Department of Biology Home Page
Prerequisites may be waived by consent of the department or instructor. Some courses as indicated in the course description may be taken concurrently with the listed offering. Consult an adviser for further information.
BIOL 1010 Introduction to Student Biological Research (1-2)
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor. An opportunity for high school students to develop individual research projects under faculty mentorship. Includes interdisciplinary lectures, demonstrations, seminars, and project guidance. Evaluation will be based on written and oral presentation of the research project and student portfolio.
BIOL 1012 General Biology (3), [MS]
Emphasis on fundamental principles of biology. BIOL 1012 can be applied toward fulfillment of the general education requirement in science. BIOL 1012 does not satisfy the prerequisite requirements in other courses in biology at the 2000 level or above. Students who plan to pursue a career in medicine or one of the medical-oriented professions should enroll in BIOL 1811 rather than BIOL 1012.
BIOL 1013 General Biology Laboratory (2) , [MS]
Prerequisite: BIOL 1012 (may be taken concurrently). Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 1012. BIOL 1013 can be used to fulfill the general education requirements in a laboratory science. BIOL 1013 does not meet the prerequisite requirements for other courses in biology. Three and one-half hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 1102 Human Biology (3), [C, MS]
Lectures and readings concerned with the reproduction, development, genetics, functional anatomy, behavior, ecology, and evolution of the human species. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 1131 Human Physiology and Anatomy I (4), [MS]
Prerequisite: BIOL 1012 or its equivalent. The basic aspects of the structure of the healthy human body and how it functions. Special emphasis is on how the human body adapts itself to its environment and how changes affect physiological activities. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 1141 Human Physiology and Anatomy II (4), [MS]
Prerequisite: BIOL 1131. A continuation of BIOL 1131. A study of the basic aspects of human physiology and anatomy. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 1162 General Microbiology (3), [MS]
Prerequisite: BIOL 1012 or its equivalent. A survey of microbial structure, genetics, and physiology. Special emphasis will be placed on the transmission and control of such organisms as they relate to the maintenance of human health. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 1202 Environmental Biology (3), [MI, MS]
An examination of the biological basis of current environmental problems, with emphasis upon resources, energy, pollution, and conservation. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 1350 Conservation of Biodiversity (3)
Examines the protection and management of the Earth’s diverse species, habitats, and ecosystems. Considers the impact of human activity on other species and their environment and reviews efforts to curb those impacts. Students weigh these issues from efforts to curb those impacts. Students weigh these issues from the point of view of the scientist and as citizens of the world. Does not provide credit toward the biology major. Biology majors interested in a course on this topic should register for BIOL 3202.
BIOL 1811 Introductory Biology: From Molecules to Organisms (5), [MI, MS]
Prerequisites: A minimum of high school chemistry, ENGL 1100 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently), and placement into college algebra or higher. Required for students intending to major in biology or take specified biology courses at the 2000 level or above. This course presents an introduction to some of the principles of biology and scientific methodology applied to the molecular/cellular through organ system levels of organization. Topics include: cell structure, metabolism, reproduction, heredity and major physiological processes regulated by organ systems. Three hours of lecture, three and one-half hours of lab, and one hour of discussion per week.
BIOL 1821 Introductory Biology: Organisms and the Environment (5) , [MI, MS]
Prerequisites: A minimum of high school chemistry, ENGL 1100 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently), and placement into college algebra or higher. Required for students intending to major in biology or take specified biology courses at the 2000 level or above. This course presents an introduction to some of the principles of biology and scientific methodology applied to the organismal and supraorganismal levels of biology. Topics to be covered include: ecology, evolution, diversity, and population biology. Three hours of lecture, three and one half hours of lab and one hour of discussion per week.
BIOL 1999 Evolution for Everyone (3) [MI, MS]
Evolution for Everyone explores the development of our current understanding by examining modern and ancient controversies, and by studying major processes by which change occurs. Lectures will present overviews and many examples on topics in history, mechanisms, and outcome of evolutionary change, and students will participate in classroom and online discussions based on readings, computer exercises, and data collection and analysis. Course may not be applied towards major in Biology. Not eligible for credit with BIOL 3302 (Introduction to Evolution) required for Biology majors.
BIOL 2012 Genetics (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811(majors must also take BIOL 1821) and CHEM 1111 or (CHEM 1082 plus CHEM 1091). Fundamental principles of inheritance, including classical genetic theory as well as recent advances in the molecular basis of heredity. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 2013 Genetics Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in BIOL 2012, or by consent of instructor. Laboratory to accompany BIOL 2012. Three and one-half hours of organized laboratory time per week. Students may need to return to the laboratory at unscheduled times to complete some exercises.
BIOL 2102 General Ecology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821. An examination of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 2103 General Ecology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 2102 required (may be taken concurrently); a general statistics course strongly recommended. Analysis of environmental factors influencing the abundance and distribution of living organisms. Some classes held at field sites in and around St. Louis. Three and one-half hours of laboratory or field work per week.
BIOL 2402 Vertebrate Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821. Development, structure, function, interrelationships, and zoogeography of vertebrate animals with particular attention to phylogenetic aspects. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 2403 Vertebrate Biology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 2402 (may be taken concurrently). Laboratory to accompany BIOL 2402. Morphological analysis and systematic survey of major vertebrate groups. Overview of the vertebrate life forms and their adaptations to habitats and resources. Three and one-half hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 2442 Invertebrate Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821. A general introduction to the form, function and biodiversity of animals, 95% of which lack backbones. The course focuses on the evolution and phylogenetic interrelationships of animals from single-cell protozoans to the giant squid, with an emphasis on fresh water and marine (non insect) invertebrates. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 2443 Invertebrate Biology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 2442 (may be taken concurrently). Laboratory to accompany BIOL 2442. Analysis of invertebrates structure and function with emphasis on the feeding and locomotory behavior of live animals. Students will collect and study animals in habitats ranging from UMSL’s Bugg Lake to the Gulf of Mexico. The course meets three and one-half hours per week and includes a one-week field trip to a marine laboratory in Florida. Students will be responsible for expenses they incur.
BIOL 2482 Microbiology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 [majors must also take BIOL 1821] and CHEM 1111 [or CHEM 1082 plus CHEM 1091]. Study of microorganisms, their metabolism, genetics, and their interaction with other forms of life. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 2483 Microbiology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 2482 (may be taken concurrently). Experimental studies and procedures of microbiological techniques. Three and one-half hours of organized laboratory time per week. Students will need to return to the laboratory at unscheduled times to complete some exercises.
BIOL 2501 Biology of Plants (5)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821. A general discussion of the plant groups from algae through angiosperms. Plant morphology, physiology, reproduction, and ecology will be discussed in lecture (three hours per week). The laboratory (three and one half hours per week) involves examination of representatives of the plant kingdom and experimentation in plant physiology and genetics. Fulfills both a lecture and a laboratory requirement.
BIOL 3102 Animal Behavior (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821. The study of invertebrate and vertebrate behavior, including neurophysiological, hormonal, developmental, genetic, ecological and evolutionary aspects of behavior; behavior interactions within and between populations. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 3103 Animal Behavior Laboratory (2)
Prerequisites: BIOL 3102 (may be taken concurrently) and any college level course in introductory statistics (may not be taken concurrently). Observational and experimental studies of animal behavior in the field and laboratory. Three and one-half hours of formal laboratory time per week, but additional time may be required for independent projects. Some activities involve field trips or trips to the St. Louis Zoo.
BIOL 3122 Tropical Resource Ecology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2102 and either BIOL 3302 or 3102 or their equivalent, or consent of instructor. A lecture and seminar course that applies the behavioral ecology paradigm to the patterns of use and exploitation of resources in the tropics by humans. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 3122 and 5122. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered in odd numbered years.
BIOL 3123 Tropical Resource Ecology Field Studies (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3122 (may be taken concurrently). The field component to the lecture and seminar course. Examines the patterns of use and exploitation of resources in the tropics by humans in the context of the theories of behavioral ecology. Two weeks of intensive field research and lectures in Guyana, South America during the second and third weeks of Summer Session I (trip costs to be borne by the student). Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 3123 and BIOL 5123. Offered in odd numbered years.
BIOL 3202 Conservation Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821. Introduction to the principles and theories of conservation biology. Course topics include biodiversity, extinctions, population modeling, habitat fragmentation, conservation area management, restoration ecology, and social science elements of conservation strategies. Class sessions will include lectures, discussions, and simulation exercises. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 3203 Conservation Biology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3202 (recommended to be taken concurrently). Laboratory to accompany BIOL 3202. Laboratory will include computer simulations of conservation problems using existing software, 2-3 field trips to local conservation projects, and field interviews with governmental and non-governmental agencies. Three and one-half hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 3302 Introduction to Evolution (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821; BIOL 2012 strongly recommended. Introduction to the theory, events, and processes of organic evolution.
BIOL 3622 Cell Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811, BIOL 2012, and CHEM 2612. Examination of the organization and basic processes of cells including tissues, organelles, glycolysis, respiration, photosynthesis, trafficking, cytoskeleton, signal transduction, and cell division.
BIOL 3699 Undergraduate Internship in Biotechnology (1-4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821, CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1121 and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 2612 or higher is strongly encouraged. A 2.5 GPA and enrollment in the undergraduate Biotechnology Certificate Program is required. Internship will consist of a period of observation, experimentation and on-the-job training in a biotechnology laboratory. The laboratory may be industrial or academic. Credit will be determined by the number of hours a student works each week and in consultation between the intern's supervisor and instructor. Two credits may be used to fulfill the lab requirement.
BIOL 3802 Vertebrate Physiology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821 and CHEM 1111 or CHEM 1082 plus CHEM 1091. Basic functional aspects of organ systems in relation to the physiochemical properties of protoplasm. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 3803 Vertebrate Physiology Lab (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3802 (may be taken concurrently). Instrumental and experimental studies in physiology. Three and one-half hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 4102 Behavioral Ecology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3102; BIOL 2102 recommended. Topics in animal behavior with an emphasis on ecological and evolutionary aspects of behavior. Topics may include the role of behavior in population regulation, habitat selection and spacing, feeding and predator-prey interactions, sexual selection, evolution of mating systems, and new approaches to animal communication. Three hours of lecture per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4102 and BIOL 6102.
BIOL 4112 Evolution of Animal Sociality (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 3102 or consent of instructor, BIOL 2102 or BIOL 4182 recommended. The evolution of sociality, including a critical examination of sociobiological theories and alternative approaches to social evolution. Survey of social organization and behavior in arthropods, with an emphasis on social insects, and vertebrates. Two hours of lecture, one hour of discussion per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4112 and BIOL 6112.
BIOL 4122 Biometry (3)
Prerequisites: MATH 1030 and a minimum of 15 hours in biology. Reviews descriptive, analytical, and experimental methods useful for the statistical study of biological phenomena. Students will develop the skills needed to better appreciate and evaluate the published literature, as well as the ability to design their own research programs. Topics include: the collection and summarization of biological observations; development, design, and testing of hypotheses; analysis and presentation of data. Three hours of lecture per week. Fulfills the statistics requirement for the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology.
BIOL 4182 Population Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2102 and BIOL 2012 (BIOL 3302 recommended). Introduces concepts and mathematical models of population ecology and population genetics. By integrating the ecology and genetics of populations, the course goal is to understand the processes that contribute to microevolution of populations. Topics include demography, metapopulation biology, natural selection, migration, gene flow, and genetic drift. Three hours of lecture per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4182 and BIOL 6182.
BIOL 4192 Applications of Geographic Information Systems (5)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2102, BIOL 4122 or equivalent, and consent of instructor. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are sophisticated computer-based systems for analysis, capture, presentation, and maintenance of geographically referenced data. This course provides a foundation in using GIS for spatial analysis. Although biological examples are primarily used, examples from a range of disciplines are employed to emphasize the use of GIS as a tool to support analysis and decision-making. Students will have hands-on use of GIS software during each session. An independent research project applying the spatial analysis tools learned in GIS to biological research will be required. Five hours of combined lecture and computer operations, plus 2-3 hours of open lab per week. Fulfills both a lecture and a laboratory requirement. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4192 and BIOL 6192.
BIOL 4202 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2102, and junior standing. This course will provide a basic survey of the ecological issues involved in conservation and management of wild animals. Topics will include population dynamics and regulation, habitat management, endangered species, wildlife legislation, predator-prey interactions, human-wildlife conflicts, sustainable use of wildlife. There will be a strong emphasis on temperate ecosystems, but many examples will be drawn from tropical ecosystems. Use of computer simulation models in wildlife conservation and management will be included. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 4222 Tropical Ecology and Conservation (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2102, BIOL 4182, BIOL 5192, or equivalent. This course will cover research areas in tropical population, community and ecosystems ecology, with emphasis on interspecies and environment-organism interactions, population control factors, and genetic structure of populations. Topics include the current status and causes of tropical habitat destruction, ongoing attempts to manage those habitats, and development of strategies leading to sustained use of nonrenewable resources. Three hours of lecture per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4222 and BIOL 6222.
BIOL 4245 Field Biology (3)
Prerequisites: Three biology courses and consent of instructor. Intensive study of the flora and fauna of selected natural areas of North America, including an extended field trip. Details of the field trip and course schedulewill be posted in the Biology Department preceding registration for the term in which the course will be offered. Students will be required to pay costs of travel and of the field trip. This is a laboratory course appropriate for advanced undergraduates and non-thesis Master of Science students. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4245 and BIOL 6245.
BIOL 4299 Practicum in Conservation (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3202 or consent of instructor. This course is generally restricted to students officially enrolled in the Certificate Program in Conservation Biology. The course provides practical experience with conservation or environmental agencies. Specific placement will be selected according to student's interests and career goals as well as availability of agency openings. Course requirements include practical experience and final report on practicum experience.
BIOL 4308 Transmission Electron Microscopy Hours (3)
Same as PHYSICS 4308. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Course introduces students to transmission electron microscopy techniques and their applications to solving challenging materials and biological problems. Course includes fundamental principles (electron optics), electron-specimen interactions, diffraction of electrons, image formation and interpretation, image processing and analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and sample preparation of both biological and non-biological systems. Laboratory experiments will provide students “hands-on” experience with TEM operations and problem solving skills. Successful completion of the course enables students to independently operate transmission electron microscopes to perform basic research experiments. This course is ideal for students interested in ultrastructural or nanocharacterization of biological or materials systems. Two classroom hours and two hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 4382 Introduction to Marine Sciences (3)
Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor; BIOL 2442 and BIOL 2443 recommended. A multidisciplinary study of the ocean environment. Topics to include the geology of ocean basins, atmospheric and astronomic effects on the motion of water, chemical and physical properties of sea water, and the adaptations and diversity of marine organisms to their environment. Topics will include the ecology of various benthic and pelagic marine communities and human impact on the world's oceans. Offered in Winter Semester only.
BIOL 4383 Introduction to Marine Science Laboratory (2)
Prerequisites: BIOL 4382, consent of instructor. An intensive laboratory and field study of selected North American marine communities. Based on a two-week field trip to Florida and offered during the Summer Session I, following the lecture course BIOL 4382 of the preceding winter semester. Students must pay their own travel and living expenses.
BIOL 4402 Ornithology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2102 and junior standing. Introduction to avian biology and ecology. Material to be covered will include basic adaptations of anatomy, physiology, and behavior of birds. There will be a strong emphasis on avian ecology and conservation. Specific topics will include flight, reproductive behavior, migration, foraging behavior, community structure, and current conservation concerns. The diversity of birds will be emphasized through comparisons between temperate and tropical regions. Three hours of lecture per week
BIOL 4403 Ornithology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 4402 (may be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor. This course will introduce students to methods of identifying and studying birds. Labs will almost entirely be comprised of field trips to local areas and will emphasize diversity of birds, adaptations shown by different groups, and means of identification, particularly of birds found in Missouri. Field projects will focus on techniques for censusing birds, sampling foraging behavior, and studying habitat selection. Indoor periods will cover internal and external anatomy of birds. Slides and field trips to the St. Louis Zoo will be used to survey the diversity of birds worldwide. Three and one-half hours of laboratory per week. Longer (e.g., Saturday) field trips will be made when appropriate.
BIOL 4422 Entomology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and BIOL 1821; 9 additional hours of biology, and upper-division standing. Development, structure, function, behavior and ecology of insects, including a systematic survey of the orders of Insecta. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 4423 Entomology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 4422 (may be taken concurrently). Laboratory to accompany BIOL 4422. Studies of the morphology, physiology, and behavior of insects to give a sampling of biological studies of the class Insecta. Formation of a collection of insects, comprising a systematic survey of orders and principal families, will be an integral part of the course and will require additional time beyond the official lab hours. Three and one-half hours of lab per week.
BIOL 4442 Developmental Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2012 and BIOL 3622. A study of the basic principles that shape the embryonic and post-embryonic development of animals with an emphasis on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Specific topics include fertilization, determination of cell fate and differentiation, cell migration, establishment of the body plan, formation of selected organs and organ systems, stem cells, and limb regeneration. Environmental influences on development and the impact of developmental biology on modern medicine are also discussed. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4442 and BIOL 6442.
BIOL 4482 Parasitology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811, BIOL 1821, and 10 additional hours of biology and upper-division standing. BIOL 3622 strongly recommended. A broadly based course emphasizing the phylogeny, life history, ecology, and physiology of parasites of medical and veterinary importance. Modern aspects of experimental parasitology, immunoparasitology, and parasite molecular biology will be addressed.
BIOL 4501 Flowering Plant Families: Phylogeny and Diversification (5)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811, BIOL 1821 and junior standing or consent of instructor. Focusing on the flowering plant families of North America, the aim of the course is to give an understanding of their phylogeny and diversification. Student will also gain an understanding of plant morphology and anatomy, a basis for further developing their knowledge of plants. Three hours of lecture and three to four hours of laboratory per week. Students may need to return to the laboratory at unscheduled times.
BIOL 4550 Bacterial Pathogenesis (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2482, BIOL 2012. Examination of the strategies bacterial pathogens use to infect animals. Topics include host immune responses to infection, bacterial virulence factors, regulation of bacterial virulence, and the cellular and molecular approaches used to study host-parasite interactions. Three hours of lecture per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 6550 and BIOL 4550.
BIOL 4602 Molecular Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2012 and CHEM 2612. A study of the principles of molecular biology, with emphasis on understanding the genetic regulation of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and function in the eukaryotic cells. Three hours of lecture per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4602 and BIOL 6602.
BIOL 4612 Molecular Genetics of Bacteria (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2482 and BIOL 2012. A study of the molecular biology of gene replication, transfer, and expression in bacterial cells. Topics include DNA replication, transcription and translation, mutagenesis, DNA repair and recombination, gene transfer, and the regulation of genes and global expression systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4612 and BIOL 6612.
BIOL 4614 Biotechnology Laboratory I (4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 2012 or consent of instructor. An introduction to the fundamental concepts that underlie the field of biotechnology. Both the basic principles of molecular biology and hands-on experience with the techniques of the field will be addressed through lectures, discussions, and a series of laboratory exercises. Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Fulfills a laboratory requirement only; may not be used to fulfill the 4000 level or above lecture course requirement for the B.A. or B. S. degree in biology. Students may not receive credit for BIOL 4614 and a comparable biotechnology course from another institution.
BIOL 4615 Biotechnology Laboratory II (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 4614 and either BIOL 4602 or BIOL 4612, or consent of instructor. An in-depth look at theory and practice of biotechnology. Lectures and discussion will examine the underlying principles, and laboratory exercises will present hands-on experience with current techniques. One hour of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week. Fulfills a laboratory requirement only; may not be used to fulfill the 4000 level lecture course requirement for the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4615 and BIOL 6615.
BIOL 4622 Cellular Basis of Disease (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3622. A study of the structural organization and processes of eukaryotic cells, focusing on how defects in cellular function lead to genetic diseases and cancer. Topics of discussion may include membrane dynamics, intracellular trafficking, signal transduction, and the cell cycle. Three hours of lecture per week Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4622 and BIOL 6622.
BIOL 4632 Nucleic Acid Structure and Function (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2012 and BIOL 4712 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Comprehensive view of structural properties of DNA and RNA that promote molecular interactions and biological function. Topics include physical properties of nucleic acids, formation and biological importance of higher order structures, RNA enzymatic activities, nucleic acid-protein interactions, and RNA metabolism. Three hours of lecture per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4632 and 6632.
BIOL 4642 Plant Biology and Biotechnology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 4602 or BIOL 4612. Topics may include molecular and cellular aspects of plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stress and pathogen attack, using the experimental approaches of genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Plant growth manipulation and genetic engineering, including techniques required for DNA transfer and plant regeneration, as well as current and potential future applications, such as engineered resistance to stress, developmental engineering, and metabolic engineering, will also be covered. Three hours of lecture per week. Student may not receive credit for both BIOL 4642 and BIOL 6642.
BIOL 4652 Virology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2012 and BIOL 3622. The first half of the course entails a comparative study of structure, replication, and molecular biology of viruses. The second half of the course focuses on the pathogenesis, control, and evolution of animal viruses. Three hours of lecture per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4652 and BIOL 6652
BIOL 4712 Biochemistry (3)
Same as CHEM 4712. Prerequisites: CHEM 2612 and either BIOL 1811 or CHEM 2622. Examines the chemistry and function of cell constituents, and the interaction and conversions of intracellular substances. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4712 and CHEM 4712.
BIOL 4713 Techniques in Biochemistry (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 4712 or CHEM 4712 (may be taken concurrently). Laboratory activities introducing fundamental qualitative and quantitative biochemical techniques. Student evaluation will be based on laboratory participation, student laboratory reports, and written examinations. Three and one-half hours of organized laboratory time per week. Students may need to return to the laboratory at unscheduled times to complete some experiments.
BIOL 4797 Biochemistry and Biotechnology Seminar (1)
Same as CHEM 4797. Prerequisite: Senior standing in the Biochemistry and Biotechnology program. This course will focus on selected publications related to biochemistry and biotechnology from both refereed journals and news sources. Students are expected to participate in discussions and to prepare oral and written presentations. Completion of the Major Field Achievement Test in Biochemistry & Biotechnology is a course requirement. May not be taken for graduate credit.
BIOL 4822 Introduction to Neuroscience (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3802 or consent of instructor. The study of nervous systems, featuring the cellular bases of initiation and conduction of the impulse, synaptic transmission, and the network integrative function of invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems. This course emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the neurosciences, including anatomical, physiological and molecular approaches to understanding neural function. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 4842 Immunobiology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 3622 and CHEM 2612. The fundamental principles and concepts of immunology and immunochemistry. Emphasis on the relation of immunological phenomena to biological phenomena and biological problems. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 4889 Senior Seminar (2)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811, BIOL 1821, BIOL 2012, and BIOL 3302, with a total of at least 30 credits in Biology. Required of biology majors. Oral and written presentation by students of selected scientific papers or articles. Students are expected to participate in discussions of oral presentations by other students. May not be taken for graduate credit.
BIOL 4905 Research (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of faculty research advisor; generally restricted to junior and senior standing. Research in an area selected by the student in consultation with and under the direct supervision of an UMSL biology faculty research adviser. Research opportunities are subject to availability and must be approved in advance of beginning research. The project normally includes the reading of pertinent literature, laboratory or field experience, including keeping a logbook and a summary paper and a presentation, all based on an average 8 hours per week per credit during 15 week semester. Credit arranged. Course may be repeated for a total of up to 5 credit hours. A maximum of one lab requirement may be satisfied using any two BIOL 4905 credits. Additional credits may be applied toward the total biology hours required for the biology BA or BS.
BIOL 4915 Biology Internship (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of faculty research advisor; generally restricted to junior and senior standing. Research in an area selected by the student to be conducted off-campus in a lab of a professional researcher or faculty person (the internship mentor) other than those in UMSL Biology. Research opportunities are subject to availability and must be approved in advance of beginning research by an UMSL biology faculty liaison and the internship mentor. The project normally includes the reading of pertinent literature, laboratory or field experience, including keeping of a logbook, and a summary paper and a presentation, all based on an average 8 hours per week per credit during a 15 week semester. Credit arranged. Course may be repeated for a total of up to 5 credit hours. A maximum of one lab requirement may be satisfied using any two BIOL 4905 credits. Additional credits may be applied toward the total biology hours required for the biology BA or BS.
BIOL 4920 Selected Topics (1-10)
Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of instructor. Selected topics in biology. The topics will vary each semester. Topics available in the department office. Credit arranged. May be taken more than once for credit.
BIOL 4985 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Life Sciences (4)
Same as SEC ED 4985. Prerequisites: TCH ED 3310 and a near-major in biology. A study of the scope and sequence of the life science courses in the school curriculum, with emphasis on the selection and organization of materials and methods of instruction and evaluation. The analysis of teaching/learning and field experience observations in secondary school classrooms will be integrated into classroom activities and discussions. This course must be completed in residence.
BIOL 4986 Laboratory in Teaching Life Sciences (2)
Same as SEC ED 4986. Prerequisite: TCH ED 3310. Discussion, development, utilization, and evaluation of equipment, materials, and techniques applicable to instruction in the life sciences. Must be taken concurrently with BIOL 4985, SEC ED 4985.
BIOL 4999 Biology Science Teaching Intern Seminar (3)
Same as SEC ED 4999. Prerequisites: BIOL 4985 and BIOL 4986. The application of educational philosophy, science curriculum, teaching strategies, and instructional technology in the classroom setting. Offered concurrently with Secondary School Student Teaching SEC ED 4990.Not available for graduate credit.
BIOL 5059 Topics in Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics (1)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Presentation and discussion of faculty and student current research projects in behavior, ecology, evolution, and systematics. May be repeated.
BIOL 5069 Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology (1)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Presentation and discussion of student and faculty research projects and/or current research articles in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. May be repeated.
BIOL 5079 Topics in Floristic Taxonomy (1)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2501 or equivalent, and graduate standing. Seminar course in systematics of higher plants, arranged in the Cronquist sequence of families, covering morphology, anatomy, palynology, biogeography, chemosystematics, cytology, and other aspects of plant classification and phylogenetics. Given at the Missouri Botanical garden. One hour per week.
BIOL 5122 Advanced Tropical Resource Ecology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2102, and either BIOL 3302 or BIOL 3102 or their equivalent, or consent of the instructor. A lecture and seminar course that applies the behavioral ecology paradigm to the patterns of use and exploitation of resources in the tropics by humans. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 3122 and BIOL 5122. Three hours of lecture, and one hour of discussion or seminar per week. Offered in odd numbered years.
BIOL 5123 Advanced Tropical Resource Ecology Field Studies (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 5122 (may be taken concurrently). The field component to the lecture and seminar course. Examines the patterns of use and exploitation of resources in the tropics by humans in the context of the theories of behavioral ecology. Two weeks of intensive field research and lectures in Guyana, South America during the second and third weeks of Summer Session I (trip costs to be borne by student). Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 5123 and BIOL 3123. Offered in odd numbered years.
BIOL 5179 Ethical Issues in Biology (1)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Using readings and discussions, students will explore ethical issues in Biology in both professional and social realms. Professional topics include authorship, grants accounting, and academic misconduct; social topics include ethical foundations of basic and applied science, government regulation of science, environmental and individual protection, and current issues.
BIOL 5192 Community Ecology (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and either BIOL 2102 and BIOL 4182 or an equivalent course. Studies of structure and organization of natural communities stressing the abundance and distribution of species, the regulation of species diversity, and the evolution of demographic parameters in populations. Three hours of lectures per week.
BIOL 5312 Theory of Systematics (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1811 and 1821 and at least one course beyond introductory level dealing with animal, plant, or microbial diversity (such as BIOL 2482, BIOL 2501, BIOL 2402, BIOL 4482, BIOL 4501, BIOL 4402, or BIOL 4422) or consent of instructor. Investigates theory of classification, phylogenetic analysis, systematic biology, and their relation to systematic practice. Covers goals and schools of systematics, characters, and homology, analysis of molecular and morphological data and underlying assumptions, species concepts, classification, naming, and connections between evolutionary biology and systematics. Appropriate for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students in all disciplines, animal, plant, and microbial, as introduction to systematic methods. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 5314 Herbarium Taxonomy (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 5312. An introduction to the principles and practice of herbarium taxonomy, emphasizing species description, identification, how to access and use the taxonomic literature, data basing, nomenclature, curation, and collecting and the national and international regulations governing it. Two hours of lectures per week, projects including specimen curation, writing species description, etc., to be arranged. Offered every even year.
BIOL 6102 Advanced Behavioral Ecology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3102 (BIOL 2102 recommended). Topics in animal behavior with an emphasis on ecological and evolutionary aspects of behavior. Topics may include the role of behavior in population regulation, habitat selection and spacing, feeding and predator-prey interactions, sexual selection, evolution of mating systems, and new approaches to animal communication. Three hours of lecture, one hour discussion or seminar per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4102 and BIOL 6102.
BIOL 6112 Advanced Evolution of Animal Sociality (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 2102, or 4182 recommended or consent of instructor. The evolution of sociality, including a critical examination of sociobiological theories and alternative approaches of social evolution. Survey of social organization and behavior in arthropods, with an emphasis on social insects, and vertebrates. Two hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4112 and BIOL 6112.
BIOL 6182 Advanced Population Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2102 and BIOL 2012, (BIOL 3302 recommended). Introduces concepts and mathematical models of population ecology and population genetics. By integrating the ecology and genetics of populations, the course goal is to understand the processes that contribute to microevolution of populations. Topics include: demography, metapopulation biology, natural selection, migration, gene flow, and genetic drift. A discussion section will focus on mathematical elements of population biology models. Three hours of lecture, and one hour of discussion per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4182 and BIOL 6182.
BIOL 6192 Applications of Geographic Information Systems (5)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2102, BIOL 4122 or equivalent, and consent of instructor. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are sophisticated computer-based systems for analysis, capture, presentation, and maintenance of geographically referenced data. This course provides a foundation in using GIS for a spatial analysis. Although biological examples are primarily used, examples from a range of disciplines are employed to emphasize the use of GIS as a tool to support analysis and decision-making. Students will have hands-on use of GIS software using Windows 2000/NT-based workstations during each session. An independent research project applying the spatial analysis tools learned in GIS to biological research will be required. Five hours of combined lecture and computer operations, plus 2-3 hours of open lab per week.
BIOL 6212 Theory and Application of Conservation Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 4182, BIOL 5192, or equivalent; or consent of instructor. Prerequisites may be taken concurrently. Advanced analysis of conservation theory with emphasis on conservation of populations, their genetic diversity, and the biodiversity of habitats. Applied aspects of conservation and sustainable development will be illustrated through case studies presented by conservation professionals.
BIOL 6222 Advanced Tropical Ecology and Conservation (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 2102, or BIOL 4182, or BIOL 5192, or their equivalent. This course will cover research areas in tropical population, community and ecosystem ecology, with emphasis on interspecies and environment-organism interactions, population control factors, and genetic structure of populations. Topics include the current status and causes of tropical habitat destruction, ongoing attempts to manage those habitats, and developments of strategies leading to sustained use of nonrenewable resources. A research proposal designed to investigate current topic in tropical ecology will be required. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4222 and BIOL 6222. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 6250 Public Policy of Conservation and Sustainable Development (3)
Same as POL SCI 6452. Prerequisites: graduate standing in Biology or Political Science and consent of instructor. Prior course in ecology recommended. This course will introduce the student to concepts and techniques for formulating, implementing, and analyzing public policy with an emphasis on environmental concerns, conservation, and sustainable development. The course will be team-taught by a political scientist and a biologist. Course materials will include case studies that demonstrate the special problems of the environmental policy-making in developing and developed economics.
BIOL 6270 Advanced Global Climate Change (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor. We will cover the fundamental physical, meteorological, and biological circumstances of global climate change, as well as predictions of its future effects on biological diversity, including humans, and how those estimates are made. We will also cover basic environmental economics and politics of climate change at local and global levels. The course will be taught as a series of lectures and discussions led by guest experts in each of the subdisciplines covered. Students will not receive credit for both BIOL 4270 and BIOL 6270.
BIOL 6299 Internship in Conservation Biology (1-4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 6250 or BIOL 6212 and consent of the director of graduate studies in Biology. Internships will consist of a period of study, observation, and on-the-job training at a conservation or environmental agency. Specific placements will be selected according to student's interests and career goals. Internships may vary from 2 weeks to 4 months in duration.
BIOL 6442 Advanced Developmental Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2012 and BIOL 3622. A study of the basic principles that shape the embryonic and post-embryonic development of animals with an emphasis on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Specific topics include fertilization, determination of cell fate and differentiation, cell migration, establishment of the body plan, formation of selected organs and organ systems, stem cells, and limb regeneration. Environmental influences on development and the impact of developmental biology on modern medicine are also discussed. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4442 and BIOL 6442.
BIOL 6550 Advanced Bacterial Pathogenesis (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2482 and BIOL 2012. Examination of the strategies bacterial pathogens use to infect animals. Topics include host immune responses to infection, bacterial virulence factors, regulation of bacterial virulence, and the cellular and molecular approaches used to study host-parasite interactions. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 6550 and BIOL 4550. Students will be required to give an oral presentation and/or write an extra paper on a topic relevant to the course. Three hours of lecture per week.
BIOL 6552 Advanced Evolution and Phylogeny of Seed Plants (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3302 or BIOL 2501, or equivalent. Advanced approaches in examination of the evolution of, and relationships among, major lines of seed-bearing plants, both extinct (Bennettitales, cordaites, etc.) and extant (conifers, cycads, ginkgo, Gnetales, and flowering plants). Criteria for the assessment of morphological homology are examined, and wherever possible the evolution of morphological structures is related to their function. Includes use of cladistic methods and practical exercises in the analysis of large morphological data matrices using PAUP & MacClade. Two hours of lecture per week and one hour of laboratory per week to be arranged. Does not fulfill a laboratory requirement for biology majors. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4552 and BIOL 6552.
BIOL 6602 Advanced Molecular Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2012 and CHEM 2612, or consent of instructor. A study of the principles of molecular biology, with emphasis on understanding the genetic regulation of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and function in eukaryotic cell. Three hours of lecture per week. Students will be required to give an oral presentation and/or write an extra paper on a topic relevant to the course. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 6602 and BIOL 4602.
BIOL 6612 Advanced Molecular Genetics of Bacteria (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2012 and BIOL 2482. A study of the molecular biology of gene replication, transfer, and expression in bacterial cells. Topics include DNA replication, transcription and translation, mutagenesis, DNA repair and recombination, gene transfer, and the regulation of genes and global expression systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Students will be required to give an oral presentation and/or write an extra paper on a topic relevant to the course. Student may not receive credit for both BIOL 6612 and BIOL 4612.
BIOL 6615 Advanced Biotechnology Laboratory II (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 4614 and either BIOL 4602 or BIOL 4612, or consent of instructor. An in-depth look at the theory and practice of biotechnology. Lectures and discussion will examine the underlying principles, and laboratory exercises will present hands-on experience with current techniques. One hour of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week. Students will be required to give an oral presentation and/or write an extra paper on a topic relevant to the course. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 6615 and BIOL 4615.
BIOL 6622 Advanced Cellular Basis of Disease (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 3622, or consent of instructor. A study of structural organization and processes of eukaryotic cells, focusing on how defects in cellular function lead to genetic diseases and cancer. Topics of discussion may include membrane dynamics, intracellular trafficking, signal transduction and the cell cycle. Three hours of lecture per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 6622 and BIOL 4622.
BIOL 6632 Advanced Nucleic Acid Structure and Function (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2012 and BIOL 4712 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Comprehensive view of structural properties of DNA and RNA that promote molecular interactions and biological function. Topics include physical properties of nucleic acids, formation and biological importance of higher order structures, RNA enzymatic activities, nucleic acid-protein interactions, and RNA metabolism. Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4632 and BIOL 6632.
BIOL 6642 Advanced Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 4602 or BIOL 4612. Topics may include molecular and cellular aspects of plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stress and pathogen attack, using the experimental approaches of genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Plant growth manipulation and genetic engineering, including the techniques required for DNA transfer and plant regeneration, as well as current and potential future applications, such as engineered resistance to stress, developmental engineering, and metabolic engineering, also will be covered. Student may not receive credit for both BIOL 4642 and BIOL 6642.
BIOL 6652 Advanced Virology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2012, BIOL 3622 and graduate standing. The first half of the course entails a comparative study of the structure, replication, and molecular biology of viruses. The second half of the course focuses on the pathogenesis, control, and evolution of animal viruses. Three hours of lecture, one hour of discussion or seminar per week. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4652 and BIOL 6652.
BIOL 6699 Graduate Internship in Biotechnology (1-4)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and enrollment in graduate Biotechnology Certificate Program. Six credit hours maximum (maximum of eight combined credit hours of BIOL 6905 and internship). Internship will consist of period of observation, experimentation and on-the-job training in a biotechnology laboratory. The laboratory may be industrial or academic. Credit will be determined by the number of hours the student works each week and in consultation between the intern's supervisor and the instructor. Internship assignments will be commensurate with the education and experience of the student.
BIOL 6889 Graduate Seminar (2)
Presentation and discussion of various research problems in biology. Graduate student exposure to the seminar process.
BIOL 6905 Graduate Research in Biology (1-10)
Research in area selected by student in consultation with faculty members.
BIOL 6915 Graduate Research Practicum (1-2)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course is designed for graduate students wishing to pursue research experience in an area outside their dissertation topic. The project can be techniques-oriented or focused on a specific research question. The credit hours will depend on the time commitment to the project as decided by the supervisory faculty members.
BIOL 6920 Topics in Biology (2-5)
In-depth studies of selected topics in contemporary biology. May be repeated.