Biology Department

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  Biology Course Descriptions

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+BIOL 101. Principles of Biology 4 credits
Introduction to the science of biology including genetics, evolution, ecology, molecular biology, with special reference to human biology. Lecture and laboratory. For non-majors.

+BIOL 103. General Biology I 4 credits
Introductory course required of all biology majors. Basic principles of biology, including molecular and cell biology, genetics, evolution and origin of life. Lecture and laboratory. Lab focuses on experimental design. Prerequisite: High school chemistry. Co-requisite: MATH 151 or equivalent.

BIOL 104. General Biology II 4 credits
Continuation of General Biology I. Survey of plant and animal biology, and ecology. Required of all biology majors. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, MATH 151 or equivalent.

+BIOL 106. Human Genetics 3 credits
Introduction to genetic principles and their application to human biology and society. Discussions of human genetic disease, medical genetic technology, biotechnology and genetic engineering. For non-science majors and nursing students.

+BIOL 107. Plants and Civilization 3 credits
The use of plants by humans from botanical, economic and cultural perspectives. For non-science majors.

+BIOL 109. Environmental Science 4 credits
Application of basic ecological principles to human environment, including current and future energy sources, population growth and control, pollution, and world food supply. Lecture and laboratory. For non-science majors.

+BIOL 110. Natural History for Poets 3 credits
Students learn local flora and fauna as a tool for understanding basic ecological principles. Lecture and field study. For non-science majors.

BIOL 150. Career Orientation in the Biological Sciences 1 credit
Survey of careers in the sciences, particularly biological sciences and allied health science professions. Weekly discussions with practicing scientists and health professionals. Introduction to career decisions, opportunities, and development. Pass/No Pass only. Offered spring semester.

BIOL 202. Human Anatomy and Physiology 4 credits
Systems-based introduction to the human body with study of both normal structure and functioning of all human organ systems. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: One of BIOL 101, 103, CHEM 101, 103 or 105.

BIOL 203. Cadaver Dissection Lab 1 credit
A regional approach to anatomy utilizing human anatomical specimens (cadavers). Students gain knowledge of human anatomy and dissection experience. Competitive enrollment. Applications are available from instructor and are due in February. Pass/No Pass course. Co-requisite: BIOL 202. Offered fall semester.

BIOL 204. Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology 4 credits
Regional-based study of the human body with an emphasis on certain significant regions. A more detailed examination of some bodily systems than in BIOL 202. Survey of clinical applications of some injuries/diseases. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 202.

BIOL 211. Microbiology 4 credits
Taxonomy, physiology and genetics of microorganisms. Isolation, culturing and observation of bacteria. Role of bacteria in infection and immunity. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104; CHEM 105.

BIOL 221. Invertebrate Zoology 4 credits
Phylogenetic study of invertebrate animals, emphasizing functional morphology and systematics. Laboratory includes dissection and study of representative types. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104.

BIOL 231. Vertebrate Zoology 4 credits
Survey of the natural history and evolution of vertebrates including discussion of major extinct groups. Laboratory includes study of structure of representative vertebrates and experimental work with vertebrate animals. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104.

BIOL 241. Plant Taxonomy 4 credits
Principles of plant classification. Identification of Midwest vascular flora. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104.

WI-BIOL 300. Biological Literature and Communication 3 credits
Introduction to literature searching, critical reading and scientific writing in the biological sciences. Required for biology majors. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing, a C or better in ENGL 101, BIOL 103, 104.

BIOL 301. Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
Introduction to principles of cell structure and function with emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Laboratory focuses on current techniques in cell and molecular biology. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 104; CHEM 106, 207, 209; MATH 151 or equivalent.

BIOL 302. Embryology 4 credits
Study of early development of animals, with particular emphasis on amphibian, avian, mammalian and human development. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104.

BIOL 303. Genetics 4 credits
Principles of heredity including classical and molecular genetics. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104; CHEM 105; MATH 151 or equivalent.

BIOL 304. Animal Histology 4 credits
Microscopic study of tissues and organs including laboratory techniques involved in preparation of slides. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104.

WI-BIOL 307. Ecology 4 credits
Principles involved in the interaction of naturally occurring populations of plants and animals with their physical and biological environments. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104; CHEM 105; MATH 151 or equivalent; SSCI 213.

BIOL 310. Midwestern Ecosystems 3 credits
A field-oriented examination of regional ecosystems and how they have changed through geological and historical time. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104.

BIOL 314. Animal Physiology 4 credits
Study of mechanisms of animal function. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104; CHEM 105, 106, 207, 209; MATH 151 or equivalent.

BIOL 316. Toxicology 3 credits
Introduction to nomenclature, principles, and scope of toxicology. The fate and effects of both organic and inorganic toxicants in the environment, in animals and in various test systems. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104; CHEM 105, 106. (Same as ENVR 316)

BIOL 321. Special Topics in Field Biology and Ecology 2–3 credits
Extended field investigations of major North American biomes. Two-week field trip required.This has been offered as Desert Biology, Forest Biology, and Mountain Biology. New in 2006 will be Tropical Biology.
Prerequisites: One semester of college-level biology and permission of instructor.

BIOL 323. Special Topics 2–3 credits
Investigation of selected biology sub-disciplines not treated in the department’s regular offerings.

BIOL 330. Recombinant DNA Techniques 4 credits
Instruction and experience in the manipulation and study of genetic material. Introduction to some instruments and techniques used in a modern molecular biology laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104, or instructor permission.

BIOL 348. Evolution 3 credits
Introduction to theory of organic evolution including discussion of mechanisms of evolutionary change and the history of life. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

BIOL 399. Internship in Biology 2–5 credits
Work experience with professional supervision in any field of biology or its allied health professions. Prerequisites: Junior standing in biology and consent of the internship director.

BIOL 401, 402. Biological Research 1 - 3 credits
Investigation of specific research problem. Prerequisites: Consent of advisor and instructor.

BIOL 500. Human Gross Anatomy 5 credits
A regional-based study of the human body involving cadaver dissection. Students will apply knowledge of anatomy to clinical practice. Some discussion of embryonic development and how it relates to adult anatomy will also occur. Prerequisites: BIOL 202, 204; acceptance into the MPT Program or permission of instructor.


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