Catalog 2008-2009

BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Division of Natural Sciences

Associate Professor Daniel R. (Max) Taub, PhD, Chair
Professor Benjamin Pierce, PhD
Associate Professor Martín Gonzalez, PhD
Associate Professor Rebecca Ann Sheller, PhD
Assistant Professor Romi Burks, PhD
Assistant Professor Maria Cuevas, PhD
Assistant Professor Maria C. Todd, PhD
Instructor Linda Southwick, MT, MS
Visiting Assistant Professor Andrew Woodward, PhD
Assistant Professor James W. Ard, DVM (part-time)
Assistant Professor Karen Wheeler, DVM (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 ecology and evolutionary biology. Most of the courses have a lecture component combined with a laboratory component. Laboratories are conducted in Fondren-Jones Science Hall facilities, a greenhouse, and a 17-acre biological field station on the North San Gabriel River.

Introductory courses in the Biology Department can either serve as prerequisites for further study for the biology major/minor or satisfy the Area Two: Division of Natural Sciences experimental laboratory course requirement of the General Education Requirements. Non-introductory courses are designed for students seeking more in-depth information on cellular and molecular, organismal, and ecology and evolutionary biology and for students with specific vocational aims.

The Biology Department offers majors and minors for the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Interdisciplinary majors in Animal Behavior and Environmental Studies are also supported by the Biology Department.

By appropriate 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 advisers 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.

The capstone experience for the biology major consists of a research project or internship approved by the Biology Department or a capstone course (50-931). Consult with members of the department for more details on the capstone experience.

NOTE: Biology majors must complete the first-year Biology sequence (Biology 50-102, 112, 122, 162) and Biology 50-222, 232 with a grade of C- or better before enrolling in any additional courses above the introductory level.

Major in Biology (BA or BS): 30-35 semester hours, including Biology 50-102, 112, 122, 162, 222, 232; 50-931 or an approved research or internship experience (Capstone); one cellular and molecular biology course from 50-373, 474, 484, 573/571, 583, 864, 874; one organismal biology course from 50-324, 353, 364, 394, 424, 444; one ecology and evolutionary biology course from 50-314, 334, 414, 434.

Additional Requirements for the major (BA): two additional courses from the cellular and molecular, organismal, and ecology and evolution subdisciplines. At least three of the five courses from these subdisciplines must have a laboratory component. Upon recommendation of the adviser, up to two of the following courses may be substituted for the additional course requirement, but will not count under any specific subdiscipline: 50-303, 304, 971, 972, 973, 983. Four semester hours of Introduction to Research (50-971, 972, 973) may substitute for only one of the required laboratory courses.

Additional Requirements for the major (BS): three additional courses from the cellular and molecular, organismal, and ecology and evolution subdisciplines. At least four of the six courses from these subdisciplines must have a laboratory component. Upon recommendation of the adviser, up to two of the following courses may be substituted for the additional course requirement, but will not count under any specific subdiscipline: 50-303, 304, 971, 972, 973, 983. Four semester hours of Introduction to Research (50-971, 972, 973) may substitute for only one of the required laboratory courses.

Required supporting courses in the major (BA): 15 semester hours, including Chemistry 51-153/151 and 51-163/161 or 173/171 and 51-214; 51-544; Mathematics 52-113.

Required supporting courses in the major (BS): 31 semester hours, including Chemistry 51-153/151 and 51-163/161 or 173/171 and 51-214; 51-544; 51-554; Mathematics 52-113, 154; Physics 53-154, 164.

Minor in Biology: 20 semester hours, including Biology 50-102, 112, 122, 162, and 12 semester hours of Biology above the introductory level. At least one of the above introductory level courses must include a laboratory component.

See the Education Department for information regarding teacher certification in biology.

Biology (BIO)

NOTE: Successful completion of any two of the following mini-courses (half semester, 7-week courses) will yield credit for the Area Two: Division of Natural Sciences experimental laboratory course requirement - BIO50-102, 112, 122, 162, 222, 232.

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 and night exams. The course is a foundation-building course required of students majoring in biology. (Fall) (NSL)
50-112BIODIVERSITY (3-3; half-semester). Following a review of evolution and natural selection, this course surveys all domains of life. Emphasis is placed on how different organisms interact with their environment and with each other. The course includes a weekly laboratory session and night exams. The course is a foundation-building course required of students majoring in biology. (Fall) (NSL)
50-113HUMAN BIOLOGY TODAY (2-2). A natural science lecture/laboratory course designed for students who do not intend to major in biology. This course focuses 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. (NSL)
50-122GENETICS AND EVOLUTION (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 and night exams. The course is a foundation-building course required of students majoring in biology. (Spring) (NSL)
50-123BIOLOGY OF FOOD (2-2). A natural science lecture/laboratory course designed for students who do not intend to major in biology. This course focuses on understanding the food plants and animals which humans eat as living organisms. Topics covered include food plant anatomy and physiology, alternative crops, nutritional biochemistry and the genetic modification of crop plants. (NSL)
50-143ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2-2). A natural science lecture/laboratory course designed for students who do not intend to major in biology. This course emphasizes the interactions of organisms with their environment. In addition to this introductory survey of ecology, current applied ecological issues such as species diversity, conservation biology, greenhouse effects, acid rain and biological control are studied. Also Environmental Studies 49-143. (NSL)
50-162GENES AND MOLECULES (3-3; half-semester). This course focuses upon the molecular basis of inheritance and gene expression. Topics covered include DNA structure, replication and repair, transcription and translation, regulation of gene expression, mitosis and meiosis and regulation of the cell cycle. The course includes a weekly lab session and night exams. The course is a foundation-building course required of students majoring in Biology. (Spring) (NSL)
50-163BIOLOGY OF PERCEPTION (2-2). A natural science lecture/laboratory course designed for students who do not intend to major in biology. This course presents current theories on how humans perceive light, sounds, smells, taste and touch. Various properties of these modalities in our environment and their transduction into neural signals are described. Experimental design, execution, analyses and presentation are included in the laboratory component of the course. (NSL)
50-213ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (2-2). An introduction to the study 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. This course does not count toward the Biology major or minor. Prerequisite: Biology 50-112 and 122 OR Psychology 33-103. Also Psychology 33-253. (NSL)
50-222METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (2-2; half semester). This lecture/laboratory course is a foundation-building course that contains instruction on reading the primary literature in ecology and evolutionary biology, conducting literature searches, designing experiments, writing scientific papers, using quantitative methods, exercising critical thinking skills for data analyses, creating graphs, and developing specific laboratory and field research skills for ecology and evolutionary biology. Prerequisite: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, 162 and Mathematics 52-113. (Fall and Spring) (NSL)
50-232METHODS IN CELLULAR/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (2-2; half-semester). This lecture/laboratory course is a foundation-building course that contains instruction on reading the primary literature in cellular/molecular biology, conducting literature searches, designing experiments, writing scientific papers, using quantitative methods, exercising critical thinking skills for data analyses, creating graphs and developing specific laboratory skills for cellular/molecular biology. Prerequisites: Biology 50-102, 112, 122, 162. (Fall and Spring) (NSL)
50-314GENETICS (3-3). An introduction to the study of genetics, including the principles of heredity, structure and variation of chromosomes, the molecular nature of genetic information, DNA replication, transcription, translation, control of gene expression, genomics, quantitative genetics and population genetics. The course includes discussion of current findings of genetic research. Laboratory exercises emphasize hypothesis testing and the analysis of genetic crosses, along with techniques and concepts of genetics. Prerequisites: Biology 50-222 or 232. (Spring: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) (NSL)
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 explores these same themes, and additionally emphasizes plant identification skills and knowledge of the local woody flora. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204 or 222. (Fall: Organismal Biology) (NSL)
50-334EVOLUTION (3-3). 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 or 222. (Fall: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) (NSL)
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: Biology 50-204 or 232. (Spring: Organismal Biology) (NS)
50-364COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE MORPHOLOGY (3-3). After a brief consideration of the lower chordates, this course deals 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 or 232. (Spring: Organismal Biology) (NSL)
50-373BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION (3-0). This course takes a comprehensive look at the process of reproduction by examining the role of hormones, developmental and genetic sex, the process of puberty, and the production of offspring. Emphasis is given to human reproduction, although other species are studied to assist in the understanding of reproduction. Prerequisites: Biology 50-232 and Chemistry 51-544. (Cellular and Molecular Biology) (NS)
50-394ENDOCRINOLOGY (3-3). This course undertakes a detailed exposure to the structure and function of the endocrine system. The course emphasizes the biosynthesis, mechanism of action and homeostatic function of hormones. Topics demonstrate the chemical and physiological principles of hormonal integration with emphasis on humans. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204 or 232 and Chemistry 51-573, or permission of instructor. (Spring: Organismal Biology) (NSL)
50-414GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY (3-3). A survey of the biological implications of anthropogenic changes to the geosphere/biosphere, including rising atmospheric CO2, depletion of stratospheric ozone, alterations to the global nitrogen cycle, and global climate change. The course includes discussion of major biotic changes with a global dimension, including worldwide declines in amphibian populations and shifts in the geographic distributions of species. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204 or 222. Also Environmental Studies 49-414. (Spring: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) (NSL)
50-424ORGAN 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 or 232 and Chemistry 51-544, or permission of instructor. (Fall: Organismal Biology) (NSL)
50-434ECOLOGY (3-3). This class explores the interactions of organisms with their biotic and abiotic environment. In particular, the course looks 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: Biology 50-204 or 222. Mathematics 52-113 is recommended. Also Environmental Studies 49-434. (Spring: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) (NSL)
50-444INVERTEBRATE ECOLOGY (3-3). This class explores the amazing diversity found across marine, terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The lecture component involves taxonomic descriptors of different groups, but more specifically focuses on the ecology of these organisms through critical reading of the primary literature. Through the semester, the course confronts topics that impact many invertebrates, such as exotic species, habitat degradation, chemical communication, predator-prey interactions and competition. In weekly lab sessions, special emphasis is placed on conducting experiments, learning to identify organisms, and investigating the role of aquatic insects in ponds and streams through field work. Prerequisite: Biology 50-204 or 222. Biology 50-434 is recommended but not required. (Spring: Organismal Biology) (NSL)
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 signaling, and cell cycling. Laboratory experiments teach techniques and concepts of cellular physiology. Prerequisites: Biology 50-204 or 232 and Chemistry 51-554. (Spring: Cellular and Molecular Biology) (NSL)
50-484MICROBIOLOGY (3-3). An introduction to the study of microbes. The course is not strictly a bacteriology course, for some attention is 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 or 232 and Chemistry 51-544, or permission of instructor. (Fall: Cellular and Molecular Biology) (NSL)
50-571GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I LAB (0-4). Must be taken concurrently with Biology 50-573. See Chemistry 51-571. Cellular and Molecular Biology (NSL)
50-573GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I (3-0). Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-554. See Chemistry 51-573. Cellular and Molecular Biology (NSL)
50-583GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II (3-0). Prerequisites: Biology 50-573/571or Chemistry 51-573/571. See Chemistry 51-583. Cellular and Molecular Biology (NSL)
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 51-573/571 or permission of instructor. Cellular and Molecular Biology (NSL)
50-874MOLECULAR 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 mutagenesis and repair, mobile genetic elements and viral replication. Reading and critiquing primary journal articles is emphasized. A weekly laboratory session is required and includes independent projects using molecular biology techniques. Prerequisites: Biology 50-204 or 232 and Chemistry 51-583. Cellular and Molecular Biology (NSL)
50-931CAPSTONE (1-0). This course fulfills the capstone requirement in biology. The topic varies with the professor leading it. Available to graduating seniors with permission of the instructor only. (Fall and Spring) (NS)
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.
50-901, 902, 903, 904TUTORIAL.
50-941, 942, 943ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP. Must be taken Pass/D/F. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
50-951, 952, 953, 954INDEPENDENT STUDY. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and a completed course description report. May be repeated with changed content.
50-971, 972, 973INTRODUCTION 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. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and a completed course description report. May be repeated with changed content.
50-983HONORS. By invitation only.