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 2003-2004 Catalog

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  BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Division of Natural Sciences

Associate Professor Rebecca Ann Sheller, PhD, Chair

Professor Stephanie L. Fabritius, PhD

Assistant Professor Romi Burks, PhD

Assistant Professor Maria Cuevas, PhD

Assistant Professor Martin Gonzales, PhD

Assistant Professor Daniel R. (Max) Taub, PhD

Instructor Linda Southwick Johnson, MT, MS

Visiting 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. Interdisciplinary majors in Animal Behavior and Environmental Studies are supported by the Department of Biology.

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 either a 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: Biology majors 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:

50-454 Histology

50-474 Cellular Physiology

50-484 Microbiology

50-494 Developmental Biology

50-573 General Biochemistry I & Laboratory (571)

50-583 General Biochemistry II

OR 50-583 General Biochemistry II & Laboratory (581)

50-864 Fundamentals of Immunology

50-874 Molecular Biology

Organismal:

50-324 Botany

50-344 Plant Physiology

50-353 Neurobiology

50-364 Comparative Vertebrate Morphology

50-424 Organ Physiology

Population:

50-214 Animal Behavior

50-314 Natural History of the Vertebrates

50-333 Evolution

50-434 Ecology

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, 304 Selected Topics

50-973 Introduction to Independent Research

50-983 Honors Biology

D. Capstone 50-931 or other approved capstone experience

Bachelor of Science

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

Mathematics 52-154; 52-113 or 52-253

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 also must complete:

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

Also, it is strongly recommended that students taking the BA degree complete:

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, Predental, and Preveterinary Medicine

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 to take the listed chemistry and physics courses, plus 51-563 and 561, Organic Chemistry II. In addition to a 3-credit hour literature class, there are other additional requirements for veterinary school. Students planning on applying to veterinary school should see a pre-veterinary advisor.

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)

†50-102CELL 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.
†50-112BIOLOGICAL 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.
†50-113HUMAN 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)
†50-122CLASSICAL 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.
†50-123BIOLOGY OF FOOD (2-2). A life science perspectives course focusing on the biological foundations of human food production. Topics covered will include the history of food crops, human nutrition, the ecology of agricultural systems, breeding and genetic modification of food organisms and the effects of global environmental changes on food production. Also Environmental Studies 49-123. (POK-Natural World: Life Science)
†50-132LIFE 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.
†50-133MICROBES 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. Also Environmental Studies 49-133. (POK-Natural World: Life Science)
†50-143ENVIRONMENTAL 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. Also Environmental Studies 49-143. (POK-Natural World: Life Science)
†50-153NATIVE 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. Also Environmental Studies 49-153. (POK-Natural World: Life Science).
†50-163BIOLOGY 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: Successful completion of any two of the following courses will yield credit for POK-Natural World: Life Science - BIO50-102, 112, 122, 132.

50-204MOLECULAR 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. Also Environmental Studies 49-204. (Fall and Spring)
50-214 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 and Environmental Studies 49-214. (Spring Semester)


All courses at the 300 level are available for sophomores who have completed 50-204. Environmental Studies majors may take any of 49-204, 49-214 or 49-324 as their first upper-level biology course. With the consent of the instructor, the prerequisite of 50-204 for courses at the three hundred level and above may be waived for Environmental Studies majors or Animal Behavior majors who have completed 49/50-214 or 49/50-324. All prerequisite courses, including 50-102, 112, 122, and 132, must be completed with a grade of at least C-.

50-314 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. (Spring, even-numbered years) Prerequisite: Biology 50-204. Also Environmental Studies 49-314.
50-324BOTANY (3-3). This course explores the life histories and adaptations of terrestrial plants, with an emphasis on plant evolutionary biology, ecology and physiology. The laboratory will both explore these same themes, and additionally emphasize plant identification skills and knowledge of the local woody flora. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204. Also Environmental Studies 49-324.
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. (Spring, odd-numbered years) Prerequisite: Biology 50-204. Also Environmental Studies 49-333.
50-344PLANT PHYSIOLOGY (3-3). This course will examine the functioning of plants, particularly with respect to growth, resource capture and utilization, and tolerance of environmental stresses. Topics covered will include photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, plant hormones and developmental responses to light. Emphasis will also be placed on plant responses to global environmental changes (rising CO2, increased nitrogen deposition, pollutants) and to the uses of genetically modified and mutagenized plants in research in plant biology. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204. Also Environmental Studies 49-344.
50-353NEUROBIOLOGY (3-0). 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.
50-364COMPARATIVE 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.

All courses in the 400 sequence are available for students who have completed at least 15 hours of biology AND at least one semester of organic chemistry. Some specific prerequisites in biology may be in place. (Note: Animal Behavior students may take Biology 50-424 and Biology 50-434 with the permission of the instructor).

50-424 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.
50-434ECOLOGY (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. (Fall) Prerequisite: 50-204. Statistics (Mathematics 52-113) is recommended. Also Environmental Studies 49-434.
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.
50-474CELLULAR 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.
50-484MICROBIOLOGY (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.
50-494DEVELOPMENTAL 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. (Spring, alternate years) Prerequisite: 50-204.

All courses in the 500 sequence are available for students who have completed at least 12 hours of biology and two semesters of organic chemistry.

50-571 LABORATORY FOR GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I (0-4). Must be taken concurrently with 50-573. See Chemistry 51-571. Also Environmental Studies 49-571.
50-573 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I (3-0). Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-563 and 51-561. See Chemistry 51-573. Also Environmental Studies 49-573.
50-581 LABORATORY FOR GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II (0-4). Prerequisites: Concurrent or past enrollment in 50-583 or 51-583. See Chemistry 51-581. Also Environmental Studies 49-581.
50-583GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II (3-0). Prerequisites: Biology 50-573 or 51-573, and 51-571 or 50-571. See Chemistry 51-583. Also Environmental Studies 49-583.

All courses in the 800 sequence are intended for students who have completed at least 18 hours in biology and at least one semester of organic chemistry. Biochemistry is recommended.

50-864FUNDAMENTALS 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 50-474 and/or Chemistry 51-571, 573 or consent of the 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. (Spring, alternate years) Prerequisites: Biology 50-204 and Chemistry 51-583. Also Environmental Studies 49-874.

All courses in the 900 sequence are special courses. Registration for these require the special permission of the instructor. The Capstone in Biology (50-931) is for graduating seniors only.

50-931 CAPSTONE SEMINAR (1-0). This course fulfills the capstone requirement in biology. The topic 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.

50-001, 002, 003, 004SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
50-301, 302, 303, 304SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
50-941, 942, 943 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP. Must be taken Pass/D/F.
50-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and a completed course description report. May be repeated with changed content.
50-971, 972, 973 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.
50-983 HONORS. By invitation only.