Study of organismal interactions; responses of individuals, populations and natural communities to their external environment. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee.

This lecture/laboratory course will examine basic selection, population genetics, development, speciation, extinction, systematics, and the history of evolution. In the lab, students will learn some of the modern research methods used in the study of evolution. Lab fee.

A study of plant evolution, diversity, reproduction, developmental plant anatomy, regulation of plant growth and development, and plant physiology. Lab fee.

Biology of microorganisms with emphasis on viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee.

Fundamentals of cell form and function studied at the molecular and organelle level, including basic cellular biochemistry, ultrastructure and physiology. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee.

This lecture-laboratory course will provide students with an integrated study of the diversity, anatomy, and evolutionary history of vertebrates. The course will focus on the skeletal system and highlight the evolution of body plan in vertebrates, covering topics such as the geologic history of Earth, a survey of vertebrate groups, and the structures and functions of body parts, along with their evolutionary implications. The laboratory portion will include observation of various specimens of vertebrates.

An exploration of the types of animal behavior and modifiers of behavior as based on neuroendocrine function, with special emphasis on Felids. Lecture - Field Studies. Laboratory required . Lab fee.

The course will focus on the methods needed to initiate and undertake observations on Midwest ecosystems. Students will learn methods and put into practice the tools required to begin a site inventory and to assess population characteristics. The data gathered by the class will be archived and used as a starting point for subsequent studies. Each student will have an original research project involving extensive field work in nature.

A study of the functional and developmental aspects of flowering plants. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee.

Functions and regulatory mechanisms of vertebrate cells, organs and organ systems with special emphasis on mammals. Lecture-Laboratory. Lab fee.

Introduction to algae with emphasis on taxonomy, morphology, ultrastructure, physiology, life histories of freshwater and marine species. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee. Cross-listed as BIO 416.

The study of biological, physical and chemical phenomena in freshwater environments. Emphasis on organisms and their ecology. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee.

This course is designed for science majors with an interest in marine and estuarine biology and will examine this subject from an ecological perspective. The primary objectives of the course are: 1) to explore the diversity of marine and estuarine life; 2) to understand the manner in which physical and biological factors influence biological diversity in marine systems; 3) to understand the role that humans play in shaping these dynamics; and 4) to develop professional connections and gain real-life experiences in marine science.

This course will explore key roles that microorganisms play in life on earth.This course will also address how these microorganisms are being used in current areas of research in microbiology. This is a lab course, which will enable students to study processes used in the enrichment, isolation, and identification of microorganisms from various environments.

This course will provide hands-on experience in methods of detecting and analyzing molecular variation in nature. By the end of the course, students should be competent employing molecular markers to answer a wide variety of basic questions in ecology and evolution.

This lecture/laboratory course will introduce students to various principles of paleobiology and to provide a broad survey of important taxonomic groups. This course will cover topics such as: the concept of geologic time, evolution, extinction, morphology, taxonomic classification, fossilization, paleoecology, biogeography, and biostratigraphy. The laboratory portion of the course will reinforce the lecture topics and offer an opportunity to examine fossil specimens and compare them with modern forms.

A survey of developmental phenomena in animals from fertilization to sexual maturity. Students will gain a current understanding of the genetic, cellular, and environmental mechanisms that shape the body and its major organs. Special topics include birth defects, embryonic stem cells, tissue regeneration, reproductive technology and mammalian cloning. Lecture-laboratory. Lab Fee.

This course provides an opportunity for students to integrate their knowledge of cell biology, genetics, ecology and physiology at the organismal level by focusing on fungi. Students will gain an appreciation of the biological diversity within the major groups of fungi and their role in the environment, research and biotechnology. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee.

Study of evolution and diversity in the living world. Lecture only.

A seminar course examining various topics in paleobiology (the study of ancient life) including morphological concepts, macroevolutionary processes, extinction events, phylogenetic systematics, paleoecology, paleoebiogeography, and the adequacy of the fossil record. Readings include classic and recent articles in the fields of paleobiology.

An introduction to the ecological concept of adaptation. Adaptation is defined and illustrated using specific animal examples. Discussion will focus on how these specializations in structure and function equip the animal for survival.

Comparative and environmental approach to the functions and mechanisms of vertebrate organ systems. Selected topics will be addressed using a lecture/discussion/seminar format. Cross-listed as BIO 452.

A study of hormones as chemical regulators of development, growth, metabolism, homeostasis, reproduction, response to stress, and behavior; as well as hormone synthesis, chemistry, mechanisms of action, and endocrine gland structure.

Occasional courses offered at an advanced level. See the schedule of classes for current offerings. Cross-listed as BIO 490.

This course provides an overview of the biometrical techniques employed in the analysis of environmental data. Topics include: handling of data, experimental designs, testing for differences between an experimental and a control group, testing for differences among many groups, and determining trends in data. Data from the environmental sciences is used throughout, and students are introduced to appropriate software for data analysis.

A survey of a variety of statistical methods used to analyze biological data.