreciation for the scientific, economic, and aesthetic value of the local flora. (POK-Natural World: Life Science).

†50-163 BIOLOGY OF PERCEPTION (2-2). A life science perspectives course on how humans perceive light, sounds, smells, taste, and touch. Various properties of these modalities in our environment and their transduction into neural signals will be described. Experimental design, execution, analyses, and presentation are included in the laboratory component of the course. (POK-Natural World: Life Science)

Note: Students must have completed Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132 with a grade of at least C- before enrolling in any above-introductory level Biology course.

50-224 BOTANY (3-3). This course explores the diversity of photosynthetic organisms including photosynthetic protista and continuing through the flowering plants. Course content will emphasize plant anatomy, plant physiology, and plant diversity. This course includes a mandatory weekend field trip. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132.

50-234 ECOLOGY (3-3). This class explores the interactions of organisms with their biotic and abiotic environment. In particular we will look at the influence of nutrients, climate, competition, predation, and symbiotic relationships on individuals, populations and communities. This course includes a mandatory weekend field trip. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132. Statistics (Mathematics 52-213) is recommended.

50-254 PLANT SYSTEMATICS (3-3). This course examines specific and sub-specific variation and its relationship to systems of classification; species concepts; the role of cytological, genetic, chemical, ecological, and morphological evidence in taxonomy and methods of analysis. Special emphasis will be placed on seed plants and a taxonomic exploration of the local flora. Prerequisite: Biology 50-224.

50-264 PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION (3-3). The lecture component of this course considers reproductive processes primarily in animals. The required laboratory focuses on experimental approaches to the study of reproduction in selected vertebrates. This involves some surgical procedures. Prerequisites: Biology 50-294 or 764. (Spring, even-numbered years)

50-284 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE VERTEBRATES (3-3). This course will explore the characteristics and the taxonomic relationships of seven vertebrate classes. Special emphasis will be placed on Texas fauna. This course will investigate the physiological, ecological, and behavioral characteristics which enable these organisms to withstand the physical environment, obtain food, avoid being eaten, and reproduce. Course includes several Saturday field trips and one overnight field trip. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132. (Fall, odd-numbered years)

50-294 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE MORPHOLOGY (3-3). After a brief consideration of the lower chordates, this course will deal with the functional anatomy of the vertebrates. Although there is some study of vertebrates in natural environments, primary emphasis is on laboratory dissections of preserved specimens. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132. (Spring, odd-numbered years)

50-333 EVOLUTION (3-0). An exploration of the possible mechanisms of evolution. Topics to be discussed include natural selection, punctuated evolution, population genetics, adaptation, units of selection, speciation, evolutionary biogeography, and macroevolution. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132. (Fall, even-numbered years)

50-364 VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY (3-3). This course involves a study of the principles of embryologic development in vertebrates. This includes development, fertilization, germ layer development, and the formation of the various organ systems/structures. Although primarily focusing on vertebrates, some invertebrates will be discussed. The course involves substantial microscope work. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132. (Spring)

50-374 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (3-3). Study of the methods of science in animal behavior and selected areas in ethology including behavioral genetics, communication, foraging strategies, learning, navigation and migration, ontogeny of behavior, and territoriality. Laboratory experiences provide hands-on experiences in field and laboratory research related to these content areas. Prerequisite: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132; OR Psychology 33-103. Also Psychology 33-224.

50-384 MICROBIOLOGY (3-3). An introduction to the study of microbes. The course is not strictly a bacteriology course, for some attention will be given to fungi and viruses. The course includes microbial cell structure and function, growth, metabolism, and genetics. Microbial diversity is a recurring theme throughout the course. The course includes a weekly laboratory session. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132; Chemistry 51-551 and 553; or consent of the instructor.

50-394 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (3-3). This course investigates developmental processes in animals, plants, and microbes. Cellular, molecular, genetic, and evolutionary aspects of development will be explored.
Specific topics include: animal fertilization and embryogenesis; plant fertilization and embryogenesis, meristem function, and floral development; microbial sporulation and fruiting body formation. The experimental evidence supporting the current understanding of these processes will be emphasized. One laboratory session each week is required and will include working with live bacteria and fungi, non-flowering and flowering plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. Independent projects will be emphasized. Prerequisites: 50-102, 50-112, 50-122, 50-132. Recommended: 50-554 or 50-754.

50-454 HISTOLOGY (3-3). This course emphasizes the visual study of animal tissues. After studying normal epithelial, connective, contractile, conductive, and vascular tissues, students will study tissues as components of organs and organ systems. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132 and Chemistry 51-551, 553, 561, and 563.

50-464 FUNDAMENTALS OF IMMUNOLOGY (3-3). An introduction to the immune system as studied in mammals. Emphasis is placed on acquired immunity, specifically as it pertains to the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The course deals with the cellular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the education and regulation of both the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Prerequisites: Biology 50-754 and/or Chemistry 51-574 or consent of the instructor.

50-554 GENETICS (3-3). This course is designed to give the student a thorough background in classical and population genetics and an introduction to molecular genetics. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems are discussed. Topics include modes of inheritance, mapping techniques, gene regulation, transcription, translation, and an overview of molecular genetics and its use in developmental biology. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, and 132.

50-664 MUSCULOSKELETAL ANATOMY (3-3). This course covers structure and function of the human muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems, including the effects of exercise on these systems. This course is specifically designed for students majoring in Kinesiology and for students planning a career in physical therapy. This course does not count toward the Biology major or minor. Also Kinesiology 48-644.

50-573 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I (3-0). A survey of structures and functional interrelations of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids in life processes. Must be taken concurrently with 50-571. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-563 and 51-561. Also Chemistry 51-573.

50-571 LABORATORY FOR GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I (0-4). Must be taken concurrently with 50-573.

50-583 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II (3-0). Bioenergetics and metabolism. Prerequisites: Biology 50-573 or 51-573, and 51-571 or 50-571. Also Chemistry 51-583.

50-581 LABORATORY FOR GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II (0-4). Prerequisites: Concurrent or past enrollment in 50-583 or 51-583.

50-593 NEUROBIOLOGY (3-3). The anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology of nervous systems are studied; the human nervous system is emphasized. Half of the course is cellular neurobiology and half is organismal neurobiology. Specific topics include resting potentials, action potentials, synapses, neurotransmitters, sensory and motor processing, nerve regeneration, vision, and audition, development, and memory/learning. Prerequisites: One nonintroductory course in chemistry and 12 hours of biology.

50-754 CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY (3-3). The general functions of eukaryotic cells are studied primarily in animal cells. Topics include transcription, translation, protein functions, cell motility, secretion and endocytosis, cell signalling, and cell cycling. Laboratory experiments teach techniques and concepts of cellular physiology. Prerequisites: Two nonintroductory courses in chemistry and 12 semester hours in biology.

50-764 ORGAN PHYSIOLOGY (3-3). Processes/functions of organ systems: nervous, muscular, cardiac, circulatory, respiratory, renal, digestive, and endocrine. Human physiology is emphasized. Prerequisite: Two nonintroductory courses in chemistry and eight semester hours of biology.

50-874 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3-3). This course emphasizes the molecular aspects of genetic systems in bacteria, lower eukaryotes and viruses. The replication, mutability, and repair of DNA in bacterial and viral systems will be included. In addition, the course includes gene expression, regulation of gene function, and gene recombination in bacterial and viral systems. Advances in recombinant DNA technology are included. The laboratory portion of the course introduces the students to general molecular biology and recombinant DNA techniques. Prerequisites: Biology 50-384 and 754; Chemistry 51-583.

50-931 CAPSTONE SEMINAR (1-0). This course fulfills the capstone requirement in biology. The topic of the course varies with the professor leading it. Each course involves the reading and presenting of the primary literature and is highly discussion-based. Requirements for the course are consistent within all sections of the course. Available to graduating seniors only.

50-301, 302, 303 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.

50-941, 942, 943 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP. Pass, D, or F credit only.

50-951, 952, 953 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH. Credit may vary from one to six semester hours depending upon the nature of the problem. In addition to their independent research, students will be required to meet every other week as a group. Students participating in this course will also be required to present the results of their research in an end-of-the-semester research poster session. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and a completed course description report. May be repeated with changed content. Must be taken P/D/F only.

50-971, 972, 973 INDEPENDENT STUDY. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and a completed course description report. May be repeated with changed content.

50-983 HONORS BIOLOGY. Enrollment by invitation only.