2012-13 Catalog

BIOL 120. General Biology. 4 Hours.

Detailed study of a typical cell, cell phenomena, mitosis, meiosis, nucleic acids, protein synthesis, basic principles of genetics, photosynthesis, and respiration. A survey of the Plant Kingdom is covered. Much of laboratory is devoted to the anatomy and physiology of flowering plants, while representatives of the lower plant phyla are studied with emphasis on life histories. Substantial microscopic observation required. Lab fee $10. Course fee $10.

BIOL 121. General Biology Animal Emphasis. 4 Hours.

The major animal phyla and vertebrate systems are surveyed, with representative examples and dissection of the frog stressed in the laboratory. Substantial microscopic observation required. Lab fee $10. Course fee $10.

BIOL 210. Essential Elements of Biology. 3 Hours.

The study of morphology, anatomy, growth, life cycles, ecology, behavior, classification, and uses of organisms. Human systems and tissues and mechanisms of heredity and metabolism will be introduced. The laboratory will give experience in the use of the microscope, dissecting procedures, and problem solving. Prerequisite: 8 hours laboratory science. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 219. Human Anatomy and Physiology. 4 Hours.

Basic physiological principles and their applications in the study of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems are emphasized. Substantial microscopic observation required. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 220. Human Anatomy and Physiology. 4 Hours.

A continuation of the integrated study of human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is on the various organ systems not studied in BIOL 219. Substantial microscopic observation required. Prerequisite: BIOL 219. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 302. Histology. 4 Hours.

Introduction to cellular ultrastructure. Study of vertebrate tissues and their arrangement in various organs. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 or approval by the department head. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 303. Heredity. 4 Hours.

The fundamental principles of inheritance and their application to plants and animals including humans. Laboratory stresses genetic variables and manipulation of genetic traits. Prerequisite: 12 hours BIOL. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 306. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. 4 Hours.

The morphology, physiology, and phylogeny of the organ systems of vertebrates. Laboratory study of representative vertebrates. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biology. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 307. Microbiology. 4 Hours.

Study of micro-organisms; characteristics, physiology, genetics, and their interrelations with humans. Substantial microscopic observation required. Prerequisites: 2 semesters of biology and 1 semester of chemistry or approval by the department head. Lab fee $15.

BIOL 313. Molecular Biology. 4 Hours.

Fundamentals of gene expression, gene regulation, DNA metabolism and nucleic acid structure, recombinant DNA techniques and protein structure. Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and CHEM 201.

BIOL 315. Plant Taxonomy. 4 Hours.

Principles of plant taxonomy. Field and laboratory studies of common Texas wild flowers and trees with emphasis on identification, collection, and preparation of herbarium specimens. Prerequisites: 7 hours of BIOL, junior classification, or department head approval. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 320. Plant Pathology. 4 Hours.

Study of the various types of plant diseases and specific examples of each type. Emphasis upon identification, host-parasite interactions, pathogen dissemination, and control methods. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, 307 or approval by department head. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 336. Plant Physiology. 4 Hours.

A study of physiology of green plants with emphasis on nitrogen metabolism, respiration, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, and growth. Prerequisites: 1 semester of BIOL with plant emphasis and one semester of organic chemistry. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 340. Introduction to Marine Biology. 3 Hours.

General considerations of the marine environment including habitats, biota, zoogeography, and humans' impact. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, 121.

BIOL 349. Invertebrate Zoology. 4 Hours.

The study of the morphology, taxonomy, biology, and phylogeny of the invertebrate animals, exclusive of the Insecta. Prerequisites: 12 hours of BIOL or approval by the department head. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 353. Ecology and Evolution. 3 Hours. [WI]

The objective of this course is to convey a basic understanding of how life evolves, how organisms interact with their environments, and how evolutionary and ecological principles can be applied to a wide range of questions. Emphasis will be placed on the writing process. Prerequisite Course(s):BIOL 120 and BIOL 121.

BIOL 385. Immunology. 4 Hours.

Emphasis on the basic concepts of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Laboratory: current techniques in experimental immunology and serology. Prerequisites: BIOL 307 and one year of CHEM or approval by the department head. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 395. Pathogenic Microbiology. 4 Hours.

A study of the disease-producing capacities of various microorganisms with emphasis on the diagnostic procedure of isolation and identification. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 with minimum grade of "C" or approval by the department head. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 401. Ecology. 4 Hours.

Plants and animals in relation to their environment. Prerequisites: 2 semesters of BIOL or approval by the department head. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 430. Ornithology. 4 Hours.

A study of the basic biology of birds, including origins, systematics, ecology, biogeography, physiology, anatomy, and reproductive biology. Laboratory emphasizes identification of regional avifauna and includes multiple field trips. Prerequisite Course(s): BIOL 120 and BIOL 121. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 441. Limnology. 4 Hours.

A study of aquatic communities and the physiochemical factors affecting the productivity of ponds, reservoirs, and streams. Experience in hydrographic survey morphometry. Prerequisites: 1 year of CHEM and 12 hours of BIOL, including BIOL 120, 121. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 442. Marine Ecology. 3 Hours.

Study of marine ecosystems including physical, chemical, and biological factors which influence the distribution of marine organisms. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, 121, 401 or approval by the department head.

BIOL 445. Parasitology. 4 Hours.

A survey of the various invertebrate parasites of medical importance with particular reference to epidemiology and the host-parasite relationship. Prerequisites: 12 hours of BIOL or approval by the department head. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 451. Mammalogy. 4 Hours.

A study of the evolution, anatomy, behavior, ecology, systematics, and basic biology of mammals. Laboratory work includes identification of regional mammals as well as techniques for the collection and preparation of mammalian specimens.

BIOL 460. Animal Physiology. 4 Hours.

Basic principles of life processes and how they 461-4 apply to the integrated functions of organ systems. Functions of the various organ systems of animals are studied. Prerequisites: 12 hours of BIOL and one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory. Lab fee $10 per course.

BIOL 461. Animal Physiology. 4 Hours.

Basic principles of life processes and how they apply to the integrated functions of organ systems. Functions of the various organ systems of animals are studied.

BIOL 462. Ichthyology. 4 Hours.

A study of the anatomy, behavior, ecology, evolution, taxonomy, and zoogeography of fishes. Field and laboratory work provide students with practical experience in collecting, identifying, and studying fishes. Emphasis will be placed on local fauna. Prerequisite Course(s): BIOL 120 and BIOL 121. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 470. Analysis of Biological Principles. 3 Hours.

The comparative study of the morphology, anatomy, genetics, metabolism, reproduction, and the phylogenetic and ecological relationships of organisms. Prerequisite: 16 hours advanced BIOL or approval of department head. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 474. Biochemistry I. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the basic principles of biological chemistry and to fundamental processes of plants, animals and microorganisms. Credit for both BIOL 474 and CHEM 474 will not be awarded. Prerequisite: 1 semester of organic chemistry (2 semesters recommended) and 8 hours of biological science or approval of department head.

BIOL 475. Biochemistry II. 3 Hours.

A detailed survey of intermediary metabolism. The metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, and the regulation of metabolism are emphasized. Credit for both BIOL 475 and CHEM 475 will not be awarded. Prerequisites: BIOL/CHEM 474, or approval of department head.

BIOL 478. Biochemistry Lab. 3 Hours.

Principles and applications of basic methodology for the isolation, purification, characterization, and quantitative determination of biologically important compounds. Credit for both BIOL 478 and CHEM 478 will not be awarded. Prerequisite: BIOL 474 or CHEM 474 or concurrent enrollment, or approval of department head. Lab fee, $15.

BIOL 485. Seminar. 1-3 Hours.

Survey of biological literature, biological instrumentation, history of biology, and current trends in biological sciences. Grading in this course is satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Prerequisite: 12 hours BIOL and approval of department head.

BIOL 486. Biology Problems. 1-6 Hours.

A course open by invitation to capable juniors and seniors wishing to pursue a biological problem. Students are permitted and encouraged to work independently under the guidance of an instructor. May be repeated for credit, subject to the approval by the department head. Prerequisites: 2 years of BIOL, the ability to do independent work, and approval of department head. Lab fee $10.

BIOL 490. Special Topics. 1-3 Hours.

Deals with selected topics in biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: approval of department head.