Biological Sciences

BIOL 1100. Transitioning to University Studies in Biology/Biomedical Sciences. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

Practical study designed to prepare the student for university life, aid in the development of skills for academic success, promote personal growth and responsibility, and encourage active involvement in the learning process from an individual college perspective. These skill sets are presented in the context of biology and biomedical disciplines.

BIOL 1185. Career Pathways in Biomedical Science. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

Exploration of opportunities in the health professions, biomedical research, biomedical industry, and related fields. Course is open to all majors interested in life science careers related to health and disease.

BIOL 1305. Biology for the Informed Citizen. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The goal of this course is to introduce students to basic concepts in biology so that they can apply their knowledge in their everyday lives as informed consumers and users of scientific information. The format of the course is inquiry based within the context of important cultural and social issues. This course will give students a greater appreciation for the sciences and enhance the student’s ability to make informed and ethical decisions about biological issues that affect the global community.

BIOL 1406. Biology for Science Majors. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included. Laboratory activities will reinforce the fundamental principles of living organisms, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Study and examination of the concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 1407. Biology for Science Majors II. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

The diversity and classification of life will be studied, including animals, plants, protists, fungi, and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants and animals. Laboratory activities will reinforce study of the diversity and classification of life, including animals, plants, protists, fungi, and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants and animals. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 2020. Biology Connect 2020. 0 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

BIOL 2300. Cell Biology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to the study of cells, including structure and function of cellular components, bioenergetics, cellular transport and communication, and the cell cycle. Prerequisite: BIOL 1406.

BIOL 2310. Essential Elements of Biology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 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. Enrollment in this course is restricted to Elementary Teacher Education (ETED) or Interdisciplinary Studies Majors. Prerequisite: 3 hours of CHEM, PHYS, or GEOL Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 2401. Anatomy and Physiology I. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 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: $2.

BIOL 2402. Anatomy & Physiology II. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Integrated study of human anatomy and physiology. Includes study of the structure and function of the human body including the following systems: endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive (including nutrition), urinary (including fluid and electrolyte balance), and reproductive (including human development and genetics). Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. The lab provides a hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 2420. Microbiology for Non-Science Majors. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

A survey of the microorganisms, their environments, and their interactions with multicellular organisms, particularly man. The course concentrates on the microorganisms which are pathogenic to man, human diseases, treatments for the diseases, and their prevention. Microorganisms need time to grow and therefore there will be several laboratory assignments throughout the course of the semester where students will be required to return the next day for about 15-45 minutes for culture analysis. Course is appropriate for pre-nursing majors. Prerequisite: 8 hours of BIOL or CHEM Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 3103. Genetic Techniques. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Application of modern genetic techniques to generate, analyze, and interpret data. Emphasis will be placed on the development of practical laboratory skills. Prerequisite: BIOL 3303 or concurrent enrollment. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 3185. Immunology Lab Techniques. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

The use of current molecular techniques in cell and protein biology to assess how the immune system responds to various stimuli. Credit will not be awarded for both BIOL 3185 and BIOL 5188. Prerequisite: BIOL 3385 or concurrent enrollment Lab Fee: $2.

BIOL 3303. Genetics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to the study of genetics including the nature of genetic material, mechanisms of gene expression and inheritance, population genetics and evolution, and application of modern DNA technology. Prerequisites: 8 hours of BIOL with a grade of C or higher and CHEM 1311 and 1111 or higher.

BIOL 3340. Introduction to Marine Biology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

General considerations of the marine environment including habitats, biota, zoogeography, and humans' impact. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406, 1407.

BIOL 3353. Ecology and Evolution. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

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. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406, 1407 and (BIOL 3303 or AGRI 3409).

BIOL 3363. Study Abroad: Ecology and Evolution. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is intended 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. This course will be an Applied Learning Experience. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, and (BIOL 3303 or AGRI 3409).

BIOL 3380. Introduction to Virology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course covers the basic principles in the study of viruses. It will provide a foundation to understanding virus architecture and nomenclature, virus replication cycles, mechanisms of viral entry and spread of infection, host responses to viral infections, laboratory research and diagnostics of viral diseases, and epidemiology of viral infections. Prerequisite: BIOL 3407.

BIOL 3385. Immunology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the cells, tissues, and proteins that comprise the mammalian immune system focusing on how they interact to prevent, and also contribute to disease. Credit will not be awarded for both BIOL 3385 and BIOL 5385. Prerequisite: BIOL 2420 or 3407.

BIOL 3395. Pathogenic Microbiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the disease-producing capacities of various microorganisms with emphasis on the diagnostic procedure of isolation and identification. Prerequisite: BIOL 3407 with minimum grade of "C" or approval by the department head.

BIOL 3402. Histology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Introduction to cellular ultrastructure. Study of vertebrate tissues and their arrangement in various organs. Prerequisite: 8 hours of BIOL Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 3406. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 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: $2.

BIOL 3407. Microbiology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Study of microorganisms; characteristics, physiology, genetics, and their interrelations with humans. Substantial microscopic observation required. Microorganisms need time to grow and therefore there will be several laboratory assignments throughout the course of the semester where students will be required to return the next day for about 15-45 minutes for culture analysis. Prerequisites: 2 semesters of BIOL and 1 semester of CHEM, or 1 semester of BIOL and 2 semesters of CHEM, or approval by the department head. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 3413. Molecular Biology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 4 Hours).

Fundamentals of gene expression, gene regulation, DNA metabolism and nucleic acid structure, recombinant DNA techniques and protein structure. Prerequisites: BIOL 3303 and 3103, and either CHEM 2423 or both CHEM 2323 and CHEM 2123.

BIOL 3415. Plant Taxonomy. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 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. Prerequisite: 8 hours of BIOL with a grade of C or better, junior classification, or department head approval. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 3420. Plant Pathology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 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. Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 3407 or approval by department head. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 3430. Phycology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Hands-on training in the taxonomy, ecology, and ecophysiology of algae. Discussion of current uses of algae for water quality, biofuel, food production, forensic science, and nanotechnology. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 3436. Plant Physiology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

A study of physiology of green plants with emphasis on nitrogen metabolism, respiration, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, and growth. Prerequisite: BIOL 1406 or BIOL 1407 Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 3449. Animal Diversity. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

The study of the morphology, taxonomy, biology, and phylogeny of the invertebrate animals. In lecture, students concentrate on basic concepts of structures, function and evolutionary development of major invertebrate groups. In lab, students are exposed to a large collection of invertebrates, learning about systematics, ecology, structure and phylogenetic relationships. Prerequisite: 12 hours of BIOL or approval by the department head. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 3485. Immunology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Emphasis on the basic concepts of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Laboratory: current techniques in experimental immunology and serology. Prerequisites: BIOL 2300, BIOL 3407, CHEM 1411, and CHEM 1412 Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4010. Independent Research. 0 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

BIOL 4086. Biology Problems. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 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. Prerequisite: 14 hours of BIOL Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4090. Special Topics. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 3-9 Hours).

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

BIOL 4185. Seminar. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0 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 or approval of department head.

BIOL 4320. Behavioral Ecology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The aim of this course is to understand variation in behavior among species and among individuals within a species. The course will focus on how behavior affects an animal’s ability to survive and reproduce. Prerequisites: 12 hours of biology or approval by department head.

BIOL 4325. Conservation Biology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Principles of conservation biology and the major issues that define the discipline. Study of value, threats to, and conservation of biodiversity. Conservation issues at the population and species levels, policy, and practical applications of the science will be included. Prerequisite: Course in Ecology, or department head approval.

BIOL 4340. Developmental Biology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Introduction to basic principles of developmental biology. The course will include sections on classical embryology, the molecular basis of development, and evolution of development. In addition, students will read/discuss relevant articles from the primary literature. Prerequisite: BIOL 3303 or BIOL 3403.

BIOL 4350. Vaccines. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will cover the basic principles in the study of vaccines by providing a foundation to the understanding of the immune response to vaccinations, development of vaccinations, and the significance of individual human and animal vaccines. Prerequisite: BIOL 3407.

BIOL 4370. Organisms and Ecosystems of Texas. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 4 Hours).

A comparisons of the organisms and ecosystems of Texas. The comparative study of the morphology, anatomy, metabolism, reproduction, and the phylogenetic and ecological relationships of organisms in Texas. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, and CHEM 1311 and 1111, or approval of department head. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4374. Biochemistry I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to the basic principles of biological chemistry and to fundamental processes of plants, animals and microorganisms. Credit for both BIOL 4374 and CHEM 4374 will not be awarded. Prerequisites: BIOL 3407 with "C" or better, and either CHEM 2423 or both CHEM 2323 and 2123 with "C" or better.

BIOL 4375. Biochemistry II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 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 4375 and CHEM 4375 will not be awarded. Prerequisite: BIOL/CHEM 4374, or approval of department head.

BIOL 4378. Biochemistry Lab. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 5 Hours).

Principles and applications of basic methodology for the isolation, purification, characterization, and quantitative determination of biologically important compounds. Credit for both BIOL 4378 and CHEM 4378 will not be awarded. Prerequisite: BIOL 4374 or CHEM 4374 Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4398. Current Topics in the Life Sciences. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Students will apply knowledge and skills learned in previous courses to address biological issues through writing, oral presentations, and other assessments. All majors must complete this course to graduate with a BS in Biology or BS in Biomedical Science. Prerequisites: Major in Biology or Biomedical Science and at least 80 hours of coursework completed, including BIOL 1406,BIOL 1407, BIOL 2300, BIOL 3103 and BIOL 3303, BIOL 3353, and BIOL 3407, or Department Head Approval.

BIOL 4401. Ecology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

The scientific study of the biotic and abiotic interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, and 4 hours of CHEM; or ENVE 2310 and 4 hours CHEM (for Environmental Engineering majors only) Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4420. Terrestrial Field Ecology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

A study of the structure and functioning of terrestrial communities with an emphasis on plants. Laboratories will be conducted over three weekends. Prerequisite: Plant Taxonomy (BIOL 3415) or department head approval Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4430. Ornithology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 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. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4440. Herpetology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

A survey of the biology of amphibians and reptiles, with emphasis on phylogenetics, ecology, physiology, morphology, zoogeography, conservation, and taxonomy. Laboratory and field work will provide students with practical experience in collecting, identifying, and preparing specimens of regional species, as well as observing populations in natural settings. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4441. Freshwater Biology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

The study of aquatic communities and the biogeochemical factors affecting the productivity of ponds, reservoirs, and streams (Limnology). Labs focus on field collections and student-driven experimental research. Prerequisites: 8 hours of CHEM and 12 hours of BIOL, including BIOL 1406 and 1407; or 8 hours of CHEM and ENVE 2310 (for Environmental Engineering majors only). Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4445. Parasitology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

A survey of the various invertebrate parasites of medical importance with particular reference to epidemiology and the host-parasite relationship. Prerequisite: 12 hours of BIOL or approval by the department head. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4451. Mammalogy. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 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. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4460. General Physiology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

An advanced course in the fundamentals of general physiology emphasizing physiologic mechanisms from a basic molecular/cellular level up to the level of organ systems, which include the nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. The basic physiologic mechanisms are presented in the context of human physiology. Laboratory exercises may involve the use of electronic instrumentation to measure physiologic responses in animals or non-invasively in human volunteers. Prerequisites: 12 hours of BIOL and CHEM 2423 Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4462. Ichthyology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 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. Prerequisites: BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407. Lab fee: $2.

BIOL 4465. Human Anatomy. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 4 Hours).

Emphasis on structure and function of organs and organ systems of the human body from the micro-anatomical to the macro-anatomical levels. Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, CHEM 1311, and CHEM 1312 Lab Fee: $2.

BTEC 1185. Biotechnology Seminar. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

Exploration of opportunities in the biotechnology research, biotechnology industry, and related fields. Students will have the opportunity to learn the academic and co-curricular expectations necessary to be successful applicants to professional school, graduate school or entry-level industry positions.

BTEC 3350. Computational Biology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Introduction to computational tools and programming languages for biotechnology. Prerequisites: BIOL 2300 and MATH 3450.

BTEC 3360. Biotechnology Compliance. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Role of regulatory agencies during the discovery, development, and manufacture of biotechnological products. Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and GOVT 2306 (or Government Core Complete [core 070]) and BTEC 3340.

BTEC 3440. Biotechnology Research Techniques. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 4 Hours).

Students will learn tissue culture techniques, how to introduce foreign DNA into cells, how to select for desired cells, and biochemical assays. Prerequisite: BIOL 2300 Lab Fee: $2.

BTEC 4086. Biotechnology Problems. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-6 Hours).

A course open by invitation to capable students wishing to pursue a biotechnology 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.

BTEC 4090. Special Topics. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 3-9 Hours).

Focuses on selected topics in Biotechnology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

BTEC 4380. Capstone in Biotechnology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Students will apply knowledge and skills learned in previous courses to address biotechnology issues through writing, oral presentations, and other assessments. All majors must complete this course to graduate with a BS in Biotechnology. Prerequisites: Major in Biology, Biotechnology, or Biomedical Science and at least 80 hours of coursework completed, including BIOL 1406,BIOL 1407, BIOL 2300, BIOL 3103 and BIOL 3303, BTEC 3340, BTEC 3350 and BIOL 3407, or Department Head Approval.