Biological Sciences

Environmental Sciences

Biology

Course Number, Credits & Title Course/Program Description
BIOL 100 (4) Our Natural World Introductory course designed for students not majoring in science. Focuses on basic biological principles with special emphasis on the human species. Includes scientific problem solving, biodiversity, human and social aspects of biology, ecology, cellular processes and organ function, human reproduction, pre-natal development, and heredity.
BIOL 101 (2-4) Biological Perspectives Students focus on specific biological perspectives, including environmental science, biology of women, bio technology, human heredity, etc.
BIOL 103W (3) Introduction to Biotechnology Focuses on basic biological principles as applied to biotechnology. Includes basic natural science principles, scientific problem solving, and human and social aspects of biotechnology.
BIOL 211 (4) Genetics Introduction to genetic analysis. Topics covered include those both classical and modern genetics: population genetics, molecular genetics, genetic manipulation of organisms and selection. Central to this course will be the primacy of the traits the object of genetics and the development/refinement of the concept of the gene.
BIOL 215 (4) General Ecology Principles of the study of relationships between organisms and the environment. Topics include flow of energy and materials, organism-level interactions, growth and evolution of populations, and community ecology. Field trips to prairie, lake, stream, and forest communities, training in data collection and analysis, use of equipment, and report writing. Lab included.
BIOL 217 (4) Plant Science Biology of plants including unique features of plant cells, life histories, metabolism, anatomy, physiology, and ecology. The course emphasizes plants' remarkable adaptations to their environments, their diversity, and the vital roles they play in ecological interactions.
BIOL 316 (3) Animal Diversity A comprehensive phylogenetic survey of both invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Emphasis on evolutionary relationships among phyla, the evolution of organ systems, adaptations, and zoogeographical considerations. Research and inquiry of animal unity and diversity will include using the internet.
BIOL 320 (4) Cell Biology An examination of eukaryotic cellular structure, organization and physiology.
BIOL 402 (4) Stream Ecology The structure and function of stream ecosystems are presented with emphasis on adaptations of organisms to stream life and connections between stream organisms, the aquatic environment, and the surrounding watershed. Includes lab, field work, and team projects.
BIOL 403 (3) Conservation Biology Applications of principles from ecology, genetics, behavior, demography, economics, philosophy, and other fields to the conservation and sustainable use of natural populations of plants and animals. Lectures and discussions address topics such as habitat fragmentation, parks and reserves, genetic diversity, pop u la tion, viability, and extinction.
BIOL 404 (4) Wetlands To provide students the values and functions of wetlands and to use wetlands as an example of the relationship of ecology to management, and the impact that classification systems have politically.
BIOL 405 (3) Fisheries Biology An introduction to fish biology and fisheries management, diversity, form and function in the aquatic environment, functional physiology, evolution and speciation, identification and use of keys, ecology, and management topics.
BIOL 410 (3) Global Change Biology This class examines the effects of natural and human-induced changes in climate on terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The course focuses on the science behind global change issues that have biological, social, and economic implications.
BIOL 432 (4) Lake Ecology This course is an introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and interactions of inland freshwater lakes. Labs will emphasize field work, including data collection from five local lakes, analysis, and discussion.
BIOL 445 (4) Economic Botany We interact with plants every day and they've had a profound affect on human history and society. This course surveys the roles of plants in foods, beverages, medicines, drugs, poisons, fibers, fuels, building materials, ceremony, landscape, and more. Lecture, discussion, lab, and field trip. Open to non-science majors.
BIOL 453 (4) Biological Engineering Analysis I The application of engineering principles and skills as applied to fermentation and to biological product recovery.
BIOL 454 (4) Biological Engineering Analysis II Continuation of Biological Engineering Analysis I. The application of engineering principles and skills as applied to fermentation and to biological product recovery.