BIOL 502 (4) Stream Limnology Study of flowing water on environment. Lab (fieldwork) included.
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 215, or consent
BIOL 503 (3) Conservation Biology Applications of principles from ecology, genetics, behavior,
demography, economics, philosophy, and other fields to the conservation and sustainable use of natural populations of
plants and animals. Lectures and discussions address topics such as habitat fragmentation, parks and reserves, genetic
diversity, population viability, and extinction. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 215 or consent
BIOL 504 (4) Wetlands ~ To provide students the values and functions of wetlands and to use wetlands
as an example of the relationship of ecology to management, and the impact that classification systems have politically.
Lab (fieldwork) included. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 215, or consent
BIOL 505 (3) Fisheries Biology An introduction to fish biology and fisheries management, diversity,
form and function in the aquatic environment, functional physiology, evolution and speciation, identification and use of
keys, ecology, and management topics. (F)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 215, or consent
BIOL 508 (4) Vertebrate Ecology A field course in the ecology of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles,
and fishes. Students are trained in sampling techniques such as mark-and-recapture, population size estimation and monitoring,
and species identification of live and preserved specimens. Lectures encompass evolution and adoption, origins, energetics,
mating systems, morphology, geographical distributions, and population-level phenomena. Lecture and Laboratory.
Pre: BIOL 105, 106, 215 or consent
BIOL 509 (4) Advanced Field Ecology A field course focused on the function and dynamics of various
North American ecosystems. Emphases will be on natural history, critical thought, and experimental design. Students will
be trained in a variety of soil, plant, and animal sampling techniques. Depending on enrollment there may be additional
costs (e.g. camping fees) for the course. (S)
Pre: BIOL 105, 106, 215 or consent
BIOL 510 (3) Global Change Biology The natural or human-induced change in climate and the effect on
terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The human species' place in the biological world, effects on various communities and
potential methods of correcting detrimental effects with economic and social implications. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 215, or consent
BIOL 512 (4) Soil Ecology Soil ecology will focus on the genesis and classification of soils, the physical
properties of soil as they relate to habitat formation, niches, interactions that exist among soil organisms, human impact on
soil systems relative to population pressures and management practices. Lab included. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 215 or consent
BIOL 517 (3) Biology of Aging and Chronic Diseases Emphasis is placed on the biomedical aspects of aging
and chronic disease. The course is designed for students majoring in biology, gerontology programs, or other health related
programs. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 or 105
BIOL 518 (4) Macro & Microscopic Imaging
Properties and physical principles underlying biological images. The course provides a survey of macro-imaging techniques
(such as x-ray tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and ultrasound) and micro-imaging techniques
(such as light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, laser scanning confocal
microscopy, and atomic force microscopy). (F)
Prerequisite: one year of physics
BIOL 519 (2-3) Special Topics in Instrumentation Instruction in specialized biological instrumentation. (F)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105 and 106
BIOL 520 (3) Diagnostic Parasitology Clinically important parasites. Protozoans, Flukes, Tapeworms, Roundworms, Ticks, Mites, and Insects. Designed for Medical Technology, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Veterinary, and Biology majors. Identification, clinical disease, epidemiology, and ecology are covered. Lab included. (S)
BIOL 521 (3) Entomology Morphological, ecological, medical, and economic significance of insects. (ALT-F)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105 and 106 or consent
BIOL 530 (4) Hematology/Introduction to Immunology Collection, examination, evaluation, morphology,
function, and diseases of blood cells. Hemostasis/coagulation of blood. Immunology theory is presented. Lab included. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 230
BIOL 531 (3) Comparative Animal Physiology A comparison of adaptation mechanisms, from cell to organ-systems, used by animals in response to "changes in" environmental conditions such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, food availability, temperature, waste, solutes, pressure and buoyancy. (ALT-F)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106 or consent
BIOL 532 (4) Lake Ecology This course is an introduction to the physical, chemical and biological characteristics
and interactions of inland freshwater lakes. Labs will emphasize field work; including data collection, analysis and discussion from
five local lakes.
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 215, or consent
BIOL 533 (3) Cardiovascular Physiology This course is a functional study of the heart and circulatory systems. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 230
BIOL 534 (3) Development & Human Embroyology Understanding the process of cell differentiation and development. These principles are then applied to the descriptive study of human embryology including the basis of congenital malformations. (F)
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 or 105
BIOL 535 (4) Histology Study of types, arrangements, and special adaptations of human tissues. Lab included. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 220
BIOL 536 (4) Animal Behavior An exploration of behavioral strategy, communicaton, learning, and social systems of animals, with emphases placed on the causes, evolution, ecological implications, and function of behavior at the individual and population level. Lab included. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 215 or consent
BIOL 538 (3) General Endocrinology This course provides the basis for understanding hormones and the mechanisms of their actions in both the normal and pathological states. Sample topics to be included are diabetes, osteoporosis, hormones of reproduction, and current social and medical issues related to the course. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 or 105
BIOL 541 (4) Plant Physiology
Plant functions such as water relations, mineral nutrition, translocation, metabolisms, photosynthesis, photorespiration, fat and protein metabolisms, respiration, growth and development, phytohormones, reproduction and environmental physiology. Lab included. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 217, and one semester organic chemistry
BIOL 542 (4) Flora of Minnesota
Field identification of plants with emphasis on local flora. History of systematics, techniques, plant biogeography, methods of plant collection, preservation, preparation of herbarium specimens are covered. Lab and field trips included (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, or consent. BIOL 217 recommended.
BIOL 543 (4) Plant Ecology
Expands upon general principles of ecology to focus on the factors that regulate the distribution and abundance of plants, analysis of plant populations, and dynamics of plant communities. Lecture and lab (field work) included. (F)
Prequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 215, or consent. BIOL 217 strongly recommended.
BIOL 545 (4) Economic Botany
We interact with plants every day and they've had a profound effect on human history and society. This course surveys the roles of plants in foods, beverages, medicines, drugs, poisons, fibers, fuels, building materials, ceremony, landscape, and more. Lecture, discussion, lab, and field trip. Open to non-science majors. (F)
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 or 105 or consent
BIOL 549 (2) Computers, Networks, & Science This course provides students with the necessary skills to explore and utilize computer resources for scientific purposes. Students learn techniques for communicating with the world scientific community electronically, accessing internal computer networks, and locating computer-based scientific resources through a hands-on, problem solving approach.
BIOL 552 (3) Biological Instrumentation
The principle and operation of instruments and their application to biological research. Types of instrumentation examined include spectroscopic, chromatographic, electroanalytic, radiographic, and imaging. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) will also be examined. Emphasis is placed on GLP, GMP, and ISO9000 practices. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, or consent
BIOL 553 (4) Biological Engineering Analysis I
The application of engineering principles and skills as applied to fermentation and to biological product recovery. (F)
Prerequisite: BIOL 270 and one semester each of calculus, physics, and organic chemistry
BIOL 554 (4) Biological Engineering Analysis II Continuation of Biological Engineering Analysis I. The application of engineering principles and skills as applied to fermentation and to biological product recovery. (S) Prerequisite: BIOL 553
BIOL 556 (3) Biotechnology Project/Laboratory I
Practical laboratory experience in biotechnology through the selection and development of a research project.
Students are expected to spend an average of 12 hours per week on the project. (S)
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIOL 553
BIOL 557 (3) Biotechnology Project/Laboratory II
Continuation of Biotechnology Project/Laboratory I. Practical laboratory experience in biotechnology through the selection and development of a research project. Students are expected to spend an average of 12 hours per week on the project. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 556, concurrent enrollment in BIOL 554
BIOL 560 (3) Introduction to Toxicology
A lecture course covering basic principles of toxicity evaluation in living organisms, mechanisms of responses to chemicals or physical agents within an overview of practical medical, environmental and science policy implications. Presentation of comparisons of specific organ and tissue reactions to toxins in a variety of species follow these introductory concepts.
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, and one year of general chemistry
BIOL 561 (4) Environmental Toxicology
A lecture/laboratory course that focuses on anthropogenic and natural toxicants, mathematical modeling of the dispersion of chemical and physical agents in the environment, and effects on species and ecosystems with a special section on aquatic risk assessment. The laboratory includes techniques in environmental toxicity and a genuine research project.
Prerequisite: BIOL 460/560
BIOL 562 (1) Toxicology Seminar
A seminar course that involves critical evaluation of published studies in toxicology, student presentations of a selected published manuscript, and requires students to write a paper on one aspect of the course's topic area that semester. Topic areas vary each time the course is offered.
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, and general chemistry
BIOL 564 (3) Methods of Applied Toxicology
A lecture/laboratory course focusing on the steps necessary to start a research project from project definition through methods testing and evaluation, and a final report that includes a project flow chart. Third year students will have senior and/or graduate mentors.
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, and general chemistry
BIOL 565 (3) Applied Toxicology Project
A lecture/laboratory course where students perform all aspects of their own designed research topic in toxicology while critically evaluating the progress of other projects as well. Students will be expected to keep timelines or develop modified timelines as necessary. The inverted triangle approach of project design will be examined and then included in all designs.
Prerequisite: BIOL 464/564
BIOL 566 (3) Principles of Pharmacology
A lecture course that examines mechanisms of drug action, physiological responses and adverse reactions from sensitivities or allergies through overdose.
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 230, and one year of general chemistry
BIOL 567 (3) Industrial Hygiene
A lecture course that examines Minnesota State University as your own work place to develop reports on a selected group of chemical and physical hazards of the workplace. Evaluation methods and solutions to existing problems are developed with concise reporting skills.
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, and one year of general chemistry
BIOL 572 (4) Microbial Ecology & Bioremediation
Role of microorganisms in soil, air, water, and sewage processes as well as methods of measurement and detection. Special emphasis on the role of microorganisms in bioremediation. Lab included.
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, and 270
BIOL 574 (4) Immunology Fundamental principles of humoral and cell mediated immunity and the application of these principles. Current experimental work in the different areas of immunology will be discussed. Lab included. (F) Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, and 270
BIOL 575 (4) Medical Microbiology
This course will cover bacterial, fungal, and viral human pathogens: what diseases they cause, how they cause disease, and how humans defend against and prevent those diseases. In the laboratory, the student will isolate and identify pathogenic microorganisms using microbiological, biochemical, and immunological techniques. (F)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 270, or consent
BIOL 576 (5) Microbial Physiology & Genetics
This course presents the physiology and genetics of microorganisms emphasizing those aspects unique to bacteria and archea. Topics include: energy production; biosynthesis of small molecules and DNA, RNA, and proteins; the formation of cell walls and membranes; microbial differentiation and behavior; and the genetic and biochemical regulation of these processes. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, 270
BIOL 578 (4) Food Microbiology & Sanitation
The role microbes play in production and spoilage of food products, as prepared for mass market. Topics include food-born pathogens, epidemiology and control, and essential principles in sanitation including Hazard Analysis/Critical Control Point and ISO 9000 requirements. Lab included. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106 and 270
BIOL 579 (4) Molecular Biology
This course will cover both eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular biology including: DNA and RNA structure, transcription, regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, protein synthesis, DNA replication, mutagenesis and repair, recombination, and insertion elements. A number of important techniques used in recombinant DNA technology will be discussed and practiced. (S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 105, 106, or consent
BIOL 580 (2) Biological Laboratory Experiences for Elementary
Provides experience with a wide variety of biological laboratory exercises to prepare prospective elementary teachers. Emphasis is on building knowledge, skills, and confidence. The course will cover major biological concepts and environmental education through classroom-ready examples selected to illustrate each concept. (F,S)
BIOL 585 (4) Biology Teaching Methods & Materials
A basic science methods course designed to prepare prospective junior and senior high life science teachers. Course will cover science teaching methods and support materials as they apply to life science teaching situations. (F) Prerequisite: 16 credits BIOL and EDFN 345 BIOL 586 (3) Field-Based Teaching Methods & Materials
A lecture/laboratory course that provides opportunity for prospective junior and senior high life science teachers to observe, practice, and refine their teaching skills. Students will work in a school setting and experience actual classroom.
BIOL 590 (1-4) Workshop
A variable topic course designed for a selected topic in Biology. Workshops provide an intensive learning experience on a new topic in the biological sciences and/or hands-on experiences in a current area not covered by other course offerings. The course involves background reading, demonstrations, and laboratory or field experiences. (F,S)
BIOL 591 (1-4) In-Service (F, S) BIOL 601 (2) Biometrics
This course will focus on the application of biometric principles to the planning and analysis of biological research similar to the student's thesis research. Completion of this course will aid the student in planning and completing her/his thesis. (F)
BIOL 602 (2) Research Methods
The design, planning, and writing of a research proposal will be discussed in terms of problem selection, objectives, and appropriate methods. The students will apply information from the class to prepare their thesis proposals. (S) BIOL 603 (2) Research in the Biological Sciences I BIOL 604 (2) Research in the Biological Sciences II BIOL 605 (2) Ethical Issues in Biological Research
What does it mean to do biological research ethically? This course will discuss scientific integrity and misconduct, human and animal research, conflicts of interest and the ethical dimension of other topics in modern biological and biomedical research. BIOL 612 (3) Practicum in Electron Microscopy
A laboratory course of basic training in the instrumentation and methodology use in scanning and transmission electron microscopy. With a hands-on approach, students will learn instrument operation and techniques necessary to process and examine a variety of samples, and whenever possible, to examine specimens related to their own research interests. (S)
BIOL 618 (2) Biological Monitoring BIOL 619 (2-3) Selected Topics in Biology
Selected study of graduate level topics. May be repeated for different titled topic. (F,S) BIOL 677 (1-5) Individual Study
BIOL 681 (1-2) Laboratory Supervision
Practical experience in preparing and teaching laboratory courses. (F,S)
BIOL 685 (2) Teaching Assistant Methods
This course is design to provide teaching assistants (TA) with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare and teach college-level science courses. Special emphasis will be placed on the attainment of skills that maximize the effectiveness of material that will be presented to students. (F) BIOL 691 (1-5) In-Service (F,S) BIOL 694 (1-2) Alternate Plan Paper (F,S) BIOL 695 (1) Seminar
Students will attend and critique seminars presented by other students, faculty, and by people from external agencies and institutions.
BIOL 697 (1-12) Internship (F, S) BIOL 699 (1-6) Thesis (F,S)
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 and C&I 322
Prerequisite: BIOL 485/585
Prerequisite: BIOL 418/518
Prerequisite: consent
Prerequisite: consent
Prerequisite: none (F,S)return to the top of this page.
