Biology (BIO)

This course explores the geology and ecology of the shallow-water marine environment by examining the preeminent modern example, the Bahamas platform. The Bahamas provide an excellent model for understanding modern and ancient carbonate and reef deposits and a variety of terrestrial/aquatic habitats. Biological processes are responsible for many of the geological features of the Bahamas, so the course considers the biology/ecology of marine organisms in addition to geological topics.

Concentrated study in particular areas of biology. No credit is allowed toward the Master of Science degree requirements and no more than one workshop may be applied toward a minor in biology.

A study of the function, structure and composition of forested ecosystems. The effect of physical geography on the distribution of forest communities will be explored. Issues of forest management and restoration will also be considered. Field laboratory topics will include dendrology and sampling techniques within different forest successional stages.

Population change as brought about by mechanisms of organic evolution. Molecular biology is integrated with evolutionary biology and concepts of phylogenetic relationships resulting from the process of speciation are stressed. A seminar/research project is required.

This course provides an introduction to the study of mammals, incorporating current literature and methods of data analysis in the study of mammals. Topics covered include evolutionary history, general physiology, reproductive biology, systematics, ecology, wildlife management and behavior, followed by review of mammalian taxonomic orders. Lectures are reinforced with specimen-based, team-led laboratory and field experiences, with an over-arching camera study of native species. Students should have a background in introductory ecology and comparative anatomy of vertebrates or human anatomy.

An advanced study of human anatomy with cadaver dissection. Emphasis is given to a clinical perspective and the evolution and development of human structure within a comparative context.

This course offers an in-depth study of the structure of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous system of the human body. Specific structural and neural pathologies will be examined in regards to impact on occupational performance. Laboratory experiences involving cadaver dissection, skeletal material, models and audiovisual technology will be utilized.

An advanced clinically-oriented study of normal human physiology, as well as an introduction to the basics of human disease processes (pathophysiology). The course serves as a foundation for future courses in clinical medicine, pharmacology and diagnostic methods.

An advanced clinically-oriented study of human physiology and the alterations in body functions that underlie diseases in humans. It serves as a foundation for courses in the clinical medicine.

Conservation biology is the study and management of biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction. The course will focus on ecological theory, population dynamics, conservation and restoration strategies, and ethical questions for conservation. The course will guide students in analyzing open-ended questions via case studies, in-depth discussions and writing assignments. Graduate students will develop and implement a teaching module, develop refined communication and leadership skills, and write a comprehensive conservation action plan. Students should have previous coursework in ecology and evolution or equivalent.

Studies in special areas of biology. May be repeated with change in topic or change in subject matter within a topic.

Advanced Laboratory studies in graduate level Biology topics. May be repeated for course credit when course content changes.

Students will design and engage in course-based research projects using modern approaches to ornithology. Classes will investigate current primary literature on ornithological research, recent technological advances and conservation. Lectures and labs will explore the biodiversity of birds, identification by sight and sound, and the ecology, evolution, physiology and behavior of birds. Labs will involve fieldwork, data collection and workshops such as sound analysis and geographic tracking. BIO 530 will be taught concurrently with BIO 430.

This course covers the principles behind light microscopy, from the properties of light to the latest technologies in microscopy. Students will get hands-on experience with the different kinds of microscopes, including the confocal microscope. The course also covers fluorescent probes, advanced fluorescence techniques, digital imaging, methods of quantification and figure preparation for publication, with an emphasis on biological applications.

This course examines the structure and function of the human nervous system with applications to occupational engagement across the lifespan. The occupational therapy process is applied to explore the influences of common neurological conditions on occupational performance, performance skills, client factors and performance patterns of clients within environmental and personal contexts and the occupational therapy role.

A writing-intensive introduction to basic neurobiological processes that draws from molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, behavioral biology, electrophysiology, pharmacology, computer science and optics. Topics will include both classic and state-of-the-art techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on framing techniques as tools to answer basic scientific questions in neuroscience. BIO 543 is taught concurrently with BIO 443. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 443 and BIO 543.

A lecture seminar course considering the fundamental principles of basic and medical virology and an analysis of the structure, chemistry and replication of representative RNA and DNA animal viruses at the molecular level.

The experimental basis of neurobiology will be explored in invertebrates and humans using modern neurobiological techniques, such as extracellular, intracellular, electromyogram and voltage clamp recording. The course will revolve primarily around the laboratory activities, with the single lecture section designed to support the laboratory. Students will be expected to complete a project that involves developing a new experimental approach or model system.

An introduction to the evolution and ecology of pathogenic microorganisms, with an emphasis on the bacteria. Emphasis will be placed on the study, discussion and critique of scientific literature, as well as formal presentation of scientific information and data.

Advanced exploration of molecular and cellular mechanisms that determine neuronal identity, migration, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity and neural systems organization. Critical and intensive evaluation and communication of advanced primary literature. Graduate students will lead discussions on scientific literature that will be held to a higher standard of scientific rigor, demonstrating graduate-level mastery of the topics.

Advanced laboratory projects exploring molecular and cellular mechanisms of neural development, including neuronal identity, migration, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity or neural systems organization. Introduction to current and advanced research techniques in developmental neurobiology. Independent design and execution of research projects under instructor guidance. Graduate students will lead experimental projects that will be held to a higher standard of scientific rigor, demonstrating graduate-level mastery of the topics.

An overview of insect ecology from an evolutionary perspective, focusing on the processes that affect the diversity, distribution and abundance of insects in natural and managed ecosystems. The role of insects as model systems in understanding ecological and evolutionary principles is included, and current literature in the field is highlighted. Field surveys and experiments are emphasized, including general insect collection and identification.

Molecular, cellular and network mechanisms underlying behavior will be studied using problem-solving, discussion, lecture and reading of primary literature. Similarities and differences between nervous systems and computers will be explored. Laboratories will utilize contemporary electrophysiology and computer simulation to examine the neuobiology of simple animal model systems.

Discussion-based course on the developmental changes involved in our evolution from ape-like ancestors; using the science of cloning and embryonic stem cells to prolong human life; the evolutionary theory of aging; the genetic conflict theory of human pregnancy; the developmental basis of variation in human sexuality; and the direct effects of environment on modern human development and evolution.

Theoretical and applied aspects of distribution and abundance, population regulation, interactions between populations and conservation will be studied in selected organisms, including humans. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 452 and BIO 552.

The ecology of microorganisms will be covered, including those important in human health and in natural environments. Emphasis will be placed on the study and critique of scientific literature. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 453 and 553.

The design of biological experiments and applications of statistical techniques in ecology, cell biology, physiology, behavior, systematics, genetics and evolution. Experiments and data from the biological literatures will be emphasized. Statistical software packages will be used. A seminar/research project involving advanced applications is required.

An in-depth study of plant function including metabolism, water relations, transport phenomena, growth and development, physiological ecology, and responses to pathogens and abiotic stress. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 455 and BIO 555.

Recent advances in computational sciences have facilitated methods of making inferences from data, fundamentally changing how biologists approach statistics. Students will learn how methods were developed and apply them to ecological examples. Topics include general principles of working with discrete and continuous data, maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation techniques, and implementation of mixed and mixture models.  Students address ecological questions using data from a variety of currently available resources, and generate professional level reports and manuscripts. Introductory coursework in statistics is expected.

This course will explore the various ways that geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to answer biological questions. Students will use GIS software to study applications in ecology, conservation biology and environmental biology. A seminar/research project involving advanced applications is required. No prior GIS experience is required.

Functional relationships and productivity of freshwater communities are examined as they are affected by their physical, chemical and biotic environment. Organisms inhabiting lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and estuaries are studied at the population, community and ecosystem levels. Preparation of seminar topic papers required. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 459 and BIO 559.

Theory and practice of growing isolated plant cells, tissues and organs.

This eight-week course is intended to serve as an engaging introduction to develop data management skills and provide an exploration into several aspects of managing data from idea conception to post-project completion.

Study of endocrine organs and mechanisms of action of hormones. Students will be involved in interactive lectures and team-based learning activities to understand endocrine functions and disorders.

In this graduate level vertebrate physiology course, students will learn reproductive anatomy, physiology, development and behavior of a variety of organisms with humans serving as the foundational species. Innate and manipulated physiological mechanisms controlling reproduction will be examined at the molecular through organismal levels with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches to physiology and reading a variety of scientific literature, from clinical studies to field biology. Students will curate scientific literature readings, teach undergraduates to understand the peer-reviewed literature and develop advanced-level assessments. Students should have previous coursework in physiology.

Cellular constituents and genetics are emphasized at the molecular level. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 480 and BIO 580.

This advanced biology course is designed for students to learn about the structure and function of genomes, to develop facility in web-based tools and resources, and to appreciate the power and limitations of current resources and knowledge. Focus is on the biological questions that genomics can help to answer. Laboratory exercises will be sequencing and analyzing genomic DNA.

This course presents the microscopic structure of cells, tissues and organs to explain normal physiological function and provides a basis for understanding disease mechanisms and altered cellular states. A special research project is required. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 482 and BIO 582.

Focuses on building databases and computer programs to manage and analyze biological sequence data, and secondarily on theoretical aspects. The overall objective is to learn current information about the intersection of information science and biology, to develop facility in the many web-based tools and resources for further studies and research in genomics/bioinformatics, and to appreciate the power and limitations of current resources and knowledge.

This research-embedded course will introduce students to the techniques and experimental design currently used in aquatic microbial ecology through both literature and laboratory procedures. Students will participate in projects that are currently a component of the instructor's research program. BIO 584 will be taught concurrently with BIO 484. Students may not earn credit in both BIO 484 and BIO 584.

Study of systematic theory and an overview of the classification and evolution of higher plants, with particular attention to flowering plant families. Techniques for plant identification and collection and for construction of phylogenies will be taught in lab. An independent project and presentation will be required. Prerequisites: general botany and cell biology or equivalents. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 486 and BIO 586.

The interactions of organisms with their physical environment. Concepts from fluid and solid mechanics are applied to biological form and function.

Students will explore effective teaching strategies in the sciences. Emphasis will be placed on how to prepare and teach laboratory and lecture courses, including effective instructional technologies and exam preparation. Discussions of teaching experiences and mentor and peer evaluations of the students' teaching skills will be included.

Students continue their exploration of effective teaching strategies in the biological sciences as they enter into their first teaching assignment in the department. Students will work under a faculty teaching mentor who will guide the students through their first teaching experience in the Department of Biology. Emphasis will be placed on mentor and peer evaluations of the students' teaching skills. May be repeated for up to two credits for different teaching assignments.

Students will develop skills in effective oral and written communications in the biological sciences. Emphasis will be placed on student learning styles, how to prepare an effective lecture or research seminar, effective use of presentation technologies and effective scientific writing.

A forum for students to present their research and/or teaching materials to their peers and receive constructive feedback on their progress. Presentations may take the form of informal "chalk talks," journal club presentations and/or formal presentations. This course is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis. May be repeated for up to two credits.

This class will cover multiple aspects of data, including collection and curation, analysis, and visualization. For analysis and visualization, students will use the statistical programming language R. By the end of this course students will be comfortable using R to manage, manipulate, visualize and analyze their own data, including the ability to make publication-ready figures. Emphasis will be placed on the application of statistical visualization approaches to biologically relevant data using current standards in the field of biology.

The purpose of this course is to provide individualized training and mentoring in designing, development and completion of a master's level thesis project. Students will develop a research question in collaboration with their research mentor, compose and manage a thesis committee including running two committee meetings, and complete an outline for a thesis proposal of their major research question. Topics covered will include effective communication skills with science professionals, and creating and managing a research program as part of a team of professionals. This course is run as supervised experiential learning.

Studies in advanced special areas of biology. May be repeated with change in topic or change in subject matter within a topic.

Seminar in special areas of biology. May be repeated up to a total of 12 hours with change in subject matter.

Laboratory and/or field research will be conducted under the direction of the Graduate Advisory Committee. The course will emphasize the development of research techniques and data collection. Can be repeated for credit. This course is graded on the satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis. Hours do not apply toward 30 hours required for graduation.

Continued preparation in anticipation of the comprehensive examination. Course may be repeated as needed. A grade of "NC" (no credit) will be automatically entered for continuance hours. Hours do not apply toward 30 hours required for graduation.

Continued study, research and writing in the area of thesis concentration. Course may be repeated as needed. A grade of "NC" (no credit) will be automatically entered for continuance hours. Hours do not apply toward 30 hours required for graduation.

Thesis research to be directed by the Graduate Advisory Committee. This course is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.