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Department of Biology
Course Offerings
Undergraduate Courses
| Course Number |
Course Name and description |
Credits |
| 1101 | Supplemental Laboratory | 1 |
| This course allows a transfer student to make up one laboratory deficiency at the introductory level. | ||
| Departmental approval is required to enroll. | ||
| 1102 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| An entry level class which provides the basic vocabulary needed to function in the medical environment. Course content stresses prefix and suffix usage derived from Greek and Latin as applied to Biology. This course is not a substitute for Biological Literature. | ||
| 1406 | General Biology I (Majors) | 4 |
| A survey of molecules, cells, tissues, photosynthesis, genetics. and the diversity of organisms | ||
| 1407 | General Biology II (Majors) | 4 |
| Vertebrate structure and function, development, reproduction, and ecology. | ||
| Prerequisite: Biol 1406 | ||
| 1408 | General Biology I (Nonmajors) | 4 |
| .A human-centered, nonchemically based course for non-science majors. Includes function and problems of the human circulation, respiration, digestion, reproductive and sensory systems. | ||
| 1409 | Plants and Human Society | 4 |
| A companion course to Biology 1408, which is not a pre-requisite. Includes human heredity and a consideration of the diversity and impact of the plant kingdom on human life and history as food and medicine as well as their aesthetic value. | ||
| 2401 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| Structure and function of cells, tissues, and muscle, skeletal and nervous systems. | ||
| Pre-requisite: Passing scores on all sections of TASP test or be TASP exempt. May not be used as a Biology major course. | ||
| 2402 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| Structure and function of the circulatory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 2401. May not be used as a Biology major course. | ||
| 2420 | Microbiology | |
| Micro-organisms with emphasis on those of medical significance and problems of personal and community health. | ||
| Pre-requisite: Credit for Biol 1406, 1407 or Biol 2401, 2402. | ||
| 3428 | Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates | 4 |
| Comparative anatomy presented from the systematic viewpoint. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 | ||
| 3440 | Advanced Physiology | 4 |
| General physiology; nerve muscle relations; digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, nervous and endocrine systems. (Offered Fall semester) | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 and Chem 1411, 1412. (Recommended Chem 3411, 3412) | ||
| 3450 | General Botany | 4 |
| Introduction to plant structure and function with an emphasis on seed plants. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 | ||
| 3460 | Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| Classification, natural history, phylogenetic relationships and economic importance of the invertebrate phyla. (Offered Fall semester) | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 | ||
| 3470 | Genetics | 4 |
| General principles of heredity, including human inheritance. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 (Recommended: Statistics) | ||
| 4101, 4401 | Special Topics in Biology | 1 |
| Physiological, anatomical, taxonomic and ecological biology. Library and/or laboratory work and conferences with a faculty member. May be repeated for credit when area of study differs. | ||
| 4300 | Undergraduate Research Problems | 3 |
| Individual investigation of a research problem in biology. Formal report to be approved by faculty members. | ||
| Prerequisite: Prior approval of faculty member, upperclass standing in biology. | ||
| 4302 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| Introduces general concepts of conservation biology, with an emphasis on basic and applied research in such fields as ecology, behavior, population genetics, and systematics, as they relate to the preservation of biodiversity at all levels. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4305 | Systematic and Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| A survey of evolutionary mechanisms from molecular to population levels. Consideration of speciation, adaptation and historical geology. | ||
| 4306 | Evolutionary Ecology | 3 |
| Abiotic oncitions that affect the ecology and evolution of organisms. Consideration is given to populations and community ecology. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 4460 | ||
| 4307 | Life in the Extreme | 3 |
| Course is designed to examine the basic physiological problems that all organisms face and then see these principles applied to extreme environments. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4344 | Development of Biological Thought | 3 |
| The history of biological thought and the development of evolutionary concepts and inheritance will be examined. The influence of prevailing philosophies and social contexts and scientific discoveries on how biological systems and concepts were interpreted and theories were formulated will be emphasized. | ||
| Prerequisite course: Currently enrolled or completed BIOL 3470. | ||
| 4345 | Experimental Design | 3 |
| Selection of methods in designing an experiment, including number of repetitions, controls, sample size and statistical analysis. | ||
| Prerequisite: One course in statistics. | ||
| 4401 | Special Topics | 4 |
| Physiological, anatomical, taxonomic and ecological biology. Laboratory and/or library work and conferences with a faculty member. May be repeated for credit when the area of study differs. | ||
| 4403 | Field Botany | 4 |
| A field-oriented course that will introduce students to the flora of the surrounding region. Emphasis will be placed on the sight identification of common species as well as the use of dichotomous keys in identification to the family level. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4404 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Concepts and applications of procedures for isolation and identification of components found in cells. Addresses structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids as well as the roles of these molecules in important biochemical processes. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4405 | Immunology | 4 |
| Organs, tissues, cells, and molecules of the immune response and their interactions. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 2420 | ||
| 4406 | Epidemiology | 4 |
| A study of the distribution and determinants of disease and injuries in human populations. Laboratory utilizes a case study approach. | ||
| Prerequisites: BIOL 2420. PSYC 2471 recommend. | ||
| 4407 | Animal Behavior | 4 |
| An analysis of the development and significance of various behavior patterns in animals from an evolutionary point of view. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4408 | Mammology | 4 |
| Classification, identification, ecology and natural history of the mammals. Required field trips. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4409 | Ornithology | 4 |
| Identification, taxonomy, behavior and biogeography of birds. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4410 | Parasitology | 4 |
| A study of the morphology, life history and host-parasite relationships of parasites of man and other animals. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4412 | Medical Entomology | 4 |
| A study of arthropods of medical importance, their role in the study of disease transmission, identification and control. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4416 | Field Parasitology | 4 |
| A laboratory field based study of the major parasitic animal groups. Several required field trips. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4430 | Limnology | 4 |
| Fauna, flora, ecology and productivity of fresh water. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4431 | Ichthyology | 4 |
| Natural history, taxonomy and ecology of freshwater and marine fishes. Required field trip. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407 | ||
| 4435 | Environmental Toxicology | 4 |
| Principals of how contaminants are absorbed, transformed, and eliminated in different organisms. Toxin effects on organismal physiology. Student-lead laboratory experimentation and field trips. | ||
| Prerequisites: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412. | ||
| 4440 | Vertebrate Natural History | 4 |
| Collection, identification and natural history of area fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407 | ||
| 4445 | Herpetology | 4 |
| Classification, evolution, natural history, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407 | ||
| 4450 | Marine Biology | 4 |
| Habitats and community relationships of marine plants and animals. | ||
| Prerequisite: BIOL 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4451 | Marine Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| A survey of the major marine and estuarine invertebrates, including collection and identification. Required field trip | ||
| Prerequisites: Biol 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4460 | Ecology | 4 |
| Quantitative approach to both field and experimental studies. Interrelationships of organisms and their environment. | ||
| Prerequisites: Biol 1406, 1407. | ||
| 4470 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| Structural and physiological functions of cells at the biochemical and molecular level. Laboratory emphasis on structure and function of mammalian cells and tissues. | ||
| Prerequisite: CHEM 3411, BIOL 1407 (Recommended: CHEM 4411). | ||
| 4471 | Ecology of Polluted Waters | 4 |
| Analyses of effects of water pollutants on aquatic ecosystems. Serves both biology and environmental science majors. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 | ||
| 4480 | Aquatic Entomology | 4 |
| Biology, morphology, life history, and classification of aquatic insects. Field trips and personal collection required. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 | ||
| 4487 | Desert Field Mammology | 4 |
| A field-oriented course focused on mammalian faunas of desert regions of West Texas. Emphasis given ecological factors affecting distribution and abundance of species, collection and identification of specimens and performance of ecological analyses determining population densities and variations in local species composition. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 | ||
| 4488 | Desert Field Biology | 4 |
| A field-oriented course focused on the biology of desert regions of West Texas. Emphasis is given to ecological factors affecting distribution and abundance of species, collection and identification of specimens and performance of ecological analyses determining population densities and variations in local species composition. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 | ||
| 4490 | Comparative Physiology | 4 |
| Course is designed to examine how organisms have solved the problems of gas exchange, circulation, osmoregulation, thermoregulation, locomotion and communication between body parts. Will take an evolutionary view of these solutions and will focus on how organisms maintain homeostasis. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Biol 1406, 1407 |
Course Offerings for Fall 2011,Spring 2012
Graduate Courses
| 5101 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Research in areas other than thesis. | ||
| Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor. May be repeated when topic changes. | ||
| 5110 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| Current topics in biological research | ||
| See requirement 3 under Degree Requirements. | ||
| 5310 | Special Topics | 3 |
| Research in areas other than thesis. | ||
| Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor. May be repeated when topic changes. | ||
| 5302 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| Introduces general concepts of conservation biology, with an emphasis on basic and applied research in such fields as ecology, behavior, population genetics, and systematics, as they relate to the preservation of biodiversity at all levels. | ||
| 5305 | Systematic & Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| A survey of evolutionary mechanisms from molecular to population levels. Consideration of speciation, adaptation and historical geology. | ||
| 5307 | Life in the extreme | 3 |
| Examines the basic physiological problems that all organisms face and then sees these principles applied to extreme environments. | ||
| 5344 | Development of Biological Thought | 3 |
| The history of biological thought and the development of evolutionary concepts and inheritance will be examined. The influence of prevailing philosophies and social contexts and scientific discoveries on how biological systems and concepts were interpreted and theories were formulated will be emphasized. | ||
| 5345 | Experimental Design | 3 |
| Selection of methods in designing an experiment, including number of repetitions, control, sample size and statistical analysis. | ||
| Prerequisite: One course in Statistics. | ||
| 5390 | Thesis | 3 |
| Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor. Must complete both for required 6 credits. | ||
| 5391 | Thesis | 3 |
| Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor. Must complete both for required 6 credits. | ||
| 5401 | Special Topics | 4 |
| Research in areas other than thesis. | ||
| Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor. May be repeated when topic changes. | ||
| 5403 | Field Botany | 4 |
| A field-oriented course that will introduce students to the flora of the surrounding region. Emphasis will be placed on the sight identification of common species as well as the use of dichotomous keys in identification to the family level. | ||
| 5404 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Concepts and application of procedures for isolation and identification of components found in cells. Addresses structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids as well as the roles of these molecules in important biochemical processes. | ||
| 5405 | Immunology | 4 |
| Organs, tissues, cells, and molecules of the immune response and their interactions. | ||
| Prerequisite: Microbiology, BIOL 2420. | ||
| 5406 | Parasitology | 4 |
|
A graduate level study of the morphology, life history and host-parasite
relationships of parasites of man and other animals. |
||
| 5409 | Ornithology | 4 |
| Identification, taxonomy, behavior and biogeography of birds. | ||
| 5410 | Animal Behavior | 4 |
| An analysis of the development and significance of various behavior patterns in animals from an evolutionary point of view. | ||
| 5416 | Field Parasitology | 4 |
| A laboratory and field based study of the major parasitic animal groups. Several required field trips. | ||
| 5430 | Limnology | 4 |
| A graduate level study of fauna, flora, ecology and productivity of fresh water. | ||
| 5440 | Vertebrate Natural History | 4 |
| Collection, identification and natural history of area fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. | ||
| 5445 | Herpetology | 4 |
| Natural history, taxonomy and ecology of amphibians and reptiles. Required field trip. | ||
| 5450 | Mammalogy | 4 |
| Natural history, taxonomy and ecology of mammals. Required field trip. | ||
| 5451 | Marine Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| A survey of the major marine and estuarine invertebrates, including collection and identification. Required field trip. | ||
| 5455 | Marine Biology | 4 |
|
A graduate level field study and identification of area species; current
research. Required field trips. |
||
| 5460 | Ecology | 4 |
| A graduate level quantitative approach to both field and experimental studies. Interrelationships of organisms and their environment. | ||
| 5470 | Ecology of Polluted Waters | 4 |
| Analyses of effects of water pollutants on aquatic ecosystems. | ||
| Pre-requisites: Bio4430/5430 | ||
| 5475 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| A graduate level study of structural and physiological functions of cells at the biochemical and molecular level. Laboratory emphasis on structure and function of mammalian cells and tissues. | ||
|
Prerequisites: Organic Chemistry, CHEM 3411, General Biology II, BIOL
1407; Recommended: BioChemistry, CHEM 4411. |
||
| 5480 | Aquatic Entomology | 4 |
| Biology morphology, life history and classification of aquatic insects. Field trips and personal collection required. | ||
| 5485 | Epidemiology | 4 |
| A graduate level study of the distribution and determinants of diseases and injuries in human populations. Laboratory utilizes a case history approach. | ||
| Prerequisites: BIOL 2420; PSYC 2471 | ||
| 5490 | Comparative Physiology | 4 |
| Fundamental physiological processes in animals from the phylogenetic viewpoint. | ||
A member of the Texas State University System