COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIOLOGY
(BIO)
1033 Drugs and Society
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An examination of licit and illicit drugs and their biosocial effects. Topics
include pharmacology of alcohol, stimulants, hallucinogens, addiction, and
abuse. May apply toward the Level I Core Curriculum requirement in interdisciplinary
studies. [TCCN: PHED 1346.]
1113 Biology I
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to the science of biology, emphasizing basic cellular principles.
Topics include biochemistry, cell biology, metabolism, molecular biology, and
genetics. May apply toward the Level I Core Curriculum requirement in science.
(Formerly BIO 1203. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 1113 and BIO 1203.)
[TCCN: BIOL 1306.]
1122 Laboratory Investigations in Biology
(0-6) 2 hours credit.
Introduction to the tools, techniques, and topics of modern experimental biology.
(Formerly BIO 1212. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 1122 and BIO 1212.)
[TCCN: BIOL 1106.]
1123 Biology II
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 1113.
An introduction to the science of biology, emphasizing the structure and function
of plants and animals. Topics include plant physiology, animal physiology,
sexual reproduction, and development. May apply toward the Level II Core Curriculum
requirement in science. (Formerly BIO 1203. Credit may not be earned for both
BIO 1123 and BIO 1203.)
1143 Biology III
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 1113.
An introduction to the science of biology, emphasizing a comparative study
of the diversity of life forms and their interactions with the environment.
Topics include the decomposers, the producers, the consumers, ecology, and
evolution. May apply toward the Level II Core Curriculum requirement in science.
(Formerly BIO 1223. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 1143 and BIO 1223.)
2003 Biology of Human Reproduction
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An in-depth look at human reproductive anatomy, physiology, and behavior. Topics
to be considered include anatomy, sex differentiation, neuroendocrine physiology,
conception and development, birth control, and sexually transmitted diseases.
(Formerly BIO 1023. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 2003 and BIO 1023.)
2123 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113 and BIO 1122. BIO 1143 is recommended.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 2132 is recommended.
A detailed study of anatomical differences and similarities of vertebrates
with reference to evolutionary changes.
2132 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 2123 is recommended.
2313 Genetics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, and CHE 1103 or the
equivalent. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 2322 is recommended.
Principles governing transmission of hereditary factors in plants and animals,
with emphasis on molecular biochemical and population genetics. [TCCN: BIOL
2316.]
2322 Genetics Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Optional for nonmajors. Concurrent enrollment in BIO
2313 is recommended.
2343 Plants and Society
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1123, and BIO 1143. The
importance of plants and plant-derived products to human health and well
being through the provision of food, pharmaceuticals, and other important
natural products.
3003 Introduction to Marine Biology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, and BIO 1143.
An introduction to the physio-chemical factors that affect the biology of marine
organisms.
3013 Introductory Pathology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, and BIO 1123 or AHS
2103.
Concepts of disease and diagnosis of pathological conditions.
3033 Human Physiology and Performance
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 3413 or AHS 2103.
A systematic application of physiological principles to human equipment and
space to improve adaptation and performance in the work environment.
3063 Invertebrate Biology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, and BIO 1143.
A comprehensive study of the invertebrates with emphasis on their diversity,
morphology, ecology, and evolution.
3083 Biosocial Genetics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A study of human heredity and social issues, with emphasis on inherited diseases,
genetic problems, and evolutionary change in relation to culture, diversity,
and mating systems.
3103 Biotechnology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113 and BIO 1122.
An introduction to recent advances in biology related to biotechnology. Discussion
of how advances might be used to promote basic research in medicine, agriculture,
and other industries.
3163 Histology and Cytology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, and BIO 1123. Concurrent
enrollment in BIO 3172 is recommended.
The cytological and histological aspects of cellular organization.
3172 Histology and Cytology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3163 is recommended.
Microscopic study of tissues and organs. Basic techniques to prepare tissues
will be studied.
3213 Animal Behavior
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, BIO 1143, or consent
of instructor.
A detailed study of animal behaviors and their biological determinants.
3263 The Woody Plants
(2-3) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A study of the woody plants emphasizing the characteristics of family, genus,
species. Includes identification of the common woody plants. Leaf, stem, and
flower morphology, anatomy, and collecting techniques. Lecture, laboratory,
and fieldwork will be included as part of the course.
3273 Biology of Flowering Plants
(2-3) 3 hours credit.
A study of the wildflowers of Texas emphasizing identification of the more
common wildflowers, as well as family characteristics, flower anatomy, and
plant morphology. Plant-collecting techniques and wildflower photography will
be included. Lecture, laboratory, and fieldwork are also part of the course.
3283 Principles of Ecology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, and BIO 1143 or consent
of instructor; completion of the Core Curriculum requirement in mathematics.
Concurrent nrollment in BIO 3292 is recommended for biology majors.
A study of the interaction of organisms with their environment, with focus
on ecological principles, adaptations of organisms, environmental pollution,
and principles of conservation.
3292 Principles of Ecology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3283 is recommended.
A field-oriented course emphasizing modern ecological techniques, including
examinations of plant and animal populations and measurement of selected chemical
and physical parameters.
3323 Evolution
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 2313.
A discussion of theories and possible mechanisms for evolutionary changes at
various levels of organization.
3343 Plant Sciences
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, BIO 1123 and BIO 1143.
A comprehensive study of the plant kingdom, including the structure, physiology
and function of plants and their importance in our lives as sources of food,
fiber and pharmaceuticals.
3351 Plant Sciences Laboratory
(0-3) 1 hour credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3343 is recommended.
3413 General Physiology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, and BIO 1123, and
CHE 1303. BIO 1143 is recommended. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3422 is recommended.
Fundamental properties and processes in living systems. (Same as AHS 2103.
Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 3413 and AHS 2103.)
3422 General Physiology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3413 is recommended.
(Same as AHS 2111. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 3422 and AHS 2111.)
3433 Neurobiology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3413 and BIO 3422. Concurrent enrollment
in BIO 3442 is recommended.
Anatomy and physiology of nervous systems; the mechanisms of neuronal functions.
3442 Neurobiology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3433 is recommended.
A laboratory course emphasizing principles presented in BIO 3433.
3513 Biochemistry
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: CHE 2204 and CHE 2242; BIO 2313 is also
recommended.
Introduction to biochemistry: amino acids, protein structure, enzymes, lipids,
metabolism, nucleic acid structure, bioenergetics, and carbohydrates. Concurrent
enrollment in BIO 3522 is recommended.
3522 Biochemistry Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3513 is recommended.
Basic biochemical laboratory techniques: titration, protein purification, enzyme
kinetics, chromatography, electrophoresis, and centrifugation.
3613 The Biology of Aging
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 1113. BIO 1123 is recommended.
The biological principles of human life and health; the changes that occur
with aging and their implications for the lives of students and their families.
3623 Neuropsychopharmacology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 1113. BIO 1123 is recommended.
A study of the pharmacology of drugs that affect the function of the central
nervous system. Topics include drugreceptor interactions, drugs of abuse, and
drugs used to treat mental illness.
3633 Human Environmental Physiology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 3413 or AHS 2103.
Adaptive physiological responses to unusual environmental conditions.
3663 Human Embryology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, and BIO 1123, or consent
of the instructor. Course will cover the development of the human embryo
from fertilization to the birth of the fetus. The origin of various tissues
and organs will be followed during development. The environmental and genetic
factors that can alter development will be discussed.
3713 Microbiology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 2313. Concurrent enrollment in BIO
3722 is recommended.
A comprehensive study of microorganisms, including their composition, morphology,
growth, metabolism, classification, ecology, and significance in disease. (Same
as AHS 1053. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 3713 and AHS 1053.)
3722 Microbiology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3713 is recommended.
(Same as AHS 1061. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 3722 and AHS 1061.)
3733 Industrial Microbiology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3713 and BIO 3722.
A study of genetic engineering of industrial microorganisms, industrial fermentation
methodologies, quality control, and biotransformations used for the microbial
manufacture of foods, beverages, antibiotics, enzymes, single-cell proteins,
and industrial chemicals.
3813 Cellular Biology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 3413 or BIO 3513. Concurrent enrollment
in BIO 3822 is recommended.
A study of cellular function with relation to structure from the microscopic
to the molecular level.
3822 Cellular Biology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3813 is recommended.
3913 Molecular Biology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1143 and CHE 2204.
A study of nucleotides, DNA, replication, recombination, RNA, transcription,
genetic code, translation, genomes, and chromosomes.
3922 Molecular Biology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1122, BIO 1123, and CHE 2204. Concurrent
enrollment in or completion of BIO 3913 is recommended.
Techniques, including isolation of DNA and RNA, restriction enzyme digestion,
working with plasmids, detection of specific sequences by Southern or Northern
blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcriptase-PCR, basics
of gene cloning.
4023 Environmental Toxicology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 3413.
Environmental toxicants will be studied in terms of carcinogenicity, teratogenicity,
actions on physiological processes, and impact on environmental systems.
4033 Conservation Biology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 3283.
The class topics will include studying the nature of the biosphere, threats
to its integrity, and ecologically sound responses to these threats. Also included
will be the origin and preservation of biotic diversity, how the rich variety
of plant and animal life arose, how it has been maintained by natural processes,
and how its destruction can be prevented.
4043 Desert Biology
(2-3) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3283 and BIO 3292.
A study of the deserts of the world with an emphasis on U.S. deserts. Adaptations
of plants and animals and their responses to desert conditions, as well as
examinations of desert climatic patterns, geology, and natural history. Lecture,
laboratory, and fieldwork will be included.
4053 Wildlife Biology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 3283.
An introduction to wildlife biology and management including ecological principles
dealing with ecosystems, natural communities, and populations. The importance
of animal behavior, the availability of food, cover, wildlife diseases, predators,
hunting, and trapping will be included. Topics important to water, soils, farmlands,
rangelands, and forest management will be addressed as well as the conservation
of nongame and endangered wildlife.
4063 Ornithology
(2-3) 3 hours credit.
A course covering various aspects of the biology of birds, including anatomy,
physiology, systematics, evolution, behavior, ecology, and biogeography. Field
trips will be included.
4073 Law, Ethics, and the Life Sciences
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status, or consent of
instructor.
Current developments in biology such as recombinant DNA, embryo transplants,
life-preserving processes, reproductive and population control, and the impact
of biotechnology on enactment of new legislation and ethics in general.
4083 Entomology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3413 and BIO 3513, or consent of instructor.
Insect taxonomy and systematics, evolution, anatomy, physiology, reproduction,
development and ecology.
4133 The Biotechnology of Malting and Brewing
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3513, BIO 3522, BIO 3713, and BIO
3722.
A study of the scientific principles underlying brewing and other fermentation
technology.
4143 Developmental Biology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1123, BIO 1143, BIO 3513,
and BIO 3813. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4152 is recommended.
Sequential analysis of development and the factors which affect fertilization,
organogenesis, and implantation. (Formerly BIO 3143. Credit cannot be earned
for both BIO 4143 and BIO 3143.)
4152 Developmental Biology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4143 is recommended.
(Formerly BIO 3152. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 4152 and BIO 3152.)
4203 Plant Ecology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 3283, BIO 3292, or consent of instructor.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4221 is recommended.
A study of the major biomes of North America and Texas, including the chemical,
physical, and biological factors that influence the development of these biomes.
4221 Plant Ecology Laboratory
(0-3) 1 hour credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4203 is recommended.
Provides the opportunity for field-oriented study to examine qualitative and
quantitative methods and evaluate plant communities.
4233 Field Biology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1122, and BIO 1143 or consent
of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4241 is recommended.
A study of the natural history of plants and animals in their native environment.
Techniques for the identification of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians,
insects, and the dominant flowering plants will be discussed.
4241 Field Biology Laboratory
(0-3) 1 hour credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4233 is recommended.
A field-oriented course offering the opportunity for practical experience observing,
collecting, and identifying Texas plants and animals.
4333 Population Genetics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 2313 and BIO 2322.
A quantitative approach to the study of genetics systems in populations, including
mutations, selection, polymorphism, and mating systems.
4343 Molecular Genetics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 2313 and BIO 2322. Concurrent enrollment
in BIO 4352 is recommended.
Application of recombinant DNA techniques to the study of animals and plants
in industry, medicine, and research.
4352 Molecular Genetics Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 2313 and BIO 2322. Concurrent enrollment
in BIO 4343 is recommended.
A laboratory course emphasizing techniques for cloning, sequencing, and analyzing
recombinant DNA molecules.
4353 Comparative Animal Physiology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3413 and BIO 3422.
A phylogenetic study of physiologic adaptation in animals.
4453 Endocrinology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3413, BIO 3422, BIO 3513, and BIO
3522. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4462 is recommended.
A consideration of the physiological effects of hormones on the organism in
health and disease, with a study of the gross and microscopic morphology of
the glands of internal secretion.
4462 Endocrinology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4453 is recommended.
A laboratory course emphasizing principles presented in BIO 4453.
4523 Intermediary Metabolism
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3513 and BIO 3522.
A detailed consideration of metabolic pathways and energy metabolism and their
regulation.
4592 Advanced Neurobiology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4593 is required.
Instruction and hands-on training in techniques of in vitro electrophysiology,
neural modeling, cell culture, and molecular neurobiology.
4593 Advanced Neurobiology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3433 and BIO 3442. Concurrent enrollment
in BIO 4592 is required.
A lecture-seminar course with an emphasis on current topics in neurophysiological,
neurocomputational, cellular and molecular biological research.
4603 Plant Physiology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3343 and BIO 3351, and CHE 2204 and
CHE 2242. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4611 is recommended.
Principles of organization of cellular activity and molecular structure of
protoplasm; includes nutrition, translocation, mineral metabolism, respiration,
and photosynthesis.
4611 Plant Physiology Laboratory
(0-3) 1 hour credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4603 is recommended.
Qualitative and quantitative experiments in the study of plant physiology.
4643 Medicinal Plants
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113, BIO 1123, BIO 1143, and CHE
2204.
Ethnobotanical, biochemical and pharmacological aspects of some of our most
important plant-derived drugs.
4663 Plant Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 3343. BIO 3513 is recommended.
A study of the growth and development of plants, with an emphasis on the hormonal
control of plant development.
4723 Virology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3713, BIO 2313, and BIO 3513. Concurrent
enrollment in BIO 4732 is recommended.
A study of the diversity of viruses and biochemical mechanisms for their replication.
4732 Virology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4723 is recommended.
A laboratory course emphasizing the principles of virus replication, genetics,
and structure. Introduction to modern laboratory techniques for virus propagation,
detection, quantitation, and for genetic-phenotypic analysis. (Formerly BIO
4731. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 4732 and 4731.)
4743 Immunology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3513 and BIO 3522, or BIO 3713 and
BIO 3722. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4752 is recommended.
A study of the properties of antigens and antibodies and current concepts of
humoral and cell-mediated immunity and the cells involved.
4752 Immunology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4743 is recommended.
4763 Parasitology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 3713 and BIO 3722. Concurrent enrollment
in BIO 4772 is recommended.
A study of the animal parasites of humans and related hosts, with emphasis
on their epidemiology, life cycles, pathology, and control.
4772 Parasitology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 4763 is recommended.
4813 Brain and Behavior
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: BIO 1113, BIO 1123, and BIO 1122, or consent
of instructor.
Basic physiological functions of the brain and how they relate to behavior.
4911-3 Independent Study
1 to 3 hours credit. (Hours arranged.) Prerequisite: Permission in writing
(form available) from the instructor, the student's advisor, and the Department
Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction
of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester
credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor's degree.
4951-3 Special Studies in Biology
(1-0, 2-0, 3-0) 1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally
or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies
may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester
credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor's degree.
4963 Seminar in Biology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Minimum of 20 semester credit hours in
biological sciences.
An undergraduate seminar surveying selected biological topics through presentation
and discussion of relevant contemporary research and literature. May not be
repeated for credit. Limited to biology majors in their junior orsenior year.
4972 MBRS-MARC Symposium
(2-0) 2 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1113 or concurrent enrollment; CHE
1103; or consent of instructor.
A course involving presentations at the frontiers of chemistry, biochemistry,
biophysics, and biology, including genetics, microbiology, physiology, and
other areas. Course may be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester
credit hours may be applied to a bachelor's degree.
4993 Honors Research
3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to candidates for honors in
biology and approval by the Honors College.
Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once
with approval.
2004-2006
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