BIOLOGY

www.bsu.edu/biology

Cooper Science Complex 121, 765-285-8820

PROGRAMS

Master of arts (MA) in biology; master of science (MS) in biology; doctor of education (EdD) in science education and doctor of philosophy (PhD) in environmental science. Graduate minors in biology are also offered at the master’s level. A biotechnology certificate is also available. The science and general science program requirements may be found in the Science section, page 180.

See the Science listing under the College of Sciences and Humanities, page 180, for the doctoral programs in science education and philosophy in science.

MASTER’S PROGRAMS

Admission requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Students should have good backgrounds in the life sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physics and baccalaureate degrees with majors or minors in biology or the equivalent. Exceptions may be made by petition to the department. Students entering without adequate background are expected to make up the deficiencies during their first year.

Professionalization of a Teaching License

Any of the master’s programs may be used to convert a standard-grade teaching license to a professional-grade teaching license. Teachers working toward professional certification must complete a 9-hour professional education component, which includes at least one of the following: BIO 691, 694, PHYCS 691, or SCI 696. The BIO, PHYCS, or SCI hours may count toward the major area, the other hours as minor and elective hours toward the total of 30 hours.

MASTER OF ARTS IN BIOLOGY

Designed to strengthen the student’s background in biological sciences and related disciplines through course work at the graduate level; there is no research thesis requirement. Prepares students for jobs in biomedical laboratories, natural resource management agencies, scientific supply firms, environmental consulting firms, and scientific publishing firms, as well as for further education.

Degree requirements

PREFIX NO SHORT TITLE CR HRS

Approved courses from BIO, BIOT,
BOT, SCI, and ZOOL

CRPRJ 698 Creat Proj (3 or 6)

RES 697 Research Ppr (1-3)

BIOT 596 Res Des/Pres (2)

and

BIOT 590 Recomb Techn (3)

SCI 699 Res Mth Ed (3) 16-30

Minors and electives 0-14

———

30 hrs

Minors are optional, but if taken must include at least 8 hours of courses approved by a designated advisor from the minor area and the biology department.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

Includes both graduate course work and extensive research experience culminating in a research thesis. It is designed to prepare students for further study at the doctoral level, but graduates may also find employment in research-oriented activities of government agencies or private business firms.

Degree requirements

PREFIX NO SHORT TITLE CR HRS

Major requirements

Approved courses from BIO,

BOT, SCI, ZOOL

THES 698 Thesis (1-6) 16-30

Minors and electives 0-14

———

30 hrs

Minors are optional, but if taken must include at least 8 hours of courses approved by a designated advisor from the minor area and the biology department.

GRADUATE MINOR IN BIOLOGY

Requires 8 or more hours of approved BIO, BOT, and ZOOL courses.

BIOTECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE

PREFIX NO SHORT TITLE CR HRS

BIOT 590 Recomb Techn 3

591 Th/App PCR 3

592 Prot Iso Ana 3

593 Prof Dev 1

594 Cell Culture 2

595 Seq/Bioinfo 2

596 Res Des/Pres 2

Electives

6-7 hours from

BIO 546 App Microbio (3)

548 Biometry (3)

552 Adv Genetics (3)

553 Human Genetc (3)

554 Genomes (3)

556 Cancer Bio (3)

557 Molecular (4)

570 Develop Biol (4)

631 Virology (4)

641 Med Bact (3) 6-7

1-6 hours from

BIO 669 Intern Bio (1-6)

694 Pract Sci Ed (1-6)

697 Research (1-3)

RES 697 Research Ppr (1-3) 1-6

———

23-29 hrs

BIOLOGY (BIO)

501 Developments in Modern Biology.

(3-6) Stresses recent discoveries in biology and integrates and enhances understanding of basic principles of the discipline.

A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.

516 Population Ecology. (3) Presents fundamental principles of population growth and regulation, including both with-species and between-species interaction. Implications for over-population, endangered species, and pest and game management are discussed. Laboratory includes both experimental studies and computer simulation exercises.

Prerequisite: BIO 216.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 416.

520 Field Biology of Distant Areas. (3-12) The species peculiar to selected geographic areas. Ecology, flora, and fauna. Travel may be by air. Seminars may be scheduled regularly throughout the course. Registration fee may include travel charges as well as the general fee.

Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.

A total of 12 hours of credit may be earned.

540 Evolution. (3) Principles, evidence, and the historical context of modern evolution theory. Some attention will be given to the origin of life and the evolution of plants and animals.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 440.

546 Applied Microbiology. (3) Study of microorganisms that effect beneficial and detrimental changes in foods (including milk and milk products) and industrial fermentations.

Prerequisite: BIO 313 or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 446.

548 Biometry. (3) Principles and applications of statistics to biological problems. The use of parametric and nonparametric tests of significance in the analysis of data and the interpretation of experiments.

Prerequisite: MATHS 108 or its equivalent or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 448.

552 Advanced Genetics. (3) Bacterial and eukaryotic genetics with emphasis on recent developments in molecular genetics. Topics include alternative structures of DNA, mechanisms of DNA replication, mutagenesis, DNA rearrangements, regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, and molecular and mutagenetic analysis of the cell cycle.

Prerequisite: BIO 214; CHEM 231.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 452.

553 Human Genetics and the Problems of Humankind. (3) Current developments in human heredity. Human chromosome aberrations. DNA, the genetic code, and mutations. Consanguineous marriages and genetic defects. Mendelian principles applied to humans. Pedigrees and probability. Genetic screening and counseling. Social, ethical, and legal problems and advances in genetics.

Prerequisite: BIO 214 or permission of the instructor or department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 453.

554 Development and Evolution of Genomes: Genomics and Proteomics. (3) Analysis of the development, expression, and evolution of genomes through the examination of genomics and proteomics. Attempts to explore the theoretical basis of developing technologies to provide models for application to current questions in biological systems from the cellular or organismal levels by treatment of the genome as a system.

Prerequisite: BIO 214, 215; or permission of the instructor.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 454.

556 Cancer Biology. (3) Examination of the biological basis of cancer, discussion of related contemporary issues, and overview of recent advances in cancer research. Emphasis on cancer progression, tumor production, etiology/epidemiology, prevention, modern therapies, and patient management.

Prerequisite: BIO 215, its equivalent, or permission of the department chairperson.

557 Molecular Biology. (4) Structure and function of macromolecules in living things. Emphasizes three-dimensional structures; models for enzyme mechanisms, DNA replication; protein synthesis and membrane function; and applications of biotechnology.

Prerequisite: BIO 215 or the equivalent, or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 457.

560 Microtechniques. (4) A lecture/lab course in the preparation of biological material for microscopic examination in teaching, research, and clinical applications. Emphasizes preparation of smears, squashes, whole mounts, paraffin, and frozen plant and animal sections, and photomicrography.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 460.

570 Developmental Biology. (4) Recent advances and theories in early embryogenesis and developmental biology. Major emphasis on genetic and molecular mechanisms operating during developmental phenomena. Topics include fertilization, mosaic versus regulative development, regulation of gene expression, patterning, germ line and sex determination, and neoplasia. Lecture and laboratory.

Prerequisite: BIO 215 or equivalent or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 470.

580 Limnology. (3) The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of inland waters. Laboratory time and several field trips will be devoted to exploring techniques for the evaluation of representative aquatic ecosystems.

Prerequisite: BIO 216 or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 480.

582 Aquatic Microbiology. (3) Microorganisms indigenous to nonpolluted and polluted aquatic ecosystems. Emphasizes nutrient cycling and the use of microorganisms as indicators of pollution. Morphology, physiology, and ecology of specific organisms. Lecture and laboratory.

Prerequisite: BIO 313.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 482.

583 Marine Biology. (3) Introduction to marine environments. Properties of seawater, hydrodynamics. Phyto-plankton and benthic plants. Primary production, nutrient cycles. Marine animals, surveys of major taxa. Adaptations for life on the bottom, open water, intertidal zones, estuaries, and abyssal regions. Problems of overexploitation and pollution.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 483.

592 Bioethical Decision Making. (3) Development of decision-making skills through the analysis and personal resolution of bioethical problems created by the application of new biological and biomedical knowledge and technologies.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 492.

628 Readings in Biology. (1-3) Directed readings for majors in biology. Individualized program of readings developed under the supervision of a faculty member.

Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.

A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

629 Seminar in Biology. (1) Review and discussion of the literature related to selected topics of current interest in biological research.

Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.

A total of 2 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 1 in any one semester or term.

631 Virology. (4) An in-depth study of viruses, including animal, plant, insect, and bacteria viruses. Topics include the physical and chemical properties of viruses, virus- host interactions, and pathogenesis. In addition to the lecture component, a weekly discussion of journal articles emphasizing virology-based experimental assays will also be required.

Prerequisite: cell biology and one course in microbiology, or by permission of the instructor or department chairperson. Familiarity with immunology is preferred.

636 Immunology. (4) A study of the components of the immune system and immune responses with particular emphasis on immune-related diseases. Topics include hematopoiesis, cellular interactions, immunochemistry, immunogenetics, and immune regulation and tolerance. The lab component will emphasize immunology-based assays and include journal article discussions concerning immunology topics.

Prerequisite: cell biology and one course in microbiology, or by permission of the instructor or department chairperson.

641 Medical Bacteriology. (3) Study of pathogenic bacteria with emphasis on morphology and physiology. Laboratory techniques in culturing, isolating, and identifying bacteria.

Prerequisite: BIO 313; CHEM 231.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 341.

642 Medical Microbiology. (8) Microbiology for medical students with consideration of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites as agents in human disease and the immunological and serological aspects of the host-parasite relationship.

Open only to medical students or by permission of the department chairperson.

653 Medical Genetics. (2) Genetics for medical students: basic genetic principles, human cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genetic epidemiology; probability, population and quantitative (multifactorial) genetics; dermatoglyphics, etiology of birth defects, inborn metabolic disorders, genetic screening and counseling, genetics of mental illness and cancer, pharmacogenetics, immunogenetics, and genetic engineering.

Open only to medical students or by permission of the department chairperson.

655 Cell Biology. (4) Biology of the cell, including cell morphology, bioenergetics, enzyme function, cell environment, membrane structure and function, cell metabolism, and cell differentiation and growth.

Prerequisite: CHEM 360.

Not open to students who have credit in BIO 215.

656 (518) Ecosystem Ecology. (3) Principles and application of ecosystem ecology. Provides students with an understanding of concepts in modern ecosystem ecology and with an in-depth analysis of ecosystem components, processes, and factors that control them.

Prerequisite: BIO 216 or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.

657 Multivariate Analysis of Environmental Data. (3) Introduction to multivariate statistical techniques and technological tools necessary to evaluate the literature and to carry out original research in the environmental sciences.

Prerequisite: BIO 448 or 548 or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.

669 Internship in Biology. (1-6) Paid, supervised field and laboratory experience in public or private agencies (or in the Department of Biology). Training involves application of biological principles in the work environment.

Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.

A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.

691 Developments in Biology Education. (3) Origin, content, emphasis, and objectives of recent curriculum developments and philosophical approaches to teaching science in the secondary school. Student activities include presentation of current topics and creation of instructional materials that incorporate the most current techniques.

Prerequisite: an undergraduate major or minor in science.

694 Practicum in Science Education. (1-6) Science curricula and instruction in classroom situations. Needs assessment in science education from the point of view of inservice teachers and their students. Staff consultation in implementation of improved science programs.

Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.

A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.

697 Research in Biology. (1-3) Independent research for biology majors at the master’s level. Students’ research projects must be developed in consultation with a faculty member. As much as 3 hours of credit may be applied toward a master’s degree.

Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.

A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

796 Research in Biology. (1-6) Independent research for biology majors at the doctoral level. Students’ proposed research projects must be developed in consultation with a faculty member.

Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.

A total of 8 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 6 in any one semester or term.

BIOTECHNOLOGY (BIOT)

590 Introduction to Recombinant DNA and RNA Techniques. (3) Study of the fundamental methods and approaches used in biotechnology with experiences in recombinant DNA and RNA techniques. Emphasis on theory and practice of commonly used scientific techniques, experimental design, and reading and analysis of scientific literature.

Prerequisite: BIO 215 or 655.

Not open to students who have credit in BIOT 490.

591 Theory and Applications of the Polymerase Chain Reaction. (3) Study of the theory of the polymerase chain reaction and its standard applications in research. Emphasis on experimental design and optimization of reactions, applications in DNA and RNA analysis, differential display, site-directed mutagenesis, and subcloning of PCR products.

Prerequisite: BIO 215 or 655.

Not open to students who have credit in BIOT 491.

592 Protein Isolation and Analysis. (3) Study of the theory and application of techniques involved in protein isolation, characterization, and analysis. Emphasis on understanding principles of protein purification, laboratory experiences in protein separation, detection and analysis of structure function relationships.

Prerequisite: BIO 215 or 655.

Not open to students who have credit in BIOT 492.

593 Professional Development in Biotechnology. (1) Emphasizes curriculum vita development. Provides employment counseling, discussion of job ethics and values, information on laboratory set-up, and job interview strategies.

Not open to students who have credit in BIOT 493.

594 Cell Culture Techniques. (2) Study of the practice and theory of cell and tissue culture. Emphasis on the application of basic concepts and techniques to the in vitro culture of many different cell types.

Prerequisite: BIOT 590.

Not open to students who have credit in BIOT 494.

595 DNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics. (2) Covers the determination of DNA nucleotide sequence and Internet/software utilization of DNA and protein databases for sequence analysis.

Prerequisite: BIOT 590.

Not open to students who have credit in BIOT 495.

596 Research Design and Presentation. (2) Emphasizes improvements in oral and written communication skills, and development of an independent research proposal.

Prerequisite: BIOT 590.

Not open to students who have credit in BIOT 496.

BOTANY (BOT)

540 Taxonomy of Vascular Plants. (4) Identification, use, and care of native and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plant material. The use of botanical keys, manuals, and texts in the identification of plant taxa.

Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in BOT 440.

542 Economic Botany. (3) The cultivation, processing, environmental requirements, and use of plants and plant derivatives for food, drugs, dwellings, clothing, and power.

Not open to students who have credit in BOT 442.

544 Plant Propagation and Management. (3) Practical experience in the different methods of plant propagation, care, and cultivation for use in the home, school, garden, and greenhouse. Diseases, pathogens, and pests of the plant.

546 Medical Mycology. (3) Study of fungi with emphasis on pathogenic forms. Methods of identification of fungi will be discussed along with morphology and biochemistry of fungi.

Prerequisite: BIO 313.

Not open to students who have credit in BOT 446.

551 Plant Physiology. (4) An introductory treatment of the physiological activities of green plants with emphasis on plant growth substances, photosynthesis, and intermediate metabolism.

Prerequisite: BIO 112; CHEM 231.

Not open to students who have credit in BOT 451.

560 Plants and Their Allies. (4) Evolutionary-phylogenetic survey of plant forms. Includes bacteria, algae, fungi, bryophytes, and vascular plants. Emphasizes comparative morphology and anatomy, reproductive structures, cycles, and adaptations to varying habitats.

Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112.

570 Dendrology. (3) The identification and site characterization of woody plants with emphasis on midwestern tree species. Use of botanical features and keys in field identification. Correlation of species with site conditions, plant diseases, climatic parameters, associate species, and geographical distribution.

Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in BOT 470.

580 Plant Ecology. (3) Factors affecting the distribution and abundance of plants. Patterns, structure, and development of plants at the individual, population, and community levels. Laboratory provides experience with ecological experimentation at the physiological, population, and community levels.

Prerequisite: BIO 216 or permission of the instructor.

581 Aquatic Botany. (4) The collection and identification of nonvascular and vascular plants from fresh water ecosystems. Emphasizes morphology, physiology, and ecology of these plants to explain their distribution in nature. Class project and field trips may be used to demonstrate ecological relationships.

Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in BOT 481.

SCIENCE (SCI)

501 Electron and Confocal Microscopy. (3) Introduction to the techniques and theory of electron and confocal microscopy. Emphasizes basic procedures employed in specimen preparation, production of micrographs and operation of the transmission, scanning, and confocal microscopes.

690 Workshop in Science Education. (1-12) Practical experience with teaching science at specific level (early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or higher education) and/or specific topic (e.g., chemistry or geology). May be repeated for different level and/or topic.

Prerequisite: teaching experience or certification or permission of the instructor.

A total of 24 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 12 in any one semester or term.

692 Topics in the History and Nature of Science. (3) Examination of the historical development of science from a wide variety of perspectives. Roles of scientists, society, culture, and gender in the creation and validation of scientific knowledge. Implications of the Nature of Science for science teaching and learning.

695 Advanced Teaching Methods in Science. (3-6) Recent developments in science teaching at specific level (early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or higher education) and/or specific topic (e.g., biology or physics). May be repeated for different level and/or topic.

Prerequisite: teaching experience or certification or permission of the instructor.

A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.

696 Current Issues in Science Education. (3-6) Current research and theory of teaching science at specific level (early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or higher education) and/or specific science topic (e.g., chemistry or geology). May be repeated for different level and/or topic.

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.

699 Research Methodology in Science Education. (3) Identification of research problems in science and science education. Introduction to types of research, research design, and grant-writing. Review of literature pertinent to a special topic of student interest. Development of a research proposal.

Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.

790 Internship in Science Education. (1-4) Supervised experience in instruction of science or science education courses.

Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.

A total of 4 hours of credit may be earned.

ZOOLOGY (ZOOL)

532 Invertebrate Zoology. (4) Comparative morphology, physiology, ecology, life histories, and phylogeny of invertebrate animal phyla.

Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 432.

540 Ornithology. (3) The study of birds including identification, systematics, anatomy, physiology, life histories, ecological relationships, and conservation. Fieldwork in addition to regular laboratory periods may be required.

Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 440.

541 Entomology. (3) Anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, life histories, habits, and adaptations of insects.

Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 441.

544 Ichthyology. (3) The study of fish with emphasis on identification, classification, anatomy and physiology, and ecology. Emphasizes Indiana species but includes other important species.

Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 444.

545 Herpetology. (3) Introduction to the biology of amphibians and reptiles, including their origin, anatomy, physiology, classification, behavior, and ecology. Through extensive field trips, the laboratory will emphasize identification and observation of amphibians and reptiles in their natural habitats.

Prerequisite: BIO 112.

Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 445.

546 Mammalogy. (3) The evolutionary origin, characteristics, and distribution of recent mammals. The economic relationships of mammals. The collection and preservation of specimens. May require additional fieldwork.

Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 446.

565 Fishery Resources Management. (3) The relationship of fisheries to other natural resources; a survey of aquatic habitats and the characteristics of fish that affect their management; basic principles, practices, and techniques of management of inland waters for fish production.

Prerequisite: BIO 216 or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 465.

583 Wildlife Biology. (3) The identification, population dynamics, and geographic distribution of wildlife species with particular emphasis on those of the United States. The harvest and management of wildlife. May require additional fieldwork.

Prerequisite: BIO 216 or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 483.

584 Aquatic Entomology. (3) Immature and adult stages of aquatic insects, including collecting techniques, identification, ecological requirements, morphology, and evolutionary adaptations to lentic and lotic conditions. Emphasizes aquatic insects as indicators of environmental quality and stress.

Prerequisite: ZOOL 541 or permission of the department chairperson.

Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 484.

670 Field Zoology. (3) The field study of animals—terrestrial and aquatic, invertebrate and vertebrate, microscopic and macroscopic—with emphasis on the collection and identification of noninsect invertebrates.

682 Animal Ecology. (3) The composition, development, dynamics, and geographic distribution of animal communities. The relationships between animals and the physical, chemical, and biotic elements of the environment. Includes physiological ecology and ethology. Field studies of animal communities.