Back

 

Browse BIO Courses

BIO 3300   Basic Survey of Science   A general science course designed for elementary education majors, focusing on understanding and teaching Physics and Chemistry standards, from Kindergarten level through Middle School. Standards will be presented using the scientific inquiry cycle of observing a phenomenon, asking questions, constructing explanations, planning and carrying out investigations, and engaging in argument from evidence.  
BIO 3302   Evolution   BIO 3302 Evolution (3-0). Evolution is the central concept in biology. This course examines evolution as a science and places it in an historical context. Lectures focus on descent with modification, the nature of natural selection, the history of the earth, the information content of the fossil record, and processes responsible for diversification (speciation and extinction). Prerequisites: BIOL 3306 or BIO 3306  
BIO 3303   Sciences in Cinema and Telev   BIO 3303 Sciences in Cinema and Television (3-0). A lecture course examining the scientific content or lack thereof in classic and current films. Films with a scientific theme will be viewed and the merits of the scientific content will be discussed. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of how science is portrayed to the viewing public by the film and television industries and can be used as a persuasive tool for political maneuvering. Equivalent courses: BIOL 3303.  
BIO 3306   Genetics   BIO 3306 Genetics (3-0). A comprehensive introduction to the four main areas of modern genetics: Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. The historical and philosophical basis for these areas will be dealt with using plant and animal studies. Prerequisites: BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107  
BIO 3307   Animal Behavior   Animal Behavior (3-0). The study of feeding, defense, animal orientation, instinctive behavior, learning, communication, social, and sexual behavior with emphasis on evolutionary and ecological relationships. Prerequisites: BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107  
BIO 3308   Found Elem Sci I   BIO 3308 Foundations of Elementary Science I (3-0). First course in a series of two in required science content sequence for preservice elementary and middle school teachers. Topics covered will include the following TEA science competencies: History and Nature of Science; Impact of Science; Concepts and Processes; Forces and Motion; Physical and chemical Properties; Energy and Interactions; Energy Transformation and Conservation; Structure and Function of Living Things; Reproduction and the Mechanisms of Heredity. Emphasis on problem-solving as a pedagogical tool with integration of manipulative-based explorations. For elementary education majors only. Offered fall.  
BIO 3309   Found Elem Sci II   BIO 3309 Foundations of Elementary Science II (3-0). Second course in a series of two in required science content sequence for preservice elementary and middle school teachers. Topics covered will include the following TEA science competencies: Lab Processes Equipment && Safety; Students as Learners && Science Instruction; Science Assessment; Adaptions * Evolution; Organisms && the Environment; Structure && Function of Earth Systems; Cycles in Earth Systems; Energy in Weather && Climate; Solar System && the Universe. Emphasis on problem-solving as a pedagogical tool with integration of manipulative-based explorations. For elementary education majors only. Offered spring.  
BIO 3403   Parasitology   BIO 3403 Parasitology (3-2). A study of the biology morphology and ecology of parasitic organisms as they relate to various host- parasite relationships and diseases in animals and man. The diagnosis pathology treatment and prevention of parasitism will be discussed. Post mortem examinations and treatment of animals will be performed in labs as available. Prerequisite: BIOL 1307 - Biology for Majors II. Equivalent course: BIOL 3403. Lab fee: $12  
BIO 3403   Parasitology - Laboratory   BIO 3403 Parasitology (3-2). A study of the biology morphology and ecology of parasitic organisms as they relate to various host- parasite relationships and diseases in animals and man. The diagnosis pathology treatment and prevention of parasitism will be discussed. Post mortem examinations and treatment of animals will be performed in labs as available. Prerequisite: BIOL 1307 - Biology for Majors II. Equivalent course: BIOL 3403. Lab fee: $12  
BIO 3406   Principles of Ecology   BIO 3406 Principles of Ecology (3-2). A study of the interrelationships of plants and animals and their environments, addressing where and how organisms live. To include, but not limited to: population growth, ecosystem function, energy flow, nutrient cycling, ecological classification, biodiversity, species interactions, adaptation, sampling and censusing techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107.  
BIO 3407   Vertebrate Natural History   BIO 3407 Vertebrate Natural History (3-2). Taxonomy, evolution, and natural history of vertebrates of the world with emphasis on North American and Texas species. Prerequisite: BIOL 1407. Equivalent courses: BIOL 3407  
BIO 4101   Biology Senior Review   BIO 4101 Biology Senior Review (1-0). The purpose of the senior capstone is to provide students with a formal opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the Biology curriculum to a culminating personalized learning experience. Students conduct a thorough literature review of pertinent topics in biology, analyze and summarize findings, resulting in a written and/or oral report. Required for all Biology majors. To be taken during the final long semester before graduation. Prerequisite: Completion of, or current enrollment in, all required departmental courses (e.g., Genetics and Cell Biology).  
BIO 4301   Cell Biology   4301 Cell Biology (3-0). A study of the particulate morphology and basic physiology of the cell and cell organelles, including basic facts, concepts, and problems in modern cellular biology. Prerequisite: BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107.  
BIO 4305   ST: Human Nutrition   BIO 4305 Special Topics (3-0). A course dealing with selected and timely topics in biology such as animal behavior, animal physiology, coevolution, invasive species, aquatic plants, conservation or many other potential subjects. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisite: BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107. Equivalent courses: BIOL 4305  
BIO 4403   Herpetology   BIO 4403 Herpetology (3-2). An exploration into the ecology, natural history, physiology, evolution and systematics of amphibians and reptiles with emphasis on those species found in the southwestern region of Texas. Prerequisites: BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107.  
BIO 4403   Herpetology - Laboratory   BIO 4403 Herpetology (3-2). An exploration into the ecology, natural history, physiology, evolution and systematics of amphibians and reptiles with emphasis on those species found in the southwestern region of Texas. Prerequisites: BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107.  
BIO 4409   Mammalogy   BIO 4409 Mammalogy (3-2). An exploration into the ecology, natural history, physiology, evolution, systematics, and economic relations of mammals with emphasis on those species found in the southwestern region of Texas. Museum technique and field work will be stressed. Prerequisites: BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107.  
BIO 4410   Med & Veterinary Entomology   BIO 4410 Medical and Veterinary Entomology (3-2). A comprehensive introduction to the insects and other arthropods of medical and veterinary importance. Lectures emphasize life-cycles, transmission of disease, and control practices. Laboratory studies emphasize taxonomy and techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL 1307 - Biology for Majors II Lab fee: $8. Equivalent courses: BIOL 4410