BIOLOGY
ROBERT V. BLYSTONE, Ph.D., Professor
MARK BRODL, Ph.D., George W. Brackenridge Distinguished Professor of Biology
FRANKLYN G. HEALY, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
JONATHAN KING, Ph.D., Associate Professor
THOMAS L. KOPPENHEFFER, Ph.D., Professor
KEVIN D. LIVINGSTONE, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
KELLY G. LYONS, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
DENISE S. POPE, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
DAVID O. RIBBLE, Ph.D., Professor; Chair
JAMES R. SHINKLE, Ph.D., Professor
THE MAJOR
The Bachelor of Science program is designed to provide both a broadly based introduction to the biological sciences and an opportunity for study and research at an advanced level. The program serves students with interests in pursuing careers in the health professions, secondary education, and professions requiring a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the biological world. Students interested in graduate study in biology are strongly encouraged to elect research courses in addition to the required program of study.
The requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology are as follows:
I. The common curriculum including the Senior Experience. The Senior Experience requirement may be satisfied by completing any one of the following: GNED 4300, GNED 4301, BIOL 4201, BIOL 4399.
II. Departmental requirements:
A. 32 semester hours of biology are required and distributed as follows:
The Area A introductory core (9 hours), and five additional courses from Area B (20 hours) with at least one course from each of the following two categories: group 1 - 3425, 3426, 3427, 3434, 3440; group 2 - 3421, 3424, 3431, 3432, 3433, 3442, 3443, 3444, 3446, 3447, 3449, CHEM 3330/3131; and three additional hours in biology at the 2000 level or higher.
B. CHEM 1318/1118, 2319/2119, MATH 1307 or 1311, and MATH 1320 or PSYC 2401.
C. Two courses chosen from one of the following options:
1. CHEM 2320/2220;CHEM 3221, 3334 or ENGR 2311.
2. PHYS 1309/1111 and 1310/1112.
3. CSCI 1320; MATH 1312 or an upper division mathematics or computer science course approved by the student’s advisor.
4. One course from GEOS 1304, 1305, or 1307 and one course from GEOS 2304, 2401, 3300, 3308, or 3402.
D. Completion of BIOL 4001 and 4002 with a grade of C or better.
It is recommended that students planning to undertake graduate study in the biological sciences complete more than one of the options in part C.
GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MAJORS
Full acceptance in the major is granted if the following requirements are met at the time of application:
1. Completion of BIOL 1311, 1111, 1312, 1212 with grades of C or better in each class;
2. Completion of CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119; and
3. An overall grade point average of at least 2.0.
Students who do not meet the above criteria may be granted provisional acceptance if it is judged that there is a reasonable expectation they can complete the degree program.
HONORS IN BIOLOGY
Biology majors are eligible to enroll in the Honors Program if they satisfy the University requirements that are described elsewhere in this bulletin. Prior to registration for their junior year, Honors candidates should meet with the Department Chair and should arrange for a Faculty Mentor for their Thesis Project. Completion of the Honors Program includes nine hours of research courses (BIOL 3-98, 4398, and 4399). Upon completion of BIOL 3398 and 4398, the Honors candidate must submit to the Department Chair a written request to graduate with Honors in Biology. This request must be received no later than the first full week of the student’s final semester before graduation. The decision to confer or not to confer Honors will be made by the Departmental Faculty and will be based on the quality of the written thesis and the oral presentation of that thesis.
MINOR IN BIOLOGY
A student may minor in Biology by satisfying the following requirements:
1. Completion of BIOL 1311, 1111, 1312, 1212; and
2. Completion of three courses from Area B.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
The requirements for the degree Bachelor of Science with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are as follows:
I. The common curriculum
II. Departmental requirements:
A. 47-49 credits in chemistry and biology, distributed as follows:
i. Core Courses. BIOL 1311, 1111, 1312, 1212, 3421, 3444, CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119, 2320, 2220, 3321, 3330, 3131, and 3334.
ii. Advanced Electives. Two courses chosen from the following list: BIOL 3424, 3432, 3433, 3442, 3446, 3449, CHEM 3432, 4340, 4346, or 4347.
iii. Advanced Laboratory. One course chosen from the following list: BIOL 2191, 3-90, 3-92, CHEM 2180, or 3-90.
B. MATH 1311, 1312.
C. PHYS 1111, 1112, 1309, 1310.
D. Completion of the Senior Experience is satisfied by one of the following: BIOL 4390, 4399, CHEM 4340, 4346, 4347, 4395, 4399, GNED 4300, or 4301.
Electives sufficient to total 124 semester hours.
GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MAJORS
Full acceptance is granted if the following requirements are met at the time of application:
1. Completion of CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119, 2320, 2220 and BIOL 1311, 1111, 1312, 1212 with grades of C or better.
2. Completion of MATH 1311 with a grade of C or better.
3. A grade point average of at least 2.0 on all other university work.
Provisional acceptance may be granted if it is apparent that an applicant can meet the requirements for full acceptance by the end of the semester in which application is made.
Transfer students will be accepted provisionally pending completion at Trinity of at least one upper division chemistry and biology course, which includes laboratories, with a grade of C or better.
HONORS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Students may undertake honors under the direction of faculty in either the Biology or Chemistry Departments. The procedures and requirements will be determined by the department affiliation of the research mentor. These are described in the Biology and Chemistry sections of this bulletin.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION IN BIOLOGY
Students majoring in biology can receive certification to teach biology in grades 4-8 and grades 8-12. In order to receive certification, students major in biology, complete 11-14 undergraduate hours of education coursework, and complete the Master of Arts in Teaching graduate program at Trinity. After this course of study, students would have a B.S. in Biology, a master’s in teaching, and teacher certification in Texas. For more information and specific requirements, see the Education Department’s program description in the course catalogue.
COURSES
BIOL 1305 Genetics and Human Affairs
The course is designed to equip students with sufficient factual knowledge to help them intelligently and critically evaluate the problems arising from the recent discoveries in genetics and related life sciences. The principles of heredity and the newer findings in molecular genetics are emphasized as they relate to such current social problems as population pressure, technology, the sexual revolution, birth defects, prenatal diagnosis, effects of drugs and pollutants on heredity, behavior, transplantation, gene cloning and transfer, biotechnology and the future of humans. BIOL 1305 and 3421 cannot both be taken for credit.
BIOL 1307 Biological Impact and Issues
The content of this course will deal with the impact of biological knowledge on the issues of society and culture. Examples of the topics to be discussed are as follows: the influence of the concepts of evolution on human thought and society; medical science and its manipulation of the human body; gene pool alteration and resultant restructuring of life; agricultural science and its effect on nutrition and human population; impact of the alteration of the environment on the biological world. 3 class hours a week for one semester.
BIOL 2180 Biomolecular Research Methods
Investigative skills for interdisciplinary research in the biological and chemical sciences. The use of modern fluorescence spectroscopy, microcalorimetry, and mass spectrometry to solve biomolecular research problems. Research topics will vary from year to year and may include protein studies, biomolecular stability, and biomolecular recognition. (Also listed as CHEM 2180.)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1312, 1212, CHEM 2319, 2119, and consent of instructor.
BIOL 2301 Advanced Placement Credit
Students earning a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement or 5, 6, or 7 on the higher level International Baccalaureate Biology exams will receive credit for this course.
AREA A: THE INTRODUCTORY CORE
BIOL 1311 Integrative Biology I
This course is designed to introduce students to the wide range of knowledge in the biological sciences and with the methods that have built this knowledge base. The course is organized around a series of topic-based modules, each of which will integrate modern biological approaches at the cellular, organismal, and population levels. Modules for this first semester course will include global biology change, sexual reproduction, the evolution of hemoglobin, or other contemporary topics. Grades for this course will be determined by exams on each module, a comprehensive final exam, and take home exercises and assignments. This course is appropriate for non-science majors and will meet 3 class hours a week for one semester in the fall only.
BIOL 1312 Integrative Biology II
This course is a continuation of BIOL 1311 and builds on that material with a different set of topic based modules. Modules for this second semester course will include genetically modified organisms, metabolism, the evolution of birdsong, or other contemporary topics. Grades for this course will be determined by exams on each module, a comprehensive final exam, and take home exercises and assignments. 3 class hours a week for one semester in the spring only. BIOL 1212 must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1311/1111. CHEM 1318 is strongly recommended.
BIOL 1111 Introductory Biology Laboratory
This is an introductory laboratory course that provides an understanding of the scientific methods used to investigate biological questions and how the results of these studies are communicated. The semester is divided into three investigative modules in which student groups learn a technique, conduct an experiment or study, and write their results in the form of a scientific paper. Each group will also make a presentation on the biodiversity of particular groups of organisms. This laboratory course is appropriate for both non-science majors and science majors. Grades are determined from the reports and presentations. 3 laboratory hours a week for one semester in the fall only. BIOL 1311 must be taken concurrently.
BIOL 1212 Methods for Biological Problem Solving
This methods course for science majors develops analytical, laboratory, and field skills through small-scale exercises and investigative experiments. Biochemistry and molecular biology, organismal physiology, and ecology will be used to address the processes of experimental design and data analysis, with emphasis on calculation skills and proper application of statistics. The use of supporting organismal and literature databases in scientific investigation will be incorporated. Grades for the course will be determined by a combination of tests, problem sets, and writing assignments. 3 scheduled laboratory hours, plus 1-2 hours of follow-up laboratory work and outside reading/writing each week. BIOL 1312 must be taken concurrently.
AREA B COURSES
All of the following upper division courses have BIOL 1311, 1111, 1312, 1212, and CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119 as prerequisites.
BIOL 3421 Genetics
An understanding of genetics is fundamental to most studies in biology because of the central role of heredity in life and evolution. This course will use a text and primary literature to study the following subjects and principles: Mendelian inheritance of qualitative and quantitative characters and probabilistic analysis of heredity; the molecular nature of genes, including the basic classes and functions of genes and regulation of transcription in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems; and the behavior of genes in populations, including mathematical treatments of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the five evolutionary forces (mutation, migration, selection, drift, and non-random mating). The laboratory will use model plant and animal systems to investigate these basic principles. Grades will be based on exams and participation in lecture and lab. 3 class hours and 3 laboratory hours per week for one semester. Some experiments will require time outside of scheduled lab for care of experimental subjects. BIOL 1305 and 3421 cannot both be taken for credit.
BIOL 3424 Microbiology
The study of microbial organisms is of tremendous importance in our world today. This course emphasizes the basic biology of bacteria, including their varied morphology, growth and nutritional requirements, cell motility, gene regulation, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, and bacterial interactions as populations and with other organisms. Other topics covered include viruses and the Archaea. The impact of microbes on medicine, public health, agriculture and biotechnology are discussed. In addition to exams, a research paper on a recent topic from the primary research literature in microbiology is required. The laboratory covers diverse techniques on manipulation and growth of bacterial cultures, microscopy, testing of environmental samples, bacterial genetics and molecular biology, and identification of unknown organisms. Multiple experiments are run concurrently. Students are expected to visit the lab on days other than the assigned period to monitor experiments. 3 class hours, 3 laboratory hours a week for one semester.
BIOL 3425 Adaptations of the Invertebrates
The “invertebrates” are not a natural biological group; rather this term covers a diverse array of animal phyla united only by the fact that they are not vertebrates. Many of these phyla have successfully colonized numerous habitats, survived for millions of years, and diversified into a vast array of species. How are these animal groups so successful, despite their manifest differences from us? In this course we explore the adaptations of invertebrate animals from an evolutionary and ecological perspective, with an emphasis on arthropods (which includes insects, spiders, and crustaceans), mollusks (clams, octopus, snails, etc.), annelids (such as earthworms), echinoderms (e.g., sea urchins and sea stars), and cnidarians (including jellyfish and corals). The design of the course emphasizes hands-on laboratory and field experience with the animals as well as discussion of research papers published in scientific journals. There is a mandatory weekend field trip to the Texas Gulf coast to investigate the diversity of marine invertebrates. 3 hours of lecture/discussion and 3 laboratory/field hours per week. This course is appropriate for students at the sophomore level and above.
BIOL 3426 Vertebrate Evolution
This course is an evolutionary survey of vertebrates that will focus on major evolutionary innovations and systematic relationships, and major features of the anatomy, physiology, life history, and behavior of vertebrate taxa. The laboratory includes studies of evolutionary adaptations, surveys of taxa, field trips to the San Antonio Zoo and other locales, and identification of local vertebrates. Grades for the course will be determined from lecture exams, laboratory practicals, one comprehensive final exam, and the students’ choice of a library report or field-based project. 3 class hours, 3 laboratory-field hours a week for one semester.
BIOL 3427 Plant Biology
This course is a comprehensive study of plants from a variety of perspectives including plant morphology, anatomy, physiology, evolution, and ecology. The course will also cover plant ethnobotany, biogeography, and the taxonomy of several notable plant families as well as other photosynthetic organisms. The laboratory is designed to give students experience with live and preserved specimens and laboratory and field techniques frequently associated with the study of plants. Students will apply skills learned in the core courses to the processes of experimental design and hypothesis testing by conducting experiments in plant competition that are pertinent to the current literature. Some experiments will require time outside of scheduled lab for care of experimental subjects. The course includes two week-day and one weekend field trips. 3 class hours, 3 laboratory/field hours a week for one semester.
BIOL 3431 Microanatomy
Structure-function relationships are explored through an analysis of animal histological features. The microscopy-based laboratory examines tissues by means of comparisons of normal and pathological features. Student performance is measured by in-class exams, written reports, oral presentations, and a course project. Computer imaging and analysis are integrated into the fabric of the course along with several case studies. 3 class hours and 3 laboratory hours a week for one semester.
BIOL 3432 Vertebrate Physiology
This course is a study of the principles of homeostasis with emphasis on major vertebrate organ systems. This course begins with a detailed molecular investigation of excitable membrane physiology (nerve and muscle) followed by a systematic investigation of endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal physiology. Integrative problem sets are assigned to address the complex interactions between organ systems. Laboratory experience involves experimentation with sophisticated physiological equipment and computerized data acquisition systems to reinforce concepts presented in lecture. Lecture examinations, laboratory reports, homework problem sets, and a research paper with presentation will be used to assess student understanding in this course. 3 class hours, 3 laboratory hours per week for one semester.
Prerequisite: One 2000-level Biology course or higher.
BIOL 3433 Plant Physiology
As organisms, plants are intertwined with and extensively influenced by their physical environments. Individual cells and organs adapt independently to environmental fluctuations on a moment-by-moment basis. This course examines how plants maintain this flexibility and function as multicellular organisms. The principal focus is the regulation of biochemical and biophysical processes and how they are integrated from the cellular level to the organ level and finally into a functional whole plant. Three themes will be considered in depth: 1) the biophysics and biochemistry of water and inorganic nutrient fluxes; 2) bioenergetics and biochemistry of photosynthesis; and 3) cellular and molecular processes of signaling in development and pathogen responses. Equal emphasis is placed on processes regulated at the level of gene expression and processes where regulation occurs by modulation within pre-existing biochemical pathways. Discussion of readings from the primary scientific literature will be a regular component of course work. Laboratories will combine exercises in which quantitative data are used to demonstrate consequences of specific principles, with project-oriented experiments extending over several weeks and outside the scheduled lab period.
BIOL 3434 Ecology
This course examines the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of animals and plants. As a primary discipline in biology, ecology overlaps broadly with many other disciplines including genetics, evolution, systematics, behavior, and physiology to name a few. Any study of ecology also requires basic mathematical and statistical knowledge. This course will examine the broad field of ecology from three different levels: individuals, populations, and communities. These levels will be covered through lectures, computer simulations, student-led critiques and student-led discussions of classic studies, and laboratory-field exercises. Most of the laboratory time will be spent on field trips. The course will also include a weekend field trip to study the fauna and flora at Government Canyon State Natural Area (typically held the weekend after spring break). Grades for the course will be determined from lecture and laboratory exams, discussions of classic papers, one comprehensive final exam, and numerous laboratory-field write-ups. 3 class hours, 3 laboratory-field hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites: MATH 1307 or 1311 and one course selected from BIOL 3425, 3426, 3427, or ANTH 2310.
BIOL 3440 Animal Behavior
In this course we investigate the current state of knowledge in animal behavior, taking as a framework the “four questions” of behavior, as defined by Nico Tinbergen, one of the founders of the field: 1) the adaptive value of specific behaviors; 2) how behaviors have evolved over time; 3) how behaviors develop within an individual; and 4) the neural, hormonal, and physiological mechanisms underlying behavior. We give greatest emphasis to the first two questions, as addressed by the modern field of behavioral ecology. The laboratory focuses on developing skills of observation of naturally occurring behavior in the lab and field, and in the design and analysis of hypothesis-driven experiments. This course emphasizes the primary literature, through discussions of journal articles, exams analyzing data from published studies, and a semester-long in-depth literature review of a specific topic within the field of animal behavior, culminating in a final paper and a presentation to the class.
Prerequisites: MATH 1320 (Statistical Methods) or PSYC 2401 (Statistics and Methods I); Junior level standing; or consent of instructor.
BIOL 3442 Immunobiology
This course investigates the immunological mechanisms that enable animals to respond to foreign substances, and examines the experimental observations upon which current concepts are based. The underlying course theme is that while invariant properties of pathogens are recognized by elements of innate immunity, and in some instances leads to their elimination, the ability of pathogens to continually adapt and develop evasive strategies has by necessity been countered by the evolution of adaptive immune responses. Consequently, the course begins with consideration of innate immune mechanisms, which is followed by a thorough treatment of the molecular and cellular events that lead to generation of the effectors of adaptive immunity and their modes of action. The course concludes with discussion of the physiological consequences of an immune response, certain clinical manifestations of immune reactivity, and how our understanding of immune mechanisms has been applied to clinical and public health problems. 3 class hours and 3 laboratory hours a week for one semester. In addition to quizzes and examinations, a research paper is required that deals critically with a topic of current interest and is based upon the recent scientific literature.
Prerequisites: BIOL 3421 and at least one additional area B biology course or permission of instructor.
BIOL 3443 Developmental Biology
Through integration of information from various biology subdisciplines, course topics include the following: vertebrate body plan pattering, genetic control of the Drosophila body plan, early morphogenesis, cell differentiation, organogenesis, gamete formation, and fertilization. The laboratory follows development using microscopy and through special projects involving several animal systems, including avian. Course assessment includes in-class examinations, oral presentations, and group projects. 3 class hours and 3 laboratory hours a week for one semester. Additional laboratory hours are required to monitor experiments.
Prerequisites: at least one area B biology course; BIOL 3426 recommended.
BIOL 3444 Molecular Biology
The focus of this course is the gene. The lecture portion of the course considers the major topics of gene structure, expression, duplication, and recombination. The laboratory takes an investigative approach and offers experimentation in protein electrophoresis, northern blotting, reporter gene expression, PCR-based gene cloning and sequencing, and microarray screens. Lecture and laboratory principles are reinforced through computer-based problem-solving projects using genome databanks. Grades for the course are to be determined by in-class examinations, the projects, and laboratory reports. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisite: At least one Area B course or permission of instructor.
BIOL 3446 Cell Biology
Cells form the basic working units of organs and the systems that organs comprise. This course is designed to build an understanding of the fundamental processes that govern the operations of cells. Cells face challenges of maintaining boundaries, communicating with neighboring cells, transporting essential components across barrier membranes, generating chemical energy, regulating cell phenotype, and maintaining cell structure. In order to function as part of a specialized tissue or organ, cells elaborate specific subsets of organelles to dedicate themselves to performing specific functions. The course will provide the background to understand the cellular mechanisms of specialized cells, and allow one to predict the underlying cellular physiology of most tissue systems. The laboratory takes an investigative approach, introducing microscopic, molecular, and biochemical tools for studying cells. Grades for the course are to be determined by in-class examinations and laboratory reports. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisite: At least one Area B course or permission of instructor.
BIOL 3447 Neurobiology
Neurobiology focuses on the organization and function of nervous tissues and systems. The course begins with an anatomical overview, followed by an examination of neural system function at the level of signaling and synaptic transmission, sensory systems, and central system integration and control. With this foundation, the course explores brain development and plasticity. 3 class hours and 3 laboratory hours a week for one semester. Additional hours are required to monitor experiments. (Also listed as NEUR 3447.)
BIOL 3449 Endocrinology
A study of the function of the endocrine system and how it regulates the metabolic processes of living organisms. The course begins with a historical background of the science of endocrinology and then progresses from pituitary gland secretions through the endocrinology of the reproductive organs. Attention will also be given to neuro-endocrine mechanisms in lower vertebrates and invertebrates. 3 class hours, 2 discussion-demonstration hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisite: At least one area B biology course, preferably BIOL 3432 or CHEM 3330.
AREA C: TECHNIQUE AND RESEARCH CONCENTRATION
BIOL --91 Selected Topics
Study of a topic or field not covered by other courses. Lower division offerings will provide an introductory approach to a topic. Upper division courses will involve in-depth analysis of a specific area and will usually require prerequisite courses, at the discretion of the instructor. May be repeated for credit on different topics.
BIOL 3-90 Independent Study
Individual work arranged with a faculty member on problems in biology as indicated by the student’s preparation and interest. Attendance at the weekly Biology Seminar is required. Credit may be from 1 to 3 hours per semester with no more than 6 cumulative credit hours possible.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and approval of a study/research plan submitted to the department chair prior to the semester of enrollment in the course.
BIOL 3-92 Research Internship
Off-campus study in a research laboratory arranged by the student. Prior written approval of a faculty member and departmental permission are required. Guidelines are available in the departmental office. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours. Graded only on a pass-fail basis.
BIOL 3-98 Thesis Readings
Independent study in selected areas in preparation for the Senior Thesis. Credit may be from 1 to 3 hours per semester. It is highly recommended that students complete three course hours of this experience by the end of their junior year to establish a foundation for their Thesis Research.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
BIOL 4001 Senior Comprehensive Exam
Each September or early October, those Biology majors who have earned 90 total credit hours or 23 credit hours in Biology by the end of the preceding semester, will take the Biology Major Field Test (MFT). Students will be required to attend a one-hour meeting held early in the Fall semester; the examination will be administered on a Saturday soon thereafter. Alternative arrangements will be made for students unable to take the exam at the scheduled time because of University commitments. Students will receive a grade of Pass for completion of the test, but performance on the exam will factor into the grade for BIOL 4002.
BIOL 4002 Senior Retrospective
Students will meet with their advisors during the first week of classes and schedule a series of meetings that will guide them in the preparation of a written summary addressing the following: 1) a review of each student’s performance on the Biology Major Field Test (MFT) describing the strengths and weaknesses of the student’s preparation; 2) a comparison of the MFT results to the courses taken and grades received; and 3) an assessment of how the student’s performance might have been affected by course selection, course content or learning environment, or the student’s own learning strategies. In some instances students might be advised to change their course selection for their final semester based upon their test score. Grades assigned for this course will be based on a combination of the MFT score and the quality of the student’s written summary.
BIOL 4201 Biology Senior Seminar
Built around the Biology Department’s seminar series, students will interact with seminar speakers visiting campus to discuss readings provided by the speaker the week before. Students will maintain a journal that briefly summarizes the readings and logs thoughts about the significance of the work, how it extends what has been learned in biology classes at Trinity, and what major questions the work raises. After the discussion, students will attend the seminar to learn about the broader context of the work. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum.
Prerequisite: Senior standing and Biology Major.
BIOL 4351 Conservation Biology
This course will explore the cross-disciplinary nature of conservation biology, which is the applied science of maintaining the earth’s biological diversity. Students will lead weekly discussions on the various sub-disciplines of conservation biology and their applications, including evolution, ecology, genetics, and economics. A detailed case history analysis of a local conservation issue will be required.
Prerequisite: An upper division course in biology or consent of instructor.
BIOL 4390 Independent Research in Neuroscience
Independent empirical research arranged with a faculty member on problems in neuroscience. May be repeated once. (The research topic must be approved by the Faculty Advisory Committee.) (Also listed as NEUR 4395 and PSYC 4396.)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
BIOL 4398 Senior Seminar and Thesis Presentation I
The purpose of this course is to provide opportunity and guidance in research under the direction of a faculty member. Students must submit a progress report to the department chair if they plan to enroll in BIOL 4399. Attendance at the weekly Biology Seminar, which consists of presentations of original research from diverse fields of Biology, is required.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, completion of BIOL 3398, and submission of a formal research proposal to the department chair prior to the semester of enrollment in the course.
BIOL 4399 Senior Seminar and Thesis Research II
This course is a continuation of student projects begun in BIOL 4398. Students are required to write a thesis and make an oral presentation of their research project at an appropriate venue. Attendance at the weekly Biology Seminar is also required.
Prerequisite: BIOL 4398.