Courses (400-500 level)

400 level

Course Description

BIO 408
Principles of Virology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Cindy Elliott

Covers morphology, replication cycles, and genetics of important bacterial, plant, and animal viruses as well as the use of viruses in biotechnology and gene therapy. Special emphasis will be given to viral pathogens of humans including the pathophysiology, transmission, treatment, and prevention of vira diseases. Newly emerging viral diseases and their impact on society will also be discussed. Graduate students will be expected to submit a 5-10 page term paper on a virology-related topic that is approved by the instructor.

Prerequisites:Principles of Biology I and II, Microbiology, Genetics, Cell Biology. Pre- or co-requisites: Immunology or Molecular Biology or permission of instructor.

BIO 409
Immunology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Cindy Elliott

Introduction to the field of immunology, including immunity, serology, immunochemistry, and immunobiology. Other topics include immunodeficiency diseases, tumor immunology, transplantation immunology, autoimmune diseases, and allergies. (Three lecture hours/week.) Prerequisites: Principles of Biology, Zoology, & Microbiology or permission of the instructor.
upon field work is required.

Prerequisites: Principles of Biology, Zoology, and Botany or graduate status.

BIO 417
Herpetology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Pablo Delis

Introduction to the study of amphibians and reptiles including their classification, evolution, functional morphology, ecology, and husbandry. Laboratory work includes anatomical study, identification, and field trips. (Two periods lecture and one period lab/week.)

Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Zoology or permission of instructor.

BIO 418
Molecular Biology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Bill Patrie

Examines the structure and expression of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes. Topics
include experimental techniques used to clone, express, and analyze DNA sequences; chromosome and gene structure; mechanisms of DNA replication and repair; mechanisms of transcription and translation; the regulation of transcription; RNA processing and post transcriptional regulation; gene regulation in development; and molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis and cancer. Classes include discussion of current literature and the use of on-line resources for analysis of DNA sequences.

Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I and II, Microbiology, Genetics, Cell Biology or Biochemistry, or permission of instructor.

BIO 423
Plant Pathology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Michael Marshall

Basic course in plant pathology considers the major general groups of plant diseases together with specific representative diseases for each group and methods for their control.

Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Botany.

BIO 425
Biota of Florida
(2 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Pablo Delis
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Heather Sahli

Seminar/field course deals with the biology of warm temperate and subtropical Florida
including vegetation, fauna, geology, history, and economy. Offered spring semester of odd numbered years, it requires a single weekly class meeting plus an intensive 10-day field trip to parks, natural areas, and refuges in Florida over spring break. Field trip costs for the student include food, entrance and camping fees.

Prerequisite: Biology major with junior standing or permission of instructors.

BIO 430
Principles of Evolution
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Tim Maret

Introduction to evolutionary principles, their applications, and to the appropriate literature. Major topics include the history of evolutionary concepts, the species and speciation processes, phylogenetic patterns and their reconstruction, classification, biogeography, extinction, and biological nomenclature. Three hours lecture/ week.

Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I and II and Genetics or permission of instructor.

BIO 444
Conservation Biology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Tim Maret

Applies the principles of population ecology, population genetics, biogeography, animal behavior, and paleobiology to the maintenance of global diversity and natural systems.  Research theory is applied to conservation policy and management decisions. (Two periods lecture and two periods lab/discussion per week.) Course includes midweek and weekend field trips.

Prerequisites: college course in ecology or wildlife biology, or either senior or graduate status in the biology department.

BIO 448
Field Botany and Plant Taxonomy
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Larry Klotz

Deals with the principles of classification and systematics of vascular plants, with an emphasis on local plant communities. Field trips and laboratories develop skill in the use of technical and popular identification manuals. Library readings develop familiarity with the principles and literature of plant systematics and ecology. Memorization of selected, local species is required. Field trips include several local excursions plus a weekend trip to the Delmarva Peninsula and two Saturday trips to natural areas in Pennsylvania.

Prerequisite: Principles of Biology or Basic Biology or permission of instructor.

BIO 450
Endocrinology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Michael McNichols

Study of the glands of internal secretion and their biochemical and physiological role in
development, growth, metabolism, homeostasis and reproduction of animals.

Prerequisite: Human Physiology or permission of instructor.

BIO 455
Algae and Aquatic Plants
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Larry Klotz

Lectures and laboratories explore the structure, function, diversity, and economic importance of algae plus the aquatic groups of fungi, bryophytes, and vascular plants. Laboratories emphasize the use of technical keys and include collecting techniques plus a Saturday field trip in early September.

Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Botany or permission of instructor.

BIO 461
Techniques in Biotechnology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Cindy Elliott
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Bill Patrie

Provides students with hands-on experience with standard molecular biology and immunological techniques commonly used in industrial and academic laboratories. Methods will include immunoblotting methods, ELISA, isolation and analysis of DNA and RNA, protein purification, and gene cloning techniques. One hour lecture and four hours lab/week. Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I and II, Microbiology, Genetics, Cell Biology or Biochemistry.

Pre- or co-requisites: Immunology and Molecular Biology or permission of instructor.

BIO 462
Invertebrate Zoology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Theo Light

Synopsis of the phylogeny, classification and important adaptive features of major and minor invertebrate phyla. Emphasis is placed on taxonomy and a comparative study of the morphology, composition, and functioning of the animal organ systems or their operational equivalent, as they occur in a broad representation of invertebrate groups, to include patterns of development, reproductive strategies, and life history adaptations.

Prerequisites: Upper division standing, graduate status, or permission of instructor. Graduate students enrolled in this class will be required to complete additional course requirements.

BIO 463
Vertebrate Zoology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Pablo Delis

Explores the diversity, function, and phylogenetic relationships among the vertebrate
animals. Graduate students are required to submit a research paper on a topic pproved by the instructor in addition to other course requirements. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week.

Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I and II, or graduate standing, or permission of instructor.

BIO 485
Biological Microscopy and Imaging
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Greg Paulson

Covers principles and techniques in macrophotography, light microscopy, especially microphotography and videography, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Students will learn specimen handling and preparation including basic theory and practice in fixation, dehydration, dark room techniques, and computer
imaging. Students are expected to perform basic maintenance and alignment of the SEM. A research project is required.

Prerequisites: Upper division or graduate standing or permission of instructor. Graduate students enrolled in this class will be required to complete additional course requirements.

Overview of methods for investigating biological field problems. Students will learn to use a variety of techniques in field conditions. Collection, analysis, and interpretation of data will be emphasized. Methods applied in current professional literature will be discussed.

Prerequisites: Graduate or upper division standing or permission of instructor. Graduate students enrolled in this class will be required to complete an independent project culminating in a written report.

500 level

Course Description

BIO 514
Aquatic Entomology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Greg Paulson
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Richard Stewart Jr.

Rigorous course concentrating on the taxonomy and morphology of the insects having representatives spending all or part of their life cycles in aquatic environments. Intensive field and laboratory work centers on collection, classification of representative types and studies of ecological roles of various aquatic habitats.

Prerequisite: Entomology, graduate status, or permission of instructor.

BIO 515
How to Research, Write, and Publish a Scientific Paper
(1 CREDIT)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Michael Marshall
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Todd Hurd

Introduces biology graduate students to techniques and skills required to successfully research, write, and publish scientific papers. Topics include: What is research?; Why publish?; experimental design; literature searches; preparing a manuscript; preparing tables and figures; what, how, and where to submit; the editorial review process; and oral and poster presentation of research papers.

Prerequisite: Graduate status, or permission of instructor.

Explores structure and function of natural plant communities and exposes students to methods of field sampling and data analysis in community ecology. Will include field labs to local forest and wetland plant communities.

Prerequisite: Ecology.

BIO 541
Ecosystems
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR: Dr. Todd Hurd

Explores pattern and process in ecosystem, emphasizing elemental cycling and energy flow in and across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and interfaces with biotic communities. Will include methods and approaches in ecosystem ecology and review of primary literature.

Prerequisite: Ecology.

BIO 547
Wetlands Ecology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Todd Hurd

Wetlands and the resident wildlife are studied as a unit to better understand the fragility of this invaluable habitat. Classification, delineations, wetlands protection techniques, current status of wetlands, specifically coastal wetlands will be the focus.

Prerequisite: Ecology.

BIO 555
Comparative Environmental Physiology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR: Staff

Considers comparative aspects of life functions in selected representatives of the animal kingdom with respect to their different environments.

Prerequisite: Animal Physiology or Human Physiology or permission of instructor.

BIO 558
Microbial Ecology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Marcie Bear-Lehman

Examines the interactions of bacteria, yeasts and protozoans in the environment. The role of each type of microorganism in degradation and nutrient recycling is explored in the laboratory and in the field. Topics include soil, water, and gut microbiology; microorganisms as geochemical agents; microbial succession; and seasonal variation in microbial populations.

Prerequisite: Microbiology.

BIO 559
Evolutionary Ecology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Tim Maret

Lectures and discussion periods cover topics of physiological ecology, interspecific interactions, population ecology, community structure, the ecological niche, co evolution, and biogeography.

Prerequisite: A previous college ecology course or permission of instructor.

BIO 576
Structure of Vascular Plants
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Larry Klotz

Investigates selected aspects of the anatomy and morphology of the vegetative and reproductive organs in lower vascular plants and seed plants. Comparative and developmental aspects of plant structure are emphasized, including an introduction to paleobotany, the study of plant fossils. Laboratories provide projects in botanical histochemistry and micro technique. Laboratory time in addition to the scheduled periods is required.

Prerequisite: Principles of Biology, Botany, or permission of instructor.

BIO 577
Ecomorphology
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Pablo Delis

This is a graduate class intended for students interested in a holistic approach to biology and experimental research. This course reviews the morphological adaptations of animals with emphasis on craniates. The functional and behavioral aspects of these adaptations are discussed in the context of the evolutionary and ecological relationships of key taxa. The students are expected to apply their academic background to research, deliver, and discuss the morphological traits enhancing animal's biological fitness. Ramifications of Ecological Morphology (i.e. molecular biology, genetics, physiology, systematics, engineering, environmental science, philosophy) could be also considered. The course is a combination of lectures, student presentations, and discussions of current scientific literature.

Prerequisite: Invertebrate Zoology, or Vertebrate Zoology, or Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, or Instructor's Permission.

BIO 593
Biometry
(3 CREDITS)
PROFESSOR:
Dr. Tim Maret

Dr. Theo Light

Examines the uses of parametric and nonparametric statistics in biological research. Students gain practical experience in the application of statistical analysis to sets of original data using both hand calculation and packaged computer programs with emphasis on the organization and preparation of data for analysis, the selection of appropriate statistical tests, and the interpretation of the results of analysis of both published and unpublished data. A pocket calculator with square root function
is recommended.

Prerequisite: At least 14 credit hours of college biology.