Southwestern University
2001-2002 Catalog
Southwestern University: A Statement
The Academic Program
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BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Division of Natural Sciences
Professor Stephanie L. Fabritius,
PhD, Interim Chair
Professor Vicente D. Villa, PhD
Associate Professor
Robert A. Morgan, PhD
Associate Professor Rebecca Ann Sheller,
PhD
Assistant Professor Deborah Eastman, PhD
Assistant Professor Daniel
R. (Max) Taub, PhD
Instructor Linda Southwick Johnson, MT, MS
Visiting
Assistant Professor Maria Cuevas, PhD
Visiting Assistant Professor Linda
Ilse, PhD
Assistant Professor Maria C. Todd, PhD (part-time)
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 members 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 Classical and Population Genetics
50-132 Life Processes
50-204 Molecular Genetics
NOTE: Students must have completed Biology
50-102, 112, 122, 132, and 204 with a grade of at least C- before enrolling in
any additional above-introductory level Biology course.
AND
B.
Any six of the following courses, with the additional requirements that: (a) a
minimum of four 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
50-573 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
50-294 Comparative
Vertebrate Morphology
50-593 Neurobiology
50-764 Organ Physiology
Population:
50-234 Ecology
50-254 Plant Systematics
50-284
Natural History of the Vertebrates
50-333 Evolution
50-374 Animal
Behavior
C. Upon recommendation of the advisor, up to two of the following
courses may be substituted for courses in B above. Four credit hours of
Introduction to Research may substitute for only one of the required laboratory
courses in B above. These courses do not count under any specific subdiscipline.
50-303 Selected Topics
50-953 Introduction to Independent 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 in one of the subject
areas within the Division of Natural Sciences is required. (See Academic
Structure of the University for a list of departments within the Division of
Natural Sciences.)
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
taking the BA degree 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, 132, and 204; and enough courses from
“B” above to total 8 semester hours above the introductory level. At
least one of these courses must include a laboratory component.
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 introductory course in 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 CLASSICAL AND POPULATION GENETICS
(3-3; half-semester). This course introduces the basic principles of genetics.
Classical genetics topics include: cell division, sexual reproduction, Mendelian
genetics, genetic maps, and polygenic inheritance. Population genetics topics
include: Hardy-Weinberg Law, changes in allelic frequencies, and mechanisms of
microevolution. 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.
50-204 MOLECULAR GENETICS (3-3). This foundation-building course
focuses on the molecules and processes involved in prokaryotic and eukaryotic
inheritance. Topics covered will include: DNA structure and replication,
transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression, molecular biological
techniques and applications, and an introduction to developmental genetics. A
required weekly laboratory experience will include experimental design and
investigative projects. Prerequisites: 50-102, 50-112, 50-122, 50-132. Students
cannot receive credit for both 50-204 and 50-554. (Fall and
Spring)
†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 reinforce 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, 132, and 204 with a grade of at least C- before enrolling in any of the following above-introductory level Biology courses.
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. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204.
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.
Prerequisite: 50-204. 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.
50-284 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. The course includes several Saturday field trips and one overnight
field trip. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204. (Spring, even-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. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204.
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. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204. (Spring, odd-numbered years)
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: 50-204; 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 50-204; 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. Prerequisite:
50-204.
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: 50-204 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.
50-644 MUSCULOSKELETAL ANATOMY (3-3). See Kinesiology
46-644.
50-571 LABORATORY FOR GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I (0-4). Must be
taken concurrently with 50-573. See Chemistry 51-571.
50-573 GENERAL
BIOCHEMISTRY I (3-0). Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-563 and 51-561. See
Chemistry 51-573.
50-581 LABORATORY FOR GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II
(0-4). Prerequisites: Concurrent or past enrollment in 50-583 or 51-583. See
Chemistry 51-581.
50-583 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II (3-0).
Prerequisites: Biology 50-573 or 51-573, and 51-571 or 50-571. See Chemistry
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, audition, development, and memory/learning. Prerequisite:
50-204.
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: Biology 50-204
and Chemistry 51-563.
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: Biology 50-204 and Chemistry 51-553 or consent of
instructor.
50-874 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3-3). This course focuses on
the molecular aspects of genetic systems in prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and
viruses. Topics include: molecular methods and their applications, cell cycle
control, gene expression, regulation of gene expression, gene arrangement, DNA
muta-genesis and repair, mobile genetic elements, and viral replication. Reading
and critiquing primary journal articles will be emphasized. A weekly laboratory
session is required and will include independent projects using molecular
biology techniques. Prerequisites: Biology 50-204 and 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 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH.
Credit may
vary from one to six semester hours depending upon the nature of the problem.
Students should make arrangements with a faculty member in the Biology
Department prior to enrolling in this course. 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.