Biological Sciences Courses Open to Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students
| Biological Sciences 4750 | Biometrics. (2-2-3) Methods of quantitative analysis of biological data at the
population level. Prerequisites: Eighteen semester hours in Biological Sciences. |
| Biological Sciences 4751 | Advanced Molecular Cell Biology. (3-0-3) A study of the molecular
basis of intracellular processes including: gene regulation and expression;
molecular biosynthesis and transport; cell motility and adhesion; and
intracellular signaling, using case studies from current scientific
literature. Prerequisites: BIO 3100, 3101, and 3200. |
| Biological Sciences 4800 | Research Techniques. (2-0-2) The principles of biological research, including review of literature, bibliographic databases, and effective presentation of research results. |
| Biological Sciences 4810 | Plant Ecology. (1-4-3) The application of investigative techniques to
the study of the structure and successional patterns of plant communities. Prerequisite: Two years of Biological Sciences. |
| Biological Sciences 4812 | Fisheries Ecology and Management. (2-3-3) Relationships of fish with biotic and
abiotic components of their environment. Role of fishes in aquatic ecosystems and current
management strategies. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3800. Biological Sciences 4750 recommended. |
| Biological Sciences 4814 | Conservation Biology. (3-0-3) Study of the application of ecological and
genetic principles to the preservation and conservation of biological diversity. Topics
will include the demography and genetics of small populations, population viability,
island biogeography, and the design of nature reserves. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3200 and Biological Sciences 3800. |
| Biological Sciences 4816 | Study of Biotic Communities. (2-Arr.-3) The study of selected biotic
communities in Illinois and surrounding states. Prerequisites: Major in Biological Sciences; twelve semester hours Biological Sciences, including Biological Sciences 3800 or Biological Sciences 4810; or permission of the instructor. |
| Biological Sciences 4818 | Environmental Microbiology. (2-4-4) An introduction to the
principles, applications, and methodologies of environmental microbiology with emphasis on
the microbial interactions with animals and plants, on the microbiology of air, water,
sewage, and soils, and on the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling. The
use of microorganisms in the bioremediation of environmental pollutants and in the
recovery and enhancement of environmental resources will also be considered. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 3300 or equivalent. |
| Biological Sciences 4830 | Comparative Vertebrate Physiology. (3-0-3) A comparison of physiological
activities in fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals exhibited in their natural
environment. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3520 and Chemistry 2430 (Organic Chemistry). Biochemistry recommended. |
| Biological Sciences 4832 | Animal Behavior. (3-3-4) Theoretical and experimental studies of the principles
of animal behavior. Prerequisite: Sixteen semester hours of Biological Sciences or permission of the instructor. |
| Biological Sciences 4834 | Neurobiology. (3-0-3) A study of the structure and function of neurons, the
principal cells of the nervous system, at the molecular and cellular level. This course
will emphasize neurobiological aspects of learning, memory, and behavior. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3100 or permission of the instructor. |
| Biological Sciences 4836 | Pathogenic Microbiology. (2-4-4) An introduction to the role and
activities of pathogenic microorganisms in the diseases of humans, animals, and plants
with emphasis on the history, classification, morphology, nutrition and growth,
metabolism, genetics, and virulence factors of disease-causing prokaryotes as well as the
epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the diseases they cause. The
laboratory will emphasize clinical techniques required for the isolation, cultivation, and
identification of pathogenic microorganisms. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3300 or equivalent. |
| Biological Sciences 4892 | Introduction to Paleobotany. (3-2-4) Introduction to the origin and
theories of evolution, diversification, radiation, and paleogeography of plants through
time, with special reference to vascular plants. Field work. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3612 and Geology 2430 or permission of instructor. Credit not granted for both Biological Sciences 4892 and Geology 4892. |
| Biological Sciences 4940 | Phycology. (2-3-3) Introduction to algal biology; emphasis is placed
on freshwater algae including the study of classification, life-history, physiology,
ecology, and evolution. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3610. |
| Biological Sciences 4942 | Mycology. (2-3-3) Survey of the fungi; specifically the
characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of the major groups of fungi, their
structure, growth and development, physiology, and reproduction and dispersal, genetics,
ecological role and economic importance. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 3610 or permission of the instructor. |
| Biological Sciences 4944 | Lichens. (2-3-3) Systematic survey of the lichens, including their
physiology, growth and development, reproduction, ecology, economic importance, and
classification. Fall field trip is required. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 1200C and Biological Sciences 3610. |
| Biological Sciences 4946 | Bryology. (1-4-3) The structure, identification, life-history, and
importance of the mosses and liverworts. Fall field trip is required. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 1200C or equivalent. |
| Biological Sciences 4948 | Plant Taxonomy. (1-4-3) The classification and characteristics of the
common families of flowering plants. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 1200C. |
| Biological Sciences 4950 | Ichthyology. (2-3-3) Study of the anatomy, physiology, systematics, and
zoogeography of fishes. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3950 or permission of instructor. |
| Biological Sciences 4952 | Herpetology. (2-2-3) Phylogeny, adaptations, ecology, distribution, and
identification of amphibians and reptiles. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3950. |
| Biological Sciences 4954 | Ornithology. (2-3-3) The identification, classification,
distribution, and natural history of midwestern birds. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 3950. |
| Biological Sciences 4956 | Mammalogy. (2-2-3) A study of mammals with emphasis on
classification, distribution, natural history, and ecology. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3620, Biological Sciences 3622, and Biological Sciences 3950. |
| Biological Sciences 4984 | Organic Evolution. (3-0-3) Fundamental principles of organic evolution
stressing historical fact, evidences for and processes common to all biota. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 1200C, Biological Sciences 1300C, and Biological Sciences 3200. |
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Biological Sciences Graduate Courses
Courses numbered 5000-5499 inclusive may be taken by a senior whose grade point average is 2.75 or higher, with permission of the instructor and the Dean of the Graduate School.
| Biological Sciences 5150 | Graduate Seminar. (0-2-1) Graduate Seminar in current Biological Sciences literature is required of all biological science graduate students. May be repeated, with maximum of two hours credit applied to graduate degree. |
| Biological Sciences 5200 | Stream Ecology. (3) A description of the physical, chemical, and
biological characteristics in streams and rivers including an integrated study of the
environmental factors affecting the composition and distribution of biota. The
course will also emphasize the application of ecological principles in aquatic ecosystem
protection and management. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 3800. |
| Biological Sciences 5202 | Behavioral Ecology. (3) The study of natural selection and how it relates to adaptive strategies of behavioral phenomena in animal populations in response to the biotic and abiotic environment. Emphasis will be placed on the theoretical aspects of current topics in behavioral ecology. |
| Biological Sciences 5204 | Ecotoxicology and Biological Monitoring of Pollution. (2-3-3) Characterization
of pollutants and the qualitative and quantitative effects on biota. Includes laboratory
investigation of biological and ecotoxicological effects of pollution. Prerequisites: Twelve semester hours in the Biological Sciences and one year of college chemistry. |
| Biological Sciences 5206 | Advanced Limnology. (2-3-3) Investigation of the functioning of lakes and reservoirs with specific regard to the relative roles of physical, chemical and biological factors in determining species distribution and abundance. Emphasis will be placed on lake and reservoir management and restoration. |
| Biological Sciences 5208 | Population Ecology. (3-0-3) This course covers the structure and
dynamics of populations with an emphasis on understanding how reproduction,
mortality and dispersal interact to control fluctuations in population size
and structure. Special emphasis will be placed on the use of models to
address specific applications in conservation biology and natural resource
management. Prerequisites: BIO 3800. |
| Biological Sciences 5225 | Systematics. (3-2-3) A study of the methods and principles of animal taxonomy, including speciation. Prerequisite: 16 semester hours in the Biological Sciences. |
| Biological Sciences 5232 | Plant Cell and Tissue Culture. (3) Techniques in the initiation,
propagation, maintenance, preservation, and genetic improvement of plant cells, tissues,
and organs in vitro. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 3200 is recommended, but is not required. |
| Biological Sciences 5240 | Population Genetics. (3-2-3) Theoretical principles of population
genetics and application of experimental methodology using quantitative and
analytical methods. Laboratory topics: nucleic acid analyses, enzyme
electrophoresis, polytene chromosome examinations, and statistical analyses. Prerequisites: BIO 3200 and either BIO 4750, MAT 2250, or equivalent. |
| Biological Sciences 5360 | Field Mycology. (4) The collection, identification, and ecology of
macrofungi. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 3610. |
| Biological Sciences 5364 | Taxonomy of Aquatic Macrophytes. (2) The study of the taxonomy and
ecology of the aquatic macrophytes of the Midwest. Prerequisite: Six semester hours in the Botanical Sciences. |
| Biological Sciences 5366 | Plant Geography. (3) The study of factors influencing the
distribution of North American plants. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 4810. |
| Biological Sciences 5370 | Wildlife Ecology and Management. (3) The principles of Wildlife Management with
emphasis on terrestrial game animals; their ecology, life histories, and conservation. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 3800 or permission of instructor. |
| Biological Sciences 5372 | Wildlife Techniques. (3) Instruction in current wildlife techniques
including habitat evaluation and manipulation, estimation of animal abundance, capture and
marking, aging, radiotelemetry, necropsy and condition assessment. Fee. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 3800 or permission of instructor. |
| Biological Sciences 5380 | Landscape Ecology. (2-2-3) Introduction to the
principles and application of landscape ecology, the study of pattern and
heterogeneity across large spatial scales. Emphasis is placed on how
to characterize pattern, how it develops and changes through time, and its
implications for populations, communities, and ecosystem processes. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 3800 or permission of instructor. |
| Biological Sciences 5381 | Advanced Biostatistics. (3-0-3) Sruvey of methods of
analysis of univariate and multivariate data from biological systems.
Techniques will include: survival analysis, ANOVA, MANOVA, ordination
methods and regression analysis. Focus will be on the pracical
application of techniques. Prerequisite: BIO 4750, MAT 2250, or permission of instructor. |
| Biological Sciences 5400 | Cell Physiology. (3-3-4) A study of the fundamental physical and chemical processes
which underlie structure and function. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3520 and one course in Organic Chemistry. |
| Biological Sciences 5402 | Advanced Plant Physiology I, Plant Growth and Development. (3) The
growth and development of seed plants from germination through maturation with emphasis on
water relations, nitrogen metabolism, and environmental influences. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3510 and Chemistry 2430; Biochemistry recommended. |
| Biological Sciences 5404 | Advanced Plant Physiology II, Metabolism (3) The principles of
photosynthesis, respiration, and organic translocation. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 3510 and Chemistry 2430; Biochemistry recommended. |
| Biological Sciences 5406 | Endocrinology. (4) A study of the endocrine glands and mechanisms of hormone
action. Prerequisites: 16 semester hours of Biological Sciences; and at least one course in Organic Chemistry. |
| Biological Sciences 5452 | Ethnobotany. (3) The basic principles of the relationships of plants
and man. Prerequisite: Six semester hours in the Botanical Sciences. |
Biological Sciences Courses Open to Graduate Students Only
Courses numbered 5500 and above are open to students who have been admitted to the Graduate School.
| Biological Sciences 5900 | Research in Biological Sciences. (1 to 6) Intended for thesis option students
conducting original research in consultation with thesis advisor. May be repeated for a
maximum of eight semester hours. Prerequisite: Completion of the thesis proposal form permission of the Coordinator, Biological Sciences Graduate Program Committee. NOTE: A maximum of nine semester hours in combination of 5900, 5950, and 5990 may be applied to a graduate degree. Students not writing a thesis are ineligible to register for this course. |
| Biological Sciences 5950 | Thesis. (3 or 6) (Credit/No Credit) May be repeated for credit for up to six
semester hours credit. NOTE: Three semester hours required for thesis option students. A maximum of nine semester hours in combination of 5900, 5950, and 5990 may be applied to a graduate degree. |
| Biological Sciences 5980 | Graduate Internship in Biological Sciences. (6) (Credit/No Credit) A
graduate-level employment experience in the biological sciences with an agency, firm, or
facility approved by the coordinator of the Biological Sciences Graduate Program
Committee. A written report on the internship is required. Prerequisite: At least 20 semester hours of graduate credit in the Biological Sciences Graduate Program. Note: Required for internship option students. May not be repeated for credit. For internship option students, a maximum of nine semester hours in combination of 5900, 5950, and 5990 may be applied to a graduate degree. |
| Biological Sciences 5990 | Independent Study. (1 to 6) Advanced studies in a selected field of the
biological sciences other than the thesis or internship. May be repeated for up to a
maximum of six semester hours of credit. NOTE: Students who do not write a thesis must apply a maximum of three semester hours of credit toward the graduate degree. |
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Biological Sciences Courses Open to Graduate Students in the M.S. in Natural Sciences Program (High School Teachers) Only
| Biological Sciences 5041 | Plant Morphology for Teachers. (3) A survey of the plant kingdom emphasizing classification, structural characteristics, and life histories of the major plant groups. |
| Biological Sciences 5042 | Plant Anatomy for Teachers. (3) A study of the development and structural organization of the plant body of seed plants at the cellular and tissue levels. |
| Biological Sciences 5043 | Plant Physiology for Teachers. (3) A study of the principal functional mechanisms and their interrelationships in the living plant. Topics include: plant metabolism, organic and inorganic plant nutrition, and plant behavior. Hands-on laboratory exercises are emphasized. |
| Biological Sciences 5044 | Plant Taxonomy for Teachers. (3) The study of the common vascular plant families, their classification, characteristics, and economic importance. Plants associated with forest, prairie, and aquatic communities will be collected and studied. |
| Biological Sciences 5045 | Natural History of Non-Vertebrates for Teachers. (3) Classification and natural history of non- vertebrate animals of the Mississippi River drainage system. Collection, preservation and identification are included. Field Trips are required. |
| Biological Sciences 5046 | Natural History of Vertebrates for Teachers. (3) Observation, identification, and life histories of vertebrate animals found in the midwest. Collection, preservation, and identification will be and integral part of this course. Field Trips are required. |
| Biological Sciences 5047 | Animal Physiology for Teachers. (3) Comparative study of the thermoregulatory, respiratory, excretory, cardiovascular, reproductive, and digestive physiology of vertebrates. |
| Biological Sciences 5048 | Comparative Anatomy for Teachers. (3) Comparative study of the anatomy of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals, with emphasis on humans. |
| Biological Sciences 5049 | Topics in Ecology for Teachers. (3) |
| Biological Sciences 5050 | Genetics and Evolution for Teachers. (3) The fundamental principles of genetics (classical, molecular, population) and the relationship of genetics to the theory of evolution by natural selection. A diversity of laboratory exercises will be designed to illustrate genetic concepts basic to both animal and plant forms. |
| Biological Sciences 5051 | Biotechnology Techniques for Teachers. (1-3-3) Instruction in
laboratory applications of biotechnology in molecular genetics and immunology. Laboratory
topics include recombinant DNA (cloning, electrophoresis) and molecular diagnostic
techniques (polymerase chain reaction, western and southern blots). Laboratory fee
required. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 5050 or by permission of the instructor. |
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Updated on October 01, 2004