The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Biology
312 Eberhart Building
(336) 334-5391
http://www.uncg.edu/bio
Graduate Programs:
Master of Education (MEd) in Biology, currently not accepting applications
Master of Science (MS) in Biology, 30 hours
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Health Science, 55-64 hours
Graduate Faculty
Professors
Robert E. Cannon, PhD, Microbiology.
Stanley H. Faeth, PhD, Community ecology, ecology and evolution of species interactions, urban ecology (Head of Department).
Vincent C. Henrich, PhD, Molecular aspects of hormonal regulation in development.
Anne E. Hershey, PhD, Aquatic ecology, lake trophic interactions, nutrient limitation and organic matter processing in arctic lakes, urban streams, and reservoirs.
Elizabeth P. Lacey, PhD, Evolutionary plant ecology, parental/maternal effects, phenotypic plasticity, reproductive thermoregulation.
Esther M. Leise, PhD, Neurobiology, settlement and metamorphosis of marine invertebrates.
Parke A. Rublee, PhD, Microbial food webs in aquatic ecosystems.
Robert H. Stavn, PhD, Aquatic ecology, optical oceanography, ecology, zooplankton and lake optics.
Adjunct Professors
Timothy Johnston, PhD, Comparative studies of behavioral development and evolution, and the history of developmental theories in psychology and biology.
Cheryl Logan, PhD, Animal communication, behavioral endocrinology, history of biology, endocrinology and genetics in the 1920s.
Michael K. McIntosh, PhD, Nutritional regulation of adipocyte growth, differentiation, metabolism, and inflammation.
Associate Professors
Amy L. Adamson, PhD, Virus-host cell interactions.
Mark D. Hens, PhD, Cell and molecular biology of vertebrate development.
Matina C. Kalcounis-Rüppell, PhD, Mammal behavior, ecology and energetics.
Karen S. Katula, PhD, Gene regulation, cell cycle control (Director of Graduate Study).
Bruce K. Kirchoff, PhD, Evolution of development, plant morphology and systematics, biological pedagogy.
Dennis R. LaJeunesse, PhD, Developmental genetics and cell biology.
John J. Lepri, PhD, Coordination of reproductive behavior and physiology of mammals, chemical senses.
Yashomati M. Patel, PhD, Diabetes, obesity and breast cancer biology.
David L. Remington, PhD, Genetics of complex traits and adaptive evolution in plants.
Olav Rueppell, PhD, Honey bee health, evolutionary genetics and genomics, life history and behavior, and aging.
Malcolm Schug, PhD, Population genetics and evolutionary biology.
Paul A. Steimle, PhD, Molecular mechanisms of cell motility.
John E. Tomkiel, PhD, Mechanisms of chromosome segregation, Drosophila genetics.
Adjunct Associate Professor
Promod R. Pratap, PhD, Biophysical dynamics of active-transport systems, kinetics of the sodium pump (Na+-K+-ATPase) in mammalian kidney.
Assistant Professor
Gideon Wasserberg, PhD, Ecology of infectious diseases, community ecology, ecological modeling.
MS - Master of Science in Biology
The 30-hour MS in Biology prepares students for careers in biological research, and it provides a strong foundation for further academic training, such as medical school or a doctoral program. 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. The research experience provides graduates with specific knowledge and skills to be competitive in the life-sciences workplace.
Application and Admission
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a personal statement explaining how the master's degree at UNCG will help them achieve their career ambitions.
Qualified applicants will have a strong undergraduate background in biology and science.
Applicants must submit all application materials by the appropriate deadline for Fall, Spring, or Summer admission.
Degree Requirements
The MS in Biology requires 30 semester hours. 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) (Capstone Experience)
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.
PHD - Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health Science
The PhD in Environmental Health Science requires 55-65 semester hours and prepares students for senior-level positions in professions related to environmental health in its broadest sense. The program trains students to become leaders in biological research relevant to environmental issues that directly and/or indirectly affect human health, and the program trains students to convey information effectively to the public. Students acquire an understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of environmental health issues from ecosystem to molecular levels. Students learn relevant research skills and conduct research under the guidance of one or more faculty members in the department. Doctoral research falls within one of four focal areas: environmental forensics, environmental genomics, cellular and physiological dynamics, and aquatic and riparian ecosystems.
Application and Admission
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a Curriculum Vitae and a personal statement that includes educational background, professional activities, research interests, career goals, reasons for choosing the program, and UNCG faculty whose research is of interest.
Degree Requirements
The departmental Graduate Studies Committee determines the number of non-dissertation credit hours required based on a student's prior course work. No more than 25% of total hours (exclusive of dissertation hours) may be at the 500 level.
Required Core Courses (17 hours)
BIO 600 Introduction to Graduate Studies (1)
BIO 607 Seminar in Environmental Health Science (1)
BIO 631 Environmental Health Science I (3)
BIO 632 Environmental Health Science II (3)
BIO 633 Workshops in Environmental Health Science (4)
BIO 649 Lab Rotation (2)
STA 661 Advanced Statistics in Behavioral and Biological Sciences I (3)
Research and Dissertation (28-37 hours )
BIO 790 Directed Study in Environmental Health Science
BIO 791 Independent Doctoral Research
BIO 799 Dissertation
Electives (Minimum of 9 hours)
With the approval of the Dissertation Committee, a student will select at least 9 hours of biology courses at the 500-700 level. Additional elective courses may be taken from biology or other approved programs.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination consists of a written research proposal that must be orally defended in a public seminar and before a student's dissertation committee. Successful completion and defense of the proposal allows the student to achieve candidate status, and thus, register for BIO 791 Independent Doctoral Research and BIO 799 Dissertation.
Dissertation Defense
Students must present a seminar that is open to the public and satisfactorily defend their completed dissertation research to her/his dissertation committee.
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. permission of instructor
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. permission of instructor
Study of physiological mechanisms; selected problems from current literature.
503 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (3:3)
Pr. permission of instructor
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. permission of instructor
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. permission of instructor
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. permission of instructor
Basic mechanisms of gene action in microbes, animals, and plants.
507 Advanced Topics in Neurobiology (3:3)
Pr. 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. permission of instructor
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. permission of instructor
Studies of special terrestrial communities or plant groups.
511 Advanced Topics in Plant Physiology (3:3)
Pr. permission of instructor
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. 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. 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. permission of instructor
Directed/independent study of classification and phylogeny 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. 301 or permission of instructor; STA 271 recommended Coreq. 523
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 permission of instructor; 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. 301 and 392, or permission of instructor; 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. permission of instructor
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. 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 and 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 Biochemistry: Metabolic Regulation in Health and Disease (3:3)
Pr. 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)
536 Biology of Aging (3:3)
Pr. permission of instructor
An integrative look at biological theory and mechanisms to explain the diversity of the aging process, including human implications.
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 regulatory systems have evolved.
541 Entomology (3:2:1)
Pr. 301 and 341, or permission of instructor
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. 355, PHY 211/212 or PHY 291/292, MAT 191, and CHE 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
Experimental work designed to complement lecture material of 535.
549 Current Topics in Biology (1-3)
Pr. 112 or 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, or permission of instructor
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. 277, 370, 425, 453, 464 or 477; 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. 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. 355 and one of the following: 277, 477, 479, PSY 230; or permission of instructor.
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. 355, and 392; or permission of instructor
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. 277 or 477 and one of the following: 112 and 341, or 355, or 370; or permission of instructor
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. 355 and 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.
587 Epigenetics (3:3)
Pr. 355 and 392
Study of epigenetic mechanisms involved in chromatin structure, DNA and histone modifications, gene expression, dosage compensation, imprinting, heterochromatin structure, stem cell differentiation, development, human disease and environmental-gene interactions. (Alt Fall)
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.
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 or permission of instructor
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 or permission of instructor
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, unless otherwise noted.
600 Introduction to Graduate Studies (1:1)
Pr. biology graduate student or permission of instructor
Training in research ethics and oral-visual communication. Topics include plagiarism, experimental design, statistical interpretation, conflicts of interest, animal safety, authorship, peer review, and scientific presentations.
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. 430 or permission of instructor
Discussion of fundamental concepts involving the interrelationships of population genetics, ecology, systematics, and neo-Darwinian evolution; review of recent literature.
607 Seminar in Environmental Health Science (1:1)
Pr. biology graduate student or permission of instructor
Development of critical-thinking and writing skills through discussions and critiques of primary literature in environmental health science and through writing assignments.
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 MS 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 MS 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 MEd 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 MEd 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)
631 Environmental Health Science I: Ecosystems to Individuals (3:3)
Pr. biology graduate student or permission of instructor
Causes of environmental problems that society faces and the effects on ecosystem and community function and species survival. Implications for environmental and human health are explored.
632 Environmental Health Science I: Ecosystems to Individuals (3:3)
Pr. biology graduate student or permission of instructor
Introduction to fundamentals of toxicology with a focus on toxicological consequences of environmental perturbations on physiological and cellular processes, genome structure, and gene function.
633 Workshops in Environmental Health Science (1:0.5:3)
Pr. biology graduate student or permission of instructor
Individual six-week workshops focusing on analytical tools and experimental approaches used in freshwater/riparian ecosystem analysis, environmental genomics, environmental forensics, and cellular/physiological research.
641 Stream Ecology (3:3)
Pr. 301 or equivalent
Study of ecology and management of flowing water ecosystems. Topics such as community and ecosystem processes, major paradigms, management of point versus non-point pollutants, and restoration addressed.
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 MS 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)
692 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.
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 MS degree. (Graded on S-U basis).
699 Thesis (1-6)
790 Directed Study in Environmental Health Science (1-6)
Pr. admitted to PhD in environmental health science and approval of graduate faculty advisor.
Advanced research in environmental health science under the direction of a graduate faculty advisor. Preparation of doctoral research proposal and planning for dissertation research. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 hours credit. (Graded on S-U basis).
791 Independent Doctoral Research (1-6)
Pr. admitted to candidacy
Independent research in environmental health science related to the student's primary area of research specialization leading to dissertation. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 hours credit. (Graded on S-U basis).
799 Dissertation (1-18)
Pr. admitted to candidacy
Individual research for the completion of the doctoral dissertation. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 hours credit. (Graded on S-U basis).
801 Thesis Extension (1-3)
803 Research Extension (1-3)