Graduate Courses

BIO 710 Biostatistics. (3) I.
Prerequisite: MAT 107 or approval. Statistical analysis of biological data. Students participate in the taking and processing of data by the use of well-established statistical techniques. 2Lec/2Lab-Disc.

BIO 711 Experimental Approaches in Molecular Biology. (3) I.
Laboratory experience based course in molecular biology techniques. Subject will be introduced in a lecture setting and practical laboratory training. Techniques will include PCR-based methodologies, immunological approaches, and basic protein and nucleic acid manipulations. 1 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 714 Evolution. (3) I.
Prerequisite: BIO 315 or instructor approval. Processes of organic evolution with emphasis on the theory of natural selection.

BIO 721 Forest Ecology. (4).
Prerequisites: BIO 131 and BIO 316 or BIO 335, or instructor approval. Ecological concepts and principles relevant to eastern trees and ecosystems. Required weekend and an extended field trips in the region. 2 hrs lecture, 4 hrs lab.

BIO 722 Grasses and Grasslands. (3) I.
Prerequisite: instructor approval. Development and composition of grasslands; phylogeny, classification, and identification of grasses. Emphasis on North American grasses and grasslands, with field trips to native and managed grasslands. 1 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 725 Aquatic and Wetland Plants. (3) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 131. Collection, systematics, distribution, ecology, and reproduction of aquatic and wetland vascular plants. 1 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 727 Immunology. (3) A.
Prerequisites: BIO 320, CHE 361 or instructor approval. Characteristics of immune reactions at the molecular level and in vivo. Nature and interactions of antigens and antibodies, and allergic phenomena. 2 Lec/3 Lab.

BIO 728 Virology. (3) A.
Fundamentals of classification, structure, and pathogenesis of viruses. Host-virus interactions and their applications to medicine and industry. Related areas of immunology, cell culture procedures and applications will be introduced. 2 Lec/3 Lab.

BIO 729 Microbiology in Everyday Life. (3) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 100, 102, 121 or departmental approval. Microbes in medicine, agriculture, and industry; emphasis on teaching microbiology in the classroom. Course open to Biology-Teaching or Education majors.

BIO 730 Microbial Physiology and Genetics. (3) A.
Prerequisites: BIO 315, 320, CHE 361 or instructor approval. A study of microbial genetics, metabolism, nutrition, and the effect of chemical and physical environments upon microorganisms in their habitats, with emphasis upon microbes of economic and industrial importance.

BIO 731 Principles of Molecular Biology. (4) A.
Prerequisites: BIO 315, CHE 361 and 366 or instructor approval. An in-depth study of the structure, function, and biochemistry of nucleic acids and proteins. Laboratory experiences will involve the manipulation of DNA and protein molecules for the purpose of isolation, purification, and structure modification. 2 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 732 Conservation Biology. (3) I.
Prerequisite: BIO 316 or instructor approval. Examination of principles and practices of conserving global biological diversity. Causes, consequences and rates of extinction. Application of philosophical, biological, sociological, and legal principles to the conservation of genes, species and ecosystems.

BIO 736 Dendrology. (3) I.
Prerequisite: BIO 131 or instructor approval. Woody plant taxonomy with emphasis on field identification of trees and shrubs in summer and winter conditions; habitats and distributions; economic importance; forest regions of North America. 1 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 742 Freshwater Invertebrates. (3) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 141 or instructor approval. Collection, systematics, distribution, behavior, ecology, and life histories of freshwater invertebrates. 2 Lec/3 Lab.

BIO 746 Histology. (4) II.
Microscopic anatomy of normal vertebrate cells, tissues, and organs. 2 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 747 Comparative Vertebrate Embryology. (4) II.
Gametogenesis, fertilization, morphogenesis, and organogenesis of the frog, bird, and mammal. Particular emphasis is placed on mammalian development. 2 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 750 Animal Behavior. (4) A.
Advanced study of behavior with emphasis on inherited behavioral patterns in relation to the evolution and ecology of animals. 3 Lec/2 Lab.

BIO 753 Mammalogy. (3) A.
Classification, natural history, field methods, and distribution of mammals. 1 Lec/4 Lab. BIO 316 or 342 recommended prior to enrollment.

BIO 754 Ornithology. (3) A.
Avian biology with emphasis on field identification of local avifauna, anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, migration, economic importance, distribution, and behavioral patterns. Early morning field trips required. 2 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 755 Behavioral Ecology. (3) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 316 or instructor approval. How behavior is influenced by natural selection in relation to ecological conditions. Emphasis on quantitative and experimental methods an on integrating theoretical ideas with field and laboratory experience.

BIO 756 Herpetology. (3) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 141 or instructor approval. Natural history of the amphibians and reptiles including taxonomy, general ecology, behavior, distribution, breeding, and foot habits. 2 Lec/3 Lab.

BIO 757 Ichthyology. (3) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 141. A phylogenetic examination of morphological, ecological, and behavioral diversifications of fishes in the world, with special attention to the Appalachian fauna. Laboratory devoted to anatomy, identification, and reproductive strategies. 2 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 758 Freshwater Ecology. (3) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 316 or instructor approval. Ecology of lakes, streams with reference to physical, chemical, and biological factors. To include a variety of methods and instruments. 2 Lec/3 Lab-Disc.

BIO 761 Fish Biology and Management. (3) A.
Methods for assessment and analysis of fish populations and aquatic habitats, including age and growth, fecundity, food habits, and yield. Emphasis on economic and ecological importance of management decisions. Optional weekend field trips. 2 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 784 Upland Wildlife Management. (4) A.
Ecological principles and management strategies to preserve and enhance forest and grassland wildlife and their habitats.

BIO 785 Wildlife Resource Policy and Administration. (3) A.
Discussion of state, regional, national, and international policies and agencies which impact management of wildlife resources; with emphasis in North America. BIO 381 recommended prior to enrollment.

BIO 786 Wetland Wildlife Management. (4) II.
Ecology and management of migratory and resident wetland wildlife populations and their habitats, with a focus on waterfowl. BIO 316 and 381 recommended prior to enrollment. 2 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 787 Urban Wildlife Management. (3)
The strategies employed to manage urban wildlife and prevent/control animal damage in North America will be discussed.

BIO 798 Special Problems. (1-3) I, II. A.
Prerequisite: students must have the independent study proposal form approved by the faculty supervisor and department chair prior to enrollment. Independent research in the biological sciences, under the guidance of a faculty member, which allows students to design a research problem and make experimental observations and conclusions. May be retaken to a maximum of four hours.

BIO 799 Topics in Biological Sciences. (1-6) A.
Prerequisite: instructor approval. Special topics in the biological sciences of current interest to faculty and students will be presented through lecture, discussion, and report. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours.

BIO 801 Scientific Literature and Writing in Biology. (2) I.
Directed readings in biology designed to acquaint the student with the major sources of literature, the delimitation of problems, note taking, the making of bibliographies, and the writing of scientific articles.

BIO 802 Selected Topic in Biological Sciences. (1-4) A.
Advanced study of modern biological principles and the solution of interacting problems. The course content will be designed to meet the needs of students in specialized areas of biology. May be retaken to a maximum of eight hours.

BIO 803 Big Game Ecology. (3) A.
Prerequisites: BIO 316, BIO 381 or instructor approval. Biology and ecology of the major big game species found in North America with emphasis on current management practices and problems.

BIO 806 Aquatic Entomology. (3) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 341 or 355 or instructor approval. To develop an understanding of, and an appreciation for, aquatic insects. Techniques on collecting as well as the biology, ecology, and systematics of each of the aquatic insect orders will be considered. 2 Lec/3 Lab.

BIO 816 Biogeography. (3) A.
Physical and biotic factors influencing the evolution, diversity and distribution of Earth’s biota; cogeographic principles, patterns and theories related to the diversity and distributions of organisms.

BIO 831 Molecular Regulation. (3) A.
Discussion and experimental manipulation of transcriptional/translational regulation in eukaryotes/ prokaryotes with reliance on the current literature as reference. Coverage of regulatory mechanisms and experimental approaches. 2 Lec/2 Lab.

BIO 835 Pathogenic Microbiology. (4) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 320 or instructor approval. Studies in the field of advanced clinical microbiology with emphasis on morphology, cultivation, biochemistry, and serological identification of bacterial diseases; aspects of pathogenesis, epidemiology, and control measures of bacterial and mycotic diseases. 2 Lec/4 Lab.

BIO 839 Applied Learning in Biology. (3-6) A.
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Work under faculty and field supervisors in a cooperative job experience related to student’s academic studies. Credit varies with hours of employment; three to six hours per semester or summer. May be retaken at the discretion of the department or college involved. A minimum of eighty hours of work is required for each academic credit. Credit does not apply toward the M.S. degree requirements.

BIO 839 A-F Cooperative Study: Biology. (3-6) A.
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Work under faculty and field supervisors in a cooperative job experience related to student’s academic studies. Credit varies with hours of employment; three to six hours per semester or summer. May be retaken at the discretion of the department or college involved. A minimum of eighty hours of work is required for each academic credit. Credit does not apply toward the M.S. degree requirements.

BIO 845 Vertebrate Physiological Ecology. (3) A.
Comparative study of physiological mechanisms of vertebrates in response to changing environmental conditions. Topics emphasized include temperature adaptation, color change, orientation, and biological rhythms. 2 Lec/3 Lab.

BIO 846 Population Ecology. (3) A.
Theoretical and applied study of size and organization of animal and plant populations and the physical and biological factors affecting spatial and temporal patterns.

BIO 848 Aquatic Ecosystems. (3) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 558 or 758 or instructor approval. Modern methods for analysis of biological integrity of aquatic ecosystems. To include fieldwork involving various methods, and the calculation and discussion of currently used metrics. 2 Lec/3 Lab.

BIO 849 Field Methods in Ecology. (3) A.
Field sampling techniques and methods of observation applicable to describing terrestrial plant and animal communities. Field data utilized to develop an environmental impact statement. 6 Lab/Disc.

BIO 850 Dynamics of Ecosystems. (2) A.
Energy flow, nutrient cycling, and interrelationships among organisms and environments in terrestrial ecosystems; consultation with faculty committee. Required of graduate students in non-thesis option; cannot be used in thesis option.

BIO 881 Independent Study. (1-3) I, II.
Prerequisite: approval of independent study proposal form by faculty supervisor and department chair prior to enrollment. Advanced research in the biological sciences under the guidance of a faculty member, which allows students to design a research problem and make experimental observations and conclusions. May be retaken to a maximum of four semester hours. Credit will not be given to students enrolled in the M.S. Biology thesis program.

BIO 890 Graduate Seminar. (1) A.
Prerequisite: BIO 801. Presentation and discussion of selected topics and research in the biological sciences. Required of all graduate students and may be retaken to a maximum of two hours.

BIO 891 Thesis Research. (1-6) A.
The accomplishment of an independent research project, in consultation with a faculty advisor, for the preparation of a thesis as part of the requirements for the M.S. degree in Biology. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours.

BIO 891C Continuation of Thesis Research. (1-9) A.
Prerequisite: departmental approval. The continuation of an independent research project, in consultation with a faculty advisor, for the preparation of a thesis as part of the requirements for the M.S. degree in Biology. May be retaken as necessary to complete research thesis. A student must have registered for six hours of BIO 891 before registering for BIO 891C. May not be used to satisfy degree program requirements.