500-level courses in the
Master's Degree program

BIO 500 Graduate Seminar (3 SH) This course will include a combination of guest speakers, student presentations and roundtable discussions on current topics and papers in the biological sciences. In addition, lectures and assignments will deal with techniques of scientific literature research, scientific writing and paper presentations. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor.

BIO 504 Limnology (3 SH) A study of the fundamental properties and dynamics of lakes through the interrelated aspects of physical, geological, chemical and biological processes. Studies of the evolution and eutrophication of lakes under natural and altered conditions of modern environments. Prerequisite: Bachelors degree in Biology or permission of instructor.

BIO 511 Selected Topics in Animal Development (3 SH) An examination of classical and contemporary approaches to the analysis of animal development. It is expected that the course will give the student the historical and conceptual background to independently pursue the current literature in this area. Laboratory experiences, including field trips, will reinforce concepts presented in lecture. Prerequisite: Undergraduate courses in zoology and descriptive embryology or permission of instructor.

BIO 524 The Immune System (3 SH) This course provides an overview of the mammalian immune system as it is currently understood. The role of the immune system in health and disease and the use of immunological techniques in various fields of biology will be discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor.

BIO 530 Population Genetics (3 SH) The course will consider the theoretical, experimental, and empirical foundations of population genetics. Topics covered will include models of natural selection and genetic drift; the neutral theory of molecular evolution; migration and population subdivision; speciation; and applications to medicine, pest control, and conservation biology. Prerequisite: BIO 312; MAT 135 or 181 recommended.

BIO 534 Advanced Evolution (3 SH) This is an advanced course in evolution, primarily for Biology graduate students and secondary school biology teachers. Major topics will be the genetic theory of evolution, molecular evolution, speciation, human evolution, and the origin of life. Current topics and controversies will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO 325 or permission of instructor.

BIO 535 Advanced Molecular Biology (4 SH) An advanced course which examines the current status of gene cloning and mapping, genome analysis, and human genetic diseases. The laboratory will introduce students to techniques used in genome manipulation and analysis. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor. A background in cell biology or genetics is recommended.

BIO 536 Molecular Oncology (3 SH) An advanced course which examines the molecular mechanisms of cellular growth control, carcinogenesis, cancer genetics and immunology, and current treatment technologies. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor. A background in cell biology or genetics is recommended.

BIO 537 Molecular Endocrinology (3 SH) An advanced course which examines molecular mechanisms of hormone synthesis and structure, hormonal control of gene expression and cellular pathways, and aberrant hormone effects. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor. A background in cell biology, genetics, or human physiology is recommended.

BIO 538 Molecular Mechanisms of Animal Development (3 SH) An advanced course which examines the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying cell adhesion, cell-cell communication and signaling pathways, apoptosis, pattern and body axis formation, limb morphogenesis, and sex determination in animals. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor. A background in cell biology, genetics, or developmental biology is recommended.

BIO 539 Molecular Biology of Procaryotes (3 SH) An advanced course examining procaryotes from the perspective of discoveries derived from genome projects. Special emphasis is placed on bacterial pathogens and the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor. A background in microbiology or genetics is recommended.

BIO 540 Aquatic Vascular Plants (4 SH) The course will introduce students to the aquatic and wetland plant flora (ferns, fern allies, flowering plants) of the northeast. The lecture will focus on conceptual issues of the biology, ecology, and evolution of aquatic plants. The laboratory will be devoted largely to field collection and identification of aquatic and wetland plants. Four Saturday field trips are required. Prerequisite: An introductory course in plant taxonomy or equivalent background.

BIO 543 Stream Ecology (4 SH) This course will cover the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of streams and rivers including an integrated study of the environmental factors affecting the composition and distribution of biota. The role of streams and their biota in ecosystem processes will be emphasized. The laboratory will provide experience in field and lab techniques used in the study of streams. Prerequisite: BIO 200 or permission of instructor.

BIO 545 Advanced Systematic Biology (3 SH) The course will focus on conceptual aspects of systematic biology. Emphasis will include phylogenetic reconstruction, species concepts, speciation, the dynamic nature of species, and evolutionary factors such as hybridization, gene flow, and species extinction. Students will apply conceptual issues to particular groups of interest. Prerequisite: An introductory course in taxonomy/systematic biology or equivalent.

BIO 551 Soil Ecology (4 SH) This course examines the dynamics of microbes and the fauna that feed upon them, within the physical and chemical environment of the soil. The role of soils and their biota in ecosystem processes will be emphasized. The laboratory will provide experience in field and lab techniques used in the study of soil ecology. Prerequisite: BIO 200 or permission of instructor.

BIO 555 Environmental Physiology (3 SH) Involves discussions of principles and current research on animal regulatory mechanisms and physiological adaptations for survival in changing environmental conditions. The effects of pollution and other chemical, physical, and biotic environmental stressors on animal functions are explored. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor.

BIO 560 Behavioral Ecology (3 SH) An examination of the manner in which animals interact with their environment. Both theoretical principles and environmental problems will be studied. Topics include optimality theory, inclusive fitness, social behavior, selfishness and cooperation, mating, reproduction, and species interactions. The course will be a combination of lectures by the instructor and seminar presentations by students. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor.

BIO 565 Topics in Animal Behavior (3 SH) This course will introduce graduate students without previous background in the discipline to the critical concepts and topics involved in the study of the biological basis of animal behavior. Ecological and evolutionary approaches will be stressed. Student presentations will supplement lectures by the instructor. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor.

BIO 592 Independent Thesis Research (6 SH) Designed for students fulfilling the thesis requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Biological and Environmental Sciences who choose to work independently on thesis research and writing. Individual conferences with the advisor are scheduled as needed. Credit will be awarded upon submission of an approved final version of the thesis and thesis abstracts. Prerequisite: Submission of an approved thesis proposal and permission of the graduate coordinator.

BIO 598 Faculty Developed Study (1-4 SH) An experimental course offered by the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department as a means of determining its value to the total department program or in response to a particular request from a group of students.

BIO 599 Student Independent Study (1-6 SH) A vehicle designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop his/her own learning experience. A student will design a project and secure a faculty sponsor. May be utilized more than one time. Prerequisite: Written permission of faculty sponsor and department.

See relevant 400-level courses