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Department of Biology

http://www.umsl.edu/~biology/

Faculty

Patricia G. Parker, E. Desmond Lee Professor of Zoological Studies*, Chairperson
Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Elizabeth A. Kellogg, E. Desmond Lee Professor of Botanical Studies*
Ph.D., Harvard University
Charles R. Granger, Distinguished Teaching Professor*
Ph.D., University of Iowa
Robert E. Ricklefs, Curators Professor*
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Arnold B. Grobman, Professor Emeritus*
Ph.D., University of Rochester
James H. Hunt, Professor*
Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley
Robert J. Marquis, Professor*
Ph.D., University of Iowa
Frank Moss, Professor*
Ph. D., University of Virginia
Susanne S. Renner, Professor*
Dr. Habil; Dr. rer. Nat, University of Hamburg
Martin Sage, Professor Emeritus*
Ph.D., Nottingham University
Peter F. Stevens, Professor*, Interim Director, International Center for Tropical Ecology
Ph.D., Edinburgh
Zuleyma Tang-Martinez, Professor*, Director Graduate Program
Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley
Teresa Thiel, Professor*; Associate Dean, Arts and Sciences
Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University
Lon A. Wilkens, Professor*
Ph.D., Florida State University
Shirley T. Bissen, Associate Professor*, Director Biotechnology Program
Ph.D., University of Michigan
John G. Blake, Associate Professor*
Ph.D., University of Illinois
Godfrey R. Bourne, Associate Professor*
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Albert Derby, Associate Professor Emeritus*
Ph.D., City University of New York
Harvey P. Friedman, Associate Professor Emeritus*
Ph. D., University of Kansas
Lawrence D. Friedman, Associate Professor Emeritus*
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Donald E. Grogan, Associate Professor Emeritus*
Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia
Bette A. Loiselle, Associate Professor*
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Jane A. Starling, Associate Professor Emeritus*
Ph.D., The William Marsh Rice University
Colin MacDiarmid, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Aukland
Wendy M. Olivas, Assistant Professor*
Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center
Marc Spingola, Assistant Professor *
Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Mariette P. Baxendale, Lecturer
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
Carol Weber, Lecturer, Undergraduate Advisor
M.S., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Terry L. Erwin, Research Professor*
Ph.D., University of Alberta
Peter H. Raven, Research Professor*; Director, Missouri Botanical Garden,
Ph.D., University of California - Los Angeles
M. Jan Salick, Research Professor*
Ph.D., Cornell University
Ihsan A. Al Shehbaz, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., Harvard University
Bruce Allen, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., University of Cincinnati
Eldridge Bermingham, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., University of Georgia
Steven P. Churchill, Research Associate Professor
Ph.D., City University of New York
Deborah A. Clark, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
David B. Clark, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Thom as B. Croat, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., University of Kansas
Peter Goldblatt, Research Associate Professor*
Ph. D., University of Cape Town, South Africa
Peter E. Hoch, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., Washington University
Peter M. Jorgensen, Research Associate Professor
Ph.D., Aarhus Universitet
Timothy Killeen, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., Iowa State University
Robert E. Magill, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., Texas A&M
David A. Neill, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., Washington University
Charlotte Taylor, Research Associate Professor*,
Ph.D., Duke University
Hendrik H. van der Werff, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., State University of Utrecht, The Netherlands
George A. Yatskievych, Research Associate Professor*
Ph.D., Indiana University, Bloomington
James L. Zarucchi, Research Associate Professor
Ph.D., Harvard
Stanton Braude, Research Assistant Professor*
Ph.D., University of Michigan
James S. Miller, Research Assistant Professor*
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
Peter M. Richardson, Research Assistant Professor*
Ph.D., University of London
George E. Schatz, Research Assistant Professor*
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Maria Del Carmen Ulloa Ulloa, Research Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Aarhus Universitet
Guanghua Zhu, Research Assistant Professor*
Ph.D., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Cheryl S. Asa, Research Assistant Professor*
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mary E. Yurlina, Research Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Rutgers University
Kimberlie A. McCue, Adjunct Assistant Professor*
Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia
Patrick L. Osborne, Adjunct Associate Professor,
Associate Director, International Center for Tropical Biology
Ph.D., East Anglia
Terry Jo Gile, Affiliate Assistant Professor; Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health
M.A., Central Michigan University
Linda J. McCown, Affiliate Assistant Professor; Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health
M.S., University of Pittsburgh
Michael D. Ward, Affiliate Assistant Professor, Director, Allied Health Programs, Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
Donna Duberg, Adjunct Lecturer; Chair CLS Program,
Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health
M.S., Michigan State University
Linda Hoechst, Adjunct Lecturer
M.A., Webster University

*members of Graduate Faculty

General Information

Degrees and Areas of Concentration
The Department of Biology provides academic programs leading to the B.A. or B.S. in Biology. In cooperation with the College of Education , the department offers the B.S. in Secondary Education with a major in biology and the B.A. or B.S. in Biology with teacher certification. It also offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Biology.

Biology faculty members are engaged in teaching and research in areas ranging from molecular biology to population studies. Majors have the chance to take courses that help them develop both theoretical and experimental backgrounds necessary for further work in some of the most rapidly expanding fields of biological science or to pursue in-depth studies in specific areas through advanced courses, seminars, and individualized research programs.

Departmental Honors
Candidates for the B.A. or B.S. degree are eligible for departmental honors if they:

  1. Have a minimum of 3.2 overall GPA and a minimum 3.2 average in biology courses used to complete the major.
  2. Complete a minimum of 2 credit hours of Biology 4905, Research.
  3. Complete an honors thesis based on Biology 4905 research work. The Honors Committee will evaluate the academic record and thesis, and those students who qualify will be recommended for honors.

Minor in Biology
Students majoring in another discipline may earn a minor in biology by completing a prescribed course of study. Unique programs can be developed to coordinate with special career objectives.

Graduate Studies
The Department of Biology offers graduate work leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biology. Graduate students may work toward an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in two broad areas of biology: a) cellular, molecular, and developmental biology, or b) ecology, evolution, and systematics. Students in the M.S. and Ph.D. programs also have the opportunity to do their graduate work in collaboration with scientists at the Missouri Botanical Garden or the Saint Louis Zoo through a cooperative graduate program.

Objectives of the master's degree program are to provide the research-oriented training necessary for students to enter doctoral programs in biology; to develop professional biologists qualified to function in responsible technical positions; and to train secondary school and junior college biology teachers.

The objectives of the Ph.D. program are to train biologists for academic and professional positions in research and teaching. Ph.D. students in the areas of plant systematics and environmental studies have the opportunity for specialized training in tropical biology and conservation biology. This training prepares students for research careers and for leadership and scientific positions involving the conservation and management of tropical ecosystems. Ph.D. students in cellular, molecular and developmental biology will receive training in research techniques appropriate for careers in academic or industrial laboratories.

Graduate Assistantships
Stipends for teaching and research assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis to qualified graduate students in master's or Ph.D. programs. Educational fees are waived for graduate assistants. Applications for assistantships must be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Biology and be received by December 1.

Facilities
Department facilities include research and teaching laboratories, environmental chambers, greenhouses, and a large array of supporting modern research instrumentation. Graduate research can be pursued using facilities of the Missouri Botanical Garden or the Saint Louis Zoo. Several sites within an hour of campus are suitable for regional field studies, including state parks, wildlife conservation areas, and Washington University 's Tyson Research Center. UM-St. Louis is a member of the St. Louis University Research Station Consortium that operates Lay and Reis Field Stations in Missouri and it also holds membership in the Organization for Tropical Studies, which operates three field stations in Costa Rica. CEIBA Biological Centre in Guyana has hosted several UM-St. Louis courses and student researchers. Student researchers work independently at research stations throughout the tropics.

Cooperative Programs
The department participates in a cooperative consortium program in biology with Washington University, Saint Louis University, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Undergraduate Studies

General Education Requirements
Students must satisfy the university and college general education requirements. Some Biology courses may be used to meet the science and mathematics requirement of the university.

Candidates for the B.A. degree must fulfill the foreign language requirement of the College of Arts and Sciences. There is no foreign language requirement for the B.S. degree.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Option
Up to 18 credit hours may be taken on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory (s/u) basis. Excluded from this option are required courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Non-major biology courses
The following 1000 level biology courses do not count toward the biology credit hours required for a major in biology. Moreover, if biology majors take these courses, they are treated as biology courses when computing the 70 credit hours outside of biology needed to be included in the 120 total credit hours required for graduation.

1081, Global Ecology
1102, Human Biology
1131, Human Physiology and Anatomy I
1141, Human Physiology and Anatomy II
1162, General Microbiology
1202, Environmental Biology

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Biology
The B.A. degree provides maximum flexibility for biology majors to pursue an undergraduate liberal arts course of study that can lead to professional careers in medicine, allied health, public and environmental health, law, and graduate studies in the life sciences. Candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in biology courses.

All B.A. degree majors must take at least 39 credit hours but not more than 50 hours in appropriate biology course work. Transfer student must satisfactorily complete at least 12 credit hours of UM-St. Louis biology course work (including one laboratory) at the 2000 level or above before receiving a B.A. degree from the College of Arts and Sciences with a major in biology.

Lecture and Seminar Course Requirements

1)Core Courses. The following biology courses or their equivalents are required:

1811, Introductory Biology: From Molecules to Organisms
1821, Introductory Biology: Organisms and the Environment
2012, Genetics
3302, Introduction to Evolution
3622, Cell Biology
4889, Senior Seminar, or 4985 and 4986 for those seeking teacher certification.

One of the following diversity courses:
2402, Vertebrate Biology or
2442, Invertebrate Biology or
2482, Microbiology or
2501, Biology of Plants or
4402, Ornithology or
4422, Entomology or
4482, Parasitology or
4501, Flowering Plants Families

2)Elective Courses. Three additional biology lecture courses, at the 2000 level or higher are required. They may be selected from any of the lecture or lecture-laboratory courses offered. Selection of these courses should reflect the career interest of the student. Biology courses taken to fulfill basic skill requirements (e.g., statistics requirement or biochemistry option) can be used to satisfy this requirement.

At least two biology lecture courses taken as part of the core or as electives must be at the 4000 level or higher

No more than one of these higher level courses can be used to fulfill other requirements (e.g., diversity or statistics requirements, or biochemistry option).

Laboratory Course Requirements
Three biology laboratory courses at the 2000 level or higher are required. They may be taken from any of the lecture-laboratory or laboratory courses offered. Two credit hours of Biology 4905 can be used to fulfill one laboratory requirement. Students may take Chemistry 4733 to satisfy one of these laboratory course requirements, but students may not use both Biology 4713 and Chemistry 4733 to fulfill this requirement.

Basic Skills Requirement
A well-rounded biologist needs certain skills outside the biology subject matter. The basic skills requirement is designed to provide the student with a background in communication skills and knowledge in associated science areas.

1)Communication Skills. Courses in foreign languages and in writing are required for development of the basic communication skills needed to transmit scientific information. The following satisfy this requirement:

Foreign Language
The foreign language requirement of the College of Arts & Sciences fulfills the departmental requirement.

Writing
Eng 3100, Advanced Expository Writing or
Eng 3160, Writing in the Sciences (strongly preferred)

2) Associated Science Area. The following courses or their equivalents must be successfully completed in science areas related to biology:

Phys 1011, Basic Physics
Phys 1012, Basic Physics

Chem 1111, Introductory Chemistry I or [Chem 1082 and Chem 1091]
Chem 1121, Introductory Chemistry II
Chem 2612, Organic Chemistry I

One of the following:
Chem 2223, Quantitative Analysis or
Chem 2622, Organic Chemistry II or
Chem 2633, Organic Chemistry Laboratory or
Biol/Chem 4712, Biochemistry

Math 1310, College Algebra
Math 1035, Trigonometry
Math 1100, Basic Calculus or
Math 1800, Analytical Geometry and Calculus

One of the following:
Biol 4122, Biometry or
Math 1310, Elementary Statistical Methods or
Math 1320, Applied Statistics I or
Ed Rem 5730, Educational Statistics or
Psych 2201, Psychological Statistics

Bachelor of Science in Biology
The B.S. degree in biology is designed to prepare students for basic technical positions and graduate studies in the life sciences. Candidates for the degree have the same core courses and general education requirements as those seeking the Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as addition requirements in depth of study, laboratory experience, communication skills, and background in associated science areas. Candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in biology courses.

There is no foreign language requirement for the B.S. degree. However, students should realize that the literature for biological studies is in many different languages and the ability to extract information from this literature is an important skill.

To fulfill the requirements for the B.S. degree a minimum of 44 hours but not more than 50 hours must be completed in appropriate biology course work. Transfer students must satisfactorily complete at least 17 credit hours of UM-St. Louis biology course work (including two laboratory courses) at the 2000 level or higher before receiving a B.S. degree in biology.

Lecture and Seminar Course Requirements

1) Core Courses. The following biology courses or their equivalents are required:

1811, Introductory Biology: From Molecules to Organisms
1821, Introductory Biology: Organisms and the Environment
2012, Genetics
3302, Introduction to Evolution
3622, Cell Biology
4889, Senior Seminar or 4985 and 4986for those seeking teacher certification.

One of the following diversity courses:
2402, Vertebrate Biology or
2442, Invertebrate Biology or
2482, Microbiology or
2501, Biology of Plants or
4402, Ornithology or
4422, Entomology or
4482, Parasitology or
4501, Flowering Plants Families

2) Elective Courses. Four additional biology lecture courses at the 2000 level or higher are required. They may be selected from any of the lecture or lecture-laboratory courses offered. Selection of these courses should reflect the career interest of the student. Biology courses taken to fulfill basic skill requirements (e.g., statistics requirement or biochemistry option) can be used to satisfy this requirement.

At least three biology lecture courses taken as part of the core or as electives must be at the 4000 level or higher. No more than two of these higher level courses can be used to fulfill other requirements (e.g., diversity or statistics requirements, or biochemistry option).

Laboratory Course Requirements. Four biology laboratory courses at the 2000 level or higher are required. They may be selected from any of the lecture-laboratory or laboratory courses offered. Two credit hours of Biology 4905 can be used to fulfill one laboratory requirement. Students may take Chemistry 4733 to satisfy one of these laboratory course requirements, but students may not use both Biology 4713 and Chemistry 4733 to fulfill this requirement.

Basic Skills Requirement
A well-rounded biologist needs certain skills outside the biology subject matter. The basic skills requirement is designed to provide the student with a background in communication skills and knowledge in associated science areas.

1) Communication Skills. Courses in both formal speaking and writing are required for development of the basic communication skills needed to transmit scientific information. The following courses satisfy this requirement:
Formal Speaking
Comm 1040, Introduction to Public Speaking

Writing

Eng 3100, Advanced Expository Writing or
Eng 3160, Writing in the Sciences (strongly preferred)

2) Associated Science Area : The following courses or their equivalents must be successfully completed:

Phys 1011, Basic Physics
Phys 1012, Basic Physics

Chem 1111, Introductory Chemistry I, or [Chem 1082 and Chem 1091]
Chem 1121, Introductory Chemistry II
Chem 2612, Organic Chemistry I
Chem 2622, Organic Chemistry II or
Biol/Chem 4712, Biochemistry
Chem 2223, Quantitative Analysis or
Chem 2633, Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Math 1030, College Algebra
Math 1035, Trigonometry
Math 1100, Basic Calculus, or
Math 1800, Analytic Geometry and Calculus I

One of the following:
Biol 4122, Biometry or
Math 1310, Elementary Statistical Methods or
Math 1320, Applied Statistics I or
Ed Rem 5730, Educational Statistics or
Psych 2201, Psychological Statistics
Phil 2256, Bioethics or
Phil 3380, Philosophy of Science

Research Opportunity.
All students acquiring a bachelor of science degree are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum of 2 credit hours of undergraduate research, Biology 4905. The privilege of doing undergraduate research provides students with a firsthand opportunity to experience the research process under the supervision of a faculty member or off-campus scientist. The project normally includes a library search of pertinent literature, laboratory or field experience, and a summary paper.

Bachelor of Science in Education with Emphasis in Biology
The B.S. Ed. is a professional degree designed for individuals who wish to pursue a teaching career in biology in the secondary schools. The biology requirements parallel those for the B.A. degree with the exception that Biology 4985, Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Life Sciences, and Biology 4986, Laboratory in Teaching Life Sciences, are substituted for Biology 4889, Senior Seminar. Students must also fulfill the requirements for the B.S. Ed. degree as prescribed by the College of Education.

Bachelor of Arts in Biology with Teacher Certification
Biology majors interested in teaching biology in secondary schools may obtain teacher certification in cooperation with the College of Education by fulfilling the B.A. or B.S. with certain prescribed courses in biology, with the exception of Biology 4889, Senior Seminar, and in addition, completing the following courses:

Psych 1003, General Psychology
Ed Fnd 1111, The School in Contemporary Society
English 3160, Writing in the Sciences
History 1001, 1002, or 1003, American
Civilization
PolSci 1100, Introduction to American Politics
Philosophy 3380, Philosophy of Science
Comm 1040, Introduction to Public Speaking
Theater 1210, Fundamentals of Acting
Geology 1001, General Geology
Atmospheric Science 1001, Elementary Meteorology
Ed Psy 3312, The Psychology of Teaching and Learning
Ed Tec 2248, Utilization of Computer-Based Materials in Instruction
Sec Ed 3213, Techniques of Secondary School Teaching
and Field Experience or
Tch Ed 3310, Introduction to Instructional Methods
Spec Ed 3313, The Psychology and Education
of Exceptional Individuals
Sec Ed 4391, Teaching Reading in Secondary School
Content Areas
Biology 4985, Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Life Sciences
Biology 4986, Laboratory in Teaching Life Sciences
Sec Ed 3290, Secondary School Student Teaching
Biology 4999, Science Teaching Intern Seminar

Since specific biology courses are required for teaching endorsement, contact the Department of Biology AND the College of Education for special advising regarding teacher certification.

Minor in Biology
Students may minor in biology by completing a minimum of 19 credit hours in biology, of which at least 9 hours of the biology course credits must be taken in residence at UM-St. Louis.

Requirements are:
Biology 1811, Introductory Biology: From Molecules toOrganisms and Biology 1821, Introductory Biology: Organisms and the Environment

Three additional courses at the 2000 level or above totaling no less than 9 credit hours. These may include either lecture or laboratory courses.

All students must consult with an adviser to plan an appropriate course of study. This program must be approved by the chairperson of the Department of Biology. Under certain circumstances, a student may deviate from the prescribed course of study and substitute a group of courses that exhibit a coherent area of specialization to coordinate with a career objective. Such a candidate must receive prior approval by the biology department to pursue this program.

Candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in the minor, and none of the courses may be taken on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory (s/u) basis.

Undergraduate Certificate in Biochemistry
The university offers a certificate program for science majors who are interested in careers in biochemistry. The Biochemistry Certificate is an interdisciplinary specialization that may be earned within either a biology major or a chemistry major. To earn the certificate, biology majors must enroll in the Biochemistry Certificate Program upon the completion of 60 credit hours, fulfill all the science (biology, chemistry, math, and physics) course requirements for the B.S. degree in biology, and successfully complete the following courses:

Chem 2622, Organic Chemistry II
Biol/Chem 4712, Biochemistry
Chem 2223, Quantitative Analysis
Chem 2633, Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Biol 4713, Techniques in Biochemistry or
Chem 4733, Biochemistry Laboratory
Chem 4722, Advanced Biochemistry

And three of the following biology courses:
2482, Microbiology
2483, Microbiology Laboratory
3642, Development
4602, Molecular Biology
4612, Molecular Genetics of Bacteria
4614, Biotechnology Laboratory I
4622, Molecular Cell Biology
4632, Nucleic Acid Structure and Function
4842, Immunobiology

Undergraduate Certificate in Biotechnology
The university offers an undergraduate certificate program for biology majors who are interested in careers in biotechnology including biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, and developmental biology. To earn the certificate, biology majors must enroll in the Biotechnology Certificate Program upon the completion of 60 credit hours, fulfill all the science (biology, chemistry math, and physics) course requirements for the B.S. degree in biology, and successfully complete the following courses:

Biol 2013, Genetics Laboratory
Biol 2482, Microbiology
Biol 2483, Microbiology Laboratory
Chem 2622, Organic Chemistry II
Biol 4614, Biotechnology Laboratory I
Biol/Chem 4712, Biochemistry
Biol 4713, Techniques in Biochemistry or
Chem 4733, Biochemistry Laboratory

One of the following courses:
Biol 4602, Molecular Biology
Biol 4612, Molecular Genetics of Bacteria

And one of the following courses:
Biol 4615, Biotechnology Laboratory II
Biol 4622, Molecular Cell Biology
Biol 4632, Nucleic Acid Structure and Function
Biol 4652, Virology
Biol 4842, Immunobiology
Chem 4722, Advanced Biochemistry

Undergraduate Certificate in Conservation Biology
The Certificate in Conservation is a multidisciplinary program of study integrating theoretical and applied topics associated with conservation biology. The certificate is intended for undergraduate students with majors in biology or in any other field who wish to develop a specialization in conservation. The certificate is offered by the Department of Biology in cooperation with the departments of Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Social Work, and Sociology. Building on a core curriculum, students can elect courses from these departments to complete their requirements. Regularly enrolled undergraduates at UM-St. Louis or individuals with baccalaureate degrees who wish to receive a Certificate in Conservation Biology are eligible to participate in the conservation certificate program. To participate, students must apply to the certificate program. Application forms are available from the biology department. Guidelines for admission to the certificate program are also available. Individuals with baccalaureate degrees who are interested in this certificate must apply to the university as unclassified undergraduates. The certificate requires completion of 21 credit hours, outlined below. Students should consult the Bulletin with regard to prerequisites for any of the courses listed here.

Core Courses
Biology
2102, General Ecology
3202, Conservation Biology
3203, Conservation Biology Laboratory
4299, Practicum in Conservation

Electives: The remaining 11 credits must be selected from courses listed below. Five credits must be taken from within biology and 6 credits outside biology, from at least two departments.

Anthropology
2120, Native Peoples of North America
2131, Archaeology of Missouri
2132, Archaeology of North America

Biology
3122, Tropical Resource Ecology
3123, Tropical Resource Ecology Field Studies
3145, Tropical Vertebrate Ecology
3182, Introduction to Marine Science
4102, Behavioral Ecology
4112, Evolution of Animal Sociality
4182, Population Biology
4202, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
4203, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Laboratory

4245, Field Biology
4402, Ornithology
4403, Ornithology Laboratory
4422, Entomology
4423, Entomology Laboratory
4501, Flowering Plant Families: Phylogeny and Diversification

Economics
3300, International Economic Analysis
3301, Intermediate Economic Theory:

Microeconomics
4550, Natural Resource Economics

History
3000, Selected Topics, when relevant
Political Science
3480, Environmental Politics
3590, Studies in Comparative Politics, when relevant
3850, International Organizations and Global
Problem Solving
4510, Comparative Public Policy and Administration

Social Work
3900, Seminar in Social Work, when relevant

Sociology
3420, World Population and Ecology
4470, Demographic Techniques

Preprofessional Graduation
The Department of Biology sponsors a 3+4 Program for the UM-St. Louis College of Optometry.

In this program students may be admitted to the College of Optometry after completing three years (90 semester hours) of study in the Department of Biology. The undergraduate degree is granted when students satisfactorily complete the first year of optometry school. One or more of the following conditions must be met in order to qualify for the undergraduate degree.

All general education requirements and all requirements for the major, except electives, must be completed.

Any deficiency in required courses must be remedied with courses taken at UM-St. Louis within three years after entering the College of Optometry .

Up to 6 hours from the College of Optometry may be substituted for undergraduate degree requirements, with approval of the Department of Biology.

UMSL – Logan College (3+3 program)
The Biology Department has developed a 3+3 articulation agreement with Logan College of Chiropractic. This program enables qualified students the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology for the University of Missouri – St. Louis as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic for Logan College of Chiropractic in six years.
  • The program is only open to students who enter UMSL as first-time freshmen
  • Participants must complete their first 90 hours of college work (3 years) at UMSL following a prescribed curriculum.
  • Participants who have achieved at least 3.25 GPA at UMSL will automatically be granted admission by Logan College of Chiropractic
  • After successfully completing an additional 30 credit hours (4 th year) at Logan, a student will receive a BS in Biology degree from UMSL.
  • After completing two additional years at Logan, the student will receive a doctorate in chiropractic
  • The acceptance of transfer credits or testing toward completion of degree requirements shall be governed by current policies of UMSL. However, no more than 20 credits of required courses, and NONE of the science credits required for admission to LCC may be earned via examination or transfer from another school
  • LCC shall accept, for the entrance date of their choice, all students who successfully complete the Pre-Chiropractic Program with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and meet all other criteria for admission
  • Students who earn less than a 3.25 GPA, but at least a 2.50 GPA, will be eligible for admission to LCC, and will receive appropriate consideration in the admission process for having completed the UMSL Pre-Chiropractic Program, but will not receive the assurance of a seat reserved for students earning a 3.25 or higher GPA
  • Students will make application to LCC one year in advance of their desired entrance date and will complete all required application procedures thereafter in a timely manner, including submission of recommendation and a satisfactory interview.

This program offers benefits to students (six years instead of seven from high school to doctorate). The University of Missouri courses are listed below:

General Education Requirements (33):
Humanities (9)
Social Sciences (One course must be a Psychology) (9)
American History & Government (3)

Choose (3):
Statistics 1310 – Elementary Statistical Methods; or
Statistics 1320 – Applied Statistics I or
Biology 4122 – Biometry
Communication 1040 – Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
English 1100 – Freshman Composition (3)
English 3160 – Writing in the Sciences (3)

Major (58):

Foundation courses
Biology 1811 – Introductory Biology: From Molecules to Organisms (5)
Biology 1821 – Introductory Biology: Organisms and the Environment (5)
Biology 2012 – Genetics (3)
Biology 2482 – Microbiology (3)
Biology 3622 – Cell Biology (3)
Biology 3302 – Introduction to Evolution (3)
Biology 4712 – Biochemistry (3)
Biology 4889 – Senior Seminar (2)
Biology 4905 – Research (3)
Physics 1011 – Basic Physics (4)
Physics 1012 – Basic Physics (4)
Chemistry 1111 – Introductory Chemistry I (3)
Chemistry 1121 – Introductory Chemistry II (5)
Chemistry 2612 – Organic Chemistry I (3)
Chemistry 2622 – Organic Chemistry II (3)
Chemistry 2633 – Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2)
Philosophy 2256 – Bioethics (3)
Mathematics 1030 – College Algebra (3)
Mathematics 1035 – Trigonometry (2)

Choose (3-5):
Mathematics 1100 – Basic Calculus (3); or
Mathematics 1080 – Analytical Geometry &
Calculus I (5)

The remaining 30 hours to be taken at Logan include:

Transfer Credits (34):
Anatomy I / Lab (6)
Spinal Anatomy / Lab (5)
Biochemistry I / Lab (4)
Histology / Cell Biology / Lab (5)
Anatomy II / Lab (6)
Neuroanatomy / Lab (5)
Biochemistry II (4)
Physiology I (4)
Microbiology / Lab (4)

Graduate Studies

Master of Science in Biology
The Department of Biology offers two ways of achieving the Master of Science degree. The first is a non-thesis option suitable for those who may already have extensive research experience, for educators who seek to upgrade their academic skills but do not require research experience, or for those who need to broaden their biological background. The second is a traditional apprenticeship in research leading to a written thesis. All students admitted to the graduate program are considered to be in the non-thesis program unless they have been accepted into an individual faculty lab. Starting with a common core, both the non-thesis or thesis option may be developed into a final degree program in either of two broad areas in biology: 1) Cell and Molecular Biology or 2) Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics.

M.S. Admission Requirements
Applicants to the M.S. program must submit completed application and personal data forms, three letters of recommendation from undergraduate faculty, and transcripts of all previous work. Submission of Graduate Record Examination scores, although not required, is highly recommended and will be helpful for positive consideration of admittance. Admission as a regular graduate student requires graduation from an accredited college with a minimum grade point average overall and in biology courses of 3.0 (where A = 4.0).

All foreign applicants, except those from countries where English is the primary language, must take the TOEFL. Ordinarily, a score of 213 on the computer-based exam (550 on the paper-based exam) or better is required.

In addition to the Graduate School admission requirements, applicants should have completed advanced undergraduate biology courses including genetics, biochemistry, and evolution. Courses in organic chemistry, college physics, and calculus are also expected, and a course in statistics is highly recommended. Students admitted to the degree program who have not met some of the prerequisites may be asked to pass appropriate courses before graduating. These courses will be agreed upon by the student's adviser, the student, and the Director of Graduate Studies during the first semester of enrollment. In particular, undergraduate deficiencies in genetics and either biochemistry or evolution shall be made up by taking the appropriate course(s).

Three credits of Biol 4920 Selected Topics can be given to graduate students for Biology 2012 or Biology 3302, if they receive a grade of B or better for all undergraduate course work and complete a graduate level paper assigned by the instructor. Instructor consent is required.

M.S. Degree Requirements
 
Advisers
All incoming thesis and non-thesis students will be assigned an academic adviser by the Director of Graduate Studies upon admission to the graduate program.

In the event that a student's interest changes or the faculty adviser feels the student's direction no longer falls within his/her area of expertise, the student and adviser should discuss whether a change of adviser is warranted. The graduate director must be notified in writing of any change in advisers. If a student or adviser is uncomfortable discussing the issue directly with each other, he/she is encouraged to meet with the director or associate director of the graduate program.

General Requirements
All students are required to take at least 4 but not more than 8 hours of Biology 6889, Graduate Seminar.

Non-thesis Option
Including the general requirements, students must take at least 30 graduate credit hours, of which at least half must be at the 5000 or 6000-level. Students are encouraged to take a laboratory course (4000 level or higher) or 2 credit hours of Biology 6905, Graduate Research. A maximum of 5 credit hours of Biology 6905, will be counted toward the 30 credit hour total. This research may be conducted in the laboratory or the field.

Thesis Option
Including the general requirement, students must take at least 30 graduate credit hours, of which at least half must be at the 5000 or 6000 level. No more than 13 hours of Biology 6905, Graduate Research, may be counted toward the degree.

The student and adviser work together to develop a research plan. The thesis proposal must be approved by the student's adviser and advisory committee before the student enrolls in more than 4 credit hours of Biology 6905, Graduate Research, and before the student has completed 15 credit hours in the master's program. A thesis embodying results of original research shall be submitted to and approved by the Department of Biology and the Graduate School. This approval requires both a written thesis and oral presentation and defense.

Ph.D. in Biology
The doctoral program emphasizes empirical and theoretical approaches to biological research. Students are required to integrate basic skills in biology with focal studies in an emphasis area. The program is designed to provide research experience and training appropriate for advanced positions in academic research and teaching, government and public agencies, and industry.

Ph.D. Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Ph.D. program must submit a formal application to the Graduate Admissions Office. In addition, the applicant should arrange to have sent: three letters of recommendation from faculty members at previously attended colleges or universities, GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical), and transcripts of all postsecondary academic work. Admission to the Ph.D. program normally requires a minimum grade point average overall and in biology courses of 3.0 (where A=4.0).

Applicants from countries where English is not a primary language are required to take the TOEFL examination.

Scores must be submitted before admission can be decided. Ordinarily, a score of 550 or better is required. Applicants should have a bachelor's or M.S. degree from an accredited United States college or university or evidence of equivalent training at an accredited institution outside the United States.

Applicants should have the appropriate background for graduate work in biology, including courses in genetics, biochemistry, and evolution. Courses in organic chemistry, college physics, and calculus are expected. A course in statistics is recommended. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program who have not met all the prerequisites may be required to make up deficiencies before admission to candidacy. The deficiencies will be decided during orientation meetings prior to the start of the second semester. Three credits of Biology 4920 Selected Topics can be given to graduate students for Biology 2012 or Biology 3302 if they receive a grade of B or better for all undergraduate course work and complete a graduate-level paper assigned by the instructor. Instructor consent is required.

Ph.D. Degree Requirements
In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the basic requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Biology include 60 graduate credit hours. At least 30 of the 60 hours must be taken at the 5000 or 6000 level. With the explicit consent of the advisory committee, students may take for graduate credit up to 3 credit hours of 3000 level courses in allied departments. Courses in biology at the 3000 level and below are not available for graduate credit. At least 31 of the 60 hours must be taken while in residence at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Graduate credit for course work transferred from another program is subject to approval by the graduate committee and by the Graduate School. Graduate courses taken elsewhere will be considered for transfer credit during orientation meetings conducted prior to the start of the second semester of enrollment.

Specific courses shall be completed as follows:

Biology 4122 (3 hours), Biometry, or equivalent course in statistics.
Biology 6889 (2 hours), Graduate Seminar.
Three semesters required (6 credits total).

12 hours of formal course work required by the student's emphasis area at the time a student is admitted to the Ph.D. program.

The maximum number of credit hours that may be applied toward the 60-hour requirement is limited as stated below:
Biology 6889, Graduate Seminar: 10 hours
Biology 6905, Graduate Research: 30 hours

A combination of 6 total credit hours of the following:
Biology 5059, Topics in Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics
Biology 5069, Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology
Biology 5079, Topics in Floristic Taxonomy

First-Year Experience
Graduate students are expected to become involved in a research experience during their first-year program, usually winter semester or summer session.

Qualifying Examination
Students must pass a qualifying examination (which consists of a written and oral component), based on fundamental principles presented in formal courses and in papers of special importance in the field. The exam will be given in January of each year, at the beginning of the winter semester. Students beginning studies in the fall semester would normally take the qualifying examination prior to their fourth semester of full-time study. Doctoral students who have earned an M.S. degree previously are encouraged to take the examination in their first year.

Admission to Candidacy
To be admitted to candidacy, students must satisfy the requirements of the Graduate School, which includes passing all qualifying examinations and completing all required course work.

Dissertation Proposal
All students must defend orally a written dissertation proposal to their dissertation committee. The approved proposal must be submitted to the director of graduate studies in biology. Doctoral students may not enroll in more than 4 credits of graduate research (Biology 6905) before they have received approval for their dissertation proposal.

Dissertation
A dissertation embodying the results of original research shall be submitted to and approved by the Department of Biology and the Graduate School. The general regulations of the Graduate School concerning the preparation of the dissertation must be met. These rules include a public oral defense of the written dissertation. Dissertations are to be presented in a style appropriate for one or more publications in scientific journals.

Teaching
At least one semester of supervised teaching is required of all doctoral students.

Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology
The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is offered for students with a bachelor's degree who wish to obtain advanced level training in those fields of biology that pertain to biotechnology without necessarily earning a master's degree. Students who enter this program may have a variety of interests, including biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, or molecular evolution.

Admission
Students who wish to earn a Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology must apply to the Biotechnology Certificate Program for admission to the program. Students must be enrolled in the graduate program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis either as non-degree students or as master's students.

Students who wish to obtain a master's degree with a Biotechnology Certificate must be accepted into the Master's degree program in Biology as well as into the Biotechnology Certificate Program. Students who apply to the certificate program as non-degree students will earn only the certificate.

Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate course work to be accepted into the program. The minimum course prerequisites for admission to the program are undergraduate courses in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry.

Requirements
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in the certificate program. The certificate is awarded after completion of the courses listed below. Students enrolled in the Master's program may simultaneously earn a graduate degree and count the appropriate courses from the list below toward the Biotechnology Certificate.

The biotechnology certificate requires 18 credit hours of course work.

Requirements
I. Biology 6615, Advanced Biotechnology Laboratory II

II.Biology 6602, Advanced Molecular Biology or
Biology 6612, Advanced Molecular Genetics of Bacteria
(If both Group II courses are taken, one may be used as elective credit)

III. The remaining 11 credit hours must be taken from the following electives:
Biology
4712, Biochemistry
4842, Immunobiology
5069, Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology
5842, Advanced Immunology
6622, Advanced Molecular Cell Biology
6632, Advanced Nucleic Acid Structure and Function
6642, Advanced Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering
6652, Advanced Virology
6699, Graduate Internship in Biotechnology
6889, Graduate Seminar, when relevant

Chemistry
4722, Advanced Biochemistry
4733, Biochemistry Laboratory

Graduate Certificate in Tropical Biology and Conservation
The certificate is awarded after completion of 18 credit hours of core courses and electives with a minimum of 12 credits at the 5000 or 6000 level. Up to 3 credits may be taken at the 2000 - 3000 level upon permission of the Graduate Committee. Electives must include a minimum of 3 credits outside biology with a maximum of 7 outside biology. A maximum of 3 credits may be taken elsewhere than UM-St. Louis. Students may simultaneously earn a graduate degree and count credits earned in their degree program toward the certificate when appropriate.

Required Core Courses:
Biology 6250, Public Policy of Conservation and Sustainable Development
Biology 6299, Internship in Conservation Biology (May be replaced with a biology elective for individuals with applied conservation or environmental agency experience upon consent of the Graduate Committee).

Choice of:
Biology 6212, Theory and Application of Conservation Biology
Biology 6222, Advanced Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Electives:
Biology
3182, Introduction to Marine Science
4182, Popul ation Biology
4202, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
4402, Ornithology
4422, Entomology
4501, Flowering Plant Families Phylogeny and Diversification
5122, Advanced Tropical Resource Ecology
5123, Advanced Tropical Resource Ecology Field Studies
5145, Advanced Tropical Vertebrate Ecology
5192, Community Ecology
6102, Advanced Behavioral Ecology
6112, Advanced Evolution of Animal Sociality
6182, Advanced Population Biology
6192, Applications of Geographic Information Systems
6212, Theory and Application of Conservation Biology
6222, Advanced Tropical Ecology and Conservation
6889, Graduate Seminar, when relevant

Economics
3300, International Economic Analysis
3301, Intermediate Economic Theory:

Microeconomics
4550, Natural Resource Economics

History
3000, Selected Topics in History, when relevant
3201, History of Latin America : to 1808
3202, History of Latin America : Since 1808
3302, West Africa Since 1800
6114, Readings in Latin American History, when relevant
6115, Readings in African History, when relevant

Political Science
2530, Political Systems of South America
2540, Political Systems of Mexico, Central America , and the Caribbean
2580, African Politics
3480, Environmental Politics
3590, Studies in Comparative Politics, when relevant
3830, International Political Economy
3850, International Organizations and Global Problem Solving
3890, Studies in International Relations
4470, Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy
4510, Comparative Public Policy and Administration
4850, International law
4940, Leadership and Management in Nonprofit Organizations
6414, Topics in Public Policy Analysis, when relevant
6448, Political Economy and Public Policy
6459, Seminar in Latin American Politics, when relevant
6462, Political Theory and Public Policy
6490, Seminar in International Relations

Social Work
4950, Seminar in Social Work Issues, when relevant

Sociology
4342, World Population and Ecology
4646, Demographic Techniques
5426, Community and Regional Conflict Resolution

Career Outlook
The biology degree programs, at the baccalaureate and master's degree levels, are designed to prepare the student for further training. The undergraduate degree is designed to prepare the student for professional training in areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, and related areas, or for further graduate training in research. The Master of Science program is an extension of the undergraduate program and has as its goals three main objectives:

  • Provide research-oriented training and education.
  • Provide qualified graduates for doctoral programs.
  • Provide secondary school and junior college biology teachers with training necessary to maintain and improve their teaching effectiveness.

The Ph.D. program prepares students as research professionals in fields such as biological conservation, ecology, and biomedical science. Employment opportunities are available in college or university research and teaching, in government and public institutions such as museums and botanical gardens, and in industry.

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