Biology
Chair: Corinne A. Michels
Doctoral Studies Advisor: Cathy Savage-Dunn
MA Program Advisor: Stéphane Boissinot
Department Office: Science
Building D346, 997-3400; Fax 997-3445
Department Website: http://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/Degrees/DMNS/Biology
The Biology Department offers
programs of courses and research leading to the Master of Arts
at Queens College. It also offers programs of courses and research leading
to the PhD at the CUNY Graduate Center in the subprograms of cellular,
molecular, and developmental biology; evolution, ecology, and behavior;
physiology and neurosciences; and plant sciences. Refer to the Bulletin
of the Graduate Center for application, financial aid, and course information
for the PhD program. Opportunities for specialization in applied and
basic research are included below in the listing of the supervising
faculty.
The department offers
a variety of graduate courses appropriate for master’s-level students
in education. Students should meet with the department’s graduate
advisor for guidance in the selection of biology courses.
In addition to the program
of courses described below, students are encouraged to participate in
the extensive research programs of the biology faculty. Their research
activities have recently been funded by various agencies, including
the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, and a number of private foundations, including
the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association. Participation
in research is one of the best ways for students to learn biology first-hand,
and to appreciate how scientific methodology is used to answer important
biological questions. A description of current faculty research can
be found on the department faculty page.
The department has excellent
research facilities for cell and molecular biology, as well as well-equipped
research laboratories and core facilities. Opportunities are enhanced
by affiliation with other city institutions and cooperative efforts
with other divisions of the City University and the American Museum
of Natural History.
Faculty
Michels, Corinne A., Chair, Distinguished Professor, PhD 1969, Columbia University: molecular
genetics, regulation of gene expression, yeast genetics
Savage-Dunn, Cathy, Doctoral
Studies Advisor, Professor, PhD 1992, Columbia University: development,
molecular genetics, signal transduction, C.
elegans
Boissinot, Stéphane, MA
Program Advisor, Associate
Professor, PhD 1994,
Université de Montpellier: molecular evolution, genomics, bioinformatics
Baker, Mitchell B., Assistant Professor, PhD 1998, University of California
at Davis: behavioral ecology, dispersal, evolution, arthropods, birds
Chabora, Peter C., Professor, PhD
1967, Cornell University: population ecology, evolution of parasite-host
interactions
Dennehy, John, Assistant Professor, PhD 2003, Clark University: microbial
evolutionary ecology, experimental evolution
Fath, Karl, Assistant
Professor, PhD 1997,
Case Western University: cell biology of intracellular transport, molecular
motors and cytoskeleton
Fjerdingstad, Else J., Assistant Professor, PhD 1996, Aarhus University, Denmark:
evolutionary genetics, ecology of mating systems, social evolution
Glickman Holzman, Nathalia, Assistant Professor, PhD 2000, University of Oregon: cardiac
morphogenesis in zebrafish, regulation of morphogenesis at the cellular
and molecular level
Hickerson, Michael, Assistant Professor, PhD 2003, Duke University: phylogeography,
population genetics, species delineation
Lahti, David,
Assistant Professor, PhD 1998, Whitefield Institute Oxford: Philosophy;
PhD 2003, University of Michigan: evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology,
human social evolution
Ma, Pokay M., Associate Professor, PhD 1986, Washington University: neuroscience,
neural control of behavior, structure, and development of locus coeruleus in zebrafish
Melendéz, Alicia, Assistant Professor, PhD 1995, Columbia University:
role of autophagy in C.
elegans development;
genetics of aging
Muehlbauer,
Esther, Chancellor's Lecturer, PhD 1987, New York University:
Estuarine ecology, herpetology
Mundinger, Paul C., Professor, PhD
1968, Cornell University: animal behavior, bird song dialects, development
and learning, sociobiology
Short, Timothy W., Associate Professor, PhD 1991, Stanford University: plant
physiology and molecular biology; light control of plant development
Sperling, Jon A., Associate Professor, PhD 1972, University of Wisconsin:
algal and bryophyte ecology and physiology, limnology
Vesanen, Mika,
Instructor, PhD 1995,The University of Helsinki: Virology and immunology
Waldman, John R., Professor, PhD
1986, City University of New York: ecology, evolution, conservation
biology of fish
Zakeri, Zahra F., Professor, PhD
1984, St. John’s University: molecular developmental biology, regulation
of gene expansion in aging and cell death
Faculty Emeriti
Professors Emeriti: Aaronson,
Greller, Roze, Szalay, Wasserman
Associate Professors Emeriti:
Alsop, Calhoon, Koepfer, Rifkin, Wasserman
Master of Arts Program
Requirements for Matriculation
These requirements are in
addition to the general requirements for admission.
1. Students are expected
to have a minimum of 20 credits in biology beyond the introductory level.
Undergraduate courses in physics, chemistry, and mathematics are required.
A course in statistics is highly recommended.
2. The credentials of
each applicant will be examined by the departmental admissions committee.
This committee may request an interview with a candidate for admission.
Requirements for the
Master of Arts Degree
These requirements are in
addition to the general requirements for the Master of Arts degree.
1. Each student’s
program will be approved by a supervising professor chosen by the student
with the approval of the graduate advisor.
2. A minimum of either
24 graduate course credits and 6 thesis credits, or 32 graduate course
credits, is required. Students who have taken a 300-level Queens College
biology course that is also offered at the 600-level may not take that
600-level course for credit. All graduate students must take at least
10 credits of 700-level lecture courses. Only 600- and 700-level courses
may be applied toward degree requirements. Furthermore, the combination
of BIOL 788 (Cooperative Education Placement), BIOL 799 (Research),
BIOL 791 (Colloquium), and BIOL 792 (Tutorial) may not exceed 12 credits.
3. Programs: Students
must choose one of the following degree options before completing 15
credits of 49 graduate courses.
A. Course
Oriented. 32 course
credits chosen in consultation with the graduate advisor. Students in
this track are eligible to take BIOL 788 (Cooperative Education Placement)
and participate in the Graduate Cooperative Education program. A student
who takes the 32-course-credit option will be given a written or oral
comprehensive examination based on the core courses and the student’s
area of concentration after at least 24 course credits have been completed.
Each student will be limited to two attempts to pass this examination.
B.
Research Oriented. Participation
in thesis research is subject to the approval of a thesis advisor.
An oral examination
shall be a requirement of the research-oriented biology MA and
shall be conducted by an examination committee established for each
candidate. The chair of this committee shall be a member of the Biology
Department, chosen by the candidate in consultation with the department’s
MA advisor. The remaining members of the committee shall be chosen by
the committee chair in consultation with the candidate. The content
and nature of the oral examination shall be determined by the chair
of the committee in consultation with the student to be examined. Each
student will be limited to two attempts to pass this examination.
Evolution, Ecology,
and Behavior. 24 course
credits chosen in consultation with the thesis advisor, plus 6 credits
of research under the direction of a thesis supervisor.
Other Information
Arrangements may be made for
students to take courses for graduate credit in other departments at
Queens College or within CUNY in order to fulfill particular career
requirements (i.e., resource management, environmental impact assays,
etc.).
Faculty in the Biology
Department at Queens College participate actively in the CUNY PhD program
in biology. Arrangements can be made to transfer graduate credits earned
at Queens College to the PhD program at CUNY. Students are encouraged
to discuss their long-range goals with the master’s program graduate
advisor as soon as possible.
The CUNY doctoral program
in biology is described in the
Bulletin of the Graduate
Center.
Courses in Biology*
500-Level Courses
BIOL 585. Genetics. 3 lec., 1 rec.; 4 cr. Prereq.: BIOL
108 and CHEM 114 or equivalent. Not open to students who have completed
BIOL 285 except by permission of the chair. The inheritance, structure,
and mode of genetic material. Designed for the Master of Science in
Education candidates who are concentrating in science education. Cannot
be used to fulfill requirements for the Master of Arts in biology.
BIOL 586. Cell Biology. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 108 and
CHEM 114 or equivalent. Not open to students who have completed BIOL
286 except by permission of the chair. Structure, function, and regulation
of cells, including cell cycle, subcellular compartmentalization, signal
transduction, and cell-cell interactions. Designed for the Master of
Science in Education candidates who are concentrating in science education.
Cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the Master of Arts in biology.
BIOL 587. Evolutionary
Biology. 3 lec., 1
rec.; 4 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 108. Not open to students who have completed
BIOL 287. The mechanisms and processes of biological evolution. Designed
for the Master of Science in Education candidates who are concentrating
in science education. Cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the
Master of Arts in biology.
600-Level Courses
BIOL 610. Lower Plants. 2 lec., 1 rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr.
A survey of algae, bryophytes, and fungi of the northeastern United
States, with an emphasis on identification, morphology, physiology,
and ecology. A library or field research paper is required.
BIOL 611. Mycology. 2 lec., 1 rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr.
Prereq.: One semester of genetics and permission of the instructor.
A survey of the major taxa of fungi, including slime molds, with emphasis
on their morphology and taxonomy. The importance of fungi as causal
agents in diseases of man, other animals, and plants, as experimental
tools of genetic, biochemical, and physiological research will be considered.
Basic techniques of culturing fungi will be utilized in the execution
of individual projects.††
BIOL 612. Morphology
and Evolution of Plants. 2
lec., 1 rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: permission of the instructor.
Comparison of plant form and function. Lectures will emphasize the structure
and origin of plant organs, and the use of this information in classifying
major plant groups. Information from paleobotany will be integrated
with comparative morphology of living plants. A library research paper
will be required. Laboratory includes several field trips.††
BIOL 613. Field
Botany. 2 lec., 1
rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: permission of the instructor. Introduction
to local flora and vegetation. Lectures will emphasize the structure
and composition of local vegetation. Laboratories will consist mainly
of field trips to parks, preserves, and botanical gardens. Students
will submit a field trip report, a plant collection, and a library research
paper.††
BIOL 614. Plant Systematics. 2 lec., 1 rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr.
Prereq.: permission of the instructor. Survey of the vascular plants
with emphasis on flowering plants. Lectures will emphasize taxonomic
characters useful in identification of major plant groups. Laboratories
will be devoted to techniques of identification. Students will submit
a plant collection and a library research paper. Field trips will occupy
half days or full days; they will comprise a large part of the lab component.††
BIOL 621. Entomology. 2 lec., 1 rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr.
Prereq.: Course in invertebrate zoology. Anatomy, physiology, and ecology
of insects. Identified insect collection required of each student. Students
should expect to reside at a field station for at least one week of
the course (dormitory fees will be announced and collected at time of
registration). Summer Sessions I and II only.††
BIOL 626. Vertebrate
Phylogeny. 2 lec.,
1 rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: A course in comparative anatomy.
Phylogeny and interrelationships of the important major groups of the
phylum Chordata, emphasizing the origins of higher categories and their
adaptive radiation into sub-groups. Laboratory on representatives of
fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, emphasizing differences
in locomotion, feeding mechanisms, and sense organs found within the
same sub-classes, infra-classes, super-orders, and orders, with practice
in the identification of typical specimens likely to be found in the
field.
BIOL 630. Biometrics. 2 lec., 1 rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr.
Prereq.: Courses in genetics and calculus. Probabilistic models in biology,
field and laboratory sampling, tests of hypotheses; uses of statistics
for estimation. Topics selected will include growth processes of organisms
and populations, discriminant functions, and genetic descriptions of
evolving populations. The laboratory includes computational procedures
in evaluating biological data.††
BIOL 640. General Ecology. 2 lec., 1 rec., 2 lab. hr.; 4 cr.
Prereq.: A course in field biology. Theory and analysis of structure,
growth, biological communities in terms of their structure, species
abundance and diversity, interspecific interactions, and integration
with the physical environment.
BIOL 644. Biology and
Society. 3
hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: Courses in genetics and in cell biology. Critical
analysis of selected subjects encompassing current biological research
and related technological developments in context of their ethical,
scientific, and economic impact on the human social systems.
BIOL 645. Evolution and
Cultural Behavior.
3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: BS or BA, a major or minor in biology, zoology,
or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. A lecture/seminar course
that examines several recent evolutionary theories associated with culture,
i.e., behavioral ecology, evolutionary psychology, memetics, and biocultural
coevolution. These theories are compared and assessed in seminars on
current research, critiques, and application to human and animal cultures.
BIOL 646. Limnology. 2 lec., 1 rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr.
Prereq.: A course in field biology. Survey of the physical, chemical,
and biological properties of streams, rivers, and lakes. A comparative
analysis of inland waters. Students should expect to reside at a field
station and/or the Audubon Center at Greenwich, Connecticut. The site selected
depends on scheduling and the availability of space. Three to five other
field trips, including two all-day trips, are planned. Students should
expect to be involved full-time during the duration of this summer course.
BIOL 666. Immunology. 3 lec. hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: A course
in cell biology. The components and mechanisms of action of the immune
system. Topics include requirements for antigenicity, types of antibodies,
humoral and cell-mediated responses including allergy, graft rejection,
and autoimmune diseases.
BIOL 680. Field Biology
Studies. Prereq.:
Variable prerequisites and permission of the instructor(s). A variable-content
course encompassing field studies in the areas of botany, ecology, entomology,
invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, and limnology. Usually offered summers only, with 3 to 6 credits, depending on the subjects included
and the time involved. The focus of the course is the comparative study
of habitats and their components. Format and destinations are variable,
and costs reflect the mode of travel, destination, and type of accommodations.
A term paper is required.
BIOL 680.3. 9 hr.; 3
cr.
BIOL 680.4. 12 hr.;
4 cr.
BIOL 680.5. 15 hr.;
5 cr.
BIOL 680.6. 18 hr.;
6 cr.
BIOL 685. Special Topics. 2–6 hr.; 2–4 cr. Special topics
in various areas of cellular, developmental, environmental, or evolutionary
biology to be taken by arrangement with the instructor and graduate
advisor. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different. May include
laboratory or field experience.
700-Level Courses
BIOL 700. Genetics. 4 hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 710 or
equivalent. Structure and function of genes and genomes. Topics will
include genetic model organisms and recombinant DNA technology.
BIOL 700.4. Laboratory
Techniques in Molecular Genetics. 4
lab. hr.; 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq.: BIOL 700.
BIOL 705.3. Evolution. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: Courses in
genetics, vertebrate zoology or invertebrate zoology, botany, historical
geology, or permission of the department. Study of the mechanisms and
processes of evolution based on the results and concepts of population
genetics, speciation, and mega-evolutionary processes.††
BIOL 705.4. Laboratory
in Evolution. 4 lab.
hr.; 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq.: BIOL 705.3.
BIOL 705.6. Macroevolution:
Patterns of Evolution above the Species Level. 3
hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: A course in graduate evolution and undergraduate
genetics. A course in evolution above the species level analyzing the
interface between evolution at the species level and higher systematic
and ecological hierarchies. The discussion will include origin, diversification,
and extinction patterns of lineages; rates of evolution, deterministic
versus stochastic patterns; the problem of adaptation and diversification;
developmental aspects of phylogeny; taxic distribution in space and
time; phylogenetic inference; morphological versus paleontological data;
the molecular clock; ecological versus historical biogeography; gradualism
versus saltationalism; neodarwinian paradigm versus others at supra-specific
levels.
BIOL 706.3. Systematics. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: A course in
evolution or in some major group of organisms. Principles of classification,
phylogenetic inference, methods of systematics.
BIOL 706.7. Topics in
Systematics. 3 hr.;
3 cr. Prereq.: A course in evolution or in some major group of organisms.
Topics in classification, phylogenetic inferences, and systematics of
a group of organisms. Course may be taken more than once if topic changes.
BIOL 707.1, 707.3, 707.5,
707.7. Zoology and Phylogeny of the Chordata. 2
lec. hr.; 2 cr. each semester. Prereq.: For BIOL 707.1, courses in comparative
vertebrate anatomy and graduate courses in evolution, advanced genetics,
and systematics; for BIOL 707.3, BIOL 707.1 or permission of the instructor;
for BIOL 707.5, BIOL 707.3 or permission of the instructor; for BIOL
707.7, BIOL 707.5. The first semester to emphasize the fishlike chordates;
the second semester to emphasize the amphibia, reptiles; the third semester
to emphasize mammals; and the fourth semester to emphasize birds.
BIOL 707.2, 707.4, 707.6,
707.8. Laboratory in Zoology and Phylogeny of the Chordata. 4 lab. hr.; 2 cr. each semester.
Prereq. or coreq.: For BIOL 707.2, BIOL 707.1; for BIOL 707.4, BIOL
707.3; for BIOL 707.6, BIOL 707.5; for BIOL 707.8, BIOL 707.7. Examination
of living, fossil, and other museum materials illustrating techniques
and problems in research. The first semester to emphasize the fishlike
chordates; the second semester to emphasize the amphibia, reptiles;
the third semester to emphasize mammals; and the fourth semester to
emphasize birds.
BIOL 709.1. Population
Genetics. 3 hr.; 3
cr. Prereq.: A course in statistics and a course in general genetics,
evolution, or permission of the instructor. Study of single gene systems
on the population level with emphasis on the mechanisms of evolution/speciation.††
BIOL 709.3. Quantitative
Genetics. 3 hr.; 3
cr. Prereq.: A course in statistics and a course in general genetics
or permission of the instructor. Study of genetic selection, heritability,
inbreeding, genetic drift, and the mathematical models that describe
these processes.
BIOL 710. Molecular Biology. 4 hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: Undergraduate
degree in biology or biochemistry to include a one-year course in organic
chemistry, or permission of the instructor. Structure, function, and
synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
BIOL 710.3. Cellular
Physiology. 3 hr.;
3 cr. Prereq.: Courses in physiology and cytology or permission of the
department. The functions of acellular organisms and the cells of metazoa
and metaphyta, including the normal internal-external environment of
the cell; permeability and cell membranes; contractility; action potentials;
specialized cells and their functions.††
BIOL 710.4. Laboratory
in Cellular Physiology.
4 lab. hr.; 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq.: BIOL 710.3.
BIOL 711.3. Experimental
Microbiology. 3 lec.
hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: One year of organic chemistry, one year of physics,
one-half year of microbiology. The processes whereby microorganisms
(1) obtain energy and cellular materials, (2) synthesize cell constituents,
and (3) interact with their environment.
BIOL 711.4. Experimental
Microbiology Laboratory. 4
lab. hr.; 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq.: BIOL 711.3. The study of the metabolism
of selected microorganisms by chemical and physical methods.
BIOL 712.3. Comparative
Biochemistry. 3 hr.;
3 cr. Prereq.: Courses in general biochemistry and evolution or permission
of the department. Comparison of the chemical constitution and metabolism
of major groups of organisms.
BIOL 712.4. Laboratory
in Comparative Biochemistry. 4
lab. hr.; 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq.: BIOL 712.3.
BIOL 714. Cell Biology. 4 lec. hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: Undergraduate
degree in biology or biochemistry to include a one-year course in organic
chemistry, or permission of the instructor. Characteristics and properties
of cells and cellular components. Mechanisms underlying cell function
and interactions of cells with their environment.
BIOL 717.1. Virology. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: One course in
genetics, biochemistry, or equivalent. The structure and diversity of
viruses will be discussed. The mechanisms of viral infection and multiplication,
as well as host cell responses, will be studied. Several types of viruses
will be analyzed in detail (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus, herpes
viruses, hepatitis viruses, influenza virus).††
BIOL 718. Immunology. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Principles of immunology
including discussions of relevant experimental techniques and contemporary
topics.††
BIOL 719. Molecular Communication
in Microorganisms. 3
hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: A course in organic chemistry or biochemistry, or
permission of the instructor. A study of the surface of microbial cells
and how microbial cells interact by means of molecules between cells
of the same or different species. The role of these molecules in the
regulation of morphogenesis, sexual and asexual reproduction, life cycles,
metabolic regulation, genetic recombination, and bioengineering will
be examined. Comparison of these communicating molecules will be made
with hormones of higher plants and animals.
BIOL 722.1. Endocrinology. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: Courses in physiology
(preferably vertebrate) or biochemistry, or permission of the instructor.
Study of the mechanisms of hormone action and survey of the major mammalian
endocrine systems.††
723. Ornithology. 3 lec., 3 lab. hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.:
A course in evolution or in some major group of organisms is expected.
Permission of the instructor required. The evolution, classification,
origin of flight, anatomy, physiology, migration, ecology, and reproductive
behavior, and conservation of birds. Laboratory includes techniques
used in ornithological research and field trips to focus on bird identification
and behavior. Students will be expected to attend at least one overnight
field trip (e.g., to Cape May, New Jersey). A library research paper will be
submitted and presented in class.
BIOL 724.6. Behavior
and Evolution. 3 hr.;
3 cr. A reading, discussion, and seminar course focusing on two basic
questions asked by ethologists: (1) What is the ecological (adaptive)
significance of behavior? and (2) What is the evolutionary history of
behavior? Gene (biological) evolution is the prime focus; cultural evolution
is also examined.††
BIOL 726.3. Comparative
Animal Physiology.
3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: Courses in invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology,
physiology, and organic chemistry, or permission of the department.
Physiological processes in invertebrates and vertebrates are compared.
Osmoregulation, respiration, circulation of body fluids, receptors,
and effector and integrating mechanisms are explored. Emphasis is placed
on an examination of functional homology and analogy as evidence for
phylogeny.††
BIOL 726.4. Laboratory
in Comparative Animal Physiology. 4
lab. hr.; 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq.: BIOL 726.3. Laboratory work will
involve qualitative as well as quantitative techniques for measuring
environment-organism interaction. Marine, freshwater, and terrestrial
invertebrates and vertebrates will be utilized for investigations into
the effects on the organism of pressure, temperature, radiant energy,
etc.
BIOL 731.3. Microbial
Ecology. 3 hr.; 3
cr. Prereq.: General microbiology or protozoology or phycology or mycology
or lower plants, or permission of the instructor. Study of the relationships
of microorganisms to their natural environments (air, water, soil, higher
animals, or plants) and each other.
BIOL 741.3. Radiation
Biology. 3 hr.; 3
cr. Prereq.: Courses in organic chemistry, general physics, two advanced
courses in biology, or permission of the department. Interaction of
radiation with living matter, the effect of such interactions on a variety
of plants and animals, and methods for detecting and measuring radiation.
BIOL 741.4. Laboratory
in Radiation Biology.
4 lab. hr.; 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq.: BIOL 741.3.
BIOL 750. Developmental
Biology. 3 hr.; 3
cr. Prereq.: BIOL 714 or equivalent; a graduate course in biology or
genetics is recommended. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying
the development of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. Embryogenesis,
axis specification, organogenesis, and cell differentiation.
BIOL 750.4. Laboratory
in Developmental Biology. 4
lab. hr.; 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq.: BIOL 750.
BIOL 753.3. Molecular
Basis of Development. 2
hr.; 2 cr. Prereq.: A course in developmental biology or biochemistry,
or permission of the instructor. Analysis of selected topics in developmental
biology at the molecular level, e.g., biochemical basis of induction,
hormonal regulation of gene expression in development.††
BIOL 760.1. Ecology. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: Courses in vertebrate
zoology. A general course in ecology covering theoretical and experimental
aspects at the population, community, and ecosystem levels of organization.
Emphasis is placed on the studies of populations—their organization,
growth, and regulation—and interactions within and between species.
Basic concepts concerning community organization and dynamics are considered.††
BIOL 760.2. Laboratory
in Ecology. 4 lab.
hr.; 2 cr. Coreq.: BIOL 760.1.
BIOL 760.3. Community
Ecology. 3 hr.; 3
cr. Prereq.: A course in botany (higher plants). Analysis of selected
topics in synecology. Emphasis will be on structural and temporal relationships
of plants, animals, and climate–plant community relationships.
BIOL 760.5. Population
Ecology. 3 hr.; 3
cr. Prereq.: Courses in botany, zoology, or permission of the instructor.
Study of the composition and dynamics of populations, including age
structure, sex ratio, mating systems, growth patterns, life table analysis,
regulation, and intraspecific interactions.
BIOL 760.7. Limnology. 3 hr.; 3 cr. The study of the physical,
chemical, and biological features of freshwater systems.††
BIOL 760.8. Laboratory
in Limnology. 4 hr.;
2 cr. Coreq.: BIOL 760.7. This laboratory course must be taken simultaneously
with the lecture. Laboratory testing and analysis along with considerable
field exercises are designed to provide a survey of physical, chemical,
and biological sampling techniques involved in limnological studies.
A portion of the course period will be held at a field station, where
intensive day and night sampling and measurements will be conducted.
Along with written reports, an identified collection of aquatic specimens
is required. Several additional all-day field trips are planned.††
BIOL 764.3. Plant Ecology:
Vegetation of the World.
3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: A course in botany. A survey of world vegetation,
with emphasis on North and Central America. Structural and floristic
composition of major vegetation types will be emphasized. Schemes of
vegetation classification will be compared and contrasted. Latitudinal
and altitudinal zones will be discussed in the context of bioclimatic
parameters.††
BIOL 768.3. World Vegetation. 3 hr.; 3 cr. A survey of vegetation
of the earth touching on paleogeofloristics, from the Paleophytic to
Cenophytic Eras. Changes in the Earth’s vegetation and present distributions
of zonal plant communities are discussed in the light of plate tectonics
and bioclimatology. Contemporary world vegetation types are analyzed
structurally, physiognomically, and floristically. Systems of vegetation
classification are compared and contrasted. Emphasis is placed on New
World vegetation. A library research paper is required.††
BIOL 772. Theory and
Biological Applications of Electron Microscopy. 2
lec., 1 rec., 3 lab. hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: A course in histological techniques
or permission of the instructor. Study of the theory of electron microscopy
plus practice of electron microscope operation and preparation of tissues
for fine structure studies.
BIOL 780.1. Biostatistics. 2–4 lec. hr.; 2–4 cr. Prereq.:
Mathematics through calculus and permission of the instructor. Descriptive
and inferential biostatistics, including analysis of variance, regression,
and other selected methods.
BIOL 780.2. Laboratory
in Biostatistics. 1
rec., 3–6 lab. hr.; 2–3 cr. Prereq. or coreq.: BIOL 780.1 or equivalent.
The laboratory work consists of individual student projects and introduction
to computer programming.
BIOL 781.1. Applied Multivariate
Statistics. 2 hr.;
2 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 780.1, 780.2, or equivalent; coreq.: BIOL 781.2.
This course will involve principal components, factor analysis, discriminant
analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, distance statistics, and
multiple regression. Material will be covered in the context of biological
problems in the laboratory and field.
BIOL 781.2. Applied Multivariate
Statistics Laboratory. 3
lab., 1 conf. hr.; 2 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 780.1, 780.2, or equivalent;
coreq.: BIOL 781.1. Data analysis and problem-solving using multivariate
data from experiments and the field. Use of SAS statistical package,
including some programming in matrix algebra.
BIOL 788. Cooperative
Education Placement. Hr.
to be arranged; 1 to 4 cr. Prereq.: Permission of the department. Opportunities
to apply academic learning in biology in a work environment. The student
will develop a learning contract with an on-site supervisor and a departmental
advisor. A written report and an oral or written examination are required.
Open only to students who pursue the 32-credit-coursework track; a maximum
of 4 credits may be applied toward the MA in biology.
BIOL 790.1. Seminar in
Evolution. 2 hr. plus
conf.; 3 cr. Topics relating to the general subject of evolution. Course
may be taken more than once if topic changes.††
BIOL 790.2. Seminar in
Genetics. 2 hr. plus
conf.; 3 cr. Heredity and genetics of plants and animals, and applications
to other areas.††
BIOL 790.4. Seminar in
Molecular Genetics.
3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 710 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
Seminar course on a specified topic in the field of molecular genetics.
Course may be taken more than once if topic changes.
BIOL 790.5. Seminar in
Developmental Biology. 3
hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 750 or equivalent and/or permission of the
instructor. Special topics in developmental biology, emphasizing recent
work relating to problems of chemical embryology, induction and tissue
interaction, genes in development, hormones in development, differentiation
and growth, teratology, and regeneration. Course may be taken more than
once if topic changes.
BIOL 790.6. Seminar in
Ecology. 2 hr. plus
conf.; 3 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 760.1 or equivalent and/or permission of
the instructor. Seminar in topics of the interrelationships of plants
and animals with their biotic and abiotic environments. Course may be
taken more than once if topic changes.††
BIOL 790.7. Seminar in
Cytology. 3 hr.; 3
cr. Special topics in cytology.††
BIOL 790.8. Seminar in
Biomathematics. 3
hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 780.1 and 780.2 or equivalent or permission
of the instructor. Seminar-format course on a specified topic in the
field of biomathematics and its applications. Course may be taken more
than once if topic changes.
BIOL 791. Colloquium. 1 hr.; 1 cr. Graded on pass/fail basis
only. Course may be taken more than once if topic changes.†
BIOL 792. Tutorial. 1–4 hr.; 1–4 cr. Prereq.: A minimum
of two 600- or 700-level courses in biology.
BIOL 793.1. Seminar in
Systematics. 3 hr.;
3 cr. Problems in modern classification and phylogeny, with emphasis
on areas such as vertical vs. horizontal classification, convergent
and parallel evolution, adaptive radiation, behavioral aspects, biochemical
systematics, computer methods, etc.
BIOL 793.2. Seminar in
Zoogeography. 3 hr.;
3 cr. Prereq.: A course in evolution or permission of the instructor.
Seminar-format course on a specified topic in the field of zoogeography.
Course may be taken more than once if topic changes.
BIOL 793.3. Seminar in
Physiology. 3 hr.;
3 cr. Special problems in physiology.
BIOL 793.4. Seminar in
Animal Behavior. 3
hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: A course in animal behavior or permission of the
instructor. Seminar-format course on a specified topic in the field
of animal behavior. Course may be taken more than once if topic changes.
BIOL 793.5. Seminar in
Cell Biology. 3 hr.;
3 cr. Prereq.: BIOL 714 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
Seminar course on a specified topic in the field of cell biology. Course
may be taken more than once if topic changes.††
BIOL 793.9. Seminar in
Special Topics. 2
hr.; 2 cr. Course may be taken more than once if topic changes.
BIOL 794.1. Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology Data/Journal Club. 1
hr.; 1 cr. Prereq.: At least one graduate-level course in ecology, evolution,
or systematics. Seminar-format course consisting of student and faculty
oral presentations. Topics of the presentations will be taken from the
student’s or faculty member’s own research or from journal articles
in the scientific literature. Course may be taken more than once if
topic changes.
BIOL 795, 796. Basic
Laboratory Techniques for Research. 2
lec., 3 lab. hr.; 3 cr. per course. Lecture and laboratory work on modern
instrumentation and experimental design used to solve biological problems.
The theory underlying the experimental design and equipment will be
discussed.
BIOL 797.1. Molecular,
Cellular, and Developmental Biology Journal Club. 1
hr.; 1 cr. Prereq.: At least one graduate-level course in molecular
genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, or biochemistry. Seminar-format
course consisting of student and faculty oral presentations. Topics
of the presentations will be taken from journal articles in the scientific
literature. Course may be taken more than once if topic changes.†
BIOL 798.1. Molecular,
Cellular, and Developmental Biology Data Club. 1
hr.; 1 cr. Prereq.: At least one graduate-level course in molecular
genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, or biochemistry. Seminar-format
course consisting of student and faculty oral presentations. Topics
of the presentations will be taken from the student’s or faculty member’s
own research. Course may be taken more than once if topic changes.†
BIOL 799. Research. Up to 6 cr. Prereq.: A minimum of
two 600- or 700-level courses in biology. Research under the guidance
of a faculty advisor.
