2005-2006 CATALOG
General Prerequisites: Students may receive credit for only one course from each of the following pairs: Biological Sciences 1063 and 1073, 1083 and 1053, 1061 and 1071, 1051 and 1081, 2014 and 2553. Students must attain grades of C or higher in any courses serving as prerequisites for higher-level courses.
Some of the biology courses entail dissection of animal or plant material. Such dissection is an essential component in the learning of biological principles and is required of all students majoring in the Biological Sciences at UNO and of all students matriculating in the upper-level biology courses. It is recognized that a significant number of nonmajor students take only the 1000-level biology courses and do not matriculate toward upper-level biology coursework. It is the policy of the department that, in the 1000-level biology courses (with the exception of Biology 1311), such nonmajor students who, for ethical reasons, object to dissection, may request of the laboratory instructor to be exempted therefrom (with the understanding that the student will be held responsible for the course material contained therein).
BIOS 1051 Contemporary Biology Laboratory 1 cr.
Prerequisite: eligibility for enrollment in ENGL 1157. Enrollment in BIOS 1053 is recommended. Not offered for credit to fulfill science requirements of students enrolled in the College of Sciences, Allied Health Program, or Science Education. This course is designed to complement material presented in Biological Sciences 1053. Laboratories explore the types of activities occurring in living systems including various aspects of human physiology such as blood pressure, the effects of exercise on the heart and muscle function. The remainder of the course involves a study of how cells reproduce, human genetics, and human reproduction. The course meets for two hours once per week. Credit may not be earned in both BIOS 1051 and 1081.
BIOS 1053 Contemporary Biology 3 cr.
Prerequisite: eligibility for enrollment in ENGL 1157. Not offered for credit to fulfill science requirement of students enrolled in the College of Sciences, Allied Health Program, or Science Education. Concurrent enrollment in BIOS 1051 is not required. Credit may not be earned in both BIOS 1053 and BIOS 1083. This course is one of two courses designed to present biology in a manner relevant to the non-science major. This semester consists of a study of form and function of the human body and aspects of health and disease.
BIOS 1054 Introductory Biology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: SCI 1012. Introduction to the general principles of biology, including planning and conducting experiments, using data to explain observations, the structure and function of animals and plants, microbiology, ecology, classification and the diversity of organisms, and genetics. Lab will be integrated in a hands-on manner designed to provide future elementary teachers and non-science majors with a firm scientific understanding of Life Sciences. Three hours lecture and three hours lab. Not offered to fulfill science requirements of students enrolled in the College of Science.
BIOS 1061 Contemporary Biology Laboratory 1 cr.
Prerequisite: eligibility for enrollment in ENGL 1157. Enrollment in BIOS 1063 is recommended. Not offered for credit to fulfill science requirements of students enrolled in the College of Sciences, Allied Health Program, or Science Education. This course is designed to complement material presented in BIOS 1063. A survey of the five living kingdoms is presented with a focus on basic aspects of their biology and their evolutionary relationships. Principles of behavior are illustrated with student observation of a number of animal groups, and principles of ecology and ecosystem analysis are investigated using the local marsh ecosystem. The course meets for two hours once per week. Credit may not be earned in both BIOS 1061 and BIOS 1071.
BIOS 1063 Contemporary Biology 3 cr.
Prerequisite: eligibility for enrollment in ENGL 1157. Not offered for credit to fulfill science requirements of students enrolled in the College of Sciences, Allied Health Program, or Science Education. Enrollment in BIOS 1061 is not required for enrollment in BIOS 1063. This course is part of a two-semester sequence. The course is designed to provide the non-science major with basic information about the principles of ecology and evolution, and the impact of man on the environment. Topics include the origin and evolution of plants and animals, aspects of animal (including human) behavior, evaluation of methods of pest control and pollution. Credit may not be earned in both BIOS 1063 and BIOS 1073.
BIOS 1071 Biodiversity Laboratory 1 cr.
Prerequisite: credit or concurrent enrollment in BIOS 1073. Students are given exposure to representatives of the various groups of organisms discussed in BIOS 1073 as well as other lecture topics that can be appropriately considered in the context of a laboratory setting (e.g. cell division and genetics). The course meets for three hours once per week. Credit may not be earned in both BIOS 1071 and BIOS 1061.
BIOS 1073 Biodiversity 3 cr.
Prerequisites: eligibility for enrollment in ENGL 1157, MATH 1125 and credit or concurrent enrollment in BIOS 1071. An introduction to organismal biology in the broadest sense. The theory of evolution and its historical development are considered and provide the framework for a survey of diversity encountered in the five kingdoms of living organisms. The course finishes with an introduction to the basic principles of genetics and their relation to the process of evolution. Three hours of lecture. Credit may not be earned in both BIOS 1073 and BIOS 1063.
BIOS 1081 Form & Function Lab 1 cr.
Prerequisite: credit or concurrent enrollment in BIOS 1083. This course is designed to demonstrate several of the principles discussed in BIOS 1083. Students are given exposure to the form (structure) of plants and animals at the cell, tissue, and organ levels. Students also perform experiments designed to explore how plants and animals function. Quantitative data are collected and analyzed. Other topics include control of the internal environment, organismic integration, the cell cycle, and animal development. The course meets for three hours once per week. Credit may not be earned in both BIOS 1081 and BIOS 1051.
BIOS 1083 Form & Function 3 cr.
Prerequisites: eligibility for enrollment in ENGL 1157 and Math 1125 and credit or concurrent enrollment in BIOS 1081. An introduction to animal and plant structure and function at the level of organ systems. Topics will include digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, chemical and neural coordination, sensory systems and effectors, reproduction and development. Three hours of lecture. Credit may not be earned in both BIOS 1083 and BIOS 1053.
BIOS 1301 Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 1 cr.
Offered each semester. Prerequisite: credit with C or better or concurrent registration in BIOS 1303. Three hours of laboratory each week to accompany BIOS 1303. Practical applications of the basic biological principles and a detailed study of the skeleton, brain, and major sensory organs.
BIOS 1303 Human Anatomy and Physiology 3 cr.
Offered each semester. Prerequisites: Eligibility for enrollment in ENGL 1157 and MATH 1115 or 1125, and credit with a C or better or concurrent enrollment in BIOS 1301. This course is primarily designed for nursing and allied health students. An introductory course dealing with structural and functional relationships of the human organism at the cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels. The course covers general principles in biology and a detailed study of the skeletal, muscular, nervous systems of humans.
BIOS 1311 Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 1 cr.
Offered each semester. Prerequisites: credit with a C or better or concurrent registration in BIOS 1313. Three hours of laboratory each week to accompany BIOS 1313. A detailed dissection of the cat with correlations made to human anatomy. Selected physiological experiments which demonstrate principles involved in the various body systems. Applications of the basic biological principles and a detailed study of the skeleton, brain, and major sensory organs.
BIOS 1313 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 3 cr.
Offered each semester. Prerequisite: credit in BIOS 1301 and 1303 with a C or better or concurrent registration in BIOS 1311. A continuation of 1303 examining the other major systems of the body and some human genetics and growth.
BIOS 2002 Internship in Biology 2 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014 or BIOS 2114 or consent of department. Not offered during the summer session. Off-campus research at various local research facilities and institutions that do not have undergraduate programs. Research internships are designed to provide practical hands-on research experience in the Life Sciences. Students must coordinate an agreement with an off-campus research sponsor from a list of approved sponsors. Students must register during Phase 1 registration. Students are required to submit a written description of their proposed activities prior to approval. Requires commitment to a minimum of 12 contact hours per week at the off-campus facility. May be repeated once for biology elective credit. Additional hours may be taken for university general elective credit.
BIOS 2014 Population Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology 4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1073, 1071 and MATH 1125. An introduction to the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape life on earth. Genetics and population genetics are incorporated with material from the fields of systematics, developmental biology, and paleontology to form a general evolutionary theory. Emphasis is placed on the ecological context, both biotic and abiotic, within which evolutionary changes take place. The laboratory includes field studies and computer simulation exercises of lecture topics that lend themselves to coverage in a laboratory setting. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory. Successful completion of BIOS 2014, 2114 and 3091 meets the general degree requirement for computer literacy.
BIOS 2092 Sophomore Research 1-3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1073, 1071, 1083, 1081 and statistics. Independent studies by prior written arrangement with the department and professor concerned. An introduction to research methods in biology. May be repeated for a total of three semester hours credits in biology. Section number corresponds with credit to be earned. A field service fee is required in this course when applicable. Additional credit hours may be taken for general elective credit.
BIOS 2114 Cell and Molecular Biology 4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1083, 1081 and CHEM 1018 CHEM 1028. An introduction to cell biology (cell structure and function, including metabolism) and molecular biology (the flow of information from DNA to proteins). The laboratory will involve exercises dealing with the techniques used to characterize proteins, nucleic acids, and cells. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory. Successful completion of BIOS 2014, 2114 and 3091 meets the general degree requirement for computer literacy.
BIOS 2303 Human Biological Issues 3 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 1053 or 1083 or 1313. An examination of several health-related biological issues including cancer, AIDS, metabolism and dieting, in vitro fertilization, and the uses of genetic engineering. Not available for science credit in bachelor of science curriculum in biological sciences.
BIOS 2313 Nutrition 3 cr.
Prerequisites: minimum of three credits in Biological Sciences and CHEM 1012 or 1017. This course is primarily designed for nursing and allied health students. A detailed study of nutrition with emphasis on metabolic pathways and relationships between nutritional intake and normal and pathological changes in the human organism.
BIOS 2344 Physiological Basis of Drug Action 4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1081 1083 or 1051 1053 or consent of department. A description of basic physiological processes with emphasis on drugs of physiological importance and on the physiology and metabolism of dangerous and habit forming drugs. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory demonstration-discussion.
BIOS 2553 Evolution 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1073, 1071, 1083, 1081 or 1053, 1063. A study of theories, principles, and mechanisms of the evolution of life on earth.
BIOS 2663 Introduction to Environmental Biology 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1063 and 1061 or BIOS 1073 and 1071. An examination of the relationship between basic biological principles and current environmental problems. The impact of population growth, natural resource utilization, and waste generation and disposal on natural environments and biological diversity will be examined. The ecological, economic, and genetic rationale for conserving biological diversity and biological resources will be discussed.
BIOS 2744 Microbiology and Human Disease 4 cr.
Prerequisites: a) consent of department or b) CHEM 1012 or 1017 and either BIOS 1083 and 1081 (or 1303 and 1301) and must have a grade-point average of at least 2.5. A laboratory course designed primarily for allied health majors. A survey of general and pathogenic microbiology including immunity and epidemiology. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
BIOS 2813 Economic Botany 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1073 or 1063. Botanical, horticultural, and economic aspects of plants used as sources of food, fibers, and pharmaceuticals as well as other plants important to contemporary societies; origin and evolution of cultivated plants.
BIOS 2904 Introduction to Marine Zoology 4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1073 1071 and 1083 1081 or consent of department. Field and laboratory survey of marine animals with emphasis on those of Louisiana Gulf Coast, including classification, morphology, physiology, and ecology. Five weeks at a Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium coastal laboratory. Summers only.
BIOS 2914 Introduction to Marine Science 4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. Introduction to physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes in oceans and coastal environments and their interactions with humans and the marine environment. Five weeks at a Louisiana Marine Consortium Coastal Laboratory. Summers only.
BIOS 2954 Comparative Anatomy of Chordates 4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1073, 1071 and 1083, 1081. A study of changes in homologous organs in the chordate body and an analysis of the significance of these changes. Two hours of lecture and six hours of laboratory.
BIOS 3091 Undergraduate Seminar 1 cr.
Offered each semester. Prerequisites: BIOS 2014, 2114 and one biology course completed at the 3000 level. Open to biological science and education majors only. Students will present seminars on biological topics from the original literature. Preparation and presentation will require the use of computers. Successful completion of this course satisfies the general degree requirement for oral competency. Successful completion of BIOS 2014, 2114 and 3091 meets the general degree requirement for computer literacy
BIOS 3092 Independent Research 1-3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 2014, 2114 and Statistics. Independent studies by prior written arrangement with the department and professor concerned. An introduction to research methods in biology. May be repeated for a total of six semester hours credit in biology. Section number corresponds with credit to be earned. A field service fee is required in this course when applicable. Additional credit hours may be taken for general elective credit.
BIOS 3104 Introduction to Biochemistry 4 cr.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2218 and BIOS 2114. An introduction to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry, with a quantitative emphasis. Four hours of lecture. Students in the B.S. Biology curriculum may not receive credit for both BIOS 3104 and CHEM 4510.
BIOS 3113 Immunology 3 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2114. A comprehensive survey of the fundamental elements and basic concepts of immunology including the cellular and molecular aspects of the immune response. Three hours of lecture and discussions of assigned reading.
BIOS 3284 Histology and Cytology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2114. A study of the structure-function relationship of cells and tissues of the four basic tissue types in animals. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
BIOS 3354 Vertebrate Physiology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2114 Lectures and laboratory experiments are integrated to enhance the student’s understanding of general principles in vertebrate physiology, as well as their skills in scientific methodology, data analysis and in the communication of experimental results. Three hours of lectures and three hours of laboratory.
BIOS 3453 Genetics 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 2014 and 2114. An integration of Mendelian and molecular genetics, population genetics, and molecular evolution.
BIOS 3490 Special Topics in Physiology and Cell Biology 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2114; additional prerequisites may be established for each Special Topics course offered. Prerequisite information must be obtained from the departmental office prior to registration. Treatments of specialized subjects in physiology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. Topics will vary. Lecture and/or laboratory. Section number will correspond with credit to be earned.
BIOS 3590 Special Topics in Organismic Biology 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014; additional prerequisites may be established for each Special Topics course offered. Prerequisite information must be obtained from the departmental office prior to registration. Treatment of specialized subjects in ecology, evolution and systematics. Topics will vary. Lecture and/or laboratory. A field service fee may be required in this course. Section number will correspond with credit to be earned.
BIOS 3653 General Ecology 3 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014. A study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. Three hours of lecture. An independent research project and/or field trips outside of the class may be required.
BIOS 3854 General Botany 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014, 2114. A survey of the plant kingdom emphasizing classification, structure, and function. Three hours lecture and three hours of laboratory.
BIOS 3944 Vertebrate Zoology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014 and BIOS 2954. A study of the behavior, classification, distribution, ecology and evolution of the vertebrates. Laboratory will emphasize classification and identification of local vertebrates as well as comparative morphological/skeletal adaptations. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory. A field service fee is required for this course.
BIOS 4003 Biometry 3 cr.
Prerequisite: MATH 2314 or an equivalent course. Statistical interference, analysis of variance, regression, correlation, and non-parametric methods. Introduction to multivariate analysis. Examples are chosen to illustrate applications in the biological sciences.
BIOS 4010 Senior Comprehensive Examination 0 cr.
Graduating seniors must complete a comprehensive departmental examination and take the ETS Major Field Test, Biology (students pay cost). If a student has taken the GRE Biology Subject Exam, MCAT, DAT, that score may also be submitted. Students will attend an organizational meeting during the second week of class to discuss guidelines for completion of the course.
BIOS 4013 Multivariate Analysis of Biological Data 3 cr.
Prerequisites: CSCI 1201 and BIOS 4003 or consent of department. An introduction to the analysis of multivariate data for the biological sciences. Topics include multiple regression and correlation, principal components analysis, factor analysis, ordination and cluster analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, and discriminant analysis. Laboratory emphasizes implementation of multivariate techniques with computer programs. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
BIOS 4083 Marine Science for Teachers 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 1073, 1071, 1083, 1081 or consent of department. Available only for free elective credit for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Sciences program in Biological Sciences. Introduction to marine biology and oceanography for teachers with little or no background in marine studies: methods for infusing marine science into existing elementary, middle, and high school curricula: emphasis on Louisiana environments and resources. Three weeks at a Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium coastal laboratory or an affiliated university campus with one field trip to coastal Louisiana. Summers only.
BIOS 4090 Special Topics for Biology Teachers 1-4 cr.
Prerequisites: completion of 8 hours of biological sciences and consent of department. Course provides prospective and in-service teachers with experience in specialized subjects in the biological sciences appropriate for secondary education. Available for students enrolled in the B.S. program in Biological Sciences as free elective credit only. Lecture and/or laboratory. Not available for credit for students in the M.S. program in Biological Sciences. Section number will correspond with credit to be earned.
BIOS 4091 Senior Honors Thesis 1-3 cr.
Prerequisites: 15 hours of biology credits and prior written arrangement with the department and professor(s) concerned. Students who wish to write a Senior Honors Thesis in order to graduate With Honors in Biological Sciences also need the approval of the director of the Honors Program. Limited to outstanding undergraduate students who have a minimum of a 3.50 grade point average in biological sciences. Independent research conducted in conjunction with biology faculty. A written report must be submitted and defended at the completion of the project. Not available for graduate credit, nor may
BIOS 4091 credit be used to satisfy the departmental requirement for 4000-level biology credit. May be repeated for a total of six credits in biology. Additional credit hours may be taken for general elective credit.
BIOS 4093 Laboratory Skills for Biology Teachers 3 cr.
Prerequisites: completion of 8 hours of biological sciences and three hours of chemistry and consent of department. Available only for free elective credit for students enrolled in the B.A. or B.S. program in Biological Sciences. Not available for credit for students in the master of science program in biological sciences. Course provides prospective and in-service teachers with experiences in laboratory skills and techniques used in the teaching of biological sciences at the secondary level. Emphasis placed on scientific methodology, data collection, and analysis.
BIOS 4114 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory 4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 3453 or BIOS 3104. An introduction to biochemical and molecular biological laboratory techniques including enzymology, electrophoresis, column chromatography, tissue fractionation, restriction mapping, and DNA sequencing. Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory.
BIOS 4153 Molecular Biology 3 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 3453. Structure and organization of DNA and chromatin, DNA replication, repair, transcription and RNA processing, protein biosynthesis and turnover, transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms. Examples of the above topics from eucaryotic and procaryotic cells and viruses.
BIOS 4334 Cell Physiology 4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 2114 and MATH 2314. BIOS 3104 is recommended. The function of cells and cell organelles interpreted in terms of ultrastructure, biochemistry, and biophysics. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory.
BIOS 4343 Endocrinology 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 3354. Comparative endocrinology of vertebrates.
BIOS 4353 Comparative Animal Physiology 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 3354. A comparative study of physiological mechanisms and specialization of invertebrates and vertebrates as related to homeostasis, ecology, and phylogeny. Three hours of lecture.
BIOS 4373 Biology of Aging 3 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 3453 or BIOS 3104. An examination of current ideas of the causes and effects of biological aging at the organismic and cellular levels. Topics will include population dynamics, evolution, and cellular genomic and stochastic processes.
BIOS 4384 Plant Physiology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2114. A study of plant functions, including hormonal systems, photosynthesis, water relations, adaptations to environment stress, photomorphogenesis and photoperiodism. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory.
BIOS 4414 Animal Development 4 cr.
Prerequisite: Three biology credit hours at or above the 3000 level. A detailed examination of the evolutionary patterns and mechanisms of animal development. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of development are emphasized in lecture. The laboratory portion of the course emphasizes the developmental anatomy of vertebrates. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
BIOS 4490 Special Topics in Physiology and Cell Biology 1-4 cr.
Prerequisites:BIOS 2114; additional prerequisites may be established for each Special Topics course offered. Prerequisite information must be obtained from the departmental office prior to registration. Treatment of advanced specialized subjects in physiology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. Topics will vary each semester. Lecture and/or laboratory. Section number will correspond with credit to be earned.”
BIOS 4513 Population Genetics and Evolution 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 2014 and MATH 1125. An introduction to the mathematical and quantitative theory of evolutionary processes. Topics include, but are not confined to, mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, quantitative variation, and speciation.
BIOS 4523 Evolutionary Ecology 3 cr.
Prerequisite: credit in BIOS 2014 and either PSYC 1310 or MATH 2314. An application of basic principles of population genetics and ecology to a series of contemporary topics in evolutionary ecology. Discussion sections (one hour) based on assigned readings in the primary literature presentations (two hours).
BIOS 4590 Special Topics in Organismic Biology 1-4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 2014; additional prerequisites may be established for each Special Topics course offered. Prerequisite information must be obtained from the departmental office prior to registration. Treatment of advanced specialized subjects in ecology, evolution, and systematics. Topics will vary each semester. Lecture and/or laboratory. A field service fee may be required in this course. Section number will correspond with credit to be earned.
BIOS 4624 Limnology and Oceanography 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014. Physiochemical and biological dynamics of fresh and estuarine waters. Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory. A field service fee is required in this course.
BIOS 4634 Marine Ecology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 3653 or consent of department. Relationships of marine and estuarine organisms to environmental factors; interactions among organisms; ecological processes of energy and materials flow; field studies of communities and ecosystems of Louisiana coastal zone. Five weeks at a Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium coastal laboratory. Summers only.
BIOS 4644 Animal Behavior 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014 and either BIOS 3654 or 3354. An examination of ethological methods and theory, including historical and comparative aspects, the evolution of social behavior and societies, and the theory of sociobiology. An independent research project on some aspect of behavior, with a paper and an oral presentation summarizing the results of the project, is required. Three hours lecture and three hours of laboratory.
BIOS 4713 Advanced Microbiology 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 2014 and BIOS 2114. Either BIOS 3104 or 3453 is recommended. A study of the three domains of life: Bacteria, Archea, and Eukarya, emphasizing the diversity and evolution of these organisms. This course will also stress the topics of Microbial cell structure, metabolism, ecology, genetics, virology, and pathogenesis with emphasis on our current understanding of how microorganisms communicate with and adapt to their environment on a molecular level. This course is designed for students interested in post-graduate work in medicine, biotechnology, or research in molecular and cell biology as well as microbiology.
BIOS 4714 Microbial Physiology 4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 3754 and 3104 or consent of department. Concepts of microbial nutrition, metabolism, adaptation, and cellular control. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
BIOS 4724 Marine Microbiology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: Consent of department. Introduction to the estuarine and marine microbes, especially bacteria and fungi; covers classification, methodology, role in marine ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, and diseases of marine animals. Five weeks at a Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium coastal laboratory. Summers only.
BIOS 4814 Marine Botany 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 3854 or consent of department. Study of marine and coastal algae and vascular plants including classification morphology life cycles and ecology; emphasis on field and laboratory studies. Five weeks at a Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium coastal laboratory. Summers only.
BIOS 4833 Terrestrial Plant Ecology 3 cr.
(BIOS 4833 and GEOG 4833 are cross-listed). Prerequisite: Consent of department. A broad overview of the specialized branches of plant ecology which will examine the essential interactions between plants and their environment. The focus of the course will be threefold: first, theoretical considerations providing students a solid background from which to examine plant environment interactions; second, the dynamic processes that continually shape the structure of plant communities; third, methodologies for sampling and analyzing plant communities. At least two field trips can be anticipated.
BIOS 4844 Plant Taxonomy 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014. Identification and ecology of local flora as well as the classification and evolution of vascular plants. Numerous field trips will be scheduled. Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory. A field service fee is required in this course.
BIOS 4913 Zoogeography 3 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 3653 or consent of department. Global patterns of animal distribution: present and past.
BIOS 4914 Biology of Fishes 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014. In addition, BIOS 2954 and 3653 recommended. Life histories, adaptations, and ecology of fishes. Three hours lecture and four hours of laboratory. A field service fee is required in this course.
BIOS 4924 Herpetology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014. Introduction to the study of morphology, adaptation, classification, distribution, and ecology of amphibians and reptiles. Field work and identification of North American groups and field studies of local fauna. Two hours of lecture and six hours of laboratory. A field service fee is required.
BIOS 4934 Marine Invertebrate Zoology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. General study of the classification, structure, function, and ecology of marine and estuarine invertebrates, emphasizing field studies on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Five weeks at a Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium coastal laboratory. Summers only.
BIOS 4944 Invertebrate Zoology 4 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 2014 and 2114. Emphasis on morphology, systematics, physiology, embryology, evolution, and ecology. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory. A field service fee is required in this course.
BIOS 4954 Biology of the Higher Vertebrates 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2014 and three additional hours of biological sciences credit above the 1000-level. A study of morphology, adaptation, classification, distribution, and ecology of birds and mammals. Field work and identification of North American species. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory. A field-service fee is required in this course.
BIOS 4974 Entomology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 1081, BIOS 1083, and BIOS 2014. Morphology, physiology, and control (physical, biological, and chemical) of common insects. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory. A field service fee is required in this course.
BIOS 4994 Marine Vertebrate Zoology 4 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 2954 or consent of department. General study of the marine chordates with particular emphasis on the fishes, including classification, structure, function, and ecology. Five weeks at the Louisiana Marine Consortium Coastal Laboratory. Summers only.
BIOS 6003 Practicum In Conservation Biology 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. This course will expose students to hand-on problem-solving as part of an interdisciplinary team. Students will do projects in conservation management in small groups working with other appropriate team members from outside the department and/or the community. Team members can include other scientists such as geologists and geographers or professionals, land use planners, and curators.
BIOS 6005 Contemporary Plant Science for Biology Teachers 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. Not available as credit for students enrolled in the graduate program in Biological Sciences. A series of lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and student projects designed to expose students to new areas of plant science and update participants in the classical aspects of botany. Topics will include: tissue culture, economic botany, microtechnique histology, and regulation of growth and development. Three hours of lecture.
BIOS 6007 Cell and Molecular Biology for Teachers 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. Not available as credit for students enrolled in the graduate program in Biological Sciences. A series of lectures and demonstrations designed to expose students a basic background in the areas of cell and molecular biology using biochemical explanations when necessary. Topics will include cellular organelles and metabolism, biological macromolecules, construction and function of DNA, transcription and translation of proteins.
BIOS 6013 Topics in Biochemistry and Physiology 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. In-depth lectures and literature-based discussions on selected topics of current interest in biochemistry and physiology. Selected topics may include protein structure and function, metabolic pathways, regulation of enzyme activity, nucleic acids, endocrinology, osmoregulation and comparative biochemistry and physiology.
BIOS 6022 Scientific Communication 2 cr.
Review of techniques for effective oral and written communication of scientific information, such as data, data analysis, conclusions, and hypotheses. Topics include organization and preparation of oral and poster presentations, data presentation in abstracts and manuscripts, and writing, revising, and editing abstracts, grants, and manuscripts. One hour of lecture and two hours of laboratory.”
BIOS 6023 Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. In-depth lectures and literature-based discussions on selected topics in cellular and molecular biology. Selected topics may include regulation of cell cycle, cell-to-cell communication, cytoskeleton, cellular organelles, cell sorting, membrane function, structure and functions of nucleic acids, DNA replication, transcription and translation, and immunology.
BIOS 6032 Reproductive Biology Seminar 2 cr.
Prerequisite: Consent of department. Students and faculty will discuss timely topics in reproductive biology. Graduate students will select current journal articles with the advice of the instructor and lead the discussion of those articles in the seminar. Two hours of discussion. May be repeated with the consent of the department.
BIOS 6033 Topics in Marine Science 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. In-depth lectures and literature-based discussions on selected topics of current interest in marine science. Credit given for Louisiana Marine Consortium (LUMCOM) courses which are offered for graduate credit only. Students should request a list of proposed offerings from the Department of Biological Sciences in the spring semester.
BIOS 6043 Topics in Genetics and Development 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. In-depth lectures and literature-based discussions on selected topics in genetics and development biology. Selected topics may include cytogenetics, structure and function of chromosomes, genetic recombination, microbial genetics, gamete structure and function fertilization, organogenisis and embryology.
BIOS 6052 Systematics & Evolution Seminar 2 cr.
Prerequisite: Consent of the department. Students and faculty will discuss timely topics in systematics and evolution. Graduate students select current journal articles with the advice of the instructor and lead the discussion of those articles in the seminar. Two hour of discussion. May be repeated with consent of the department.
BIOS 6053 Topics in Systematics and Evolution 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. In-depth lectures and literature-based discussions on selected topics of current interest in systematics and evolution. Selected topics may include historical biogeography, evolutionary processes, population genetics, macroevolution, biochemical systematics and molecular evolution.
BIOS 6062 Ecology and Evolution Seminar 2 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. Students and faculty will discuss timely topics in ecology and evolution. Graduate students will select current journal articles with the advice of the instructor and lead the discussion of those articles in the seminar. Two hours of discussion. May be repeated for credit with permission of the Department.
BIOS 6063 Topics in Ecology and Environmental Science 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. In-depth lectures and literature-based discussions on selected topics of current interest in ecology and environmental biology. Selected topics may include limnology and oceanography, environmental pollution, conservation biology, population ecology, physiological ecology and community ecology.
BIOS 6073 Special Topics in Organismal Biology 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. In-depth lectures and literature-based discussions on selected topics in organismal biology. Selected topics may include ichthyology, phylogenetic analysis, multivariate analysis, biological nomenclature and evolution of sexual reproduction.
BIOS 6082 Conservation Biology Seminar 2 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. Students and faculty will discuss timely topics in Conservation Biology. Graduate students will select current journal articles with the advice of the instructor and lead the discussion of those articles in the seminar. Two hours of discussion. May be repeated for credit with permission of the Department.
BIOS 6083 Topics in Conservation Biology 1-4 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of department. In-depth lectures, literature based discussions, and laboratory or field exercises on selected topics on current interest and application in conservation biology. Topics may include endangered species, parasitic organisms and conservation biology, conservation of aquatic communities, conservation of plant biodiversity, and wetland restoration.
BIOS 6090 Biological Problems 1-4 cr.
Offered each semester. Independent studies by written approval of the departmental graduate program committee and the supervising professor. This course may not be taken under the direction of the student’s thesis advisor. Students enrolled in the M.S. or Ph.D. programs in Biological Sciences may earn a maximum of four credit hours in this course.
BIOS 6091 Graduate Seminar 1 cr.
Offered each semester. Students and faculty will discuss their research work or timely topics in biological sciences. One hour of lecture-discussion to be taken four times for credit.
BIOS 6103 Molecular Biology 3 cr.
Prerequisites: consent of the department. A study of the molecular biology of gene expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This course will explore details of DNA replication, recombination, mutagenesis, DNA repair, the structure of viral, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes, and the transcriptional control of gene expression. Selected examples from literature will be discussed.
BIOS 6303 Cryobiology 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 4334, 4413, and CHEM 1017, 1018. Fundamental physiology as it applies to cells and tissues exposed to near-zero and sub-zero temperatures and to non-physiological solutions and to crystalline and vitrified solutions. Spring semester and even years.
BIOS 6313 Reproductive Biology 3 cr.
Prerequisites: BIOS 3104 and one of the following: BIOS 4334, BIOS 4353, BIOS 4413, or consent of department. A study of the mechanisms regulating reproductive biology with an emphasis on mammalian species. Topics include, but are not limited to endocrine function, male and female reproduction physiology, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, fertilization, implantation, paturition and assisted reproductive techniques.
BIOS 6353 Environmental Physiology of Animals 3 cr.
Prerequisite: BIOS 3354 or equivalent. An examination of physiological mechanisms animals employ to cope with environmental challenges. Mechanisms and their controls will be studied at multiple levels of organization. Topics may include physiological and biochemical responses to energetic, osmotic and thermal stress as they occur in natural and altered environments.
BIOS 6513 Systematics 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of the department. A review of the principles, practices, and applications of systematics. Topics may include systematic theory, species concepts, speciation, phylogeny reconstruction, principles and practices of classification, conservation units, and historical biogeography. Three hours of lecture and discussion.
BIOS 6603 Conservation Ecology 3 cr.
Prerequisite: General Ecology and consent of the department. Selected topics in advanced ecology and their application to conservation. Topics may include demography, population declines and disappearances, metapopulations, habitat fragmentation, factors affecting biodiversity, effects of biodiversity on stability and ecosystem function, invasive species, disease ecology, global change, and restoration ecology. Three hours of lecture and discussion.
BIOS 6653 Ecology for Teachers 3 cr.
Prerequisite: Consent of the department. Not available for credit for students enrolled in the graduate program in Biological Sciences. An exploration of major concepts in modern ecology for middle-and high-school science teachers. Each concept is introduced with a lecture/discussion covering its theoretical backgraound and significance, followed by practical exercises that provide the basis for developing grade-appropriate exercises that can be implemented in the classroom. Topics include adaptation to the environment, population dynamics, community ecology, and energy flow in ecosystems.
BIOS 6953 Entomology for Teachers 3 cr.
Prerequisite: Consent of the department. Not available for credit for students enrolled in the graduate program in Biological Sciences. A course for science teachers designed to develop expertise in entomology and the use of insects for illustrating a range of concepts in biology. Topics covered will include insect structure, function, diversity, ecology, and behavior, and will include practical exercises that can provide the basis for grade-appropriate exercises to be implemented in the classroom
BIOS 7000 Thesis Research 1-9 cr.
Offered each semester. By arrangement with the graduate adviser. To be repeated for credit until thesis is accepted. Three hours of laboratory work per credit hour. Section number will correspond with credit to be earned.
BIOS 7040 Examination or Thesis Only No credit 0 cr.
Open to students in the thesis program who have only (other than application for degree) the final typing and acceptance by the Graduate School of their thesis or dissertation or to students in a non-thesis program who have only (other than application for degree) to pass the final examination to complete graduation requirements.
BIOS 7050 Dissertation Research 1-9 cr.
Prerequisite: Approval of the candidate’s guidance committee. Preparation of dissertation under the direction of the major professor and guidance committee. Section number will correspond with credit to be earned. May be repeated for credit until dissertation is accepted.
