Select a different Catalog:
2008 - 2009 Catalog
Biology
Science 374
541-552-6341
Karen D. Stone, Chair
Biologists work on a broad spectrum of questions related to living organisms and life processes. They investigate the physical and chemical bases of life, the structure and function of organisms and their parts, the interaction between organisms and their environments, and the evolution of organisms. The biology major not only offers a thorough introduction to the principal areas of biology, but it also gives students the freedom to specialize.
The bachelor’s degree in biology prepares students for employment in diverse fields related to the life sciences. It is also excellent training for graduate and professional programs leading to degrees in such areas as agriculture, dentistry, environmental science, forestry, medical technology, medicine, optometry, veterinary medicine, and wildlife biology.
Because upper division courses in biology build on prerequisites, students should seek advising as soon as they consider majoring in biology. Early advising is especially important for those planning to go on to graduate or professional schools. Contact the department for an advisor assignment.
Degrees
BA or BS in Biology
BA or BS in Biology: Biomedical Science Option
BA or BS in Biology: Botany Option
BA or BS in Biology: Cell/Molecular Option
BA or BS in Biology: Ecology and Environmental Biology Option
BA or BS in Biology: Zoology Option
BS in Environmental Studies: Biology Option
MA or MS in Science with an emphasis in Biology
Minor
Biology
Requirements for the Major
- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 19.
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for all coursework in biology.
- Complete biology exit exam major field test in biology.
- Complete the biology core (40–42 credits):
| Principles of Biology (BI 211, 212, 213) | 12 |
| Plant Physiology (BI 331) or Comparative Animal Physiology (BI 314) | 4 |
| Introductory Ecology (BI 340) | 4 |
| Genetics (BI 341) | 4 |
| Cell Biology (BI 342) | 4 |
| Developmental Biology (BI 343) | 4 |
| Evolution (BI 446) | 4 |
| Capstone | 4–6 |
- Those seeking a biology degree without an option must complete a minimum of 5 upper division biology electives, with a total of at least 20 credits. Those seeking an option with their degree should consult the section below, Options for the Major, to see how these credits should be distributed. The following courses may not be used: BI 330, 380–389, 401–405, 409, 489, 490, 491, or 492. A maximum of 3 credits from BI 407 and BI 408 may be applied to this requirement. Only 1 credit may be from BI 407. In addition, 4 credits of biochemistry may be applied to this requirement. Note: The biomedical science option requires at least 23 credits of upper division biology electives.
- Complete the General Chemistry sequence with labs:
| CH 201, 204; CH 202, 205; CH 203, 206 | 15 |
- Complete the Principles of Organic Chemistry sequence or the Organic Chemistry sequence with labs:
| CH 331, 337; CH 332, 338 | 11 |
or
| CH 334, 337; CH 335, 340; CH 336, 341 | 16 |
- Complete 12–18 credits of physical science from:
| General Physics with lab (PH 201, 224; PH 202, 225; PH 203, 226) | 15 |
or
| PH 221, 224; PH 222, 225; PH 223, 226 | 18 |
or
| Geology (G 101, 102, 103) | 12 |
- Complete the following math courses:
| Calculus I (MTH 251) | 4 |
| Calculus II (MTH 252) | 4 |
| Elementary Statistics (MTH 243) | 4 |
or
| Calculus I (MTH 251) | 4 |
| Elementary Statistics (MTH 243) | 4 |
| Applied Inferential Statistics (MTH 244) | 4 |
Suggested First-Year Program
| University Seminar (USEM 101, 102, 103) | 12 |
| BI 211, 212, 213 | 12 |
| CH 201, 204; 202, 205; 203, 206 | 15 |
| Other approved courses | 6 |
Capstone
The capstone is a research project in which students integrate skills and information learned in the major. Students plan a research project, write a project proposal, conduct research, write a final report, and make an oral presentation to faculty and peers. Options for meeting the capstone requirement include:
- Complete BI 489 (1 credit) and BI 490, 491, or 492 (3 credits).
- Complete BI 489. With approval, work individually with a faculty mentor and complete 2 credits of BI 402 or 409 and 1 credit of BI 404.
- Complete BI 489. If admitted to the department honors program, work individually with a faculty mentor and complete 3 credits of BI 402 or 409 and 2 credits of BI 404.
Options for the Major
Biology majors wishing to tailor their undergraduate biology degree to meet their future interests or employment may pursue one of the following option areas as part of their degree program. Most option areas have the same core requirements as the biology degree and primarily specialize within the 20 credits of upper division biology electives required for the degree (see #4 under Requirements for the Major). The exception is the Biomedical Science option, which has a modified core, upper division elective, mathematics, and physical science requirements designed to better prepare these students for their future courses of study.
Biomedical Science Option
Biology
- Complete the biology core requirements with the following modification:
- Introductory Ecology (BI 340) is not required; however, it may be taken for elective credit (see below).
- Select 3 courses from:
| Microbiology (BI 351 and 353) | 6 |
| Advanced Animal Physiology (BI 414) | 4 |
| Molecular Biology (BI 425) | 4 |
| Immunology (BI 456) | 4 |
| Biochemistry (CH 350 or 451) | 3–4 |
- Complete a minimum of 3 courses, totaling at least 12 credits from:
| Topics in Biology: Human Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III (BI 330) | 12 |
| Any approved upper division courses that count as electives toward the biology degree, including Introductory Ecology (BI 340) | 12 |
Chemistry
Same as biology without the biomedical science option.
Mathematics
Complete:
| Elementary Statistics (MTH 243) | 4 |
| Calculus I (MTH 251) | 4 |
Physical Science
Complete:
| General Physics (PH 201, 224; 202, 225; 203, 226)* | 15 |
*PH 221, 222, 223 and labs may be substituted for PH 201, 202, 203 and labs.
Botany Option
- Complete Plant Physiology (BI 331) for core physiology requirement (see Requirements for the Major, #4) (4 credits).
- Complete 16 credits from:
| Origins and Diversity of Land Plants (BI 432) | 4 |
| Plant Systematics (BI 433) | 4 |
| Plant Form and Function (BI 434) | 4 |
| Origins and Diversity of Protists and Fungi (BI 436) | 4 |
| Bryology (BI 442) | 4 |
| Vascular Plant Identification and Field Botany (BI 444) | 3 |
| Plant Ecology (BI 454) | 4 |
- Complete an additional 4 credits from approved upper division biology electives.
Cell/Molecular Option
- Complete 16 credits from:
| Microbiology (BI 351 and 353) | 6 |
| Molecular Biology (BI 425) | 4 |
| Plant Form and Function (BI 434) | 4 |
| Origins and Diversity of Protists and Fungi (BI 436) | 4 |
| Immunology (BI 456) | 4 |
| Scanning Electron Microscopy (BI 485) | 4 |
| Biochemistry (CH 350 or 451) | 3–4 |
- Complete an additional 4 credits from approved upper division biology electives.
Ecology/Environmental Biology Option
- Complete 16 credits from:
| Physiological Ecology of Animals (BI 413) | 4 |
| Plant Form and Function (BI 434) | 4 |
| Conservation Biology (BI 438) | 3 |
| Plant Ecology (BI 454) | 4 |
| Aquatic Ecology (BI 475) | 4 |
| Animal Behavior (BI 480) | 4 |
- Complete an additional 4 credits from approved upper division biology electives.
Zoology
- Complete Comparative Animal Physiology (BI 314) for core physiology requirement (see Requirements for the Major, #4) (4 credits).
- Complete 16 credits from the following courses (must include at least one invertebrate and one vertebrate course):
| Vertebrate Natural History (BI 317) | 4 |
| Invertebrate Natural History (BI 318) | 4 |
| Physiological Ecology of Animals (BI 413) | 4 |
| Advanced Animal Physiology (BI 414) | 4 |
| Mammology (BI 415) | 4 |
| Fish and Fisheries (BI 450) | 4 |
| Entomology (BI 466) | 4 |
| Herpetology (BI 470) | 4 |
| Ornithology (BI 471) | 4 |
| Animal Behavior (BI 480) | 4 |
- Complete an additional 4 credits from approved upper division biology electives.
Biology Honors Program
Juniors and seniors who wish to graduate with honors in biology must petition the Biology Honors Committee for admission to the honors program. Honors students conduct independent research with a biology faculty mentor, prepare a written report in the accepted editorial style, and make an oral presentation of the project. Honors graduates must have a minimum 3.25 GPA in all biology courses taken for the major and a minimum overall 3.00 GPA. Completion of the honors program satisfies the Senior Capstone requirement. The transcripts and diplomas of students completing the honors program indicate that their degrees were awarded with departmental honors.
- Successfully petition the Biology Honors Committee for admission to the program. Forms are available in the Science Hall Office.
- Complete an honors research project (BI 489 and a minimum of 3 credits of BI 402 or 409) with a minimum grade of B.
- Complete a written report and make an oral presentation of the research project (2 credits of BI 404) with a minimum grade of B.
- Complete the bachelor’s degree in biology with a minimum GPA of 3.25 in all biology courses taken for the major and 3.00 overall GPA.
Minor
The minor is designed for non-biology majors who wish to emphasize biology by completing at least 27 credits from the following:
Principles of Biology:
| Molecules, Cells, and Genes (BI 211) | 4 |
| Evolution and Diversity (BI 212) | 4 |
| Function and Ecology of Organisms (BI 213) | 4 |
| Select a minimum of 4 courses with a total of at least 15 credits from any regularly scheduled 300- or 400-level biology course that counts toward the biology major | 15 |
Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA in biology courses for the minor.
Certificate in Botany
The Certificate in Botany serves undergraduate, graduate, and postbaccalaureate students wishing to work in the plant sciences. The program prepares students for careers as botanists at state and federal agencies, environmental consulting firms, and nongovernmental conservation organizations. It also offers a solid foundation for students planning graduate work in botany. Students wishing to pursue the Certificate in Botany should meet with the certificate advisor early in their program. See the Certificates section.
Graduate Programs
The department offers a master of science degree in environmental education. The department also participates in the master of arts and master of science degrees in science. See the Graduate Studies section for information on these programs.
Master of Science in Environmental Education
This program serves students seeking careers that require a scientific understanding of the natural world, awareness of the environmental problems affecting present and future generations, and the skills needed to become effective educators. The MS in Environmental Education program is designed to help students acquire scientific knowledge and professional skills in preparation for careers devoted to formal and informal science education, sustainable resource use, protection of biodiversity, and preservation of wildlands. Graduates find jobs as teachers in school and field settings, as interpretive naturalists in museums, nature centers and parks, and as environmental advocates working with governmental and nongovernmental organizations to educate the public. For complete information on the program, see the Master in Environmental Education section of this catalog or the Environmental Education website at www.sou.edu/ee.
Preprofessional Programs
Students planning a career in a medical field such as dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, or any other professional area should consult the appropriate advisor as soon as possible after deciding on one of these careers. The Science Hall secretary maintains a current advisor list. Students in premedical technology and preveterinary medicine can plan their work to satisfy general degree requirements at SOU either in a four-year program or in cooperation with a professional school. See the Preprofessional Programs section for more information on these programs.
Teacher Licensing
Students who would like to teach biology at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete the prerequisite courses to qualify for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. It is not necessary to complete all prerequisites before applying to the program, but the prerequisites must be completed before a student begins the program. Interested students should consult the Science Hall secretary for an advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.
Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Applicants are required to gain experience working with children in public schools through practica, internships, and volunteer service before applying to the program.
Biology Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| BI 101 General Biology: Cells |
| 4 credits |
| Intended for non-biology majors. Examines the organization of cells, including their composition and structure, energy-trapping and use, information storage, and cell division. Three lectures and one 2-hour laboratory. Approved for University Studies (Explorations). Corequisite: BI 101L. |
| BI 102 General Biology: Organisms |
| 4 credits |
| Intended for non-biology majors. Addresses the organization and function of multicellular organisms, with an emphasis on humans. Three lectures and one 2-hour laboratory. Approved for University Studies (Explorations). Prerequisite: BI 101. Corequisite: BI 102L. |
| BI 103 General Biology: Populations |
| 4 credits |
| Intended for non-biology majors. Covers the organization of populations, including Mendelian inheritance, adaptation to the environment, evolution, population growth, communities, ecosystems, and pollution. Three lectures and one 2-hour laboratory. Approved for University Studies (Explorations). Prerequisite: BI 101. Corequisite: BI 103L. |
| BI 199 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 209 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 210 Topics in Biology |
| 1 to 4 credits |
| Intended for non-biology majors. Topics on contemporary society and current biology issues are chosen on the basis of their relevance to other disciplines. Lecture, discussion, and/or laboratory as deemed suitable for the topic. May not be used to meet biology major requirements. Credit determined by topic. |
| BI 211 Principles of Biology: Molecules, Cells, and Genes |
| 4 credits |
| Introductory course intended for biology and other science majors. Covers biological molecules, cell structure and function, and genetics. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Approved for University Studies (Explorations). Corequisite: BI 211L. |
| BI 212 Principles of Biology: Evolution and Diversity |
| 4 credits |
| Introductory course intended for biology and other science majors. Explores the mechanisms and results of evolution, including a survey of organism diversity. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Approved for University Studies (Explorations). Prerequisite: BI 211. Corequisite: BI 212L. |
| BI 213 Principles of Biology: Function and Ecology of Organisms |
| 4 credits |
| Introductory course intended for biology and other science majors. Covers organismal function and interactions among organisms, as well as interactions between organisms and their environments. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212. Corequisite: BI 213L. |
| BI 214 Elementary Microbiology |
| 4 credits |
| Intended for students interested in careers in chiropractic medicine, dental hygiene, medical technology, nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Studies the general characteristics of microorganisms that cause disease and the factors involved in host resistance to disease. Includes principles of disease causation and diagnosis, epidemiology, and prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Two 75-minute lectures and two 80-minute laboratories. Corequisite: BI 214L. |
| BI 231 Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces human structure and function, with a study of skeletal and muscular systems. Two 75-minute lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: One year of a biological science. Corequisite: BI 231L. |
| BI 232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
| 4 credits |
| Continues study of the systems of the human body and their structure and function, including nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems. Two 75-minute lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BI 231. Corequisite: BI 232L. |
| BI 233 Human Anatomy and Physiology III |
| 4 credits |
| Continues study of the systems of the human body and their structure and function, including digestive, urogenital, and endocrine systems. Two 75-minute lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 231 and 232. Corequisite: BI 233L. |
| BI 250 Nursing Genetics |
| 3 credits |
| Provides a foundation for nurses to understand genetics as it relates to human variation. Topics include transmission genetics; population genetics; the structure and function of genes; genetics of sex, behavior, immunity, and cancer; diseases linked to single gene mutations; genetic technologies; genetic screening testing; and bioethics. |
Upper Division Courses
| BI 314 Comparative Animal Physiology |
| 4 credits |
| Comparative study of respiration, circulation, digestion, energetics, and thermoregulation. Emphasizes general physiological principles and uses physical and mathematical approaches applicable to all animals. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213 and one year of general chemistry. Corequisite: BI 314L. |
| BI 317 Vertebrate Natural History |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the systematics, distribution, behavior, dormancy, population movements, population dynamics, and ecology of vertebrates. Laboratory emphasizes field studies and identification. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. Corequisite: BI 317L. |
| BI 318 Invertebrate Natural History |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces invertebrates, with an emphasis on the natural history, structure, classification, and ecological importance of major phyla—including sponges, sea anemones, marine and terrestrial worms, echinoderms, molluscs, and arthropods. Required overnight coast field trip. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. Corequisite: BI 318L. |
| BI 330 Topics in Biology |
| 1 to 4 credits |
| Intended for non-biology majors. Topics on contemporary society and current biology issues are chosen on the basis of their relevance to other disciplines. Lecture, discussion, and/or laboratory as deemed suitable for the topic. May not be used to meet biology major requirements, except in Biology Biomedical Science option. Credit determined by topic. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Additional prerequisites and corequisites determined by topic. |
| BI 331 Plant Physiology |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the metabolic activities of plants. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213; CH 201, 202, 203. Corequisite: BI 331L. |
| BI 340 Introductory Ecology |
| 4 credits |
| Covers the interactions of organisms with their environments and each other, as well as population dynamics, biological communities, and ecosystem functions. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213, or ES 111, 112, 210. Corequisite: BI 340L. |
| BI 341 Genetics |
| 4 credits |
| Includes classical and modern molecular analysis of the structure, function, and evolution of genes and genomes at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BI 341. Corequisite: BI 341L. |
| BI 342 Cell Biology |
| 4 credits |
| Examines cell and molecular biology with an emphasis on experimental cell biology. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BI 341. Corequisite: BI 342L. |
| BI 343 Developmental Biology |
| 4 credits |
| Covers descriptions and mechanisms of development in animals, plants, and protists. Includes differentiation, intercellular relations, regulatory substances, morphogenetic movements, and genetic regulation. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 341 and 342. Corequisite: BI 343L. |
| BI 351 Microbiology |
| 3 credits |
| Covers principles of microbiology and surveys microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses. Emphasizes organisms that significantly influence human health and the environment. Three lectures. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisites: One year of biology and two terms of chemistry. Corequisite: BI 353. |
| BI 353 Microbiology Laboratory |
| 3 credits |
| Includes an introduction to standard microbiology techniques, quantitative lab science, experimental design, and data analysis. One 1-hour lecture and two 2-hour laboratories. Corequisite: BI 351. |
| BI 381 The New Sciences of Complexity |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces an array of topics currently becoming unified in the new interdisciplinary field of complex systems. Explores how a holistic systems approach and common analytical tools may be applied to such diverse areas as ecology, economics, genetics, physics, and social science to yield insights not obtained through a reductionist scientific approach. Topics include chaos, emergent properties, fractals, scaling, self-organization, feedback, and networks. The computer-based laboratory emphasizes emergent behavior of agent-based modeling simulations and visualization of other complex phenomena. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Does not fulfill biology major or minor requirements. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. Corequisite: BI 381L. |
| BI 382 Biology and Society |
| 3 credits |
| Examines timely biological issues and their implications for human society. Students participate in and lead discussions on controversial topics such as genetic engineering, the biological basis of sexual orientation and race, biodiversity and threatened habitats, and biological warfare. Two 75-minute meetings per week and a community-based learning component. Does not fulfill biology major or minor requirements. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| BI 383 Science and Advocacy in Environmental Policy Debates |
| 3 credits |
| Explores the interactions of science and advocacy in the development of environmental policy. Investigates controversial environmental problems where science and advocacy are confounded and where the common good and special interests are difficult to discern. Students engage in dialogue based on analysis of case studies, including issues related to forest health, use of pesticides, resource development, global warming, and loss of biodiversity. Two 75-minute meetings. Does not fulfill biology major or minor requirements. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| BI 384 Ethnobotany and Cross-Cultural Communication |
| 3 credits |
| Explores cultural diversity in the human relationship with plants and the role of plants in diverse world views. Applications of medicinal and ceremonial plants in Native American, Ayurvedic, traditional Chinese, and other practices serve as a vehicle for interpreting how different cultures understand the human place in the cosmos. Examines the interaction of divergent world views through experiential cross-cultural communication against the backdrop of a pluralist philosophical framework and modern sciences. Two 75-minute meetings. Does not fulfill biology major or minor requirements. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| BI 385 Women in Science |
| 3 credits |
| Explores the past and current factors influencing women’s scientific career choices and the success of women in various scientific disciplines. Examines the lives and contributions of notable and contemporary women in science from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Addresses the culture of science and the role of gender in scientific inquiry. Includes small group discussions focused on assigned readings and guest-speaker presentations from women scientists in academia, government, and industry. Two 75-minute meetings. Does not fulfill biology major or minor requirements. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| BI 386 Forest Ecology and Management |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces the principles of forestry, including the biology of forest ecosystems and the management of these landscapes for societal benefits. Topics include biodiversity, logging practices, fire suppression, sustainable forest management, forest economics, ecological principles, and biogeochemical cycles. Two 75-minute meetings and two weekend field trips. Does not fulfill biology major or minor requirements. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisites: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| BI 388 Conservation of Natural Resources |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the history, principles, and practices of natural resource use and abuse, particularly in the United States. Emphasizes understanding of scientific and ecological principles and economics as the basis of sustainable human development. Two 2-hour lectures and one field trip. Does not fulfill major or minor requirements. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisites: BI 101 and 102; or BI 101 and 103; or BI 211, 212; and completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| BI 399 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 401/501 Research |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 402 Capstone Research |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 403/503 Thesis |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 404 Capstone Thesis |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 405/505 Reading and Conference |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 407/507 Seminar |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 408/508 Workshop |
| Credits to be arranged (maximum 6 undergraduate credits and 9 graduate credits) |
| BI 409/509 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged (1 to 9 credits) |
| BI 411/511 Special Topics |
| Credits to be arranged |
| BI 413/513 Physiological Ecology of Animals |
| 4 credits |
| Studies physiological adaptations from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Covers patterns of resource allocation, optimality theory, and functional responses to environmental variation. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BI 314 or 340. Corequisite: BI 413L/513L. |
| BI 414/514 Advanced Animal Physiology |
| 4 credits |
| Continues Comparative Animal Physiology (BI 314). Topics include water balance and nerve, muscle, and endocrine functions. Emphasizes a comparative approach. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BI 314. Corequisite: BI 414L/514L. |
| BI 415/515 Mammalogy |
| 4 credits |
| Covers the ecology, behavior, adaptations, and identification of mammals. Three lectures, one 3-hour laboratory, and required weekend field trips. Prerequisite: BI 317. Corequisite: BI 415L/515L. |
| BI 425/525 Molecular Biology |
| 4 credits |
| Surveys current topics in modern molecular biology and biotechnology, including gene expression and regulation, protein interaction, genomics, and signal transduction. Emphasizes laboratory experience and the application of techniques to selected experimental problems. Includes PCR-based techniques, cloning and sequencing of genes, mutation characterization, and interpretation of sequence data using bioinformatics databases and tools. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: BI 341; CH 332 or 335. Corequisite: BI 425L/525L. |
| BI 430/530 Biological Illustration |
| 3 credits |
| Provides all-level sketching instruction and develops observational skills needed to produce accurate pencil and pen/ink drawings. Includes hands-on training in museum and field-sketching procedures, as well as the use of hand lenses and microscopes. Provides an introduction to computer graphics. Explores and expands career capabilities and options in biology and environmental education. Includes preparation of artwork for actual publication. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: One year of biological science. Corequisite: BI 430L/530L. |
| BI 432/532 Origins and Diversity of Land Plants |
| 4 credits |
| Studies the origins of terrestrial flora and the major adaptive radiations of both living and extinct embryophytes, ferns, seed plants, and flowering plants. Emphasizes observing and interpreting plant structure and life histories in the field. Includes advanced treatment of modern plant classifications as influenced by phylogenetic analysis of paleontological and molecular evidence. Students read scientific literature addressing current problems in plant phylogenetic systematics. Two 4-hour lecture/laboratory/field sessions and weekend field trips. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. |
| BI 433/533 Plant Systematics |
| 4 credits |
| Includes the principles of plant classification, common plant families, and the collection and identification of Oregon plants. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Some Saturday field trips required. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. |
| BI 434/534 Plant Form and Function |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the functional characteristics of vascular plants through the study of anatomy, morphology, and physiological ecology. Investigates the anatomical characteristics and physiological mechanisms that impact plant performance and survival, as well as adaptations to resource and environmental variation. Two 4-hour lecture/laboratory sessions. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. |
| BI 436/536 Origins and Diversity of Protists and Fungi |
| 4 credits |
| Surveys morphology, lifecycles, microbial ecology, and evolutionary history in the diverse assemblage of organisms classified as algae and fungi. Focuses on symbiotic associations involving cyanobacteria, protists, and fungi, with an emphasis on lichens. Uses current scientific literature to explore both theoretical questions and practical applications of knowledge about these organisms to environmental problems, pathogens, and management of natural resources. Three lectures, one 3-hour laboratory, and weekend field trips. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. Corequisite: BI 436L/536L. |
| BI 438/538 Conservation Biology |
| 3 credits |
| Covers ecological, evolutionary, and genetic principles relevant to the conservation of biological diversity. Includes habitat fragmentation, preserve design, the effects of disturbance on communities, introduced species, ecological restoration, and policy making in conservation. Two 75-minute lectures. Prerequisite: BI 340. |
| BI 442/542 Bryology |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the morphology, life histories, systematics, ecology, floristics, and biogeography of mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. Emphasizes methods of field study, survey and collection protocols, training in microtechnique and microscopy needed for laboratory procedures, and use of technical literature for identification. Two 4-hour lecture/laboratory sessions and weekend field trips. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. |
| BI 444/544 Vascular Plant Identification and Field Botany |
| 3 credits |
| Intensive four-week summer field course covering identification of local flora using technical keys and descriptions. Emphasizes the recognition of common families, genera, and species of flowering plants, ferns, and conifers. Offered during Summer Session only. Two lectures, two 90-minute laboratory sessions, and four Saturday field trips. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. Corequisite: BI 444L/544L. |
| BI 446/546 Evolution |
| 4 credits |
| Uses patterns and processes of evolutionary change as determined by mutation, selection, drift, and other mechanisms to explore the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Basic models of population genetics, phylogenetics, and systematics are used to build a conceptual framework for the study of living systems. Two 75-minute lectures and one 1-hour recitation. Prerequisite: BI 341. Corequisite: BI 446R/546R. |
| BI 450/550 Fish and Fisheries |
| 4 credits |
| Analyzes the distribution, life histories, and ecology of freshwater fishes, as well as the methods used in the study and management of fish populations. Covers current issues in fisheries management. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Weekend field trips required. Prerequisite: BI 340. Corequisite: BI 450L/550L. |
| BI 454/554 Plant Ecology |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the structure, methods of analysis, environmental relations, and dynamics of vegetation. Three hours of lecture and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BI 340. Corequisite: BI 454L/554L. |
| BI 456/556 Immunology |
| 4 credits |
| Studies the cellular and humoral mechanisms vertebrates use to defend themselves against infection. Emphasizes human immunology. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. Corequisite: BI 456L/556L. |
| BI 466/566 Entomology |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces the morphology, physiology, behavior, ecology, and classification of insects. Includes local field trips to explore and collect insects in a variety of habitats. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. |
| BI 470/570 Herpetology |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the ecology, behavior, adaptations, and identification of reptiles and amphibians. Two lectures and one 5-hour laboratory. Weekend field trips required. Prerequisite: BI 317. Corequisite: BI 470L/570L. |
| BI 471/571 Ornithology |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the diversity, origins of flight, structural and physiological adaptations, reproduction, migration, and other aspects of avian behavior and ecology. Includes fieldwork in visual and auditory recognition of birds and the study of their habits. Two lectures, one 4-hour laboratory, and field trips (including some on weekends). Prerequisite: BI 317. Corequisite: BI 471L/571L. |
| BI 475/575 Aquatic Ecology |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the physical, chemical, and biological properties of freshwater environments. Emphasizes field sampling, laboratory analyses, and identification of major taxonomic and functional groups of aquatic organisms. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Weekend field trips required. Prerequisite: BI 340. Corequisite: BI 475L/575L. |
| BI 480/580 Animal Behavior |
| 4 credits |
| Covers classical and current concepts and controversies regarding animal behavior, including individual and social behavioral patterns of vertebrates and invertebrates. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. BI 317 recommended. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213. Corequisite: BI 480L/580L. |
| BI 485/585 Scanning Electron Microscopy |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the theory and practice of scanning electron microscopy, with emphasis on the preparation of biological materials. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: BI 211, 212, 213 and an additional year of upper division biological science. Corequisite: BI 485L/585L. |
| BI 489 Senior Research Seminar |
| 1 credit |
| Planning seminar for senior research, to be taken spring term before the year of capstone completion. Students discuss options to complete senior research and evelop a plan and an annotated bibliography. Required for graduation. Prerequisites: Junior standing in biology or instructor consent. |
| BI 490 Senior Research in Organismal Biology |
| 3 credits |
| Topics may vary with instructor. Focuses on scientific inquiry related to organismal biology. Students conduct an independent literature review and an experimental or observational investigation, write a scientific report, and deliver an oral presentation to faculty and peers. This course satisfies the biology capstone requirement. Prerequisites: Senior standing, MTH 243, and BI 314 or 331. |
| BI 491 Senior Research in Cell and Molecular Biology |
| 3 credits |
| Topics may vary with instructor. Focuses on scientific inquiry related to cell or molecular biology. Students conduct an independent literature review and an experimental or observational investigation, write a scientific report, and deliver an oral presentation to faculty and peers. Satisfies the biology capstone requirement. Prerequisites: Senior standing, MTH 243, and BI 341. |
| BI 492 Senior Research in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology |
| 3 credits |
| Topics may vary with instructor. Focuses on scientific inquiry related to ecology or evolution. Students conduct an independent literature review and an experimental or observational investigation, write a scientific report, and deliver an oral presentation to faculty and peers. Satisfies the biology capstone requirement. Prerequisites: Senior standing, MTH 243, and BI 340. |
