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Undergraduate Biology (BIOL) Courses

1106/BIOL 1106 Principles of Biology I Laboratory (0-3). Laboratory designed to reinforce lecture topics of Biology 1306 and develop analytical skills essential to the practice of biology. Students must register for Biology 1306 concurrently. Recommended as a second semester course of a two-course sequence for students majoring in biological sciences or related disciplines. Not intended for non-majors.

1107/BIOL 1107 Principles of Biology II Laboratory (0-3). Laboratory designed to reinforce lecture topics of Biology 1307 and develop analytical skills essential to the practice of biology. Students must register for Biology 1307 concurrently. Recommended as a first semester course of a two-course sequence for students majoring in biological sciences or related disciplines. Not intended for non-majors.

1108/BIOL 1108 Human Biology Laboratory (0-2). Laboratory designed to reinforce lecture topics of Biology 1308. Co-registration for Biology 1308 is suggested. Not intended for Biology majors.

1109/BIOL 1109 Man and the Environment Laboratory (0-2). Laboratory designed to reinforce lecture topics of Biology 1309. Co-registration for Biology1309 is suggested. Not intended for Biology majors.

1306/BIOL 1306 Principles of Biology I (3-0). An introduction to the unifying principles of biology with emphasis on biological chemistry, energetics and homeostasis, cell structure and function, gene expression, and patterns of inheritance. Students must register for Biology 1106 concurrently. Recommended as a second semester course of a two-course sequence for students majoring in biological sciences or related disciplines. Not intended for non-majors.

1307/BIOL 1307 Principles of Biology II (3-0). An introduction to the unifying principles of biology with emphasis on biological diversity, evolution, and ecology. Students must register for Biology 1107 concurrently. Recommended as a first semester course of a two-course sequence for students majoring in biological sciences or related disciplines. Not intended for non-majors.

1308/BIOL 1308 Human Biology (3-0). An introductory owner’s manual to the human body for nonbiology majors. Includes fundamentals of human anatomy and the functions of the major systems of the body, contemporary health issues, human heredity, and human evolution. Co-registration for Biology 1108 is suggested.

1309/BIOL 1309 Man and the Environment (3-0). A introductory owner’s manual to Earth for nonbiology majors. Includes a survey of contemporary ecological concepts that affect man’s life, values, and culture. Topics include the biosphere and ecosystems, adaptation, environmental pollution, waste management, conservation, population growth, and world food problems. Co-registration for Biology 1109 is suggested. Not intended for Biology majors.

1406/BIOL 1406 Principles of Biology I (3-3). An introduction to the unifying principles of biology with emphasis on biological chemistry, energetics and homeostasis, cell structure and function, gene expression, and patterns of inheritance. Laboratory is designed to reinforce lecture topics and develop analytical skills essential to the practice of biology. Recommended as a second semester course of a two-course sequence for students majoring in biological sciences or related disciplines. Not intended for non-majors.

1407/BIOL 1407 Principles of Biology II (3-3). An introduction to the unifying principles of biology with emphasis on biological diversity, evolution, and ecology. Laboratory is designed to reinforce lecture topics and develop analytical skills essential to the practice of biology. Recommended as a first semester course of a two-course sequence for students majoring in biological sciences or related disciplines. Not intended for non-majors.

1408/BIOL 1408 Human Biology (3-2). An introductory owner’s manual to the human body for nonbiology majors. Includes fundamentals of human anatomy and the functions of the major systems of the body, contemporary health issues, human heredity, and human evolution.

1409/BIOL 1409 Man and the Environment (3-2). A introductory owner’s manual to Spaceship Earth for nonbiology majors. Includes a survey of contemporary ecological concepts that affect man’s life, values, and culture. Topics include the biosphere and ecosystems, adaptation, environmental pollution, waste management, conservation, population growth, and world food problems.

1411/BIOL 1411 General Botany (3-3). A consideration of the structural adaptations and diversity of plants and their life cycles. Laboratory will emphasize classification and comparative anatomy of the Kingdoms Fungi and Plantae.
Prerequisite: Credit for one semester of introductory biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107).

1413/BIOL 1413 General Zoology (3-3). A consideration of the structural adaptations of animals. Laboratory will emphasize classification and comparative anatomy within the Kingdom Animalia.
Prerequisite: Credit for one semester of introductory biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107).

2123 Human Anatomy Laboratory (0-3). Laboratory designed to reinforce lecture topics of Biology 2323. Students must register for Biology 2323 concurrently.

2124 Human Physiology Laboratory (0-3). Laboratory designed to reinforce lecture topics of Biology 2324. Students must register for Biology 2324 concurrently

2320 Medical Terminology (3-0). Study of common medical terminology used in oral and written communications in the health professions. Terminology describing anatomical, physiological, and pathological conditions will be studied, including those used in diagnostic procedures and treatments. Special emphasis on root words, medical prefixes and suffixes, pronunciation, abbreviations, and symbols.

2323 Human Anatomy (3-0). The study of the structure of cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the human body. Students must register for Biology 2123 concurrently.

2324 Human Physiology (3-0). The study of the normal functions of the cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the human body. Students must register for Biology 2124 concurrently.
Prerequisite: Credit for Biology 2323 or 2423.

2403 Comparative Plant and Animal Physiology (3-3). A general introduction to how plants and animals function, comparative in approach and stressing the principles of physiology which govern the degree of environmental adaptation.
Prerequisites: Biology 1411, 1413.

2406/BIOL 2406 Environmental Biology (3-3). Principles of environmental systems and ecology, including biogeochemical cycles, energy transformations, abiotic interactions, symbiotic relationships, natural resources and their management, lifestyle analysis, evolutionary trends, hazards and risks, and approaches to ecological research. Does not apply toward the biology minor or major.

2420/BIOL 2420 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors (3-2). The study of infectious disease processes including host-microbe interactions and medical intervention. Laboratory includes basic microbiological methodology and case studies.
Prerequisites: Biology 2323/2123 or Health Science Professions 2301/2101; Biology 2324/2124 or Health Science Professions 2302/2102 are recommended.

2423 Human Anatomy (3-3). The study of the structure of cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the human body.

2424 Human Physiology (3-3). The study of the normal functions of the cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the human body.
Prerequisite: Credit for Biology 2323/2123.

3101 Genetics Laboratory (0-2). Computer based problem solving in genetics. Optional laboratory to accompany Biology 3301.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment or credit in Biology 3301.

3301 Genetics (3-0). This is a course in general genetics. Topics are organized into three major areas: cytogenetics, molecular genetics and classical genetics.
Prerequisite: Credit for Biology 1306/1106 and 1307/1107, or Biology 2323/2123 and 2324/2124, with a grade of “C” or better.

3302 Medical Genetics (3-0). A study of the role of genetics in human health with emphasis placed upon the mechanisms, methods of diagnosis and current treatment of genetic diseases. Course work will involve case studies and problem sets and will include learning to use a computer data base to retrieve information on human genetic diseases.
Prerequisite: Must have completed Biology 3301 with a grade of “A”.

3305 Medical Botany (3-0). An introduction to pharmacognosy and humanistic botany, including a discussion of the major food plants, special medicinal plants, plant hallucinogens, poisonous plants, and other economically important plants.
Prerequisite: Credit for one semester of biology or consent of instructor.

3333 Natural History of the Concho Valley (3-0). A study of the relationship among geology, soils, climate, plants, animals, and recent human history in the Concho Valley region of Texas. Emphasis will be placed on understanding woody vegetation and vertebrate animals of the region.

3403 Cell Biology (3-3). Study of the morphology, function, biochemistry and molecular biology of cells and organelles. Laboratory work will involve the practice and application of techniques to cell biology.
Prerequisites: Biology 1306/1106, 3301, and two semesters of chemistry.

3411 General Microbiology (3-3). The major areas in the field of microbiology are surveyed, with special emphasis given to the bacteria. Groups of microorganisms are characterized in sufficient detail to reveal their nature. Fundamental concepts of biology and basic biological processes common to all forms of life are emphasized. Laboratory methods are stressed, and detailed studies are made of pure cultures.
Prerequisite: Credit for Biology 1306/1106 and 1307/1107, or Biology 2323/2123 and 2324/2124, with a grade of “C” or better.

3412 Pathogenic Microbiology (3-3). The relationship of microorganisms to human disease with an emphasis on bacteria. Elements of immunity and diagnosis and treatment of infection will be covered. This course includes a heavy emphasis on the role and application of laboratory work.
Prerequisites: Any three of the following courses each with a grade of “C” or better: Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107, 1411, 1413, 3301, 3411, or by special departmental approval.

3413 Immunology (3-2). A study of the specific cellular and humoral responses of the animal body to microorganisms and certain other extrinsic and intrinsic agents.
Prerequisites: Any three of the following courses each with a grade of “C” or better: Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107, 1411, 1413, 3301, 3411 or 3412, or by special departmental approval.

3421 Histology (3-3). The microscopic study of normal cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the human body with emphasis on integration of microscopic structure with physiology, embryology, and other areas of biology.
Prerequisites: Credit for two courses in biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107, 1411, 1413), or (Biology 2323/2123 and 2324/2124).

3461 Entomology (3-3). General entomology: a survey of the important orders and families of insects with emphasis on the natural history, systematics, taxonomy, and physiology of the group. Laboratory will include field trips with required collection and identification of local representative taxa.
Prerequisite: Biology 1413 or consent of instructor.

4061 Internship: Credit 1 to 6. A supervised course providing practical on-the-job experience in the student’s major. Grading will be either pass or fail.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and approval of department chair. 3.00 or better GPA in major and overall.

4181 Seminar in Biology (1-0). A course designed to acquaint the student with the basic literature of the discipline and to encourage an exchange among biology majors and faculty members on selected topics.

4191, 4291, 4391 Research. Individual research problems for superior students majoring in biology. (May be repeated to a total of six semester hours credit.)
Prerequisites: Junior standing. Approval from the Chair of the Department is required prior to enrollment.

4301 Conservation Biology (3-0). Theory and practice of conservation biology with emphasis on the maintenance of species diversity, factors affecting extinction, genetic impacts of rarity, and practical management considerations, including design of reserves and captive breeding and release programs.
Prerequisites: Credit for one semester of introductory biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107, 1480) and Biology 3301 or credit for one semester of introductory biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107) and Animal Science 3443.

4303 Evolution (3-0). A review of the history of evolutionary thought and discussion of the development of all living organisms from previously existing types under the control of evolutionary processes. Emphasis on the mechanisms of evolution and the different theories regarding the processes that have brought about evolutionary change.
Prerequisites: Credit for one semester of introductory biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107, 1480) and Biology 3301 or credit for one semester of introductory biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107) and Animal Science 3443.

4315 Biogeography (3-0). A study of the distribution of plants and animals over the earth and of the principles that govern this distribution.
Prerequisites: Biology 1411 or 1413 or equivalent.

4381 Special Topics. Selected topics in biology. (May be repeated once for credit when the topic varies.)
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

4401 Ornithology (3-3). A study of the biology of birds, their anatomy, evolutionary history, diversity, ecology, behavior, and zoogeography. Laboratory exercises will emphasize the identification and natural history of Texas birds.
Prerequisite: Biology 1413 or equivalent.

4402 Mammalogy (3-3). A study of the biology of mammals, their anatomy, evolutionary history, diversity, ecology, behavior, and zoogeography. Laboratory exercises will emphasize the identification and natural history of Texas mammals.
Prerequisite: Biology 1413 or equivalent.

4403 Natural History of Bats (3-3). A study of the ecology and evolution of the order Chiroptera with emphasis on unique adaptations related to the life history strategies and echolocation of North American bats. Students will gain hands-on experience with the use of taxonomic keys and field techniques used in sampling and identifying bat species in natural habitats.
Prerequisite: Biology 1413 or consent of the instructor.

4404 Herpetology (3-3). A study of the amphibians and reptiles, their anatomy, evolutionary history, diversity, ecology, behavior, and zoogeography. Laboratory exercises will emphasize the identification and natural history of Texas amphibians and reptiles.
Prerequisite: Biology 1413 or equivalent.

4412 Biological Oceanography (3-3). A study of marine organisms and the environment in which they are found. Particular emphasis will be given to the Gulf of Mexico.
Prerequisite: Credit for one course in biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107, 1411, 1413) or consent of instructor.

4421 Developmental Biology (3-3). A study of the molecular and genetic mechanisms regulating the development of animals. Specific topics include gametogenesis, embryogenesis, and tissue development. Laboratory explores the development of various invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms and emphasizes the application of techniques used with these model systems.
Prerequisites: Biology 3301, 3403.

4423 General Physiology (3-3). An advanced course in fundamentals of vertebrate physiology emphasizing function from the molecular to the organ system level. Laboratory exercises combine animal surgery, biochemical and molecular techniques, electronic instrumentation, and/or computer simulations of physiological principles.
Prerequisites: Must have completed Biology 1413, or Biology 1306/1106 and 1307/1107, or Biology 2323/2123 and 2324/2124, with a grade of “B” or better.

4425 Bioinformatics (3-3). Introduction to methods for acquiring, analyzing, and employing biological sequence information. Topics will include- Theory and process of PCR, mass spectroscopy, and DNA microarrays. Algorithms for searching and clustering sequences. Applications of bioinformatic data to questions such as the geographical movement of Zika virus, horizontal gene transfer in bacterial viruses, and changes in human gene expression in response to disease and treatment. Students will access remote sequence databases (NCBI, EMBL-EBI) and analyze sequences with open source bioinformatics software running natively, in a Linux virtual machine, and on remote servers. Analyses will include protein structure prediction, phylogenetics using molecular data, and genome annotation. Students will annotate a novel viral genome and submit the completed annotation to NCBI. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Biology 5425.)

4435 Plant Taxonomy (3-3). Laboratory and field studies emphasize the use of a dichotomous key using flowering plants of the Concho Valley as topics of study, and recognition of the major families of flowering plants. Lecture emphasis is on current problems in plant taxonomy and systematics. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Range and Wildlife Management 4435.)

4441 Parasitology (3-3). A study of the anatomy, life cycles, ecology, diseases, diagnosis and treatment of protozoa, helminths, and arthropods parasitic in man. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Biology 5441.)
Prerequisites: Credit for two courses in biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 13071107, 1411, 1413), or (Biology 2323/2123 and 2324/2124).

4442 Arachnology (3-3). A study of the origin of the arachnids and their evolutionary relationships to other early arthropod groups. A survey of the recognized ordinal groups will be presented in both lecture and laboratory with respect to the existing literature on distribution, morphology, ecology, reproductive life cycles and their relationships to man.

4443 Invertebrate Zoology (3-3). A survey of major invertebrate phyla, with emphasis on the classes of Cnidarians, Annelids, Mollusks, Arthropods, and Echinoderms. Particular attention will be given to phylogenetic relationships and natural history.
Prerequisite: Biology 1413 or equivalent.

4450 Molecular Biology (3-4). A study of the synthesis, function, and regulation of biologically important macromolecules (DNA, RNA, and proteins). Laboratory exercises are designed to develop skills with standard techniques in molecular biology such as electrophoresis, PCR, recombinant DNA technology, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics.
Prerequisites: “C” or better in Biology 3403 or consent of instructor.

4451 Principles of Ecology (3-3). Examination of basic ecological concepts and principles of the ecosystem and biogeochemical cycles, with particular emphasis on the organization and energetics of populations at the species, interspecies, and community levels in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Prerequisites: Credit for two semesters of biology for majors (Biology 1306/1106, 1307/1107, 1411, 1413), and Mathematics 1314 1342, or higher (e.g. Mathematics 1316, 2312, 2413, 2414) or consent of instructor.

4480 Introduction to Biometry (3-2). An introduction to the application of statistics to biological research. This course will include an introduction to probability, sampling theory, and hypothesis testing. Emphasis will be on common statistical techniques for biological research.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 1314 or equivalent. Mathematics 2312 or 3321 are recommended.