Biology — Eligibility for Courses

All 600-level courses with the exception of BIOL 698 and 699 are open to advanced undergraduates who meet prerequisites and have the permission of the instructor. All 500-level courses are available to students with a bachelor’s degree who are not part of the MS or PhD program in the Biology Department. Please consult UMass Boston’s undergraduate catalog for complete information about the undergraduate courses listed below as prerequisites for individual graduate-level courses.

500-Level Courses

Students who possess a bachelor’s degree from an institution of recognized standing and meet individual course prerequisites are eligible to enroll in 500-level graduate courses offered by the Biology Department. This option may be especially useful for UMass Boston MEd students or science teachers completing coursework as non-matriculated students. Full course descriptions for these dual-level courses may be consulted in the undergraduate catalog. Available courses are:

BIOL 313/513	Developmental Biology and Embryology (lecture only)
BIOL 318/518	Neurobiology (lecture only)
BIOL 319/519	Endocrinology (lecture only)
BIOL 323/523	Plant Physiology (lecture only)
BIOL 329/529	Plant Life (lecture only)
BIOL 333/533	Biology of Marine Invertebrates (lecture only)
BIOL 334/534	Microbiology
BIOL 338/538	Insect Life
BIOL 339/539	Comparative Animal Physiology (lecture only)
BIOL 340/540	Marine Mammal Biology
BIOL 342/542	Ecology
BIOL 344/544	Ornithology
BIOL 348/548	Animal Behavior
BIOL 352/552	Evolution (lecture only)
BIOL 360/560	Bioinformatics
BIOL 372/572	Molecular Biology (lecture only)
BIOL 380/580	Immunology (lecture only)
BIOCHM 383/583	Biochemistry I
BIOCHM 384/584	Biochemistry II

Courses

BIOL 510
Cell Biology and Genetics – A Human Approach

In-depth exploration of the biological principles, content knowledge and pedagogical strategies needed for teaching cell and molecular biology and genetics at the middle and high school levels. The course takes a human biology approach to these areas, using activities and examples drawn from the human body. Content is aligned with the Massachusetts

state standards and national Science Education Standards. The course consists of explanation of concepts, laboratory activities, problem-solving exercises, classroom discussion, readings and other assignments. Emphasis is placed on gaining a rich understanding of biological concepts, while modeling the use of hands-on, inquiry-based teaching strategies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
BIOL 513

Developmental Biology and Embryology (Lecture)

This course analyzes the development of multicellular animals and plants by examining major developmental processes; growth, gene expression, cell interaction, morphogenesis, and pattern regulation.  Lectures use experimental evidence to explore the commonality of mechanisms. in differing organisms. Basic labs provide experience with materials and methods, and help clarify changing three-dimensional relationships.  Additional labs investigate vertebrate embryology in greater detail.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
BIOL 518

Neurobiology (Lecture)

This course examines the nervous system, beginning at the membrane and cellular level and then moving on to the organization of sensory and motor systems. Special topics include the biological basis of various neurological and psychiatric diseases. 
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms. Pollack

BIOL 519
Endocrinology (Lecture)

This course studies hormone physiology and biochemistry in the context of organismal regulation and coordination.  Topics include hormone chemistry, control and regulation of hormone production, and the cellular and biochemical nature of hormone action. Emphasis is placed on mammalian systems. and on laboratory and clinical investigations of the endocrine system.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Campbell

BIOL 523
Plant Physiology (Lecture)

This course studies plant function with emphasis on nutrition, translocation, metabolism, signal transduction and gene expression, photosynthesis and respiration, hormonal controls during vegetative and reproductive growth, and responses to environmental signals and stresses.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Colon-Carmona

BIOL 529
Plant Life (Lecture)

This course is an advanced survey of plant diversity, the major groups, their organization and reproduction, the elements of taxonomy and economic botany of vascular plants, and the major issues of conservation biology. 
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Wilkes

BIOL 533
Biology of Marine Invertebrates (Lecture)

This course provides an essential background for those planning to concentrate in organismic biology, evolution, ecology, or applied environmental science. The course covers life histories, ecological roles, adaptations, morphologies, evolution, and classification of marine invertebrate animals.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Rex

BIOL 534
Microbiology

This course focuses on the study of viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa, to include their characterization, classification, and relationship to humans and the environment. Lecture topics include microbial biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, taxonomy, pathogenic bacteriology, food and industrial microbiology, and ecology. The laboratory emphasizes aseptic techniques to isolate, culture, observe, and identify bacteria.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Shiaris

BIOL 535
Teaching Ecology, Evolution and the Diversity of Life

In-depth exploration of the biological principles, content knowledge, and pedagogical strategies needs for teaching cell and molecular biology and genetics at the middle and high school levels. The course takes a human biology approach to these areas, using activities and examples drawn from the human body. Content is aligned with the Massachusetts state standards and national Science Education Standards. The course consists of explanation of concepts, laboratory activities, problem-solving exercises, classroom discussion, readings, and other assignments. Emphasis is placed on gaining a rich understanding of biological concepts, while modeling the use of hands-on, inquiry-based teaching strategies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 538
Insect Life

This course considers physiological and other adaptations that account for the survival and success of insect life. The laboratory deals primarily with the diversity of insects.  Brief consideration is also given to the relationship of insects to humans.

Students registering for this course should have already completed BIOL 210 or 212, and 252 or 254 or equivalents.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Mr. Stevenson

BIOL 539
Comparative Animal Physiology (Lecture)

This course considers physiological principles and problems. in a phylogenetic perspective. An integrated view of physiological solutions from the cellular to organismal level is used to discuss adaptations to environments and constraints on life history. Major topics to be considered include temperature responses, biological clocks, allometry, respiration, circulation, energetics, locomotion, and salt and water balance. 
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Stevenson

BIOL 540
Marine Mammal Biology

This upper-level course covers the biologic ecology of marine mammals (Pinnipeds, Cetaceans, Sirenians), with emphasis on applied population ecology and conservation issues.  Topics include adaptations to marine environments, effects of human exploitation, case studies of population recovery, and multispecies interactions.  Many topics make use of mathematical equations.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms. Brault

BIOL 542
Ecology

This course studies population and community ecology. Topics include theory and case studies of population dynamics, competition, predation, niche concepts, life history strategies, behavioral interactions, energetics and productivity, community structure and organization, and biogeography.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Ebersole

BIOL 544
Ornithology

This course focuses on the biology of birds, with emphasis on problems. of wider biological interest in ecology and behavior.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIO 545L / CRCRTH 645L
Biology in Society: Critical Thinking

Current and historical cases are used to examine the political, ethical, and other social dimensions of the life sciences. Close examination of developments in the life sciences can lead to questions about the social influences shaping scientists’ work or its application. This examination, in turn, can lead to new questions and alternative approaches for educators, biologists, health professionals, and concerned citizens.
Prerequisites: CRCRTH 601 and 602, or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 548
Animal Behavior

This course deals with some topics in the physiology and development of behavior and more extensively with social organization, communication, and ecological aspects of behavior. Emphasis is placed on the function and evolution of behavior.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 552
Evolution

This course focuses on evolution as the unifying concept of biology. Topics include population genetics, adaptive strategies, sex and breeding systems., speciation and population differentiation, fossil histories, and the evolution of man.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Etter

BIOL 560
Bioinformatics

This course provides a fundamental overview of bioinformatics, which is the collection, organization, and analysis of biological information. Topics include data searches and sequence alignments, substitution patterns, phylogenetics, genomics, protein and RNA structure prediction, and proteomics.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms. Tan

BIOL 572
Molecular Biology (Lecture)

This course studies the molecular biology and biochemistry of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Topics include DNA structure/physical biochemistry, recombinant DNA technology, techniques in research, DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, operons, chromatin structure and gene regulation, oncogenes, hormones and growth factors and signal transduction, transposons, mutagenesis and repair, flowering, photosynthesis, development, circadian rhythms.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Ackerman

BIOL 580
Introduction to Immunology (Lecture)

This course is an introduction to the principles of immunology, including definition of antigens and antibodies, specificity of the immune response, immunoglobulin structure, the genetics of immunoglobulin synthesis, cellular cooperation in the immune response, mechanism of inflammation, transplantation, and diseases associated with responsiveness of the immune system.
3 Lect Hrs 3 Credits
Mr. Beck

BIOCHM 583
Biochemistry I

In the first of a two-semester sequence, the chemistry of life processes is discussed in terms. of structure and biological function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and other cellular components.  Special emphasis is given to protein structure and function, enzymology, carbohydrate metabolism, transport mechanisms., energy transformations, and photosynthesis.  It is recommended that BIOCHM 385 be taken concurrently.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Hagar, Mr. Sugumaran, Mr. Pitcher

BIOCHM 584
Biochemistry II

In the second of a two-semester sequence, discussion of cellular function is continued.  The topics are biochemistry and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, structural motifs in protein folding, metabolism of lipids and amino acids, nitrogen fixation, molecular immunology, hormones, ion channels, neurochemistry, biological applications of nuclear resonance, and biochemical evolution.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Hagar, Mr. Sugumaran

BIOL 601
Marine Ecosystems.

This course studies the structure and function of coastal marine habitats, including rocky intertidal areas, sandy beaches, tidal and mud flats, estuaries, salt marshes, soft bottom areas, and plankton. The course reviews the physical regime, flora, and fauna of these environments and case histories of community organization. Students registering for this course should have completed at least one undergraduate course in ecology.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
3 Lect-Disc Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 602
Plant Molecular Biology and Physiology

This course focuses on molecular mechanisms. of gene regulation, gene expression patterns during development and differentiation, molecular responses to light, plant genetics, the evolution of genomes, plant biotechnology, and the molecular biology of the regulation of physiological processes in plants. Lecture topics integrate molecular biology, plant genetics, plant physiology, and plant evolution. The syllabus includes a core of basic lectures introducing students to the field of plant molecular biology. Students registering for this course should have already completed BIOL 320, 321, 322, or 323 or equivalent.
Prerequisite: BIOL 675 or 676.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 603
Theories of Community Structure

This course studies theoretical aspects of community development and organization, including demography, competition, predation, life history strategies, trophic structure, community stability, and equilibrium and non-equilibrium models of species diversity. The course emphasizes rigorous mathematical and graphical approaches. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 342 or equivalent, or have permission of the instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 605
Field Sampling Methods and Data Analysis

This course examines statistical principles of research design integrated with field techniques, to measure parameters of community structure. Field exercises involve application of the principles learned in lectures and the use of typical sampling equipment to solve environmental questions. Laboratory and field work components are included. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 342 and 343 or equivalents, or have permission of the instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 6 Lab Hrs, 5 Credits

BIOL 608L (PHYSIC 608L)
Biophysical Instrumentation

This course is a lecture and laboratory course on the application of microcomputers and microprocessor-based electronics to laboratory experiments in the biological and physical sciences. Emphasis is placed on techniques for interfacing the microcomputer with laboratory experiments for automated data acquisition, data reduction and analysis, information display, and real-time control of experiments. (Course offered in the spring only.)
2 Lect Hrs, 4 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits

BIOL 612
Advanced Cell Biology

This course provides an analysis of gene transfer and expression at the cellular level, including the nature of metabolic systems. and the factors governing their regulation.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3-5 Credits

BIOL 614
Advanced Cell Chemistry

This course studies the methodology of cell analysis, with emphasis on macromolecules and intermediary metabolites.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3-5 Credits

BIOL 615
Immunology

Selected topics in immunology are studied in depth, using the current literature. Topics are chosen for relevance and current interest, or for their challenging, even controversial, nature.  Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 378 or 380 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr.. Beck

BIOL 622
Concepts and Methods in Cytology

This course examines the structural basis of cellular and subcellular functions, with practical experience in methods of visualizing cellular structure.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-5 Credits

BIOL 626
Molecular Genetics of Bacteria

This course is an in-depth examination of genetic and molecular processes in bacteria and their associated viruses, covering classical bacterial-genetics as well as modern molecular genetic analysis. Topics include genetic transfer processes, gene regulation, mutagenesis and repair, plasmids, transposons, gene fusion methodologies, and protein secretion. Emphasis is given to current experimental approaches and research design. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 252 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms. Skvirsky

BIOL 627
Bacterial Physiology

This course provides a rigorous biochemical examination of the bacterial cell. Lectures focus on bacterial cytology, growth, and metabolism. Areas of current research are emphasized. Students are expected to read primary and secondary scientific literature and to discuss course material. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 334 and BIOCHM 383 or equivalents.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Shiaris

BIOL 628
Microbial Ecology

This course examines the functions, roles, and ecology of microorganisms. in the environment, emphasizing biogeochemical cycling of elements. Topics for special concentration are chosen from the following: microbial diversity, evolution, interactions, aquatic or soil microbiology, and sewage microbiology. The course focuses on relating molecular and biochemical mechanisms. to ecological principles.

Readings are assigned from classical and current scientific literature for class discussion. An in-depth review paper on a special topic is required. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 334 or 342 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Shiaris

BIOL 630
Evolutionary Bioinformatics

This course provides a review of current knowledge in molecular evolution/evolutionary bioinformatics.  It covers basic theories/principles for understanding evolutionary forces governing molecular variation and divergence as well as applications of these principles in important evolutionary topics. Basic theories/principles covered include (1) models of nucleotide change in DNA sequences and nucleotide substitution estimation; (2) phylogenic tree reconstruction with molecular data; and (3) neural mutation hypothesis and different methods of detecting natural selection. Topics include molecular clocks, gene duplication and exon shuffling, concerted evolution of multigene families, evolution by transposition and horizontal gene transfer, genome organization and evolution, and comparative genomics. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 360 or BIOL 371 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 632
Advanced Evolution

This course is an inquiry into the modern synthetic theory of evolution, with emphasis on population genetics, ecological genetics, evolution of dominance, genetic homeostasis, canalization, and genetic theory of polymorphism.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits

BIOL 635
Population Genetics and Diversity

This course provides a quantitative approach to the concept of populations and the evolutionary forces affecting them. The course analyzes the interactions among forces and the resulting dynamics of population structure. Toward the end of the semester, the course shifts its primary emphasis from lecture to discussion in order to cover current topics in population genetics. Topics include the theory and application of tools necessary for assaying genetic variation in natural populations, DNA fingerprinting in forensics, the evolution of sex, and the genetics of rare and endangered species. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 252 and 352 or equivalents.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Kesseli

BIOL 637
Climate Change: Mechanisms. and Biological Impacts

This course studies responses of organisms. to past and current changes in climate. It broadly follows topics addressed by the IPCC. Topics include the science of climate change, expected impacts, and possible adaptations.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 638
Advanced Ecology

This course examines concepts of population and community ecology. Topics covered may include population dynamics, life history strategies, theory of r- and K-selection, competition, predation, community organization, and species diversity. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between theoretical and empirical ecology. A weekly tutorial provides the opportunity for greater discussion of material covered in lectures. Emphasis changes from year to year. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 342 or equivalent.
2 Lect Hrs, 1 Disc Hr, 3 Credits

BIOL 639
Conservation Biology

The principles of conservation biology are drawn from such various subdisciplines of biology as ecology, genetics, evolution, and biogeography. The course begins with an analysis of the distribution of biodiversity, proceeds to examine the patterns of biodiversity loss at all levels, from genes to ecosystems., and finishes with a discussion of the causes, consequences, and solutions of the crisis. Topics include assessment and monitoring of species diversity, conservation genetics, the theory of island biogeography, habitat loss and forest fragmentation, human impacts on biodiversity, the design of nature reserves, economic valuation of biodiversity, and sustainable use of biodiversity. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 342 and 352 or equivalents.
3 Lect-Disc Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Bawa

BIOL 640
Principles of Qualitative Modeling in Biology

This course is a mathematical analysis of biological systems., with emphasis on qualitative rather than quantitative approaches. Signed digraphs (Loop Analysis), matrices, and computer programming are used. In addition, notions of feedback, stability, and other global properties of systems. are presented. During the work section, students are grouped to solve problems. At the completion of the course, students are competent to distinguish the various methods, assess their strengths and limitations, and apply them to biological systems. of interest.
3 Lect-Disc Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 641
Quantitative Population Modeling

This course presents the fundamentals of mathematical models of population dynamics. It examines single-species models, including stability analysis, life tables, and analysis of matrix models, as well as competition and predation model forms. More advanced topics include spatial structure, stochasticity, harvesting models, individual-based models, and population viability analysis. The course combines lectures, discussions, and hands-on model development. Students taking this course should have already completed MATH 130 or 135 or equivalent, BIOL 342 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms. Brault

BIOL 642
Biogeography

This course is a study of the distribution of organisms. in space and time. It focuses on comparative and experimental tests of island biogeographic theory; the significance of spatial and temporal scale; the roles of dispersal and vicariance; phylogenetic implications; geographic patterns of species diversity in marine and terrestrial ecosystems.; contemporary analytical methods; mass extinctions and the fossil record; historical biogeography; macroecology; and the importance of biogeography for understanding conservation strategies and the global biodiversity crisis. The course is conducted in seminar format with student discussions. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 342
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
Mr. Rex

BIOL 643
The Behavior and Ecology of Seabirds

This course examines the adaptations of seabirds to the marine environment, with particular reference to breeding biology and feeding strategies; other topics of current interest in behavioral ecology. The course includes lectures or lectures and field work.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 2-5 Credits
Mr. Hatch

BIOL 644
Bioinformatics for Molecular Biologists

The research of molecular biologists is facilitated by the numerous bioinformatics tools available on the Internet.  Course topics include DNA and protein sequence data-bases, sequence alignment, searching databases, gene structure, protein-function prediction, molecular evolution, and whole genome sequences. The laboratory emphasizes hands-on experience and problem solving, and how to avoid being misled by errors in databases and improper use of computer programs.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 645
Ecological and Evolutionary Aspects of Plant-Animal Interactions

Coevolution of plants and animals is examined in an ecological context. Interactions to be examined include pollination, seed predation, herbivory, and grazing. Topics of discussion include the role of these interactions in the regulation of community structure. Although the main emphasis is on tropical communities, there is also some discussion of alpine, temperate, and desert communities. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 290 or equivalent and 342 or 352 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Bawa

BIOL 646
Pollutants in Marine Food Chains

This course is an in-depth examination of the entry of selected pollutants into the oceans, their movements, distribution, and effects within marine organisms. Where possible, case studies from New England are used. Students taking this course should have already completed CHEM 253, BIOL 210, BIOL 342, or equivalent.

BIOL 650
Scientific Communication

This course covers the storage and retrieval of scientific information (including searching of computerized databases), the design of tables, figures, and other graphics, the writing of technical reports and papers, and the preparation of posters and publications. Writing, oral presentations, and other assignments, as well as attendance at the weekly departmental seminar, are required. This course is required of all biology master’s and doctoral students and is usually taken in the second year.
Prerequisite: Matriculation in a biology program at either the master’s or the doctoral level.
3 Credits

BIOL 652
Biological Diversity and Evolution

This course is an inquiry into the origin and evolution of patterns of biological diversity. It begins with an overview of the biogeochemical history of the Earth, theories of origin of life, diversification of metazoans during the Panerozoic, and the nature and causes of periodic mass extinction events. Biological diversity is considered at molecular, population, and community levels. This course counts toward the required core in the Environmental Biology PhD track. (Course offered in the fall only.)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Etter, Mr. Rex

BIOL 653
Current Literature in Biology

This course is a series of one-credit seminar courses focusing on sub fields of environmental biology to help students develop the habit of keeping up with recent developments through reading scientific journals. The seminars also provide a forum for oral presentations where students can get comment and critique on their scientific progress. Students must take a minimum of five seminars, for a total of five credits. This course is part of the required core in both the Environmental Biology and MCOB PhD tracks.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 1 Credit

BIOL 658L (EEOS 658L)
Environmental Physiology

This is a discussion course exploring in detail the mechanisms. by which organisms. adapt to their environment and highlighting the interplay among cellular function, physiological function, and the ecology of the organism. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 210 or 212 or equivalent, and BIOL 337 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 662
Photobiology

This course studies the photochemical reactions that occur in biological systems. Major topic areas are properties of light energy, utilization of light energy by photosynthetic organisms., mechanism of visual transduction, and photochemical triggering mechanisms. for developmental processes.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

Mr. Hagar
BIOL 664

Computer Analysis of DNA and Protein Sequences

This is a lecture and laboratory course focusing on the use of computers to predict the structure of RNA and protein, to search DNA and protein sequence databases, to align protein and DNA sequences, to deduce the structure and mechanism of regulation of a gene from DNA sequences, to design cloning strategies, and to choose oligonucleotide primers for DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reactions. The course emphasizes the significance and limitations of computer analyses in biological research. Students taking this course should have already completed an advanced undergraduate course or a graduate course in molecular genetics (BIOL 370 or equivalent, BIOL 675, or BIOL 626).
1 1/2 Lect Hrs, 3 Disc Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Kleene

BIOL 666
Mammalian Toxicology

This course provides a background in principles of toxicology in mammalian systems. It is an alternative to Environmental Toxicology, EEOS 635, as a core requirement for the Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Biology doctoral track. Coverage includes: basic concepts of poisons and their commonalities with drugs and hormones; toxicant exposure routes, uptake, sites and mechanisms. of action, storage, metabolism, activation, and clearance; toxicant roles in carcinogenesis, development, endocrine, and reproductive functions; roles of diet, lifestyle, and concurrent exposures; methods of toxicant evaluation emphasizing multigeneration and high-throughput testing; and environmental and medical implications of toxicant/toxin expores on individual and ecological health. Students taking this course should have already completed general chemistry and organic chemistry, general biology and one advanced course in cell biology, biochemistry, or physiology.
3 Credits
Mr. Campbell

BIOL 668
Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology

This is a laboratory and seminar course on selected aspects of endocrinology, emphasizing laboratory investigations of such topics of current interest in endocrinology as molecular control of the synthesis of hormones, complete elucidations of the mechanisms. of hormone action, and methods of modulating fertility and development. Students taking this course should have already completed CHEM 253, BIOL 317, or BIOCHM 383 or equivalent.
2 Lect-Seminar Hrs, 6 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Mr. Campbell

BIOL 670
Tissue Culture

This is a seminar and laboratory course on the principles and methods of culturing cells, tissues, and organs of animals and plants. Topics include growth factors, differentiation and morphogenesis in vitro, cell cloning, protoplast fusion, and the production of hybridomas for monoclonal antibodies. Students also apply tissue culture methods to individual research projects. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 313 or equivalent.
2 Sem Hrs, 6 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Ms. Davis, Mr. Kleene

BIOL 672-673
Directed Readings in Biology

This course provides selected readings in advanced areas of biology with guidance and regular discussion.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-3 Credits

BIOL 674
Cell Signaling

This course will systematically investigate cell communication mechanisms., with an emphasis on developmental examples of cell signaling. General properties of signaling cascades will be discussed, followed by specific examples of conserved signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, TGF/BMP, JAK/STAT, nuclear receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Normal and aberrant receptor signaling will be examined using experimental evidence obtained in model genetic organisms. Implications of disrupting cell communication pathways in human disease will be discussed. The course will emphasize readings from the current literature. Upon completion of this course, students will have a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms. and control principles of cellular communication in normal and pathological conditions.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 675
Advanced Molecular Biology

This is a lecture and laboratory course covering the biosynthesis and regulation of RNA, DNA, and proteins in eukaryotic organisms. The course examines the importance of gene regulation in oncogenesis, levels of gene expression, and development, as well as regulation by structure and function (chromosome structure and translational regulation); basic research techniques; and current recombinant DNA methodology. Please note: Labs meet every other week, for a total of seven hours every two weeks. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 370 or 372 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 1/2 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Kleene

BIOL 676
Advanced Molecular Biology Lecture

This is a lecture-only course covering the same material as BIOL 675; no lab work is required. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 370 or 372 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 677
Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics

This course provides a broad spectrum of readings in plant, animal, and fungal genetics on such topics as segregation distortion, the control of sex determination, modes of asexual reproduction, inheritance of cytoplasmic genomes, self-incompatibility systems., transposable elements, and genetic mapping. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 252 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Kesseli

BIOL 678
Protein Chemistry and Enzymology

This is a lecture and laboratory course on various aspects of protein chemistry and enzymology. Emphasis is on purification, characterization, structure, function, mechanism of action, kinetics, and regulatory aspects of enzymes. Topics also include the practical and theoretical aspects of affinity chromatography and other separation techniques, immobilization of enzymes and other biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, and the analytical and industrial use of soluble and insoluble enzymes. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOCHM 383 and BIOL 372 or equivalents.
3 Lect Hrs, 6 Lab Hrs, 5 Credits
Mr. Sugumaran

BIOL 679
Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture

This is a lecture-only course covering the same material as BIOL 678; no lab work is required. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOCHM 383 and BIOL 372 or equivalents.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr. Sugumaran

BIOL 680L / CHEM 680L
Physical Biochemistry

This course serves as an introduction to analytical methods and instrumentation available to the interdisciplinary scientist. While no course can be comprehensive in this field, this course will examine a broad base of analytical methods through introductory theory and will highlight applications and recent developments in these methods through current primary literature.

BIOL 685
Biomedical Tracers

This is a seminar and laboratory course describing the types and uses of physical tracers in the biomedical sciences. It covers theory and application of various tracers (immunoglobins, radioisotopes, lectins, enzymes, chromogen labels, spin labels, heavy isotopes, and particles), instrumentation for their detection, and general methods. The laboratory includes demonstrations and short projects chosen by the students and the instructor. Students taking this course should have already completed CHEM 253, and BIOCHM 383 (or BIOL 317 or 319) or equivalents.
2 Lect-Seminar Hrs, 6 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Mr. Campbell

BIOL 690
Advanced Ethology

This course is an in-depth examination of topics in the biological study of behavior-ethology with particular reference to communication and the evolution of social behavior. The course includes lecture-discussions, occasional lab exercises and field trips. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 348 or equivalent.
Prerequisites: Graduate or senior standing; and permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
Mr. Hatch

BIOL 691
Seminar in Developmental Biology

This course examines current problems. in developmental biology. Topics include molecular and cellular differentiation and pattern determination. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 312 or 314 or equivalent.
3 Sem-Disc Hrs, 3 Credits

BIOL 692
Advanced Physiology

This course examines in-depth experimental studies of two or three selected areas of organismal and cellular physiology, focusing on sensory and nervous systems. and membrane transport. Provisions will be made for independent projects during the course. The course includes one weekly seminar plus one weekly lab meeting. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 337, BIOCHM 383, and PHYSIC 107 or equivalents.
1 Sem Hr, 3-4 Lab Hrs, 3-4 Credits

BIOL 693
Seminar in Neurobiology

This course provides a discussion of current literature in neuropharmacology and drug and behavior interactions. The course is a combination of lectures and student presentations. Students taking this course should have already completed BIOL 316 or 318 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms. Pollack

BIOL 697
Special Topics in Biology

A field of current interest in biology is examined in detail.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-6 Credits

BIOL 698
Projects in Biology

This course consists of a substantial written report based on library research or an original project such as curriculum design, design of teaching aids and exercises, or critique of a book or theory. No more than 6 credits of this course may be applied to the master’s degree. The credits may be applied over more than one semester. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 698 and BIOL 699.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-6 Credits

BIOL 699
Thesis Research

This course consists of substantial laboratory or field research resulting in a master’s thesis. No more than 10 credits of this course may be applied to the master’s degree. The credit may be applied over more than one semester. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 698 and BIOL 699.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-10 Credits

BIOL 720
Cell Ultrastructure

This course examines concepts of cell ultrastructure and methods of electron microscopy.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3-5 Credits

BIOL 899
Dissertation Research

This course consists of research conducted under Biology Department faculty supervision and leading to the presentation of a doctoral dissertation in biology for students in the Environmental Biology or Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Biology tracks of the PhD program.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.