Biology

Transfer credit - Lower Division Elective

This course will introduce students to the four major themes of our curriculum: ecosystems, organisms, cell and molecules. Practicum in scientific methodology, critical thinking, reading and writing, focusing on analysis of scientific literature through discussion, team based learning and invited researcj presentations. Laboratory 3 hours per week. Co-requisite: BIOL 1351

Introduction to biology as a scientific process as revealed through inquiry-based laboratories. Introduction to quantitative and qualitative laboratory methods in cell and molecular biology. Meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 1352. Prerequisite CHEM 1341/1141.

Overview of biological concepts underlying the unity and diversity of life. Focus on basic Mendelian genetics, population biology, evolutionary concepts, the origins of life, plant colonization of land, animal diversity and ecological concepts.

Continuation of overview of biological concepts underlying the unity and diversity of life. Focus on the molecular and cellular foundations of life as revealed in study of water, macromolecules, membranes, cellular metabolism, photosynthesis, cellular reproduction, and the ,olecular basis of inheritance. Corequisite: BIOL 1152

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.

Transfer credit: Lower Division Core

Introduction to Microbiology Lab

Laboratory: 3 hours. Co-requisite: BIOL 2445

Laboratory: 3 hours. Co-requisite: BIOL 2446. Prerequisite: BIOL 2445.

Continuation of BIOL 1111. Seminar coverage of current topics in Bioinformatics. Topics include but are not limited to whole genomics, proteomics, phylogenetic analysis, new methodologies in DNA sequencing, microarrays, and data analysis. Prerequisites: BIOL 1111, 1341 and 1342

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.

Overview of the structure, physiology, culture and control of bacteria and other microbes.

Overview of the structure, physiology, culture and control of bacteria and other microbes.

A study of the structure and function of the different organ systems. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours.

A study of the structure and function of the different organ systems. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours. Corequisite: BIOL 2046. Prerequisite: BIOL 2445.

A study of the structure and function of the different organ systems.

A study of the structure and function of the different organ systems. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours.

Transfer credit - Upper Division Elective

Laboratory methods in plant physiological ecology. Addresses ecological principles, vegetation sampling methods and physiological and biochemical techniques. Local field trips for sampling.

This course will introduce students into different methods, techniques, and approaches for conducting computational research applied to different disciplines such as Biology, Health Sciences, Textual Analysis, Humanities, and more.

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

Laboratory course introducing methods of genetic crosses, DNA extraction, restriction digests, PCR, transformation and cloning and current molecular techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL 1351/1151, 1352/1152, CHEM 1342. Corequisite: BIOL 3321

Laboratory methods to study bacteria. Laboratory: 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 3321.

(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.

Laboratory course focusing on advanced methods in molecular techniques. Taught from a problems based approach. 3 hours per week. Prerequisties BIOL 3321, 3121

Students will receive an introduction to the role of computation and programming in the biological sciences and work with a faculty member in the Biology Department to set up an internship with a computational biology laboratory or company. Prerequisites: BIOL 1315/1151, BIOL 1352/1152

Students will receive an introduction to the role of computation and programming in the biological sciences and work with a faculty member in the Biology Department to set up an internship with a computational biology laboratory or company. Prerequisites: BIOL 1315/1151, BIOL 1352/1152

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.

Field course in ecology and environmental science. Survey of physical and biological processes and their interactions in different natural settings. Introduction to field techniques and methodologies, ecosystem dynamics, and issues in natural resource management and conservation in selected locations in the United States and abroad. Much of the course time will be spent outdoors.

Core course in bioinformatics: nucleotide, protein, and specialized sequence databases; multiple sequence alignments, protein 3–D structures, phylogenetic trees; data mining tools. Theory and practical application. Prerequisites: BIOL 2111,3321, and 3351.

Organization and function of the genetic material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Includes basic principles and problems in molecular and biochemical genetics as well as study of patterns of inheritance.

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

The study of microbes. Lecture: 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 3321.

(CHEM 3334) An introductory course in biochemistry focusing on amino acids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. Prerequisites: CHEM 2343.

Study of environmental toxins and pollutants in air, water and soil. Emphasis on distribution, dissipation, metabolism, fate. Prerequisite: CHEM 2343, BIOL 3321.

The study of the structure and function of the endocrine system. Topics will include the hormones and chemical messengers, the cells of endocrine and nonendocrine tissue that secrete these substances, and the physiological responses of the cells that interact with these substances. Prerequisites(With Grade of 'C' or Better): BIOL 1341, 1141, 1342, 1142, 3321. Offered when necessary.

Study of the structure and function of the nervous system of vertebrates and invertebrates. Lecture: 3 hours. Prerequisites(With Grade of 'C' or Better): BIOL 3321. Offered when necessary.

Description of the physical characteristics of the world ocean and of the plants and animals associated with marine habitats. Emphasis on ecological interactions and adaptations of marine organisms. Prerequisite: BIOL 3331.

Introduction to the basic concepts of physiological regulation from cellular level to organ system level. Emphasis on mammalian systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321.

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.

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, as well as through guest lectures from scientists and physicians.

Students work in a computational biology laboratory or company to develop computational biology skills needed for future careers in this rapidly changing field. Prerequisite: BIOL 3163, BIOL 3321, BIOL 3351

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.

Study of abiotic and biotic factors that influence the dynamics of plant communities. After initial study of individual leaves and whole plants, the physiological processes are scaled up to canopy and ecosystem level. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours. Laboratory methods in plant physiological ecology. Addresses ecological principles, vegetation sampling methods and physiological and biochemical techniques. Local field trips for sampling. Prerequisites: CHEM 2343, BIOL 3321, MATH 3430.

A survey of the invertebrates, with emphasis on their evolution and their structural and physiological adaptations. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours. Prerequisites BIOL 1342, 1142, CHEM 1342,1142.

Embryonic development in vertebrates and invertebrates. Emphasis on early embryonic events, molecular interactions and gene expression. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321, 3351.

Comparison of the structure and ultrastructure of cells and tissues that constitute the organs and organ systems of vertebrates and invertebrates. Laboratories will feature the use of the light microscope for study of prepared slides of animal tissues. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours.

This course will study how the similarities in anatomy and physiology of vertebrates can be linked via phylogenetic associatins. The class will also use the evolutionary history to understand how morphology (anatomy) is intertwined with function (physiology). The class is enhanced via detailed dissections and examinations of the major organ systems of selected model vertebrates including the dogfish shark and cat. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321

Introduction to basic concepts of plant function, carbon metabolism, energy acquisition, regulation of growth and development, stress responses and nutrient uptake. Lecture: 3 hours, Laboratory: 3 hours: Study of the function and performance of plants in their environment. Focus on physiological and biochemical processes involved in plant growth, development and survival in the environment. Prerequisites: CHEM 2343, BIOL 3321, MATH 3430.

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.

Transfer Credit - Upper Division Core

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

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

Laboratory course focusing on the study of disease-causing microbes. Emphasis will be placed on the emerging molecular techniques used to understand, identify and control epidemics. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321

Student research on a selected problem pursued under the guidance of an assigned member of the faculty. Open only to biology majors. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the professor and students. Open only to biology majors. Prerequisite: BIOL 3321.

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.

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. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321, BIOL 3194, 3195 and 100 documented research hours with your Biology Faculty member.

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

Student research on a selected problem pursued under the guidance of an assigned member of the faculty. Open only to biology majors. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the professor and students. Open only to biology majors. Prerequisite: BIOL 3321.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Student research on a selected problem pursued under the guidance of an assigned member of the faculty. Open only to biology majors. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the professor and students. Open only to biology majors. Prerequisite: BIOL 3321.

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.

The study of the structure and function of the immune system. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 3321. C0-requisites: BIOL 4049

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

Student research on a selected problem pursued under the guidance of an assigned member of the faculty. Open only to biology majors. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the professor and students. Open only to biology majors. Prerequisite: BIOL 3321.