The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Biology
312 Eberhart Building
(336) 334-5391
Department of Biology Homepage
Admissions Information
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Faculty
Overview
Master of Science
Master of Education
Biology Courses
Faculty
Professors
Robert E. Cannon, Ph.D.
Microbiology, biology of Acetobacter, a cellulose synthesizing microbe.
Vincent C. Henrich, Ph.D.
Molecular aspects of hormonal regulation in development.
Anne E. Hershey, Ph.D.
Aquatic ecology, lake trophic interactions, nutrient limitation and organic matter processing in arctic lakes, urban streams, and reservoirs.
Elizabeth P. Lacey, Ph.D.
Plant evolutionary ecology, parental effects, phenotypic plasticity of plants.
W. John O’Brien, Ph.D.
Aquatic ecology, zooplankton ecology, limnology of arctic lakes.
Parke A. Rublee, Ph.D.
Microbial food webs in aquatic ecosystems.
Robert H. Stavn, Ph.D.
Aquatic ecology, optical oceanography, ecology, zooplankton and lake optics.
Patricia A. Sullivan, Ph.D.
Blood cell biology, biomedical ethics.
Adjunct Professors
Timothy Johnston, Ph.D.
Comparative studies of behavioral development and evolution, and the history of developmental theories in psychology and biology.
Cheryl Logan, Ph.D.
Animal communication, behavioral endocrinology, reproductive functions of mockingbird song and male-female interactions during breeding.
Associate Professors
Amy L. Adamson, Ph.D.
Virus-host cell interactions.
Karen S. Katula, Ph.D.
Gene regulation, cell cycle control (Director of Graduate Study).
Bruce K. Kirchoff, Ph.D.
Evolution of development, plant morphology and systematics, characters and character states.
Dennis R. LaJeunesse, Ph.D.
Developmental genetics and cell biology.
Esther M. Leise, Ph.D.
Neurobiology, settlement and metamorphosis of marine invertebrates.
John J. Lepri, Ph.D.
Coordination of reproductive behavior and physiology of mammals, chemical senses (Head of Department).
Malcolm Schug, Ph.D.
Population genetics and evolutionary biology.
Adjunct Associate Professors
Michael K. McIntosh, Ph.D.
Hormonal and nutrient influence on energy metabolism and gene expression in adipocytes.
Promod R. Pratap, Ph.D.
Biophysical dynamics of active-transport systems, kinetics of the sodium pump (Na+-K+-ATPase) in mammalian kidney.
Assistant Professors
Mark D. Hens, Ph.D.
Cell and molecular biology of vertebrate development.
Matina C. Kalcounis-Rüppell, Ph.D.
Mammal behavior, ecology and energetics.
Yashomati M. Patel, Ph.D.
Diabetes, obesity and breast cancer biology.
David L. Remington, Ph.D.
Molecular genetics of plant morphological evolution, plant evolutionary genomics.
Olav Rüppell, Ph.D
Life history and behavior of social insects, aging and genetics of complex traits.
Paul A. Steimle, Ph.D.
Molecular mechanisms of cell motility.
John E. Tomkiel, Ph.D.
Mechanisms of chromosome segregation, Drosophila genetics.
Overview
The Department of Biology offers programs of study designed to prepare students for professional careers as researchers. Faculty work closely with each student to tailor a specific curriculum to meet that student’s needs and interests. Students typically complete work for the master’s degree in 2-3 years.
Reflecting the diverse interests of faculty members within the Department, students in the biology master’s program have research opportunities in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, animal and plant physiology, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, plant morphology and systematics, plant biotechnology, limnology, stream ecology, neurobiology, marine biology, molecular ecology, behavior ecology, and evolution. As a result of a research-intensive graduate experience, successful students will emerge competitively into the life sciences workplace with specific knowledge and practical skills.
Successful applicants are expected to have a strong undergraduate background in biology and science.
Requirements for the Master of Science in Biology
The Department of Biology offers a graduate program of study leading to a 30 hour Master of Science degree. At least 15 hours (including 6 hours of thesis) must be in 600-level courses.
Biology Electives (24-27 hours)
Students will select 24-27 hours from 500- and 600-level biology courses; up to 8 of these hours can be taken at the 500- and 600-level in other departments with the prior approval of the Director of Graduate Study.
Thesis (3-6 hours)
BIO 699 Thesis (3-6)
Prior to the end of the second semester of enrollment, each student is expected to identify a Thesis Advisory Committee composed of a thesis advisor and two other faculty; the composition of the committee must be approved by the Director of Graduate Study. Prior to the end of the third semester of enrollment, each student is expected to present a thesis proposal to the Department. Only after these requirements have been met can a student enroll for credit in BIO 699 Thesis.
Requirements for the Master of Education in Biology
For 2007-2008, no new degree candidates will be accepted.
BIO Biology Courses
Although the department tries to offer most courses at least once every other year, staffing and enrollment limitations make it unlikely that every course will be offered according to this schedule. Consult the instructor for the equivalence of listed prerequisites.
| 501 | Advanced Topics in Animal Ecology (3:3) |
| Pr. previous course in ecology Directed readings into the literature of physiological ecology, growth and regulation of populations, community structure, energy flow, mineral cycling, and other areas of current research interest. | |
| 502 | Advanced Topics in Animal Physiology (3:3) |
| Pr. 277 and 355 Study of physiological mechanisms; selected problems from current literature. | |
| 503 | Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (3:3) |
| Pr. 535 Directed reading and reports from the current biochemical literature. Structure and biosynthesis of macromolecules and the composition and kinetic characteristics of biochemical pathways. | |
| 504 | Advanced Topics in Cell Biology (3:3) |
| Pr. 355 Advanced treatment of cell biology covering selected topics such as gene regulation, protein sorting, cell cycle control, apoptosis. Lectures and discussion of research articles. | |
| 505 | Advanced Topics in Ecological Physiology (3:3) |
| Pr. 477 or 579 Study of a major topic in ecological physiology of animals, including mechanisms by which physiological processes change in response to environmental alterations and the ecological significance of those changes. | |
| 506 | Advanced Topics in Genetics (3:3) |
| Pr. 392 Basic mechanisms of gene action in microbes, animals, and plants. | |
| 507 | Advanced Topics in Neurobiology (3:3) |
| Pr. 477 and 479, or permission of instructor Directed readings on fundamental physiological principles of nervous system functioning. Topics may include motor pattern generation, sensory transduction, sensori-motor integration, and neurohormonal modulation of behavior. | |
| 509 | Advanced Topics in Microbiology (3:3) |
| Pr. 481 Critical review of current research covering a wide range of topics including infectious diseases, bacterial physiology, marine microbiology, and immunology. Focus on students’ interests or needs. | |
| 510 | Advanced Topics in Plant Ecology (3:3) |
| Pr. previous course in ecology Studies of special terrestrial communities or plant groups. | |
| 511 | Advanced Topics in Plant Physiology (3:3) |
| Pr. 424 The physiology of growth and development in vascular plants treated in terms of phytohormones, nutrition, theories of transport, and environmental factors. | |
| 512 | Advanced Topics in Plant Structure and Evolution (3:3) |
| Pr. 322 or 354 or 440 or permission of instructor Current topics in plant structure, development and evolution. A term paper is normally required. | |
| 513 | Advanced Topics in Reproductive Biology (3:3) |
| Pr. 464, or permission of instructor Directed readings and original research on reproductive biology, with emphasis on structural, regulatory, behavioral, and evolutionary aspects. | |
| 515 | Advanced Topics in Vertebrate History (3:3) |
| Pr. 271 or 453, 370, and 392, and permission of instructor Directed/independent study of classification and phylo-geny of particular vertebrate groups that results in a term paper. | |
| 520 | Ecosystem Ecology (3:3) |
| Pr. 301 or permission of instructor Introduction to ecosystem functions, structure, and dynamics; basic ecosystem theories; discussions of key processes governing energy flow and nutrient cycling; comparison of ecosystems; discussion of selected original literature. | |
| 522 | Landscape Ecology (3:3) |
| Pr. 111, 112, and 301; STA 271 recommended Patch-corridor-matrix structure of landscapes and their impact on ecological processes; general approaches in landscape ecology studies. Discussion of landscape indices, spatial heterogeneity and current issues in landscape ecology. | |
| 523 | Landscape Ecology Laboratory (1:0:4) |
| Pr. 301 or equivalent. Coreq. 522 Field labs to observe different landscape structures and conduct course projects for comprehending principles of landscape ecology. Students will use computer labs for GIS basics, landscape analyses. | |
| 526 | Conservation Biology (3:3) |
| Pr. 111, 112, 301, and 392; STA 271 recommended Habitat and species conservation; topics include genetic diversity, demographic patterns of rare species, habitat fragmentation, design and management of nature reserves, ecological restoration. | |
| 527 | Terrestrial Plant Ecology (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 111, 112, and 301; STA 271 recommended Application of principles of ecology to plants and plant communities. Experimental methods stressed in laboratory work. Two required field trips. | |
| 528 | Microbial Ecology (3:3) |
| Pr. 301 and either 280 or 481, or permission of instructor Emphasis on current areas of active research with reference to applied problems. | |
| 529 | Aquatic Ecology (3:3) |
| Pr. 301; CHE 114 or permission of instructor The geology, physics, chemistry, and ecology of lakes, including reservoirs and streams, with comparisons to the ocean. | |
| 530 | Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (1:0:4) |
| Coreq. 529 Practical study of water chemistry methods, lake and stream morphometry, identification of freshwater zooplankton, benthic invertebrates and fish, and field trips to area reservoirs and streams. | |
| 535 | Metabolic Regulation in Health and Disease (3:3) |
| Pr. 111 and 112, and 277 or 355 or 392, or permission of instructor Chemical properties of major cellular compounds; biosynthesis, degradation, and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, and hormones; energy metabolism; enzymatic catalysis. (Spring) | |
| 540 | Genes and Signals (3:3) |
| Pr. 355 and 392, or permission of instructor Regulation of gene expression in bacteria, yeast, and higher eukaryotes and how such regulatroy systems have evolved. | |
| 541 | Entomology (3:2:1) |
| Pr. 111, 112, 301, 341, or permission of instructor; 392 recommended A theoretical and practical overview of the insect orders, selected topics of insect behavior, ecology and evolution, and an introduction to human-insect interactions. | |
| 543 | Biophysics (3:3) |
| Pr. PHY 211, 212 or 291, 292, MAT 191, BIO 355, CHE 111, 114, or permission of instructor Cellular biophysics with emphasis on the physical properties of membranes, including membrane transport mechanisms and electrical properties of membranes. (Same as PHY 543) | |
| 545 | General Biochemistry Laboratory (1:0:3) |
| Pr. 535, which may be taken concurrently Experimental work designed to complement lecture material of 535. | |
| 549 | Current Topics in Biology (1-3) |
| Pr. permission of instructor Advanced topics courses dealing with contemporary issues in the biological sciences. Course topics vary with instructors. | |
| 552 | Metamorphosis (3:3) |
| Pr. 355 and one 400-level course in biology Readings, discussions, and oral presentations of current literature on metamorphosis in animals. Mechanisms controlling metamorphosis, evolution of complex life cycles, and adaptations to differing habitats. | |
| 555 | Vertebrate Reproduction (3:3) |
| Pr. 464 or permission of instructor An advanced treatment of the diversity of vertebrate reproductive biology, with emphasis on structural, regulatory, behavioral, and evolutionary aspects. | |
| 560 | Symbiosis (3:3) |
| Pr. any three core courses or permission of instructor Symbiotic interactions of living organisms from an evolutionary perspective. Metabolic, genetic, behavioral, and ecological adaptions which allow symbioses to be formed and maintained will be discussed. | |
| 567 | Chemical Senses (3:3) |
| Pr. 111 and 112, and 355, and one of the following: 277, 472, 477, 479, PSY 435, PSY 436, or permission of instructor Exploration and interactive discussion of chemosensory stimuli, chemosensory transduction mechanisms, neural processing of chemosensory information, and organismal consequences of chemoreception. | |
| 573 | Drugs and the Brain |
| Pr. 111, 112, 355 and one of the following: 277, 477, 479, PSY 320; or permission of instructor. CHE 351 recommended. Pharmacology of major neurotransmitter systems in the brain and nervous system. Actions of clinically relevant drugs on these systems will be analyzed along with the major drugs of abuse. | |
| 575 | Neuroanatomical Techniques (3:2:4) |
| Pr. 111 and 112, and 355 and one of the following: 453, 472, 477, 479, PSY 435, or permission of instructor Practical experience with a variety of neuroanatomical procedures used to investigate the structural framework of nervous systems in invertebrate and vertebrate preparations. Students will learn to conduct independent projects. | |
| 578 | Hormones in Action (3:3) |
| Pr. 277, 355, 392 Hormonal signaling in humans and other animals is examined using developmental, physiological, behavioral, cellular, and molecular perspectives, with special emphasis on the adrenal glands and the gonads. | |
| 579 | Environmental Physiology (3:3) |
| Pr. 341, 355 or 370; plus 277 or 477 Lectures, discussions, and student presentations on the physiology of animals as it is influenced by and is adapted to environmental conditions. | |
| 583 | Virology (3:3) |
| Pr. 481 or permission of instructor Selected topics in virology. Emphasis upon new trends in the study of animal, plant, and bacterial viruses at both molecular and cellular levels. | |
| 584 | Immunology (3:3) |
| Pr. 481 or permission of instructor Principles of immunology and serology covering both humoral and cellular aspects of immunobiology. Selected topics to include T and B cell, immunoglobulins, tolerance, hypersensitivity. | |
| 586 | Cell Cycle and Cancer (3:3) |
| Pr. 111, 112, 355, 392 or permission of instructor Molecular basis of cell division and cancer examined through lectures and discussions of primary literature. Topics include cell cycle control, genomic stability, carcinogenesis, and cancer genetics. | |
| 589 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 591 | Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution (3:3) |
| Pr. 392 or permission of instructor Application of population genetics and molecular evolutionary theory to the study of natural history, natural selection, genome variation and organization, human evolution, conservation biology, and forensics. | |
| 592 | Genomics |
| Pr. 392 or permission of instructor An examination of genomic concepts and technologies; their application to understanding genome content, structure, function, and evolution; implications for understanding fundamental biological and health questions; and management of genomic data. | |
| 593 | Genetics of Complex Traits (3:3) |
| Pr. 392 or permission of instructor Theory, experimental methods, and analysis related to the genetic basis for variation in complex traits, including quantitative and threshold traits in animals and plants, and complex human diseases. | |
| 595 | Advanced Genetics (3:3) |
| Pr. 392 Selected topics in genetics at an advanced level. Emphasis placed on comparative view of molecular mechanisms underlying animal and plant development. | |
| 596 | Molecular Biological Approaches in Research (1:1) |
| Pr. 392 Use of novel molecular approaches to address current questions in the life sciences will be explored by analyzing recent research reports and learning the principles underlying these approaches. Course may be repeated for a total of 3 hours credit. | |
| 597 | Workshops in Biotechnology (1:0.5:3) |
| Pr. 494 or permission of instructor Individual, intensive four-week workshops focused on specific techniques in biotechnology. Provides hands-on experience designing and implementing a focused project utilizing current methods and bioinformatics. May be repeated for credit as long as letter suffix of course differs; workshops of a given letter may only be taken once. |
Permission of instructor required for all 600-level courses.
| 601 | Seminar in Animal Ecology (3:3) |
| Pr. 301 Literature of animal ecology including both classical and recent papers; using student presentations and class discussions, the ontogeny of some overarching ecological themes explored. | |
| 602 | Seminar in Animal Physiology (3:3) |
| Pr. 477 Discussion of recent breakthroughs in topics ranging from the hormonal and neural mechanisms involved in homeostasis to the interactive effects of physiology and behavior. | |
| 603 | Seminar in Biochemistry (3:3) |
| Pr. at least one previous course in biochemistry Study of recent progress in biochemical research; reading, discussion, and critical evaluation of current literature. | |
| 604 | Seminar in Ecological Physiology (3:3) |
| Pr. 477, 505, or 579 Discussions of primary literature in the physiological ecology of animals. | |
| 605 | Seminar in Ecology (3:3) |
| Pr. previous course in ecology Broad view of ecological literature and in-depth studies of selected aspects of population and community ecology. | |
| 606 | Seminar in Evolutionary Biology (3:3) |
| Pr. 392 plus 271 or 453 Discussion of fundamental concepts involving the interrelationships of population genetics, ecology, systematics, and neo-Darwinian evolution; review of recent literature. | |
| 608 | Seminar in Microbiology (3:3) |
| Pr. 481 Study of recent progress in microbiological research; reading, discussion, and evaluation of current literature. | |
| 609 | Seminar in Molecular Cell Biology (3:3) |
| Pr. 355 Topics in cell and molecular biology will be reviewed through discussion of research journal articles. Emphasis on modern experimental techniques and approaches. | |
| 610 | Seminar in Molecular Genetics (3:3) |
| Pr. 355 and 392 Recent advances in molecular genetics; reinforcing basic concepts underlying these developments and understanding their impact on the life sciences. | |
| 612 | Seminar in Plant Structure and Evolution (3:3) |
| Pr. 322, 354 or 440 Reading and discussion of current research in plant structure, development and evolution. | |
| 613 | Seminar in Reproductive Biology (3:3) |
| Pr. 464 Directed readings and original research on selected topics in reproductive biology, with emphasis on structural, regulatory, behavioral, and evolutionary aspects. | |
| 614 | Prenatal Development: Embryology and Teratology (3:3) |
| Pr. enrollment in M.S. genetic counseling program or permission of instructor Human embryological development with emphasis on normal and abnormal development. Issues in teratology and birth defects, clinical problems associated with birth defects and their means of prevention. (Same as GEN 614) | |
| 616 | Human Molecular Genetics (3:3) |
| Pr. enrollment in M.S. genetic counseling program or permission of instructor Review and extension of basic principles of molecular genetics and their application for the characterization, understanding, and treatment of genetically based disorders and susceptibilities. (Same as GEN 616) | |
| 621 | General Biology for Teachers I (3:3) |
| Enrollment restricted to those seeking the M.Ed. in comprehensive science. Topics include scientific method, biochemistry, cells, cellular processes, animal development, and animal physiology. | |
| 622 | General Biology for Teachers II (3:3) |
| Pr. 621 Enrollment restricted to those seeking the M.Ed. in comprehensive science. Topics include botany, cell division, genetics, evolution, and ecology. | |
| 625 | Advanced Animal Behavior (3:3) |
| Pr. 435, or 436, or 438, or permission of instructor Current research and theories including development and evolution of behavior, sociobiology, behavioral genetics, behavioral ecology, and the use of comparative method. (Same as PSY 625) | |
| 649 | Research Lab Rotations (1) |
| Optional course providing credit for participation in laboratory meetings and/or the initiation of preliminary research training in the labs of 1 to 3 potential thesis advisors. Course may be repeated for a total of 3 hours credit. (Graded on S-U basis). | |
| 658 | Molecular Diagnostics (1:0:3) |
| Pr. enrollment in M.S. genetic counseling program or permission of instructor A survey of current clinical methods used for the diagnosis of human genetic disorders. Special emphasis given to the molecular principles, interpretations, and limitations of these tests. (Same as GEN 658) | |
| 695 | Biological Research (3-6:0:9-18) |
| Student engages in advanced biological research under the supervision of a member of the Graduate Faculty. Course may be repeated with a maximum of 9 hours credit counting toward the M.S degree. (Graded on S-U basis). | |
| 699 | Thesis (1-6) |
| 801 | Thesis Extension (1-3) |
| 803 | Research Extension (1-3) |