Course Descriptions

 
BIOL 100 Issues in Human Biology [  2 ] (3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years        Summer: All Years
Human biology is a wide field that includes human physiology, genetics, medical studies and how humans impact the environment. We are bombarded with information about everything from green tea to intelligent design. Our students will be the scientific resources for their families and peer groups; they need to know how to wade through non-science to get to the facts. This course uses data and "news" to teach students how to properly sift through all this material and logically draw conclusions based on fact.


BIOL 104 Human Biology [  4I  4 ] (3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years        Summer: All Years
Biological basis of human structures and functions with references to genetics, development, nutrition and disease. For non-science majors.


BIOL 109 Biology Today [  4  4L  4I ] (3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
This course offers an issues-oriented approach to the learning of biology. This course is designed to encourage critical evaluation of biological information providing students with a biological literacy that will enable them to make appropriate decisions affecting their own lives and the well-being of society. Course should be taken concurrently with BIOL 109. For non-science majors; majors or minors in Biology should take BIOL 111.


BIOL 109L Biology Today Lab [  4L  4  4I ] (1)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
Twelve hours of laboratory experience will provide an understanding of the scientific method, the relationship between hypotheses and theories, data collection, analysis, and communication of results. Course should be taken concurrently with BIOL 109.


BIOL 111 Cell Biology (4)
Spring: All Years       
Fundamental concepts of the structure, function and reproduction of cells. Lab included.


BIOL 111L Cell Biology Lab (0)

This is a zero-credit lab and must be taken in conjunction with BIOL 111.


BIOL 115 Organismal Biology (4)
Fall: All Years       
This course is designed for biology majors. The course will address biological diversity, primarily in plants and animals. Organismal diversity will be presented within an evolutionary context. Relationships between form and function as well as relationships of organisms to their environments will be addressed. Lab included.


BIOL 125 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3)
Fall: All Years       
The first semester of an introductory lecture and laboratory sequence in human anatomy and physiology for nursing students. The course examines the fundamental concepts of human structure and function including cells and tissues; integumentary, skeletal, and nervous systems; and sensory organs.


BIOL 126 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3)
Spring: All Years       
The second semester of an introductory lecture and laboratory sequence in human anatomy and physiology for nursing students. The course examines the fundamental concepts of human structure and function including covering muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 125 

BIOL 170 Exploring Biology (3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
This course is specifically designed for prospective elementary teachers. Includes principles of biology with emphasis on human biology, basic concepts in ecology and the impact of specific environmental problems. Lab included.


BIOL 190 Topics: Biology (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This is a topical course and may be repeated when the topic changes.


BIOL 236 Introduction to Microbiology [  4  4L  4M  11 ] (3)
Spring: All Years       
Focuses on bacteria, viruses and other microbes and their influence on humans, especially on activities related to human health. Addresses the nature of scientific inquiry, along with key microbiology concepts. Lab is required. Basic laboratory skills include bacterial cultivation, aseptic technique, microscopy, bacterial quantitation. Not intended for students majoring in the biological sciences.


BIOL 236L Intro Microbiology Lab (0)



BIOL 290 Topics: Biology (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This is a topical course and may be repeated when the topic changes.


BIOL 300 Biology of Women [  4  4L  4M ] (3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand        Summer: On Demand
A study of the gender-related aspects of the biology and behavior of women, including a critical examination of research in this field. Appropriate as a elective only for Biology majors who choose the Health and Medical Science emphasis or the Life Science Emphasis.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 104  BIOL 115 

BIOL 305 General Botany (4)
Spring: All Years       
This course is designed for the biology major and is a comprehensive introduction to the plant kingdom including the following topics: life-history, reproduction, structure, and physiology. A laboratory is included and involves self-paced microscopic and macroscopic analysis of living and preserved specimens.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 115 

BIOL 308 Pacific Northwest Ecology [  10 ] (3)
Summer: All Years
This three credit summer travel course allows students to study general ecological principles and regional natural history within the context of a variety of ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest, including coastal, alpine, freshwater stream, lake, and river, and temperate rainforest systems. The ecological consequences and the science behind specific environmental and conservation issues are explored. The concept of local and global sustainability is a pervasive theme throughout the course. Prerequisite: One college-level science course.


BIOL 321 Invertebrate Zoology (3)
Fall: Even Years       
This course is a survey of major invertebrate taxa, with some emphasis on insects. Course content includes identification of major groups and their ecology. Some emphasis will be placed on important parasites and agricultural pests. Each student will be responsible for creating a labeled collection of invertebrates.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 115 

BIOL 322 Vertebrate Zoology (4)
Spring: Odd Years       
This course is a survey of major vertebrate taxa, with emphasis on the evolutionary relationships among these groups and the interaction between anatomical structure and ecology.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 115 

BIOL 323 Human Anatomy (4)
Fall: All Years       
Anatomical structure of the human body, from individual organ systems to the integrated whole. Includes cadaver dissection.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 111  OR BIOL 115 

BIOL 326 Field Botany (3)
Summer: On Demand
Identification and ecology of vascular plants with an emphasis on local flora and regional vegetation types. With lab and fieldwork. Students who have completed Biology 226 may not enroll in Biol 326.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 115 

BIOL 335 Tropical Field Biology [  10 ] (3)
Spring: Even Years       
Two lectures per week during the spring semester discuss general concepts of ecology applied to tropical ecosystems. Topics covered include: global climate patterns that produce tropical conditions, evolution of biodiversity, rain forests, cloud forests, dry forests, mangrove swamps, coral reef ecology, principles and application of conservation biology to tropical flora and fauna, and balancing human resource use with habitat preservation and restoration. The "lab" component of this course is a mandatory, 10-day class trip to Costa Rica over spring break. In Costa Rica, students and faculty spend 4 days in an ecolodge in dry forest in Cabo Blanco on the Pacific Ocean, another 4 days in cloud forest near Monteverde. A special fee is required to cover the costs of travel, food, and accommodation. Prerequisite: one course in the sciences.


BIOL 341 Genetics [  W ] (4)
Fall: All Years       
A survey of the modern molecular and classical Mendelian principles underlying biological inheritance. With lab.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 111 

BIOL 345 Principles of Ecology (4)
Fall: All Years       
The structure and function of ecological systems. With lab and field work that will emphasize local species and ecosystems.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 115 

BIOL 346 An Ecological Perspective [  10 ] (3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This course seeks to help students understand basic ecological principles, and to use these principles to understand our current environmental problems. An integration of scientific, economic, political and ethical considerations will help students to appreciate the policies and practices necessary to achieving a sustainable future.


BIOL 347 Plant Physiology (4)
Fall: All Years       
Structure and function of higher plants with emphasis on molecular and cellular physiology as related to whole plant functions. Topics include growth and development, photosynthesis, and environmental aspects of plant physiology. Registration in BIOL 347 Lab required.
Prerequisite:  CHEM 210  CHEM 210L 

BIOL 348 Evolutionary Biology (3)
Spring: All Years       
Concepts, principles and evidence of evolutionary processes in biological systems.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 115  BIOL 341  BIOL 345 

BIOL 349 Human Physiology (4)
Spring: All Years       
The study of human physiology from cellular homeostasis through organ systems. Includes the study of normal function, regulation, and integration of organ systems, and the implications of abnormal function.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 111  OR BIOL 115 

BIOL 350 Microbiology (4)
Fall: All Years       
Covers concepts of basic and applied microbiology, emphasizing bacteriology and introducing virology and immunology. Laboratory covers basic microbiological techniques, identification of unknowns as well as a group research project. With lab.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 111  BIOL 115 

BIOL 360 Cellular and Molecular Physiology (4)
Fall: All Years       
This course involves the biological, biochemical, and molecular study of homeostasis at the cellular level. Key concepts include protein function, membrane function, signal transduction, electrical conduction, and cellular and intracellular movements.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 111  BIOL 111L 

BIOL 365 Developmental Biology (4)
Fall: All Years       
A study of the mechanisms of development in a variety of biological systems, with analyses of changes from conception through aging. With lab.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 341  BIOL 115 

BIOL 372 Aquatic Biology [  W ] (4)
Fall: All Years       
A general overview of aquatic ecosystems. This course includes basic physical and chemical properties of water (limnology), evolution and ecology of fishes (ichthyology), and resource conservation and management. With lab.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 111  BIOL 115 

BIOL 385 Molecular Biology (3)
Spring: All Years       
Molecular biology of the gene with emphasis on gene structure and expression in eukaryotes. Topics include current techniques used to study genomes, genes and regulation of gene expression.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 341 

BIOL 385L Molecular Biology Lab (1)
Spring: All Years       
This course is required for students in the Biology/Chemistry double major with an emphasis in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. The course may be used as an elective by students in other biology programs.


BIOL 390 Topics: Biology (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This is a topical course and may be repeated when the topic changes.


BIOL 391 Medical Observations and Evaluation I (2)
Spring: All Years       
This course is designed specifically for students interested in pursuing a career as a physician. It consists of a series of 4-hour observations of physicians or other health professionals at Innovis Health (Dakota Specialty Institute). Accompanying each observation is a 3-hour class session that is dedicated to the discussion of people's observational experiences. This class session will also be used to discuss selected readings pertaining to health care and ethics. Participants will maintain an observation/experience journal throughout the semester. Requirements for registration include a minimum GPA of 3.4 and junior standing. This course is for MSUM students only; TCU registration is not allowed.


BIOL 402 Principles of Animal Behavior (3)
Spring: All Years       
The genetic, ecological, evolutionary and physiological aspects of animal behavior including the historical background, kin selection, communication, aggression, navigation, and reproductive behavior. With lab.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 341 

BIOL 406 DNA as Destiny: Genetics and Society [  W  9 ] (3)
Summer: All Years
This course examines the various ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of genetic research and the applications of current and future applications of new genetic technologies. It is designed to provide students in any major, with the necessary background to make informed decisions about these issues in a socially and civically responsible manner.


BIOL 430 Immunobiology (4)
Spring: All Years       
Covers the components and functioning of the immune system: emphasizes the immune system at the organismal level as well as the cellular and molecular levels. Coverage includes topics in immunohematology. Case studies are employed. Listed prerequisites may be waived by consent of instructor.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 350 

BIOL 438 Medical Microbiology (4)
Spring: All Years       
A survey of the major infectious disease agents (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic) and their associated diseases in humans. Case studies will be employed.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 350 

BIOL 440 Middle School/Secondary Science Teaching Methods (3)
Spring: All Years       
Materials and methods appropriate for middle/junior and senior high school science classes and laboratories. Same as CHEM 440 and PHYS 440.


BIOL 442 Middle School Science Teaching Methods (1)
Spring: All Years       
Materials, methods and activities appropriate for middle school science classes and laboratories. Junior standing in elementary education (Science Specialty). Must be taken prior to student teaching. Same as CHEM 442 and PHYS 442.


BIOL 455 Wildlife Ecology (4)
Fall: All Years       
The application of ecological principles to the management of wildlife populations. Population dynamics and field techniques are stressed. With lab and field work.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 345 

BIOL 460 Medical Technology Clinical Education (8-12)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years        Summer: All Years
Clinical education in a school of medical technology in an affiliated hospital. Year-long sequence requires a total of 32 credits. Consent of instructor.


BIOL 469 Internship (1-12)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand        Summer: On Demand
A supervised work experience generally involving research in a governmental agency or the private sector. A maximum of 12 internship credits may be applied to the degree.


BIOL 470 Undergraduate Laboratory Teaching (1)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
Students will serve as undergraduate laboratory teaching assistants in selected biology classes under the supervision of a faculty mentor. May be repeated for credit.


BIOL 478 Research Design [  W ] (3)
Spring: All Years       
Students will identify a problem, complete a literature review of that topic, and design an experiment in the area of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. This will include developing a question, conducting a literature search using current databases and techniques, develop an appropriate bibliography, examine ethical issues in research, understand plagiarism, and learn how to effectively communicate their research design through writing and presenting a research proposal. Research proposals will focus on an area of research that the student will pursue, in consultation with a faculty mentor, during BIOL 479 Advanced Research.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 115  BIOL 341  BIOL 345  BIOL 385  MATH 244  BIOL 111 

BIOL 479 Advanced Research (3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
A research course in which students will work individually to complete research in an area of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology as set forth by the instructor. Students will execute a research project (field and/or lab) based on the proposal written in BIOL 478, Research Design. They will learn how to follow a careful, systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data. The course will culminate with presentation of the student's research finds in both oral and written formats.
Prerequisite:  BIOL 478 

BIOL 484 Biology Seminar (1)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
Oral presentations by students and staff based on critical evaluation of scientific literature and/or independent research.


BIOL 490 Topics: Biology (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This is a topical course and may be repeated when the topic changes.


BIOL 497 Undergraduate Research in Biology (1-3)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years        Summer: All Years
Individual research; project and its format must be accepted by the research advisor prior to registration. May be repeated for credit.


BIOL 590 Topic in Biology (1-4)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This is a topical course and may be repeated when the topic changes.