Biology

Department Chair: Dr. Alexandra Simmons, simmonad@stthom.edu

This is the era of biology characterized by rapid and amazing advances! The exciting life sciences curriculum at UST emphasizes the full range of this dynamic field, from the biology of ecosystems and organisms to cells and molecules, in an evolutionary context. Students in the program will apply the scientific method to investigate biological phenomena while developing critical thinking, oral communication, writing and computational skills. Students will also develop an ethical approach to the practice of science. The major program is designed to prepare students for graduate and professional schools and for entry–level biologist, computational biology and bioinformatics positions. Students who successfully complete any biology major will exhibit a mastery of the basic subject areas and important biological concepts.

A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 1351, 1151, 1352, and 1152 and CHEM 1341, 1141 are prerequisites for all other biology courses. No biology course may be taken unless all prerequisites have been completed with a grade of “C” or better. Advanced placement credit or credit by examination may not be used as prerequisites for upper–division biology courses. Biology courses may only be taken a maximum of three (3) times.

Students graduating with a degree in Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all biology courses.

Students completing any major in biology must take the Educational Testing Service Major Field Test in Biology (MFT) in the semester in which they graduate. Students who do not take the MFT will not be allowed to graduate with a major in biology.

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts & Master of Science, BA in Biology & MS in Medical Laboratory Sciences Dual Degree
Bachelor of Science, Cell and Molecular Biology
Bachelor of Arts, BA Biology
Minor, Biology
Minor, Neuroscience

Courses

BIOL 1151: Introduction to Biology Practicum

In a team-based setting, this course introduces the foundations of scientific inquiry, including hypothesis development, experimental design, and the cultivation of analytical and critical thinking skills. Emphasis is placed on communicating scientific ideas through presentations and discussion, while promoting an ethical approach to scientific practice.

BIOL 1152: Basic Lab Techiques in Biology

In a team-based setting and through inquiry-driven laboratory investigations, this course deepens students’ understanding of scientific inquiry while expanding their analytical and experimental skill set. Students gain experience with various laboratory techniques and approaches, while further developing their ability to analyze data, think critically, and communicate scientific findings effectively and ethically through writing and discussion.

BIOL 1351: Introduction to Population Biology and Evolution

Overview of the biological concepts underlying the unity and diversity of life. The course focuses on how populations change over time, driving adaptation, speciation, and biodiversity. Major themes include evolution, genetics, population biology, and ecology.

BIOL 1352: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

Continuation of the overview of the biological concepts underlying the unity and diversity of life. The course focuses on the study of macromolecules to understand cell structure and function, including an introduction to cellular metabolism, respiration and photosynthesis. Major themes include structure and function of nucleic acids, gene expression, and mitosis.

BIOL 1422: Ecosystems, Society and Health

Combines the lecture and laboratory for a four credit, compressed track course that will investigate a local or foreign ecosystem and correlate features of that ecosystem with human health. The course includes a domestic or international fieldtrip and will allow students to integrate the concepts of ecology biodiversity and epidemiology through observation, data collection and data analysis.

BIOL 2201: Nutrition

A study of the nutrients in foods and the body's response. Nutrient requirements associated with health at various life stages will be explored. Teaching methodologies will include a combination of classroom-based lectures and online modules.

BIOL 2333: Introduction to Microbiology and Laboratory

Introduction to microbiology and Lab is the study and overview of the structure, function, diversity, physiology, culture, and control of bacteria and other microorganisms. Emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of fundamental concepts of microbiology such as microbial growth, metabolism, genetics, pathogenesis, immunity, and epidemiology. This course will also introduce the use of therapeutic agents to prevent or treat infectious diseases caused by clinically relevant microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The course will include systematic case studies on microbial disease. The laboratory component of the course will be virtual and cover basic laboratory concepts of microbiology. Fundamental microbiology techniques such as the aseptic technique, microscopy, isolation, and cultivation of microorganisms will be studied. In addition, an overall survey of microbes and their control will be conducted.

BIOL 2445: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This course introduces the foundational principles of human anatomy and physiology, emphasizing the relationships between structure and function across levels of organization. Students explore the chemical and cellular basis of life, the characteristics and functions of the four primary tissue types, and the form and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Through integrated lectures and laboratory experiences, the course builds a comprehensive understanding of how the human body maintains homeostasis and responds to internal and external challenges. Combined lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 2446: Human Anatomy and Physiology II

This course continues the exploration of human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the major control and maintenance systems of the body. Students examine the structure and function of the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, focusing on how these systems regulate homeostasis and interact to support overall health. Through integrated lecture and laboratory experiences, the course reinforces physiological principles, clinical connections, and the coordination of organ systems in maintaining internal balance and responding to physiological challenges. Combined lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 3061: Cell Biology Lab

Study of cellular structure/function relationships. Focus on membranes, internal compartments, cytoskeleton and cellular communication. Laboratory will include inquiry-based investigations.

BIOL 3133: Microbiology Laboratory

Laboratory methods to study bacteria, including microscopy, culturing, physiology and molecular biology techniques relevant to microbiology.

BIOL 3134: Biochemistry Lab

(CHEM 3134) Preparation of dilutions, buffer preparation, titration of amino acids, colorimetric tests for proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, chromatography, preparation of standard curves for unknown identification, spectrophotometry, enzyme kinetics and electrophoresis. Accompanies CHEM 3334. Laboratory: 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 2343, 2143.

BIOL 3194: Introduction to Biological Research

This course is the introductory research course for all students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology. It will offer an introduction to conducting research in the biological field. Emphasis will be placed on the foundations of scientific literacy, writing and presentation. Students will meet all Biology research faculty and hear about open projects. This course will also offer safety and lab proficiency training.

BIOL 3321: Genetics

Study of the genetic material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including structure and function of genes and genomes, gene expression, regulation of gene expression, and mechanisms of inheritance.

BIOL 3331: Ecology

Principles governing interactions between organisms and their physical and biotic environments. Includes study of the biology of populations, communities and ecosystems. Prerequisite: BIOL 3321

BIOL 3339: Neuroscience

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, integrating molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral neuroscience. Sudents will explore how neurons communicate, how neural circuits give rise to sensation, movement, cognition, and emotion, and how disorders of the nervous system disrupt these processes. Emphasis is placed on understanding core experimental approaches, interpreting primary data, and connecting neuroscience principles to human health and disease.

BIOL 3345: Physiology

This course examines the normal functions of the human body and the mechanisms by which its organ systems maintain homeostasis. Emphasis is placed on the integrated nature of physiological processes and the relationships among cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Structural features of the human body are discussed as they relate to function, reinforcing the fundamental connection between anatomy and physiology.

BIOL 3351: Molecular Biology

An examination of the structure, organization and replication of DNA and the control of gene expression through transcription and translation. Emphasis also on theory behind current techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321; CHEM 2343.

BIOL 3362: Cancer Biology

This course will explore the basic biology of cancer using current knowledge in cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in cancer development, propagation, and metastasis. Students will learn about current cancer treatments, novel approaches for cancer therapeutics and explore ongoing cancer research by studying, presenting and critiquing the scientific literature.

BIOL 3435: Human Anatomy and Lab

A regional-based approach to understanding the major anatomical structures of the human body is essential to understanding human biological functions. This course is an upper-division combined lecture and lab that studies how the major organ systems interact with each other in the different regions of the body. The course will focus on gross anatomy (macroscopic; visible to the naked eye) via lectures, models, animal dissections and the Anatomage Human Virtual Dissection Table. We will also examine relevant applications of anatomical structures to the medical field. This comprehensive introduction to human anatomy is designed for biology majors or those on a pre-health track.

BIOL 3461: Cell Biology

Study of cellular structure/function relationships. Focus on membranes, internal compartments, cytoskeleton and cellular communication. Laboratory will include inquiry–based investigations. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours.

BIOL 4111: Bioscience Communication I

Discussion of current topics in biology. Students will be required to read, present and discuss current articles in the biological literature. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing

BIOL 4112: Bioscience Communication II

Discussion of current topics in biology. Students will be required to read, present and discuss current articles in the biological literature. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing

BIOL 4194: Guided Biological Research

This course is the second research course for all students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology. Students will perform biological research under the supervision of their Research Mentor. Research mentors will provide specific research goals that students are expected to meet through the semester. Students will also be expected to identify and read scientific literature relevant to their research project. At the end of the semester, students must present their project to a committee of faculty members. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321, BIOL 3194. Min. of 50 documented research hours with your Biology Faculty member.

BIOL 4195: Biology Senior Thesis

This course is the third and final research course for all students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology. This writing intensive course will focus on the production of an undergraduate research thesis. Students will learn effective strategies for scientific writing and apply those lessons by writing about their own research. Students will be required to perform multiple revisions prior to final submission and will conduct extensive peer-to-peer review.

BIOL 4212: Neuropsychology Research Topics

This is a capstone class for students minoring in Neuroscience. Students will read and present on current primary literature and learn how to critically evaluate scientific claims. Students will study primary Neuroscience literature in order to learn and apply appropriate statistical methods, strategies for reading scientific literature, and tips for successful oral presentation of technical material. Students will be graded heavily on participation and performance on the final presentation. Prerequisite: PSYC 3434 or MATH 3450 and BIOL 3339

BIOL 4321: Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are a class of incredibly interesting biopolymers that make life possible. Once considered simply information molecules, we now know that nucleic acids are actually quite versatile in their activity and function. This class will delve into the different aspects of nucleic acid structure and function in detail. Pre/Co-requisite: BIOL 3321

BIOL 4332: Evolution

Introduction to modern evolutionary theory. Includes discussion of adaptation, speciation, phylogenetics and molecular evolution. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321, senior standing.

BIOL 4333: Research Methods in Biological Investigation

Introduction to methodology utilized in biological studies, including both field and laboratory techniques. Emphasis on student research, including preparation of research proposal and written as well as oral presentation of results. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321; junior standing.

BIOL 4334: Research Methods in Ecology

Introduction to methodology utilized in ecological research, including both field and laboratory techniques. Emphasis on student research, including preparation of research proposal and written and oral presentation of results. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321, 3331; junior standing.

BIOL 4336: Cells, Genes and Molecules

Cells, Genes and Molecules is a course that will address the latest advances in genetics, investigate developmental mechanisms, and explore human genetic disorders by understanding the underlying connection between genes, and the molecular and biochemical basis for the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of clinical disorders. Observations and phenomena will be described as they were discovered in a variety of model organisms, including humans, mice, nematodes, fungi, and fruit flies. The format of the course will be a combination of lectures, discussion of current literature, and group problem-solving sessions. The course will also feature presentations by guest speakers from Houston's world-class Medical Center.

BIOL 4354: Pathogenic Microbiology

Study of disease-causing microbes with a focus on host-pathogen interactions, virulence factors, host response, transmission, detection, and prevention. The course will stress important human, plant and animal diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and protozoans. Emphasis will be placed on the emerging molecular techniques used to understand, identify and control epidemics. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321

BIOL 4440: Microbial Ecology

Relationships between microorganisms and their biotic and abiotic environments. Includes the study of fundamental principles of the ecology of microorganisms as well as the significance of microbial interactions with plants and animals and their effect on human health and environmental quality. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory; 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321, 3331.

BIOL 4450: Microbial Genetics

Study of all aspects of the genetics of bacteria, including DNA replication, bacterial genome structure, gene expression and regulation, gene transfer, and bacteriophage genetics. Students will learn about these topics in light of both classics and cutting-edge molecular and bioinformatics-based approaches. The class will also survey the latest applications of microbial genetics to the fields of biotechnology, genetics engineering, agriculture and medicine. 3 lecture hours, 3 hours laboratory per week. Prerequisties: BIOL 3321/3121