1. THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES. 4 hrs. (for non-Majors) A survey course exploring principles and current topics in the biological sciences - origin of life; representatives of the biological kingdoms; structure and function of cells; ecology; genetics; evolution; bioethics. Applications of critical thinking in solving biological problems. With laboratory.
8. INTRODUCTION TO BOTANY. 4 hrs. Broad introduction to the disciplines in the science of plant biology including - morphology, anatomy, physiology, evolution, taxonomy, ecology, and ethnobotany. Lecture, laboratory, field trips, term paper. Offered spring semester in even numbered years.
12. GENERAL AND PRE-PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGY
I. 4 hrs. Ecology, evolution and the physiology of animals. The labs, which focus on
content covered in the lectures, will incorporate the process of inquiry through
active learning and the scientific method. Students will have repeated
opportunities in the inquiry-based laboratories to develop and test hypotheses,
analytically explore the natural world, collect, analyze, and formally present
data. No prereq.
13. GENERAL AND PRE-PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGY
II. 4 hrs. Cell biology, heredity, biological diversity, and the structure of plants and
animals. The labs, which focus on content covered in the lectures, will
incorporate the process of inquiry through active learning and the scientific
method. Students will have repeated opportunities in the inquiry-based
laboratories to develop and test hypotheses, analytically explore the natural
world, collect, analyze, and formally present data. No prereq.
15. INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY. 1 hr. Readings, discussions, and projects in selected areas of biology. For first-year biology students or interested open-enrolled first-year students.
18. INTRO ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY. 4 hrs. Vertebrate anatomical structure and function, including evolutionary events leading to certain structures including diseases and anomalies resulting from failure of certain structures. With laboratory.
21. SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY. 1-3 hrs. Selected topics developed by biology faculty and cross listed with First-Year Seminars for entering first-year students.
24. FIELD ORNITHOLOGY. 2 hrs. Recognition of local bird species by sight and sound; study of basic avian biology including flight migration and mating systems; techniques of standard field censuses and banding operations associated with bird conservation. No prereqs.
61. NATURAL HISTORY PHOTOGRAPHY. 2 hrs. Basic to intermediate instruction in the application of photography to natural landscapes, flora and fauna. Emphasis is on making artistic images in the field using three principles that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of an image-content, technique, and composition. Major topics include the basics of 35mm SLR cameras and lenses, film image size, depth of field, and plant, animal and landscape photography. Students should have access to a 35mm SLR camera and at least one lens. No previous experience needed. Lectures, field trip, slide submissions. Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years.
95. PRINCIPLES OF MICROBIOLOGY. 3 hrs. Structure and function of microorganisms with emphasis on human pathogens. Prereq: BIO 11 and CHEM 107 or instructor permission. Intended for pre-pharmacy students.
99. BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH & STATISTICAL METHODS. 3 hrs. Introduction to research methods used in the biological sciences including hypothesis formation, research design, ethics in research, scientific integrity, data collection, probability, and confidence intervals, statistical analyses, inference and interpretation, and preparation of research papers. Lectures and project required. Prereq: BIO 1 or BIO 2 or BIO 11 or BIO 12 or consent of instructor.
101. COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF VERTEBRATES. 4 hrs. Principles and evolution of vertebrate structure including the human. A comparative study of laboratory forms including amphioxus, elasmobranchs, cat and other mammals. Prereq: BIO 2 or BIO 12.
103. MICROBIOLOGY. 5 hrs. The characteristics of microorganisms with special emphasis on the pathogens and immunology; with laboratory. Pre-req: BIO 12 or equivalent. Organic chemistry recommended.
105. INTRO TO GENETICS. 3 hrs. The principles of heredity and their theoretical and practical applications. Prereq: BIO 12 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Organic chemistry recommended.
106. RESEARCH IN GENETICS. 3 hrs. Inquiry-based course designed to expose students to using scientific methods to solve a biological problem involving yeast as a genetics model organism. Students will have the opportunity to design and conduct experiments, collect and interpret data, and formally present their findings. While engaged in a research project, students will learn a variety of technical skills in classical and molecular genetics. Given the research project nature of this laboratory, students will be required to spend some time outside of class to maintain experiments. Prerequisite: BIO 105.
108. EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 2 hrs. A study of selected foreign microorganisms, emerging or reemerging, which may be introduced into susceptible populations initiating disease outbreaks or epidemics. Readings, discussion and reports. Prereq.: A previous course in Microbiology.
110. IOWA NATURAL HISTORY. 2 hrs. A survey of the natural history and biodiversity of Iowa and the midwest with emphasis on conservation principles and ideology. Examination of geology, landscape history, and ecology for the protection of endangered species and communities. Extended overnight field trips. Offered alternate spring interim periods.
117. ECOLOGY. 3 hrs. An introduction to the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment, or more specifically, the distribution and abundance of organisms, particularly plant, animal, and fungi species. Emphasis on the physical environment, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems and biomes. Lecture, optional field trips. Prereq.: BIO 1 or 11 or equivalent. (BIO 118 - Ecology laboratory may be taken concurrently.)
118. ECOLOGY LABORATORY. 1 hr. Techniques of ecological study in the field and laboratory. Emphasis on the collection, analysis and interpretation of ecological data. Field trips, research paper. Offered fall semester. Prereq.: BIO 117 or concurrent enrollment.
119. HERPETOLOGY. 2 hrs, 3 hrs. with lab. A survey of reptiles, with special attention toward taxonomy, ecology and behavior of reptiles and amphibians of Iowa. Prereq.: BIO 2 or 12 or equivalent.
120. ECOSYSTEM ECOLOGY. 4 hrs. Ecological processes and dynamics associated with grasslands, forests, and wetlands. Detailed examination of soil, climate, fire, microclimate, disturbance regimes and species interactions. Emphasis relevant to management and ecological restoration. Lecture, lab, field trips, presentation. Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years. Prereq: BIO 118.
121. PARASITOLOGY. 4 hrs. Organisms of medical importance; life cycles; host-parasite relationships. Prereq.: BIO 1 or 11 or equivalent.
122. MAMMALOGY. 2 hrs, 3 hrs. with lab. A survey of mammals with special attention directed toward taxonomy, ecology and behavior of mammals of Iowa. Prereq.: BIO 1 or BIO 2 or BIO 11 or BIO 12 or equivalent.
123. BIOLOGY OF INVERTEBRATES. 4 hrs. Comparative anatomy with biological principles of invertebrates. Prereq.: BIO 11 or 12 or equivalent.
125. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY. 4 hrs. Application of ecological theory to managing Earth's biodiversity. Includes consideration of ethical and political frameworks, definitions or species, population genetics, landscape ecology, design of parks and preserves, ecology, and sustainable development. Features case study approach, student-led discussions of primary literature, lab and field experiences including a required weekend trip. Prereqs: BIO 2 or 12, BIO 117-188, or consent of instructor. Cross-listed with ENSP 125.
126. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY. 4 hrs. The development of organisms with special reference to vertebrates and humans; formation of germ cells, fertilization, differentiation, development of organs and systems with emphasis on molecular concepts. Prereq.: BIO 105 or BIO 165, or BIO 185 or equivalent or consent of instructor.
128. PHYSIOLOGY. 4 hrs. Principles of modern medical physiology. Emphasis is on the integration of physiological systems including mechanisms of fundamental principles progressing from molecular events to cellular, organ and system levels. Prereq.: BIO 11 and 12 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Organic chemistry recommended. Intended for pre-pharmacy students.
129. MAMMALIAN PHYSIOLOGY. 5 hrs. A laboratory-based course in mammalian physiology. Emphasis on the integration of physiological systems including mechanisms of fundamental principles progressing from molecular events to cellular, organ, and system levels. Laboratory exercises feature inquiry-based learning. Prereq.: (BIO 1 and BIO 2) or (BIO 11 and BIO 12) or equivalent. Cell biology and organic chemistry recommended.
138. HISTORY OF BIOLOGY. 3 hrs. A survey of the events that have led to the development of biology as a science, with in-depth discussions of order, timing, and chronology of discoveries in biology. No prereq.
152. FIELD BOTANY. 3 hrs. General principles of plant taxonomy and plant ecology. Emphasis on classification and nomenclature, botanical terminology, recognition of plant families, use of plant keys, Iowa plant species identification and ecology and plant collecting and voucher preparation. Lecture, lab, field trips. One weekend field trip required. Offered spring semester of alternating years. Prereq: BIO 1 or 11 or equivalent.
156. BIOLOGY SHORT COURSE. 1 hr. Specialized topics in biology for short periods of time during the semester. Course title and program to be assigned.
165. CELL BIOLOGY. 4 hrs. A comprehensive introduction to molecular cell biology with an emphasis on applications to biology and medicine. Basic structure and chemistry of cells, protein-targeting, cellular signaling, the cytoskeleton, and the cell cycle. Prereq.: BIO 12 or equivalent.
167. POPULATION & COMMUNITY ECOLOGY. 4 hrs. Principles of population growth, cycles, genetics and regulation. Examination of emerging theories regarding the interaction and assembly of plant and animal populations into ecological communities. Field studies and computer modeling are used to examine behavioral ecology, spatial dispersion, demography, life histories, competition and predation. Application of theory and principles to complex environmental problems such as pest management, viability analysis, and the spread of infectious diseases. Lecture, lab, field trips, research project and paper. Offered spring semester of even-numbered years. Prereq: BIO 118; STAT 060 or BIO 099.
168. LIMNOLOGY. 3 hrs. Study of inland waters: the biological, physical, chemical and geological characteristics of lakes, streams, and reservoirs. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Prereq.: BIO 11 or equivalent and CHEM 1.
176. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY. 3 hrs. The physiology of excitable cells with emphasis on cellular mechanisms, synaptic integration, signal processing, and sensory/motor interactions in nervous systems. Computer simulations and hands-on experience with stimulating and recording in live systems. With laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 11 and 12 or equivalent or consent of instructor.
181. INTRODUCTION TO VIROLOGY. 2 hrs. Virus structure and function, growth characteristics with emphasis on viruses of humans. Prereq.: BIO 103.
182. IMMUNOLOGY. 3 hrs. Principles and concepts of immunology; characteristics of antigens and antibodies; antibody reactions; hypersensi- tivity; discussions of immune response with applications to biology and humans. Prereq.: BIO 103.
183. IMMUNOLOGY LABORATORY. 2 hrs. Techniques of animal care and inoculation; immunization procedures; antigen-antibody tests; hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis. Prereq.: BIO 182 or concurrent enrollment.
185. HUMAN GENETICS. 2 hrs. Principles and concepts of inheritance in humans with special reference to medical genetics. Prereq.: BIO 105 and MATH 20. Organic chemistry recommended.
186. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. 3 hrs. Introduction to principles, practice, and applications of modern molecular biology. Chemistry of informational macromolecules, mechanism regulation and integration of informational processes in the cell; application to basic biology and medicine. Implications for society. Prereq.: BIO 165 or consent of instructor. Crosslisted with CHEM 134.
187. MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY LABORATORY. 2 hr. Introduction to the methods and practice of molecular cell biology, with an emphasis on the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students carry out an independent research project in molecular cell biology, culminating in a formal paper and presentation. Prereqs.: BIO 165 or CHEM 130 or BCMB 130 or (BIO 186 or CHEM 134).
188. STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY. 2 hrs. Introduction to the principles, methods and applications of structural biology -- a discipline that seeks to relate molecular form to biological function. An analysis of molecular structure and biological function in relationship to the molecular biology of the cell, and an exploration of the applications of this understanding. Practical experience in the use of sequence analysis and molecular graphics computer programs as applied to structural problems in cellular and molecular biology. Prereq.: BIO 165 or CHEM 130 or consent of instructor. Cross-listed with CHEM 136.
189. REGULATORY BIOLOGY. 2 hrs. Principles of cellular regulation as illustrated by the molecular biology of the cell cycle and programmed cell death. Prereq.: One of the following - BIO 165, BIO 186, or CHEM 132 or consent of instructor.
191-192. SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY. 1 hr. Professional and student presentations in a seminar format.
193. SENIOR LABORATORY ASSISTANT. 2 hrs. Directed laboratory experience in laboratory instruction.
195. ADVANCED MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES LABORATORY. 3 hrs. A biochemistry, cellular/molecular biology capstone, interdisciplinary course that involves students in laboratory research problems. A structured course to mimic the processes used by practicing scientists as they conduct research. Students develop effective experimental and effective communication skills. Prereq.: CHEM 130 or BIO 165. Does not count as senior capstone experience for biology majors. Cross-listed with CHEM 137. Does not count as senior capstone experience for biology majors.
197. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH. 1-3 hrs.
Supervised undergraduate research in biology. Prereq.: Sophomore standing and
consent of instructor.
198. SELECTED TOPICS IN BIOLOGY. 1-3
hrs. Advanced discussions and readings. Prereq.: Consent
of instructor.
199. SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE. 3 hrs. Topics will vary in different semesters and will focus on the unifying theme of evolution. Students will complete an instructor-approved project requiring analysis and synthesis of a problem involving biological principles pertaining to the course topic. This project will culminate with a written document and an oral presentation of the chosen project. This course is required for completion of the biology major. Prereq.: Enrollment restricted to biology majors with senior standing. Offered fall and spring semesters.