Graduate Biology Courses

Graduate Courses

BIO 504 Developmental Biology (A)

$25 Course fee required: Pre/Co-requisite: BIO 315. Provides a comprehensive one-semester survey of the mechanisms of animal development through lectures and laboratory exercises. Lectures cover historical approaches, contemporary research, and links between evolution and development. Laboratories examine embryonic development of sea urchin, chick, and fruit fly. 4 Cr. Fall.

BIO 507 Advanced Cell Biology (A)

An advanced course in cell biology. In depth exploration of cell structure and function and the interrelationship between them including biological membranes, molecular transport, vesicle trafficking and secretion, cell division, cytoskeleton, receptors and cell signaling, extracellular matrix and the organization of tissues. 3 Cr. Fall.

BIO 513 How Plants Work (A)

Fundamentals of plant growth, development, structure, and response to the environment. Covers all aspects of the mechanisms plant structure and function, especially those features that differentiate plants from other organisms. An integrated lab. 3 Cr. Fall.

BIO 514 Introduction to Immunology (A)

Designed to present the basic principles and concepts of immunology. Students will be able to understand and describe topics such as organization of the immune system, evolution of the immune system, cellular and molecular mechanisms used by the immune system to protect organisms from disease, antibodies and antibody diversity, antigens and antigen-antibody interactions, major histocompatibility complex function, Band T cell development and differentiation, development and survival of lymphocytes, cytokines and their role in regulation of immune responses, the role of the complement system and cell mediated effector response, vaccination, cancer immunology, mechanisms for rejection of transplanted tissue, autoimmunity. 3 Cr. Spring.

BIO 515 Molecular Biology (A)

Covers the biosynthesis and function of macromolecules, especially nucleic acids. Includes topics in regulation, molecular virology, DNA mutation and transposition, and DNA repair. 3 Cr. Spring.

BIO 520 Mechanisms of Aging (A)

Covers mechanisms of aging at the physiological, cellular and molecular levels. Discusses aging as a disease that can be treated and prevented. Studies of aging in model organisms are used to provide insights into mechanisms of human aging. Finally, the evolution of aging mechanisms is discussed. 3 Cr. Fall.

BIO 522 Animal Physiology and Histology (B)

$25 Course fee required: Prerequisites: BIO310 and BIO311. Essential physiological concepts will be used to further the understanding of how the human body functions. Emphasis is placed on providing an integrated explanation of the histology, regulation and function of key organ systems such as nervous, circulatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine and urinary systems. Includes a lab illustrating concepts covered in lecture. Recommended for Biology majors. 4 Cr. Spring.

BIO 526 Recombinant DNA (A)

Considers theory and techniques in the recombinant DNA field. Includes topics such as cloning vectors, restriction analysis, PCR methods, and expression of cloned genes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Also considers examples and implications of recombinant DNA methodology in plants and agriculture, as well as in medicine, human genetics and disease. 3 Cr. Fall.

BIO 533 Bacterial Physiology and Genetics (A)

$75 Course fee required: The course provides lectures that will allow students to gain an understanding of the structural and metabolic diversity of bacteria, as well as genetic and physiological regulation in bacteria. The laboratory portion of the course will teach students experimental techniques used to investigate physiological and genetic control in bacteria. 4 Cr.

BIO 555 Neurophysiology (A)

Introduction to neurophysiology emphasizing cellular and molecular processes occurring at the plasma membrane. Biophysical mechanisms used by neurons to code, process, propagate, and transmit information are examined. Chemical signaling at the neuromuscular junction will be examined in detail. A quantitative description of neuronal function is provided. For example, the effects of ionic gradients on the resting membrane potential of a neuron, the influence on neuronal function, and the effect on the human nervous system is discussed. Current techniques, including electrophysiology and microscopy, will be covered. Swing course BIO 455 3 Cr.

BIO 566 General Endocrinology (A)

Explores the relationship between hormone action at the level of the cell and resulting physiological responses such as the regulation of growth, metabolic and reproductive processes. Mechanism of action at cell and molecular levels is emphasized. The pathophysiology of hormone-based disease is used to illustrate concepts. 3 Cr.

BIO 567 Biochemistry I (A)

Covers proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and other biomolecules with an emphasis on buffers, structures, experimental methods, main energy production pathways and biosynthesis. Requires application of concepts and information to experimental data and deduction of structures, functional roles and mechanisms. 3 Cr. Fall.

BIO 568 Biochemistry II (A)

Emphasizes topics such as metabolic pathways, human nutrition, chromosomes and genes, protein biosynthesis, cell walls, immunoglobulins, muscle contraction, cell motility, membrane transport, and excitable membranes and sensory systems. Investigates the experimental evidence for the structure and functions of biomolecules. 3 Cr. Spring.

BIO 570 Biochemistry Lab (A)

$25 Course fee required: Covers biochemical analyses, including preparation, separations and characterization of products from a variety of biological sources. Provides experiments with enzymes and experiments designed to measure inherent changes in the dynamics of living systems. 1 Cr. Fall.

BIO 575 Cancer Biology (A)

Focuses on the biology of cancer commencing with an epidemiological overview of the major human cancers, followed by a discussion of the major causes, progression, identification, prevention, and treatments of those cancers. Emphasizes the molecular mechanisms behind the development of cancer, as well as those being targeted for pharmacological treatments. Includes a discussion of the latest medical advances. 3 Cr.

BIO 580 Genomes and Proteomes in Biomedicine (A)

Introduces the knowledge of genomics and proteomics in biomedicine, and the bioinformatic approaches for accessing biological databases/programs and analyzing biological data. The topics include the tree of life, various genomes (from viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants to mammals) and their structure and function, genome sequencing technology and genome assembly, genome annotation and functional annotation, human genome and disease, next-generation sequencing technology and data analysis, phylogenetic analysis, protein structure and proteomics, We will mainly use web-based tools/databases and stand-alone programs with graphical user interface. 3 Cr. Fall.

BIO 583 Introduction to Bioinfomatics (A)

Introduces biologists with computational skills necessary to create and automate tools to analyze biological data. The course is divided into three sub-topics: Linux basics, Python programming, relational databases. A brief review about molecular biology will also be included. 3 Cr. Spring.

BIO 589 Neurobiology (A)

Fosters the understanding that the brain is the basis of our thoughts, feelings, actions and sense of selves. Advances the idea that brain development and synapse formation play a major role in defining who we are. 3 Cr.

BIO 595 Topics in Biology (A)

To be defined by the instructor in accordance with the specific topic to be covered each semester. Additional information may be obtained from the department office. May be repeated under a different title. 1-4 Cr.

BIO 623 DNA Cloning Laboratory (A)

Covers laboratory methods involved in the construction of a genomic DNA library and the creation of recombinant DNA molecules. Standard molecular biology techniques such as plasmid and genomic DNA isolation, bacterial growth and selection techniques, gene isolation and detection, DNA ligation, restriction analysis, bioinformatics, and PCR methods will be utilized. 3 Cr.

BIO 643 General Microbiology (A)

This course aimed at Biology majors provides lectures concerned with the structure, function, diversity, and control of microorganisms, including metabolism, growth and regulation, microbial genetics, disease, immunology, and microbial ecology. Provides lab experiences in techniques of pure culture, cultivation, enumeration, as well as isolation and characterization of diverse microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses from various sources such as food, environment, and water. 4 Cr.

BIO 656 Systems Physiology (A)

A laboratory course providing engagement in an authentic research experience examining physiological control mechanisms at the molecular, organ, and whole animal levels. Leadership of student teams will develop essential communication skills. The primary goal is to learn current techniques and approaches to physiological problems, and to develop scientific communication skills that are necessary for success in modern research environments. 3 Cr. Fall.

BIO 692 Graduate Seminar (A)

Required of all graduate students. Requires each student to present a seminar on some mutually agreeable topic in science that is critiqued for scientific content, style of presentation, quality of visual aids, impact on the audience, etc. Provides experience in scientific communication including oral and written forms. 1 Cr. Every Semester.

BIO 695 Topics in Biology (A)

Current topics to be arranged by instructor in a special field of study. Details reflect student demand, needs and timely topics of interest. 1-3 Cr.

BIO 699 Independent Study (A)

Designed individually through consultation between student and instructor to suit the student's needs and interests and the special competence of the instructor. Additional requirements may be imposed by the department. 1-6 Cr. Every Semester.

BIO 702 Independent Research Experience (A)

Requires an independent research experience, but permits a more flexible course of study than does a traditional thesis program. Designed for Plan II of the MS program with teachers, medical technologists, lab technicians and other employed persons in mind. First semester Plan I MS students can apply 3 credits towards the degree. 1-6 Cr. Every Semester.

BIO 704 Thesis (A)

Provides for an individual investigation of an original problem to be submitted in a format acceptable to satisfy the requirements for the master's thesis as determined by department rules and regulations. 1-6 Cr. Every Semester.