116 Ackert Hall
785-532-6615
Fax: 785-532-6653
drintoul@ksu.edu
http://www.ksu.edu/biology/

Director:

Brian S. Spooner

Director of graduate studies:

David A. Rintoul

Graduate faculty:

*Katsura Asano, Ph.D., University of Tokyo, Japan
*Alexander E. Beeser, Ph.D., University of Tennessee
*John M. Blair, Ph.D., University of Georgia
Daniel L. Boyle, Ph.D., University of Louisville
*W. Alice Boyle, Ph.D., University of Arizona
*John M. Briggs, Ph.D., University of Arkansas
*Susan A. Brown, Ph.D., University of Missouri
*Stephen Keith Chapes, Ph.D., University of Illinois
*Rollie J. Clem, Ph.D., University of Georgia
Joseph Craine, Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley
*Jack F. Cully, Jr., Ph.D., University of New Mexico
*Robin E. Denell, Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin
*Walter K. Dodds, Ph.D., University of Oregon
*Carolyn Ferguson, Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin
*Sherry D. Fleming, Ph.D., University of Colorado
*Keith B. Gido, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma
*Revathi Govind, Ph.D., Texas Tech University
*James A. Guikema, Ph.D., University of Michigan
*David C. Hartnett, Ph.D., University of Illinois
*David A. Haukos, Ph.D., Texas Tech University
*Michael A. Herman, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Andrew Hope, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Eva A. Horne, Ph.D., Kansas State University
*Anthony Joern, Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin
*Loretta C. Johnson, Ph.D., University of Connecticut
*Ari Jumpponen, Ph.D., Oregon State University
*Donald W. Kaufman, Ph.D., University of Georgia
*Stella Yu-Chien Lee, Ph.D., Dalhousie University, Canada
*Martha Mather, Ph.D., Ohio State University
Mark H. Mayfield, Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin
*Kristin Michel, Ph.D., University of California Riverside
*Beth A. Montelone, Ph.D., University of Rochester
*Jesse Nippert, Ph.D., Colorado State University
*Bradley Olson, Ph.D., Michigan State University
*A. Lorena Passarelli, Ph.D., University of Georgia
*Craig Paukert, (Adjunct), Ph.D., South Dakota State University
*David A. Rintoul, Ph.D., Stanford University
*Jeroen Roelofs, Ph.D., University of Groningen
*Stefan Rothenburg, Ph.D., University of Hamburg, Germany
*Brett K. Sandercock, Ph.D., Queen’s University and Simon Fraser University
*Kathrin Schrick, Ph.D., University of Washington, Seattle
Bruce Snyder, Ph.D., University of Georgia
*Brian S. Spooner, Ph.D., Temple University
Loubna Tazi, Ph.D., Montpellier II University
*Michael Tobler, Dr. Sci. Nat., University of Zurich
*Ronald W. Trewyn, Ph.D., Oregon State University
*Mark Ungerer, Ph.D., Indiana University
Govindsamy Vediyappan, Ph.D., University of Madras, India
*Michael Veeman, Ph.D., University of Washington
*Ruth Welti, Ph.D., Washington University in St. Louis
*Kimberly A. With, Ph.D., Colorado State University
*Peter P. Wong, Ph.D., Oregon State University
*Zhilong Yang, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lydia Zeglin, Ph.D., University of New Mexico

*Denotes graduate faculty that are certified to serve as the major professor for doctoral students.

Graduate Faculty Associate:

Richard Lanctot, Ph.D., Carleton University
David Propst, Biology, Ph.D., Colorado State University
Mindy Rice, Ph.D., Texas Tech University

Program overview

The Division of Biology offers a master of science degree in biology, and doctor of philosophy degrees in biology and microbiology. The graduate faculty members are committed to a vigorous research and instructional program.

Biology and microbiology are very broad disciplines, so the faculty members in the Division of Biology are also affiliated with one or more areas of interest (sections) to encourage faculty members to interact with others, and to develop and sustain curricular initiatives in more specific research areas. These sections are:

Genetics, cell, and developmental biology
Asano, Beeser, D. Boyle, Brown, Clem, Denell, Herman, Lee, Michel, Montelone, Morgan, Olson, Passarelli, Rintoul, Roelofs, Schrick, Spooner, Ungerer, Veeman, Welti, Yang

Microbiology and immunology
Chapes, Dodds, Fleming, Govind, Jumpponen, Rothenburg, Wong, Yang

Ecology and evolutionary biology
Blair, WA Boyle, Briggs, Craine, Cully, Dodds, Ferguson, Gido, Hartnett, Haukos, Horne, Joern, Johnson, Jumpponen, Kaufman, Mather, Mayfield, Morgan, Nippert, Sandercock, Tobler, Ungerer, With, Zeglin

For more detailed information on faculty research interests, see http://www.ksu.edu/biology/directory.html.

Programs

Biology and microbiology are broad and innovative disciplines, and our graduate program reflects both of these characteristics. Our faculty members are research scientists with a breadth and depth of research expertise, and they apply that expertise in their roles as graduate mentors.  The graduate faculty members of the Division of Biology strongly believe that independent research is the preeminent feature of our graduate programs. Research expertise represented within the Division of Biology ranges from studies of cell development and cell signaling, to the influence of grazers and fire with plant and animal communities on the tallgrass prairie. Graduate opportunities are available in all areas of biology, including molecular, cellular and developmental biology; community, ecosystem and landscape ecology; wildlife biology; cancer biology; microbiology; virology; immunology; parasitology; and genetics.

In partnership with a major professor and a supervisory committee, each graduate student develops an individualized program of study, consisting of course work and laboratory or field research. Each program of study is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual student. Unlike more formal curricula with rigid requirements, our flexible approach allows students to pursue their professional goals more efficiently and more effectively. All beginning graduate students are required to take BIOL 863 (Professional Skills in Biology), where they learn about grant-writing, presentation skills, research ethics, effective instructional techniques, and other skills that will be useful to them throughout their careers as professional scientists. This course is the only required course; all other courses are chosen in consultation with the advisory committee. A minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree is required to earn a master of science degree; a minimum of 90 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree is required to earn a doctoral degree. In addition, we require that each student write a thesis or dissertation based on their original research; this work should be of sufficient quality and importance to merit publication in a refereed journal.

Facilities

Graduate research and education takes place primarily in four on-campus sites–Ackert Hall, Bushnell Hall, Chalmers Hall, and Leasure Hall–as well as at the off-campus site of the Konza Prairie Biological Station.

Ackert Hall

Ackert Hall is the main biology facility, containing 130,000 square feet of research and instructional space. Ackert Hall provides modern, well-equipped laboratories for teaching and research, and, contains the Division offices, a rooftop greenhouse, an electronics shop, a research supply storeroom, and animal care facilities. Equipment available for research includes ultracentrifuges, growth chambers, a research microscope facility (with confocal and transmission electron microscope plus image processing capabilities), mass spectroscopy facilities, and many other research and support equipment items that are required for a modern biology research program. Research labs overseen by faculty members in all three of our sections (see above) can be found in Ackert Hall.

Bushnell Hall

Graduate faculty members with an interest in ecological studies have offices and laboratory space in Bushnell Hall. Included in this building are the herbarium, environmental chambers, dark rooms, analytical laboratories, and tanks for fish culture ranging from 100- to 2,000-liter capacity. Extensive computing and imaging facilities support the climatologic and remote sensing activities.

Chalmers Hall

Chalmers Hall was completed in November 2002 and is adjacent to Ackert Hall. This modern facility houses ten Division of Biology faculty and research programs in 12,300 square feet on the second floor of the building. Faculty members with laboratories in Chalmers Hall have research interests in developmental biology, immunology, virology, bioinformatics, ecological genomics, and vector biology.

Leasure Hall

Leasure Hall houses the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. This unit is a partnership of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Kansas State University, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the Wildlife Management Institute. Two U.S. Department of the Interior employees, with appointments as Division of Biology adjunct graduate faculty members, oversee fisheries and wildlife research programs as part of their duties in the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

Konza Prairie Biological Station

The Konza Prairie Biological Station is located only a few miles south of the main KSU campus, allowing for ease of access for faculty members and graduate students working there. This station contains approximately 8,616 acres of native tall grass prairie, and has been set aside by the Nature Conservancy as a unique outdoor laboratory for long-term research. This land was purchased with funds provided by Katharine Ordway, and leased to the Division of Biology by the Nature Conservancy. Experimental manipulations of the landscape, involving grazing and/or burning, allow researchers to focus on patterns and processes which might be important in maintenance of the tall grass prairie ecosystem.

Research strengths

The graduate faculty members of the Division of Biology have a proven track record in scientific achievement, and they continue to excel in competition for extramural research funding. Our research programs are funded by the state of Kansas, via support from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and by direct grants to our faculty members from a diverse group of agencies and foundations, including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Interior, the Department of Energy, DOD, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, as well as others. Areas of particular research strength, which provide collaborative research opportunities for our graduate students, include:

Long-Term Ecological Research

The National Science Foundation has supported Division of Biology research activities on the Konza Prairie continuously since 1980. This long-term approach is designed to investigate gradual and subtle changes in microbe, plant and animal diversity and numbers on the tall grass prairie, the impact of human activities on ecosystem productivity, and changes in ecological processes caused by burning and/or grazing.

Kansas Lipidomics Research Center

The Kansas Lipidomics Research Center is a collaborative venture of scientists in the Division of Biology, in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, and at the University of Kansas. The Center performs comprehensive, quantitative profiling of lipid molecular species with high sample throughput, using mass spectrometry and other innovative technologies. Diversity and concentrations of lipid metabolites in genomically altered and physiologically manipulated organisms are investigated in order to identify the functions of genes that encode proteins involved in lipid metabolism. The Center is also dedicated to improving lipid analytical technologies, to promoting collaborative research among lipid scientists, and to providing training opportunities for post doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students. More information is available at http://www.k-state.edu/lipid/lipidomics/.

Ecological Genomics

The Ecological Genomics initiative is an interdisciplinary research enterprise, aimed at exploring the genetic bases for organismal responses to the environment. Students involved in the program engage in a truly multidisciplinary program, working with faculty members in ecology and molecular biology/genetics. These research efforts employ functional genomic techniques to probe the interface between ecology and genetics. More information about the Kansas Ecological Genomics collaborative research groups can be found at http://www.ksu.edu/ecogen/.

Other multi-investigator research initiatives

Information about many other exciting collaborative research efforts can be found at http://www.k-state.edu/biology/interdisciplinary/index.html.

Admission and financial support

For detailed information on admission and financial support, see http://www.k-state.edu/biology/grad/index.html.

Programs

Doctor of Philosophy

• •  Biology (Ph.D.)
• •  Microbiology (Ph.D.)

Master of Science

• •  Biology (M.S.)

Dual Degree

• •  Concurrent B.S./M.S. in Biology

Courses

Biology

• BIOL 500 - Plant Physiology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Detailed consideration of physiological processes of higher plants.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 198 and BIOCH 265 or another course in organic chemistry.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 501 - Plant Physiology Lab

  Credits: (1)
  
  

  Lab related to physiological processes of higher plants.
  
  Note:
  Three hours of lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Concurrent or previous enrollment in BIOL 500.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  

• BIOL 510 - Developmental Biology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Introduction to the stages and mechanisms of embryonic animal development. Integrated approach that includes classic experimental embryology and the genetic and molecular regulation of invertebrate and vertebrate animal development.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture per week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 511 - Developmental Biology Laboratory

  Credits: (1)
  
  Note:
  One three-hour lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 510 or conc. Enrollment.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 513 - Physiological Adaptations of Animals

  Credits: (4)
  
  Integration of physiological mechanisms as the basis for adaptive responses of animals to different environments.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture and three hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 201; and a course in organic chemistry or biochemistry.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 515 - Behavioral Ecology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Study of the social, environmental, genetic, and evolutionary processes that affect animal behavior. Topics include: evolution of social organization, spacing and group behavior, mating systems and parental care, sexual selection, communication, aggression, habitat selection, and foraging. Research project required.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 201.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 520 - Evolution

  Credits: (3)
  
  A study of the theory of evolution including its historical and social implications.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450 or a course in genetics.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 529 - Fundamentals of Ecology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Interdisciplinary examination of organisms and their interaction with the environment, ecosystem structure and function, population ecology and demography, community structure and dynamics, and basic ecological principles and their relevance to contemporary environmental issues.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture per week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 198 and BIOL 210.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 530 - Pathogenic Microbiology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Etiology and descriptions of major infectious diseases of humans within the perspective of host defenses.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and one hour laboratory-demonstration a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 455.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 541 - Cell Biology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Structure and function of cells and subcellular components. A molecular understanding of membranes and cellular physiology will be emphasized.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450 and CHM 350.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring
  
  
• BIOL 542 - Ichthyology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Systematics, morphology, physiology, distribution, and natural history of fishes.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and three hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 201.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 543 - Ornithology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Classification, morphology, physiology, distribution, and natural history of birds.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and three hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 201.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 544 - Mammalogy

  Credits: (3)
  
  Characteristics, evolution, life histories, and ecology of mammals, especially North American game species.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and three hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 201.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 545 - Human Parasitology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Protozoan and helminth parasites of humans with lesser emphasis on ectoparasitic arthropods. Emphasis on life cycles, control, and laboratory diagnosis.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 198.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 546 - Human Parasitology Laboratory

  Credits: (1)
  
  Examination of prepared materials and identification of internal parasites of man.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Conc. enrollment in BIOL 545.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 551 - Taxonomy of Flowering Plants

  Credits: (4)
  
  Morphology, taxonomy, and biogeography of the vascular plants.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and two three-hour labs a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or 210.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 604 - Biology of the Fungi

  Credits: (3)
  
  An introduction to fungal structure, function, physiology, ecology, and genetics. Importance of fungi as disease organisms, as saprotrophs, and in industry. Techniques of isolation, cultivation, and as experimental organisms.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and two hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 198 or 210.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 609 - Cellular and Molecular Biology of Human Diseases

  Credits: (3)
  
  Fundamental basis of the major common non-infectious diseases and disorders affecting our society, with emphasis on the biochemical and molecular biological mechanisms by which the structures and functions of specific human tissues, organs and systems are altered.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture per week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450 and BIOCH 521.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 612 - Freshwater Ecology

  Credits: (4)
  
  Basic ecological principles of aquatic environments and environmental applications. Plants and animals of local streams, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs are used to demonstrate the interaction of biological processes with the chemical and physical features of natural aquatic environments.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture, three hours lab a week; two optional weekend field trips.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and CHM 110 or 210.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, even years
  
  
• BIOL 622 - Cellular and Developmental Biology of the Nervous System

  Credits: (3)
  
  Introduction to the evolution, development, and functional organization of nervous systems in vertebrates and some invertebrates.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Two courses in Biology.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 625 - Animal Parasitology

  Credits: (4)
  
  Biology and pathology of the principal protozoan, helminth, and arthropod parasites of domestic animals and wildlife.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture and two hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 198 and junior standing.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 632 - Ecology Laboratory

  Credits: (1)
  
  Laboratory and field experiences with ecological problems.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: STAT 340 or equiv.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 640 - Population Biology

  Credits: (3)
  
  An introduction to the theories of quantitative population biology including dynamics, demography and genetics. Emphasis on spatio-temporal variation within and among populations and species.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450 and 529 and STAT 340.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 642 - Principles of Conservation Biology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Biological diversity and the factors contributing to loss of biodiversity. Scientific principles of biological conservation emphasizing the application of ecological theory and population genetics to the conservation of threatened populations, species and ecosystems.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture per week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450 and 529.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 670 - Immunology

  Credits: (4)
  
  Chemical, genetic, and biological properties of the immune response, acquired immunity, and antibody production.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Two courses in biology; and a course in biochemistry or equiv.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 671 - Immunology Lab

  Credits: (2)
  
  Laboratory exercises in immunology.
  
  Note:
  Three-hour lab a week plus one hour recitation
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 670 or conc. Enrollment.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 675 - Genetics of Microorganisms

  Credits: (3)
  
  The genetics of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Both the use of genetics in microbiological studies and the use of microbial systems to investigate basic genetic problems will be covered.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450 and 455.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 676 - Molecular Genetics Laboratory

  Credits: (3)
  
  An advanced course in the techniques of molecular genetics and recombinant DNA technology, including molecular cloning, library screening, polymerase chain reaction, and RFLP and DNA sequence analysis. A number of projects will be compelted during the semester.
  
  Note:
  One-hour lecture and two three-hour labs.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 675 or concurrent enrollment.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 682 - Fish Ecology

  Credits: (3)
  
  The interaction between fish and their environment. Exploring fundamental ecological processes in aquatic systems at individual, population, community and ecosystem scales.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and three hours lab per week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 529.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, even years
  
  
• BIOL 684 - Wildlife Management and Techniques

  Credits: (4)
  
  Concepts and techniques of wildlife ecology and management with emphasis on North American game species. Applied population dynamics as they relate to historical and recent developments in wildlife management, habitat improvement, and related material.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, and three hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 433.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 687 - Microbial Ecology

  Credits: (3)
  
  The ecology of aquatic and terrestrial microorganisms in their natural environment.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 455 or BIOL 529.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 690 - Microbial Physiology and Metabolism

  Credits: (2)
  
  The study of structure, function, regulation, and intermediary metabolism of bacteria.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 455; and BIOCH 521 or 765.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 696 - Fisheries Management and Techniques

  Credits: (4)
  
  Historical and contemporary issues in the management and conservation of exploited fishes. Methods for managing fisheries resources in streams, lakes, and ponds including estimating abundances, quantifying age and growth, manipulating populations, modeling population dynamics, culturing fishes, and improving aquatic habitat.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and BIOL 433
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, even years
  
  
• BIOL 697 - Topics in Biology

  Credits: (1-6)
  
  Special course offering in an area of faculty expertise and/or supervised independent study project.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring, Summer
  
  
• BIOL 698 - Problems in Biology

  Credits: (1-8)
  
  Undergraduate research project pursued under the direction of a faculty mentor. A minimum of 45 hours of research effort is expected over the semester for each credit hour the student is enrolled.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring, Summer
  
  
• BIOL 699 - Undergraduate Seminar in Biology

  Credits: (1)
  
  Attendance at seminars or journal clubs with topics of a biological nature. A summary and personal reflection on each meeting is submitted for course credit.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring
  
  
• BIOL 702 - Radiation Safety in the Research Laboratory

  Credits: (1)
  
  Principles of radioactive safety and isotope handling, licensing procedures, and laboratory techniques.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 198 or 455; and CHM 210 or PHYS 113.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 705 - Eukaryotic Genetics

  Credits: (3)
  
  An integrated exploration of transmission genetics and molecular genetics of eukaryotic organisms. The focus will be on genetic model organisms and their contributions to our understanding of mechanisms of genetic transmission and exchange, mutagenesis, gene expression, and regulation of cell division and development. Modern approaches to genomic analysis will be discussed.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450 and BIOCH 521.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 707 - Advanced Cell Biology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Selected current topics in cell biology which reflect recent advances in the field. Major topics include membranes and transport, protein sorting, signal transduction, cell adhesion and motility, cell cycle, apoptosis, and specialized cell functions.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 541.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 730 - General Virology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Theoretical and experimental basis of virology, with emphasis on how viruses manipulate cells to insure their own survival, mechanisms of virus replication, principles of virus host interactions including how viruses cause disease, and selected medically relevant viruses.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Twelve hours of biological sciences, including BIOL 450 and 455; and BIOCH 521 or equiv.; consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 731 - Virology Laboratory

  Credits: (2)
  
  An introduction to the techniques used in virus propagation, detection, and quantification. Emphasis will be placed on the methodology used to study virus replication and virus-host cell interactions.
  
  Note:
  One-hour lecture and three-hour lab.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 730 or concurrent enrollment.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 734 - Introduction to Genomics and Bioinformatics

  Credits: (4)
  
  A problem solving approach to understanding genomics and bioinformatics. Practical use of databases and web-based tools used to study biological problems. Introduction to the algorithms behind these tools.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450 or CIS 575.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, in alternate years
  
  
• BIOL 736 - Cancer Therapy

  Credits: (3)
  
  Current methods of cancer management with emphasis on the kinetic principles of chemotherapy and radiation therapy; diagnosis; surgical oncology; oncologic emergencies; adverse effects of cancer therapy; and the new therapies.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 540 and BIOCH 521.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, even years
  
  
• BIOL 800 - Advanced Plant Physiology I

  Credits: (3)
  
  Modern concepts and research in plant physiology. Respiration, photosynthesis, and water relations of plants.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: An introductory plant physiology course or general biochemistry.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, even years
  
  
• BIOL 801 - Advanced Plant Physiology II

  Credits: (3)
  
  Modern concepts and research in plant physiology. Mineral nutrition, translocation, growth, and development of plants.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: An introductory plant physiology course or general biochemistry. Previous enrollment in BIOL 800 is not required.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 802 - Advances in Plant Stress Signaling

  Credits: (3)
  
  Modern concepts and research in plant response to biotic and abiotic stress. Hormones in plant stress response; signal transduction in plant stress response.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 500.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, even years
  
  Crosslisted:
  PLPTH 800
• BIOL 805 - Advanced Mycology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Study of fungi, with emphasis on structure, identification, classification, phylogeny, and economic importance.
  
  Note:
  One hour lecture and six hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 604.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 808 - Mechanisms of Eukaryotic Gene Regulation

  Credits: (2)
  
  Examines important concepts in the mechanisms of gene regulation at the molecular level. Focuses on gene regulation in eukaryotes at the level of transcription, splicing and translation and on RNA’s diverse roles.
  
  Note:
  Composed of a lecture (1 hr) covering important concepts and a student recitation (1 hr) of scientific articles.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOCH 765 and BIOL 541 or BIOL 705, or BIOL 707.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 810 - Analysis of Ecological Gradients

  Credits: (3)
  
  An introduction to analytical methods and conceptual approaches to evaluate patterns of communities across environmental gradients. Multivariate statistical techniques will be used to analyze data and quantify species abundance patterns in a variety of environments.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 815 - Advanced Fisheries Management

  Credits: (3)
  
  Advanced study of theory and techniques related to managing freshwater fisheries. Emphasis will be placed on current research needed to support management practices such as sampling, indices, harvest regulations, predator-prey interactions, community structure, ecosystem management.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 542 and BIOL 696.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 818 - Advanced Aquatic Ecology

  Credits: (3)
  
  A study of advanced issues adn methodology in limnological sciences, including a workship on algal taxonomy, and an applied group project.
  
  Note:
  Two lecture hours, two laboratory hours per week.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 822 - Landscape Ecology

  Credits: (4)
  
  Effect of spatial pattern on ecological processes. Course will emphasize how spatial complexity emerges and is maintained in ecological systems, the analysis of spatial pattern, scaling issues, the ecological consequences of spatial pattern and applications for conservation and ecosystem management in both aquatic and terrestrial systems.
  
  Note:
  Two lecture hours, one discussion hour and three laboratory hours per week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 529.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 823 - Demographic Methods

  Credits: (3)
  
  Theory and methods of quantitative approaches for the study of population dynamics. Advances in matrix methods and mark-recapture statistics will be emphasized.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and one hour studio per week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 684 or BIOL 696.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, even years
  
  
• BIOL 825 - Evolution of Animal Behavior

  Credits: (4)
  
  The study of mechanisms, ontogeny, and evolution of behavior stressing the adaptive nature of behavior.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture, one hour discussion or assigned readings, and two to three hours lab a week. Lab format well be individual research projects requiring independent research skills.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 450 or equiv.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, even years
  
  
• BIOL 826 - Nutrient Dynamics

  Credits: (3)
  
  The cycling of elements in ecosystems with emphasis on macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and major cations, and the influence of variables such as acid rain on nutrient dynamics.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and two hours lab a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 529 and CHM 210.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 828 - Advanced Topics in Conservation Biology

  Credits: (2)
  
  Considers in depth one or two topics important to conservation biology. Topics vary. Potential topics are: community based ecosystem management and policy implementation, habitat loss and fragmentation, demographics of small populations and population viability models, conservation genetics.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, even years
  
  
• BIOL 830 - Advanced Virology

  Credits: (3)
  
  In-depth readings and discussions of current topics in virology and the impact of viruses in today’s society with emphasis on recent research literature.
  
  Note:
  May be repeated with the consent of the intstructor.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 730 and consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 835 - Cellular and Molecular Parasitology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Biochemistry, immunology, and molecular biology of medically important eukaryotic parasites.
  
  Note:
  Three hours lecture
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOCH 521 or equivalent.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, even years
  
  
• BIOL 840 - Molecular and Cellular Immunology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Discussions and readings covering the molecular and cellular interactions during various phases of the immune response.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 670.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, even years
  
  
• BIOL 850 - Advanced Topics in Immunology

  Credits: (1-2)
  
  Current research in immunology.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 670 and consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring
  
  
• BIOL 855 - Molecular Biology of Cellular Membranes

  Credits: (3)
  
  A general coverage of membranes with respect to theories of structure, chemical and physical methods of study, methods of isolation, transport mechanisms, assembly and function of components, and receptors. Some specific membrane systems will be covered in detail including a review of recent references.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 541 and BIOCH 521.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall
  
  
• BIOL 860 - Modern Molecular Approaches

  Credits: (3)
  
  An introduction to approaches and techniques used in the molecular analysis of biological systems, with a focus on modern molecular and cellular biological approaches. Format is primarily group discussion of primary literature, with the goal of instilling the ability to think critically and evaluate published studies.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 705 and BIOL 707.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 863 - Professional Skills in Biology

  Credits: (3)
  
  An introduction for new graduate students in the mechanics of becoming a scientist and professional biologist. The course includes presentation of professional seminars, grant proposal writing and reviewing, manuscript preparation and submission, interviewing for jobs, teaching skills, effective communication of scientific data in graphs and tables, and other topics.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring
  
  
• BIOL 864 - Plant Responses to the Environment

  Credits: (3)
  
  Modern concepts and techniques for measuring the environment and plant ecophysiological responses. Instrument/sensor theory and operation, leaf energy balance, measurement and interpretation of plant carbon and water relations in the field.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: a course in ecology, a course in plant physiology.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 865 - Advanced Plant Ecology

  Credits: (4)
  
  Advanced study of theory in population and community ecology as applied to higher plants.
  
  Note:
  Emphasis on current research in plant population ecology, species interactions, community structure, and four hours lecture/recitation per week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 529 or a plant ecology course.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, even years
  
  
• BIOL 868 - Advanced Cellular and Developmental Biology

  Credits: (3)
  
  Chemistry, structure, and function of cellular systems in growth, development, and reproduction.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOCH 755 or equiv.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 870 - Advanced Plant Systematics

  Credits: (4)
  
  Taxonomy, phylogenetic inference and major themes in the evolution of vascular plants.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture, one hour discussion, and three hours lab per week. Lab format will include individual or small group research projects.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 551 and consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Spring, even years
  
  
• BIOL 875 - Evolutionary Ecology

  Credits: (3)
  
  A study of the evolution of population, community, and ecosystem structure.
  
  Note:
  Two hours lecture and one hour recitation a week.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: BIOL 529.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, even years
  
  
• BIOL 886 - Confocal, Fluorescence and Light Microscopy

  Credits: (3)
  
  An introduction to theories, functions and applications of confocal, fluorescence and light microscopy, and fluorescent molecules. Lab emphasis on students working on independent research projects requiring microscopy.
  
  Note:
  Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, odd years
  
  
• BIOL 888 - Electron Microscopy Techniques

  Credits: (3)
  
  Theory and techniques involved in using the transmission electron microscope for the study of biological materials. Includes individualized instruction on the operation of the Philips 201 electron microscope and techniques for processing biological samples.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Current participation in research requiring electron microscope.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, even years
  
  
• BIOL 890 - Advanced Topics in Biology

  Credits: (1-6)
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring, Summer
  
  
• BIOL 891 - Advanced Problems in Biology

  Credits: (1-8)
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring, Summer
  
  
• BIOL 895 - Graduate Seminar in Biology

  Credits: (1)
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring
  
  
• BIOL 898 - Master’s Research in Biology

  Credits: (1-9)
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring, Summer
  
  
• BIOL 997 - Postdoctoral Research in Biology

  Credits: (1-12)
  
  Advanced-level research in collaboration with a faculty member, involving projects in any area of biology.
  
  Requisites:
  Prerequisite: Ph.D. degree or equivalent.
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring, Summer
  
  
• BIOL 998 - PhD Research in Biology

  Credits: (1-18)
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring, Summer
  
  
• BIOL 999 - PhD Research in Microbiology

  Credits: (1-18)
  
  When Offered:
  Fall, Spring, Summer