Graduate Course Descriptions
6171 Seminar in Science Teaching (1-0). Weekly seminar will involve discussion of current methods of teaching in the life sciences. Students will also gain practical experience as group facilitators in one of the lecture sections of Biology 1480. Must have permission of instructor to enroll.6181 Seminar (1-0). A review of the literature and current research in various biological fields. May be repeated once for credit when the topic varies.
6191, 6291, 6391 Research. Individual research problems. May be repeated to a total of six semester hours credit. Approval from the Head of the Department is required prior to enrollment.
6301 Biometrics and Experimental Design (3-0). An examination of statistical methods used in biological research. Emphasis will be on the application of statistical procedures and the design of experiments. This course will include an overview of more complex statistical procedures including multivariate methods, randomization tests, and sampling techniques. Prerequisite: Biology 4480 or equivalent.
6302 Advanced Biology (3-0). A study of the basic principles of biology and levels of organization from the molecule to the community. Required course.
6304 Advanced Instructional Methods in Science Education (3-0). Addresses current teaching strategies, curriculum design, evaluation, and trends/issues in science education. Participants will explore a variety of topics relevant to the teaching and learning of science in the secondary and post-secondary classroom.
6330 Scientific Writing (3-0). The study and practice of all aspects of scientific writing skills. This will include the preparation and critical review of manuscripts, notes, abstracts, grant applications, reports and research presentations.
6342 Advanced Genetics(3-0). Study of recent advances in understanding theory, including mutation, cross-over, and hybridism. Discussion of current genetic technologies, including gene cloning,. Familiarity with general principles of genetics is desirable.
6351 Evolutionary Ecology (3-0). An examination of theoretical models and empirical studies of the history and foraging strategies, competition, predation, mate choice, parental care, community structure, and other topics in biology.
6353 Limnology (2-3). An examination of the physical-biological interactions in aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis will be placed upon the composition, variation, and dynamics of fresh water communities.
6354 Physiological Ecology (3-0). A comparative study of the anatomical and physiological adaptations associated with thermoregulation, food, water, and oxygen deprivation. Problems related to adaptation and the maintenance of homeostasis will be stressed.
6381 Special Topics (3-0). Selected topics in advanced biology. May be repeated once for credit when the topic varies.
6399 Thesis. A total of six hours is required for thesis. This course must be repeated once. Students have the option of enrolling in Biology 6699 to fulfill thesis requirements in one semester.
6431 Principles of Biosystematics (3-2). An examination of the principles and problems of systematics. The course will include an investigation of major classification systems and an examination of the literature and tools of systematics.
6411 Microbial Ecology (3-3). A study of the interactions of microorganisms in nature and their impact on macroorganisms. Topics will include but not be limited to antibiosis, biofilm formation, co-evolution, normal microbial flora of macroorganisms, competition, commensalism, succession, extreme environments and growth rate. The laboratory will emphasize the isolation and identification of microorganisms from various ecological niches.
6699 Thesis. A total of six hours is required for thesis credit. Students have the option of enrolling in Biology 6399 for two separate semesters in order to fulfill the six hour thesis requirement.
In addition, eight hours of the following senior level courses may be taken for graduate credit with the written permission of the Head of the Biology Department and the Dean of the Graduate School.
4401 Ornithology (3-3)
4402 Mammalogy (3-3)
4404 Herpetology (3-3)
4423 General Physiology (3-3)
4435 Plant Taxonomy (3-3)
4443 Invertebrate Zoology (3-3)
4444 Vertebrate Zoology (3-3)
4450 Molecular Biology (3-4)