The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective.
Biology
cas.vancouver.wsu.edu/biology
Science & Engineering Building (VSCI), Room 130
360-546-9620
Academic Director: Amy Wharton, Ph.D.; Academic Coordinators: Debra Wilmington; Emily Earhart; Faculty: Michael Berger, Ph.D.; John Bishop, Ph.D.; Stephen M. Bollens, Ph.D.; Cynthia Cooper, Ph.D; Jonah Piovia-Scott, Ph.D.; Stephanie Porter, Ph.D.; Christine Portfors, Ph.D.; Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens, Ph.D.; Cheryl Schultz, Ph.D.
The Bachelor of Science in Biology at WSU Vancouver emphasizes biological principles that range in scope from molecules to complex ecosystems. The program integrates the study of biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, physiology, ecology, and evolution to provide students with a solid foundation in the biological sciences. Vancouver students, please proceed to the Science Programs Website for the degree plan in this major: http://science.vancouver.wsu.edu/.
The program allows students to specialize in such areas as genetics and molecular biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. It emphasizes laboratory and field research that takes advantage of southwest Washington's diverse opportunities in the biological sciences. The Bachelor of Science in Biology can be used to prepare for careers in biological research, biotechnology, medical research, and environmental and natural resource science; as preparation for teaching at the high school level; and as a foundation for entry into health profession programs and graduate study in the biosciences.
The School of Biological Sciences also offers a minor in zoology, which is available to non-biology majors. The zoology minor provides a broad foundation in zoology and would be of interest to students seeking a well-rounded background for further professional studies such as graduate or veterinary school. Psychology, anatomical, and behavioral studies of animals are emphasized in this option.
Non-science majors may wish to pursue a minor in biology. This minor may be appropriate for students wishing to apply to pre-health professional programs, as it would allow a student to complete prerequisite courses for admission to those advanced degrees. A student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology may not pursue a minor in biology.
Schedules of Studies
Honors students complete the Honors College requirements which replace the UCORE requirements.
Biology - Basic Medical Sciences Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
Electives2 | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
CHEM 348 | 4 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
Electives2 | 6 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
Program Option Course3 | 3 or 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives2,4 | 4 |
Electives | 1 |
Second Term | Credits |
CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303 | 3 or 4 |
Humanities [HUM]5 | 3 |
Program Option Course3 | 3 or 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives2,4 | 4 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
Program Option Course3 | 3 or 4 |
Electives2 | 12 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY Capstone [CAPS] [M] or HONORS 450 | 3 |
Electives2 | 12 |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one of 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one of 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | Students should consult with their advisor for additional courses in Physics or Statistics that may be required for entrance to a graduate or professional program. Must include sufficient 300-400-level courses to meet University Requirement of 40 credits of upper division coursework. |
3 | Program Option Courses (9 credits minimum required): Approved courses are BIOLOGY 251, 315, 321, 324, 333 350, 352, 353, 354, 393, 418; MBIOS 304, 305, 306, 401, 405, 413, 414, 423, 440, 442, 446; NEUROSCI 301, 403, 404, 430; PSYCH 372. Students should consult with their advisor as some professional schools require junior-level physiology or higher. |
4 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
5 | PHIL 365 [HUM] may be required for admission to some graduate and professional programs. |
Biology - General Option (120 Credits)
Honors students complete honors requirements in place of UCORE requirements. The math and science components of those requirements are fulfilled as part of the School requirements described below. Other University requirements include: 120 total credits, of which 40 must be 300-400-level credits; the writing portfolio; and two writing in the major courses (identified by [M] in the course listings). The College of Arts and Sciences requires two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language. Bachelor of Science degree options in Biology and Zoology require a minimum of 18 semester credits of core BIOLOGY (BioCore) courses (BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405). An additional 21 semester credits of biological sciences coursework selected in consultation with your biology advisor is required. The 21 semester credits must include 15 upper division credits, six of which must be BIOLOGY courses taken in residence at WSU. Coursework must include one additional BIOLOGY writing in the major course (identified by [M] in the course listings) or ENGLISH 402 [M], and one BIOLOGY Capstone course (identified by the [CAPS] in the course listings. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all College and School requirements. A maximum of 4 credits of coursework that are graded S, F may be used toward fulfilling School requirements or program options, and no other courses taken S or P can be applied toward fulfilling School requirements or program options. Students must complete an exit survey. Students may not double major or take a minor in any combination of Biology, Zoology, General Studies Biological Sciences, or Human Biology.
First Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 [BSCI] or 107 [BSCI] | 4 |
CHEM 105 [PSCI] | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 106 or 107 | 4 |
CHEM 106 | 4 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
MATH 140 [QUAN] or 171 [QUAN] | 4 |
Second Year | |
First Term | Credits |
Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
CHEM 345 | 4 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
Second Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 4 or 3 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 or 4 |
Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
STAT 212, 412, or PSYCH 311 | 3 or 4 |
Electives3 | 3 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BioCore1 | 3 or 4 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
PHYSICS 101 or 201 | 3 |
PHYSICS 111 or 211 | 1 |
Program Option Course2 | 3 |
Foreign Language or Electives4 | 4 |
Second Term | Credits |
Equity and Justice [EQJS] | 3 |
PHYSICS 102 or 202 | 3 |
PHYSICS 112 or 212 | 1 |
Program Option Course or Electives | 3 or 4 |
Foreign Language or Electives4 | 4 |
Fourth Year | |
First Term | Credits |
BIOLOGY 473 [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
Electives3 | 13 |
Second Term | Credits |
Program Option Course or Electives3 | 6 - 8 |
Electives3 | 9 |
Complete School of Biological Sciences Exit Survey |
Footnotes
1 | BioCore (10 credits required): BIOLOGY 301, one from BIOLOGY 370 [M] or 372 [M], and one from BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405. |
2 | General Biology Option Requirements include one course from the Biochemistry Emphasis (CHEM 370 or MBIOS 303); and one course from the Cell Biology Emphasis (BIOLOGY 352 or MBIOS 405). |
3 | General Biology Option Electives include a minimum of 15 credits of Biological Science selected in consultation with a biology advisor. These should include coursework to fulfill the University requirement of 40 upper division credits. |
4 | Two years of high school foreign language or at least two semesters of college-level foreign language are required by the College of Arts and Sciences for graduation. |
Minors
Biology
A minor in biology requires a minimum of 20 credits in BIOLOGY coursework including BIOLOGY 106, 107, 301 and 9 additional credits of BIOLOGY courses at the 300-level or above. No more than 2 credits in BIOLOGY 490, 491, 494, 495, 496, 497 or 499 may be included in the 20 credits. A minimum of 9 credits must be earned in WSU courses or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. All coursework for the minor must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students who major in biology or zoology cannot be granted a minor in biology.
Zoology
A minor in zoology requires a minimum of 20 hours, including BIOLOGY 106, 107, and one of 321, 322, or 324; and 8 additional hours from the following courses: BIOLOGY 315, 330, 333, 335, 350, 352, 353, 354, 407, 410, 412, 418, 423, 428, 432, 438, 456, 475, 476, 486, 490, 491, 495, 496, 497, 499. No more than 2 hours of BIOLOGY 490, 491, 495, 496, 497, or 499 may be included in the 20 hours. The minor must include 9 credits earned at the 300-400-level in WSU courses or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. All coursework for the minor must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Certificates
Quantitative Biology
The certificate in Quantitative Biology requires 17 credits. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in each course and no P, F or S, F graded course work may be applied to the certificate.
Requirements:
- MATH/BIOLOGY 340
- 6 credits of mathematics (MATH 172 or higher) and/or statistics (300-400-level), of which 3 credits must be taken in residence at Washington State University
- 8 credits of 300-400-level life sciences courses selected in consultation with a biology advisor, of which 3 credits must be taken in residence at Washington State University
Courses
The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective. Courses showing two entries of the same number indicate that the course information is changing. The most recently approved version is shown first, followed by the older version, in gray, with its last-effective term preceding the course title. Courses shown in gray with only one entry of the course number are being discontinued. Course offerings by term can be accessed by clicking on the term links when viewing a specific campus catalog.
Biology (BIOLOGY)
101 [BSCI] Biology of Humans 3 The biology of good health and longevity; evaluation of lifestyle choices; consideration of each body system and the potential for disease and disorder. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
102 [BSCI] General Biology 4 (3-3) Enrollment not allowed if credit for BIOLOGY 105 already earned or if enrolled in BIOLOGY 105. Understanding current and future advances in biology as 'citizen scientists'. Lecture and laboratory; not for students majoring in the life sciences. Credit not allowed for students who have already completed BIOLOGY 105. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences. Typically offered Fall.
105 [BSCI] General Biology Laboratory 1 (0-3) Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Enrollment not allowed if credit for BIOLOGY 102 already earned or if enrolled in BIOLOGY 102. Understanding biology as a science and its effect on issues within society. Laboratory only. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
106 [BSCI] Introductory Biology: Organismal Biology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: ONE of - ALEKS math placement score of 40%, MATH 100 with an S, MATH 103 or higher, BIOLOGY 103 with a C or better, BIOLOGY 102, BIOLOGY 120, 3 credits bio with lab, or transfer credit for Intermediate Algebra equivalent to MATH 101. One semester of a two semester sequence (BIOLOGY 106/107 or BIOLOGY 107/106) for science majors and pre-professional students. Biology of organisms; plants, animals, ecology and evolution. Typically offered Fall.
106 (Effective through Summer 2025) [BSCI] Introductory Biology: Organismal Biology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: One of the following -- a minimum ALEKS math placement score of 40%, MATH 100 with an S, MATH 101 with a C or better, MATH 103 or higher, BIOLOGY 103 with a C or better, BIOLOGY 102, BIOLOGY 120, or 3 credits of biology with a lab. One semester of a two semester sequence (BIOLOGY 106/107 or BIOLOGY 107/106) for science majors and pre-professional students. Biology of organisms; plants, animals, ecology and evolution. Typically offered Fall.
107 [BSCI] Introductory Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics 4 (3-3) First or second semester of a one-year sequence (BIOLOGY 106/107 or BIOLOGY 107/106) for science majors and pre-professional students. Cell biology and genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Recommended preparation: 2 credits 100-level CHEM or concurrent enrollment. Typically offered Spring.
111 [BSCI] Laboratory Experiments in Biology and Genetics 1 (0-3) Scientific method and its application to a diverse range of biology and genetics topics and research questions. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences. Typically offered Fall and Spring.
125 Genetics and Society 3 Genetic topics in media and daily life including human health, agriculture, ecology and forensics for the educated non-biologist. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences.
140 [BSCI] Introduction to Nutritional Science 3 Information related to dietary sources of nutrients, their functions in the body, physiologic and environmental factors that govern nutrient requirements, and guidelines for optimal dietary patterns. Credit not granted towards elective requirements for majors in the School of Biological Sciences. Typically offered Spring.
210 Your Future in Life Sciences 2 Exploration of career options in biological sciences with faculty and outside speakers; guide to preparing resume and career plans. (Crosslisted course offered as SCIENCE 210, BIOLOGY 210.)
220 Medical Terminology 2 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 101, 102, 106, 107, or KINES 262. Terms and word constructions for health care occupations; format and function of medical records. Typically offered Summer Session.
221 Exploring Health Careers 1 Introduction to human and animal health care careers. S, F grading.
251 Introductory Human Physiology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102, 106, or 107. Basic physiological processes in humans from the cellular to the organismal level. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 251 and 353.
301 General Genetics 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120; BIOLOGY 107. Principles of modern and classical genetics. (Crosslisted course offered as MBIOS 301, BIOLOGY 301.) Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
305 Evolutionary Biology and Diversity 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; BIOLOGY 107. Survey of evolutionary processes that influence adaptation, diversification, and the origins and history of biodiversity; applications of evolution in conservation, agriculture, and medicine.
307 [DIVR] Biology of Sex and Gender 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102 or 106. Biological basis of sex and its relationship to body function, women and health care, and the impact of social and cultural perspectives on the experience of being female. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 307, WGSS 307.)
308 [BSCI] Marine Biology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; sophomore standing. Introduction to the marine environment including oceanic, near-shore and estuarine communities of organisms and their roles and interactions. Typically offered Spring.
321 [M] Principles of Animal Development 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; BIOLOGY 107. Experimental analyses of development and descriptive and comparative examination of embryology; emphasis on the chordates. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 301 or MBIOS 301. Typically offered Odd Years - Spring.
322 [M] Invertebrate Biology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Phylogenetic relationships, development, and functional ecology of the invertebrate animals. Typically offered Even Years - Spring.
330 Principles of Conservation 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102, 106, or 107. Conservation of major natural resources through a biological approach; philosophical, economic, and political aspects of important conservation issues. Typically offered Spring.
332 [M] Systematic Botany 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120. Identification and classification of vascular plants with emphasis on the local flora.
333 [BSCI] Human Nutrition and Health 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102, 106, 107, 251, 315, or concurrent enrollment in BIOLOGY 251. Credit not granted for students who have already completed BIOLOGY 233 with a grade of C or above. Foundations in nutritional science and its relationship to human health through the application of fundamental principles of biology.
340 Introduction to Mathematical Biology 3 Course Prerequisite: MATH 140 with a C or better, or MATH 172 with a C or better, or MATH 182 with a C or better; BIOLOGY 101, BIOLOGY 102, BIOLOGY 106, or BIOLOGY 107. Mathematical biology and development of mathematical modeling for solutions to problems in the life sciences. (Crosslisted course offered as MATH 340, BIOLOGY 340.) Typically offered Even Years - Spring.
352 Cells 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 107; CHEM 345. Diversity and processes at the cellular level; structure and function.
353 Advanced Human Physiology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; BIOLOGY 107. Function and control at the organ-organismic level with emphasis on mammals, including humans; emphasis on human health science applications. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 315 or 354. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 251 and 353. Typically offered Spring.
354 Human Anatomy for Health Occupations 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 107; CHEM 102 or 345. Histology and anatomy of humans with non-cadaver-based laboratory utilizing preserved and histological specimens, models, and software. Typically offered Fall.
372 [M] General Ecology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106; CHEM 102 or 105. Enrollment in BIOLOGY 372 not allowed if credit already earned for BIOLOGY 370. Relationship of organisms with physical and biotic components of their environment at the population, community, and ecosystem level. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 370 and 372. Field trips may be required. Typically offered Fall and Summer.
390 Stream Monitoring 1 (0-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 101, 102, or 106; CHEM 101 or 105; junior standing. Principles and methods of water quality monitoring, including habitat assessment, water chemistry, and biological assessment. Field work and independent research required.
393 [M] Professional Communications in Biology 2 Course Prerequisite: Admitted to the major in Biology or Zoology. Literature investigation, oral presentation and written reports of selected topics in biology. Typically offered Fall and Spring.
394 Medicine as a Career 2 Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Current issues in medicine; ethical, financial, and personal aspects of medical practice. S, F grading.
401 [CAPS] [M] Plants and People 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301, 305, 370, 372, 395, 403, 405, or MBIOS 301. Relationships between plants and people, especially cultural and economic applications of plants. Typically offered Fall.
401 (Effective through Summer 2025) [CAPS] [M] Plants and People 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120; BIOLOGY 107; junior standing. Relationships between plants and people, especially cultural and economic applications of plants. Typically offered Fall.
402 [CAPS] [M] Beneficial Microbes in Nature and Society 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 305, 370, 372, 395, 403, or 405; junior standing. In-depth investigations of interdisciplinary topics addressing the importance of beneficial microbes to organisms, natural systems, and society from across the disciplines of microbiology, medicine, evolutionary ecology, and agricultural science.
403 Evolutionary Biology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301. The survey of evidence for evolution and operation of evolutionary processes that influence adaptation, diversification and speciation in organisms. Typically offered Spring and Summer.
405 Principles of Organic Evolution 3 (2-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301. The evolutionary processes that influence adaptation, population differentiation, and speciation in organisms.
408 [CAPS] [M] Contemporary Genetics 3 Course Prerequisite: MBIOS / BIOLOGY 301 with a C or better; junior standing. Consideration of the state-of-the-art genetic technologies and their impact on society, environment and the economy.
418 Parasitology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 102 or BIOLOGY 106; junior standing. Types of associations, life cycles, control, prevention, and modifications of parasites; examination of parasitic protozoa and helminths.
420 Plant Physiology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106 or 120. Water relations, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, and growth of plants. Recommended: Organic chemistry. Typically offered Odd Years - Fall.
430 Methods of Teaching Secondary Science I 3 Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Application of learning and theory and philosophy and structure of science in teaching middle and secondary school science courses. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 430, MBIOS 480, TCH LRN 430.) Typically offered Fall.
438 Animal Behavior 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Biological study of animal behavior as viewed from genetic, developmental, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives. Typically offered Even Years - Fall.
446 Mutualism and Symbiosis 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 305, 370, 372, 395, 403, or 405. Critical evaluation of the ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of mutualism and symbiosis. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 446 and 546. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
456 Neuroethology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301, MBIOS 303, or 300-level NEUROSCI course; STAT 412 or concurrent enrollment. Introduction to neural mechanisms underlying natural animal behaviors from the cellular level to the organismal level. Typically offered Odd Years - Fall.
462 Community Ecology 3 Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Assembly, essential properties, levels of interactions, succession, and stability of natural communities; emphasizes an experimental approach to community investigation. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 372. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 462 and BIOLOGY 562. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
469 [M] Ecosystem Ecology and Global Change 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 370 with a C or better or BIOLOGY 372 with a C or better. Historic and current factors controlling the function of ecosystems and their responses to natural and human caused global change. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 469 and 569. Offered at 400 and 500 level. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
473 [CAPS] [M] Evolution and Society 3 Course Prerequisite: ANTH 260 or BIOLOGY 301; junior standing. Survey of how the theory of evolution is used to better understand ourselves, the societies in which live, and the biological world on which we depend. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 305, 395, 403, or 405 or concurrent enrollment. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 473, ANTH 473.)
475 Systems Biology of Reproduction 3 Current literature based course on systems biology with a molecular/epigenetic to physiological level understanding of cell, development, disease, and evolutionary biology. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 475 and 575. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
476 Epigenetics and Systems Biology 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 301. Current literature based course on epigenetics and systems biology with topics in environmental epigenetics, disease etiology, and role epigenetics in evolutionary biology. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 476 and 576. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
480 [M] Writing in Biology 2 Course Prerequisite: Admitted to the major in Biology or Zoology. Discussion and practice in relating thinking and writing; popular and professional communication in biology.
483 [CAPS] [M] Organisms and Global Change 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 370, BIOLOGY 372, or SOE 300. Interaction between organisms and global change across scales of biology.
485 Biology of the Oceans 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 372; junior standing. Interdisciplinary capstone course that explores the ocean world from molecules to ecosystems in the context of scientific discovery and society.
486 [M] Marine Invertebrate Communities 3 (2-3) Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 106. Survey of marine invertebrates and their habitats. One-week field/lab course at a marine station. Typically offered Summer Session.
489 [CAPS] [M] Synthesis and Communication of Independent Research 3 Course Prerequisite: By department permission only; 2 credits BIOLOGY 499; admitted to major in Biology or Zoology; junior standing. Integration of broad topics from biology and other science fields to inform scientific writing and presentation of independent research projects.
491 Clinical Experience V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 8 credits. Course Prerequisite: By instructor permission; BIOLOGY 106, 107, and 221; junior standing. Work experience in a clinical setting. S, F grading.
492 Topics in Biology V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits.
494 Seminar in Mathematical Biology 1 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 4 credits. Course Prerequisite: MATH 140 with a C or better, or MATH 172 with a C or better, or MATH 182 with a C or better; BIOLOGY 101, BIOLOGY 102, BIOLOGY 106, or BIOLOGY 107. Oral presentation of research approaches, research results and literature review of mathematical biology including mathematical modeling of biological systems. (Crosslisted course offered as MATH 494, BIOLOGY 494.) Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students. S, F grading.
495 Internship in Biology, Botany, and Zoology V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 8 credits. Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Experience in work related to specific career interests. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
496 [M] Special Problems and Reports V 1-4 Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Independent project with written project proposal, progress report, and final report required. S, F grading.
497 Instructional Practicum V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 8 credits. Academic traineeship in laboratory teaching and tutoring. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
499 Special Problems V 1-4 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Independent study conducted under the jurisdiction of an approving faculty member; may include independent research studies in technical or specialized problems; selection and analysis of specified readings; development of a creative project; or field experiences. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
500 Seminar 1 May be repeated for credit. Typically offered Fall and Spring. S, F grading.
501 Proposal Defense Seminar 2 Research proposal defense as part of the preliminary examination for candidacy in the Ph.D. program. Typically offered Fall and Spring. S, F grading.
513 Plant Metabolism 3 Metabolic processes unique to plants, including the primary incorporation of nitrogen, sulfur, carbon dioxide and phosphate into bio-molecules. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
517 Stress Physiology of Plants 3 Temperature, light, salinity, water effects on physiological processes; mechanistic understanding of stress. Typically offered Spring.
519 Introduction to Population Genetics 3 Survey of basic population and quantitative genetics. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
520 Conservation Genetics 2 Genetic studies and approaches relevant to efforts to conserve threatened and endangered populations of organisms. Typically offered Spring.
521 Quantitative Genetics 3 Fundamentals of quantitative genetics; evolutionary quantitative genetics. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
531 Principles of Systematic Biology 3 Systematic theory; history and current views; approaches to phylogenetic analysis and classification.
533 Modern Methods in Phylogenetics 4 (2-6) Selecting, gathering, and analyzing morphological, cytological, molecular data for phylogenetic and evolutionary studies.
534 Modern Methods in Population Genomics 3 Course Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 519. Problems and prospects of designing a study with genomic data: from raw data to demography and selection inferences.
537 Plant Cell Biology 3 Structure and function of plant cells including membrane biology, protein targeting and molecular signaling with emphasis on current research.
540 Stable Isotope Theory and Methods 3 Theory and practice of measuring stable isotope ratios of biologically important elements. Typically offered Even Years - Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
544 Nitrogen Cycling in the Earth's Systems 3 Nitrogen dynamics in terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric systems; nitrogen transformations in natural and managed systems and responses to human activities. (Crosslisted course offered as BIOLOGY 544, SOIL SCI 544.)
545 Statistical Genomics 3 (2-3) Develop concepts and analytical skills for modern breeding by using Genome-Wide Association Study and genomic prediction in framework of mixed linear models and Bayesian approaches. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 474; MBIOS 478. (Crosslisted course offered as CROP SCI 545, ANIM SCI 545, BIOLOGY 545, HORT 545, PL P 545.) Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
546 Mutualism and Symbiosis 3 Critical evaluation of the ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of mutualism and symbiosis. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 446 and 546. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
549 Behavioral Ecology 3 Examination of animal behavior from evolutionary and ecological perspectives.
559 Hormones, Brain and Behavior 3 Classical behavioral endocrinology from molecular to whole organisms, integrating evolutionary ecology, neuroethology and behavioral neuroendocrinology.
560 Plant Ecophysiology 3 Relationships of biotic and abiotic environment to plant distribution and evolution through study of physiological processes.
561 Environmental Physiology 3 Individual and evolutionary adaptations to changing environments with emphasis on recent literature.
562 Community Ecology 3 Assembly, essential properties, levels of interactions, succession, and stability of natural communities; emphasizes an experimental approach to community investigation. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 372. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 462 and BIOLOGY 562. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
565 Ecology and Evolution of Disease 3 Disease ecology and evolution with a focus on current literature. Recommended preparation: BIOLOGY 372; BIOLOGY 405. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
566 Mathematical Genetics 3 Mathematical approaches to population genetics and genome analysis; theories and statistical analyses of genetic parameters. Required preparation must include multivariate calculus, genetics, and statistics. (Crosslisted course offered as MATH 563, BIOLOGY 566.) Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
567 Ecological Restoration 3 Introduction to major issues in restoration ecology; major ecological dimensions of restoration. Typically offered Even Years - Spring.
568 Conservation Ecology 3 Diagnosis of endangered species, population viability analysis, invasive species ecology, landscape ecology and ecosystem management. Typically offered Odd Years - Spring.
569 [M] Ecosystem Ecology and Global Change 3 Historic and current factors controlling the function of ecosystems and their responses to natural and human caused global change. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 469 and 569. Offered at 400 and 500 level. Typically offered Odd Years - Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
571 Quantitative Toolkit for Biologists 3 Course Prerequisite: STAT 512. Hands-on experience in the exploration, analysis, and interpretation of patterns in modern biological datasets.
572 Quantitative Methods and Statistics in Ecology 4 (3-3) Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Philosophy and methods of formulating hypotheses as mathematical models and confronting them with data.
573 Ancient DNA 3 The prospects and problems associated with the study of ancient DNA are explored through reading and discussing primary literature. Typically offered Spring.
575 Systems Biology of Reproduction 3 Current literature based course on systems biology with a molecular/epigenetic to physiological level understanding of cell, development, disease, and evolutionary biology. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 475 and 575. Offered at 400 and 500 level. Typically offered Spring.
576 Epigenetics and Systems Biology 3 Current literature based course on epigenetics and systems biology with topics in environmental epigenetics, disease etiology, and role epigenetics in evolutionary biology. Credit not granted for both BIOLOGY 476 and 576. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
579 Mathematical Modeling in the Biological and Health Sciences 3 Techniques, theory, and current literature in mathematical modeling in the biological and health sciences, including computational simulation. (Course offered as BIOLOGY 579, MATH 579). Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
582 Professional Communication in Biology - Grant Writing 2 Mechanics and style of publishing biological research and findings; adaptation of writing to various venues and audiences with emphasis on grant writing. Typically offered Spring.
585 Professional Development and Training for College and University Teaching 2 Preparation for roles as teaching assistants and as instructors of undergraduate classroom education. Typically offered Fall.
589 Advanced Topics in Biology V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Recent advances in biology. Typically offered Fall and Spring.
593 Seminar I 1 May be repeated for credit. Literature and problems. Typically offered Fall and Spring.
600 Special Projects or Independent Study V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent study, special projects, and/or internships. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor before enrolling in 600 credit, which cannot be used toward the core graded credits required for a graduate degree. S, F grading.
700 Master's Research, Thesis, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research and advanced study for students working on their master's research, thesis and/or final examination. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 700 credit. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, U grading.
702 Master's Special Problems, Directed Study and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research in special problems, directed study, and/or examination credit for students in a non-thesis master's degree program. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 702 credit. S, U grading.
800 Doctoral Research, Dissertation, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: Admitted to the Biology, Plant Biology, Botany, or Zoology PhD program. Independent research and advanced study for students working on their doctoral research, dissertation and/or final examination. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 800 credit. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, U grading.
- Biology
Courses
- Biology
Schedules of Studies
- Biology - Basic Medical Sciences Option
- Biology - General Option
Minors
- Biology
- Zoology
Certificates
- Quantitative Biology