Undergraduate and Graduate (500-699) courses
Biology 304/504 Plant Taxonomy (2+2) 3 cr. (Fall)
Introduction to the theory and principles underlying systematic botany, and to the methodologies of plant classification and nomenclature. Survey of major families of flowering plants emphasizing structure and diversity. Prerequisite: One term of general biology.
Biology 306/506
Neurobiology 3cr.
(Spring, odd years)
Study of the nervous system and its regulatory role in the body. Underlying physics and chemistry; molecular and cellular principles; development and plasticity; motor control; rhythms and emotions; evolution and diversity. Prerequisites: Biology 105 or equivalent.
Biology 308/508 Comparative Anatomy (3+4) 5 cr.
(Spring)
A comparative study of representative vertebrates. Prerequisite:
one semester of general biology.
Biology 311/511 Animal Behavior (2+2) 3 cr.
(Spring)
An introduction to the behavior mechanisms of invertebrate and
vertebrate animals emphasizing the ethological point of view.
Prerequisites: Biology 340 or Biology 343.
Biology 312/512 Medical Bacteriology (Lecture)
(2+0) 2 cr. (Spring)
Bacterial pathogens and their relationships to diseases;
prevention and control of infectious diseases. Prerequisites:
Biology 309 and Biology 341/541.
Biology 313/513 Medical Bacteriology (Laboratory)
(0+2) 2 cr. (Spring)
Isolation study, identification and laboratory handling of
pathogenic bacteria. Prerequisites: Biology 309 and Biology 341/541, concurrent enrollment in Biology 312.
Biology 315/515 Virology (3+0) 3 cr. (Spring)
Principles of animal and human molecular virology. Topics include replication, expression, pathogenesis, methods of diagnosis and detection, current uses of viruses in gene therapy and vaccine applications, viruses and cancer and other diseases, persistent infections, and emerging viruses. Prerequisite: Biology 323 or consent of instructor.
Biology 316/516 Developmental Biology (3+0)
3 cr. (Spring)
Students will first examine, at a morphological level, different strategies of embryonic development in diverse organisms, and then molecular cues that cells use to migrate, differentiate and eventually form a normal organism. Prerequisite: Biology 323/523 or equivalent. Recommended: Biology 343.
Biology 317/517 Cell/Development Biology Laboratory (1+4)
3 cr. (Spring-even year)
This laboratory focuses on current techniques in Cell and
Developmental Biology. Students will perform experiments
involving tissue culture, immunohistology and genetic
engineering. Students will be given some of the responsibility
for designing and executing experiments. Consequently students
must be able to work in the lab outside of the schedules hours.
Prerequisites: Biology 343 and either Biology 323/523 or Biology 316/516 or
concurrent enrollment in Biology 316/526.
Biology 319/519 General Animal Physiology 5
cr. (Fall, Spring)
Structure/function relationships common to a variety of animal body plans on the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ-system levels. Prerequisite: One year of chemistry; Biology 323. Biology 230 strongly recommended.
Biology 321/521 Mycology (2+2) 3 cr. (Fall)
A study of the fungi; characteristics, physiology, habits and
laboratory identification of molds, yeasts, mushrooms and related
organisms. Prerequisite: one semester of general biology.
Biology 322/522
Mushroom Identification 1 cr. (Fall)
The collection and identification of mushrooms and other fleshy fungi. Prerequisite: Biology 321/521 (may be taken concurrently).
Biology 325/525
Field Ecology 3 cr. (Fall)
An introductory field ecology course that will cover comparative, experimental and theoretical approaches to basic and applied questions in ecology. Field and laboratory exercises will treat various levels of organization including populations, communities and ecosystems. Studies will be carried out in a variety of local aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Students will gain first-hand experience with modern sampling and analytical techniques in ecology. Prerequisite: Biology 105 and Biology 349/549 (may be taken concurrently).
Biology 326/526 Introductory Limnology (2+2) 3 cr.
(Fall, odd years)
The physical, chemical and biological character of lakes and
streams. Methods of field measurements, collection and analysis
of water samples. Investigation of aquatic communities.
Prerequisites: one semester of general biology, one year of
general chemistry, and consent of instructor.
Biology 327/527 Microbial Ecology (2+3) 3 cr.
(Fall, odd years)
A study of the activities of microorganisms in a variety of
natural habitats, and their relevance to the overall quality of
the environment. Emphasis is placed on specific processes;
transformations in geochemical cycles, symbiotic relationships
among intermicrobial groups, bacterial interference, hydrocarbon
oxidations, and biotransformation of novel compounds.
Prerequisite: Biology 231, 233, 309 or consent of instructor.
Biology 328/528 Ornithology (2+3) 3 cr. (Spring)
An introduction to the systematics, evolution, anatomy, behavior,
and ecology of birds of the world. Field trips. Prerequisite:
Biology 230.
Biology 330/530 Ichthyology (2+3) 3 cr. (Fall, odd years)
The biology of fishes including functional anatomy, evolution,
taxonomy, ecology, physiology, behavior and development. Field
trips required. Prerequisites: Biology 230 and one year of general
chemistry with laboratory.
Biology 332/532 Entomology 3 cr.
(Spring)
An introduction to the study of insects. Principles of biology,
ecology and classification are emphasized. Elements of
morphology, physiology, and collection and preservation
techniques are included. Field trips. General collection of
insects (assembled during the semester) is required.
Prerequisite: one semester of general biology.
Biology 335/535 Systematic Biology (2+2) 3 cr.
(Fall, even years)
A study of the principles of taxonomy, nomenclature,
classification and systematics incorporating the most recent
approaches to derivation and application of hierarchical
classification systems. Quantitative methods, their underlying
assumptions, and their logical outcomes will be stressed.
Prerequisite: two semesters of biology, including a survey
course, required.
Biology 336/536 Fresh Water Algae (2+2) 3 cr.
(Fall, even years)
Classification, biochemistry, physiology and ecology of
freshwater algae. Emphasis on the roles algae play in aquatic
ecosystems and on applications in environmental monitoring,
aquaculture, and as experimental systems for basic research in
photosynthesis. Prerequisite: Biology 231 or Biology 233 or Biology 309.
Biology 337/537 Plant Anatomy 3 cr. (Spring-odd
years)
Structural aspects of cells, tissues, and organs comprising the plant body, their fuctional role in the ecology and life history of the plant, and their relationship to human affairs. Prerequisite: one semester of general biology
required, Biology 231 recommended.
Biology 339/539 Food Microbiology 3 cr.
(Fall, even years)
A study of microorganisms and microbial processes important to a variety of industrial applications: special reference to food, biotechnical, and environmental processes and their applications. Prerequisite: Biology 309.
Biology 341/541 Immunology and Serology (3+0) 3
cr. (Fall)
Principles of immunology, with emphasis on the cellular and molecular basis of immune function, including clinical aspects of host immune processes. Areas of immunology currently under investigation will also be examined. Prerequisite: Biology 323 or consent of instructor. Strongly recommended: Biology 233 or 309.
Biology 345/545 Plant Physiology (4+3) 5 cr.
(Spring)
An experimental study of plant growth, metabolism, nutrition,
reproduction and response to environment. Prerequisites: one
semester of general biology and Biology 231 and a year of general
chemistry.
Biology 349/549 General Ecology (2+1) 3 cr. (Fall, Spring)
Basic Principles which influence and govern the plant and animal relations with their environments. An explanation of the distribution, abundance, and specialization of the present-day organisms, and of extinction. Prerequisite: One semester of general biology.
Biology 350/550 Electron Microscopy 4 cr.
(Fall)
Electron Microscopy is an intensive, hands-on course covering the practices, procedures and operational theories of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Micorscopy (TEM). Topics covered include specimen preparation, ultramicrotomy, microscope design and microscope function. The laboratory provides experience with all techniques necessary to prepare, observe, and photograph biological specimens on the SEM and TEM.
Biology 354/554 Parasitology 3 cr.
A look at the most common mode of life. Emphasis will be placed on parasites of medical and veterinary importance. Topics will include life cycles, identification and diagnosis, disease, host-parasite interaction and co-evolution. Prerequisites: One term of general biology and Biology 230.
Biology 358/558 Freshwater Invertebrates (0+4) 2
cr. (Spring Interim-odd years)
In this course benthic organisms and zooplankton will be studied.
Sampling techniques for different situations will be used. Data
will be analyzed using several diversity techniques. The role of
benthos and zooplankton in aquatic systems will be examined.
Prerequisites: An introductory biology course and consent of
instructor.
Biology 367/567
Field Ornithology 2 cr. (Spring Interim)
An intensive, highly field-oriented course intended to provide the practical "hands-on" experience essential to students interested in field biology. Field studies will emphasize identification and natural history of local avian species using a variety of field techniques. In addition to fieldwork, the course will involve lecture, specimen labs, and readings to examine important aspects of systematics, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and conservation as they apply to birds (Spring Interim at Pigeon Lake Field Station).
Biology 372/572 Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology 3 cr. (Spring)
In-depth consideration of topics such as replication, transcription, translation and regulation of gene expression. Mechanisms that guide and drive cellular function and metabolism will be covered in detail. Studies of aberrant cell behavior (e.g. cancer and cell death) will be included. This course will emphasize scientific literature and quantitative problem-solving. Prerequisite: Biology 323, 343 and Chemistry 106.
Biology 373/573 Biology Field Trip 2 cr. (Spring)
Formal library and classroom study of an area of interest
followed by field study of that area. Site of study will change
from year to year and could include Florida Everglades and Keys,
Gulf Coast, Desert Southwest, etc. A final examination will
follow the trip. See instructor for special course fees. May be
taken more than once for credit but only two (2) credits will
apply toward the major or minor at the undergraduate level or MS
Biology degree. To receive credit, student must be enrolled at
beginning of semester.
Biology 374/574
Cell/Immunology Laboratory 3 cr. (Fall)
Laboratory course integrating principles of cell biology and immunology. Techniques employed include, but are not limited to western blotting, SDS-PAGE, PCR and applications, ELISAs, tissue culture, and microscopy. Course is designed for students interested in molecular methods and who aim to do research or gain jobs in fields of cell and molecular biology, microbiology, medicine and medical technology. Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in Biology 341/541 or 372/572.
Biology 375/575 Microbial Genetics 3 cr. (Fall)
Structure of microbial genome mutation, expression and exchange
of genetic information, genetic analysis, genetic engineering.
Prerequisites: Biology 309 and Biology 340 or Biology 343.
Biology 376/576 Population and Community Ecology
(2+3) 3 cr. (Fall)
An introduction to the study of populations and communities.
Examines population-level phenomena (e.g., density, demography,
reproduction) and population-level interactions within biological
communities (e.g., competition, predation, parasitism). Labs
involve discussions of papers from the literature, data analysis,
and computer simulations. Prerequisites: Biology 349 or consent of
instructor.
Biology 377/577 Microbial Genetics Laboratory
(0+4) 2 cr. (Fall)
A laboratory course to study the genetics of bacteria and their
viruses. Genetic mapping will be introduced using techniques
involving mutagenesis, recombination, plasmid transfer,
transduction and transformation systems.
Prerequisite: Biology 309 and 375/575 (may be taken concurrently).
Biology 386/586 Ecosystem Ecology (2+2) 3 cr. (Spring)
An introduction to the study of ecosystems with an emphasis on biogeochemical cycles, energy budgets, and other emergent properties. Laboratory will focus on comparative and experimental approaches to the study of local ecosystems (streams, lakes, wetlands, forests). Students will acquire hands-on experience with techniques used by ecosystem ecologists such as nutrient analysis of streamwater, determination of ecosystem metabolism, and analysis of forest and wetland soils. Prerequisite: Biology 349 or consent of instructor.
Biology 389/589 Principles of Biotechnology (3+0)
3 cr. (Spring, even years)
A survey of methods and processes used in industrial microbiology and the techniques used in the development of new processes (recombinant DNA, monoclonal antibodies and genetic improvement). Prerequisite: Biology 323 and 343. Strongly recommended: Biology 375 or consent of instructor.
Biology 390/590 Biotechnology Laboratory (0+4) 2 cr. (Spring, even years)
A laboratory course that complements the lecture course Biology 389/589 in biotechnology. Students will gain hands-on experience in some of the principles of cell culture, product isolation and purification, and molecular genetic manipulation of genes that are basic to many areas of this broad and rapidly changing field. Exercises are planned in cell culture, computer analysis of cell culture parameters, protein isolation and purification, gene cloning and nucleic acid probe techniques, DNA sequencing, and computer analysis of DNA and protein sequences. If taken at the undergraduate level, the course may not be repeated for graduate credit. Prerequisite: Biology 309. Strongly recommended: Biology 372/572 and 375/575.
Biology 450/650 Microbial Physiology (3+4) 5 cr.
(Fall)
Physiological and metabolic processes of bacteria with emphasis
on growth, nutrition, synthesis of cellular constituents and
energy yielding processes.
Prerequisite: Biology 309. Strongly recommended: Chemistry 302.
Graduate only (700) course offerings
Biology 702 Current Debates in Evolutionary Biology
4 cr.
Recent advances and debates in evolutionary biology, approaches will involve reading primary research articles and books, compiling and analyzing data, and preparing research reports. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Topics will change with each offering.
Biology 708
Systematics & Evolutionary Genetics (4+0) 4 cr.
Interrelates and synthesizes the theory of Organic Evolution in the light of findings and practices of two related biological disciplines, viz., 1) Systematic Biology (dealing with the logical and empirical premises of classification systems, species concept, significance of higher taxa, taxonomic methods and their evaluation) and 2) Evolutionary Genetics (dealing with the laws of genetics and bio-mathematics as applied to evolving populations). Prerequisite: Biology 107, 231 or a semester course in general zoology.
Biology 709 Introduction to Biological Research 2
cr. (Fall, Spring; Arrange with thesis advisor)
Graduate students formulate a sound
approach to biological research. The objectives include a working
knowledge of the literature and techniques of research in the
area.
Biology 710
Biostatistics 2 cr.
This course will cover the basic types of statistics used in the analysis of biological data. Topics include descriptive statistics, types of data, comparisons of two populations, probability, multiple comparisons (ANOVA), experimental design, linear regression, power analysis and multivariate analysis. Students will use both calculators and standard statistical programs to explore various data sets. Prerequisites: Psych 203 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Biology 728 Botany Seminar 1 cr.
(Fall, Spring)
The student will review the literature and make a presentation
and critical analysis of a current problem in plant science.
Biology 748 Zoology Seminar I cr.
(Fall, Spring)
The student will review the literature and make a presentation
and critical analysis of a current topic in animal science.
Biology 749
Field Zoology 3 cr.
Field trips, observing local animals; identification and study of collected species. Prerequisite: One year of biology.
Biology 751
Biochemical Genetics (2+2) 4 cr.
DNA structure, replication of genetic material, mutation, and genetic exchange in various organisms with emphasis on procaryotes and viruses. Prerequisite: Biology 309 and 340/343.
Biology 765 Advanced Topics In Microbiology/Virology (2+0)
2 cr. (Fall, Spring)
Recent advances in bacteriology, virology, and immunology will be
discussed in detail. Course may
be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
Biology 766 Advanced Topics in Biology 2 cr. (Fall, Spring)
Recent advances in biological science will be examined in detail.
Content varies with offering. Course may be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
Biology 768 Microbiology Seminar 1 cr. (Fall, Spring)
The student will review the literature and make a presentation
and critical analysis of a current problem in microbiology.
Biology 769 Introduction to Microbiological Research
(0+4) 2 cr. (Spring)
Theory and applications of selected analytical methods widely
used in biological research.
Biology 780
Community Energetics (4+0) 4 cr.
Dynamics of the biotic community. A consideration of nutrient sources, utilization, release and cycling, and energy, its sources and its flow through trophic components of the community. Prerequisite: Biology 349.
Biology 795 Biology/Microbiology Thesis 1-6 cr.
Each registration with maximum accumulation of 6 cr. Registration
for thesis credit for MS Biology/Microbiology students.
Prerequisite: Thesis Proposal and Advisor Approval form must be
filed in Graduate Office. Pass/Fail course.
Biology 796 Independent Study In Biology/Microbiology 1-3
cr.
Registration for MS Biology/Microbiology students who have filed
Independent Study Topic and Instructor Approval Form with
Graduate Office.
Biology 799 Registration for Comprehensive Examination
0 cr.
Required registration for MS Biology/Microbiology students in
their final term who are not registered for credit courses.
Pass/Fail course.
Return to the Biology & Microbiology Home Page
Return to the UW Oshkosh Home Page
Please send questions or comments to the Co-chair, Drs. Colleen McDermott (mcdermot@uwosh.edu) and/or Dr. Beatrice Holton (holton@uwosh.edu).
Last updated 08/6/2007