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Courses for Non-Majors

BIOL 100 - Biology

BIOL 103 - General Botany

4 hours (offered spring)
This course focuses on the biological aspects of the plant kingdom, ranging from the sub-cellular level to ecological roles. Structural and physiological adaptations, present and past diversity, reproduction, genetics and evolution, ecological interactions, and ethnobotany are explored, including laboratory investigations. (This course may not be used as a Biology elective by a Biology major.)

Example Syllabus (.doc file)
Instructors: Carroll, Ma

BIOL 106 - General Zoology

4 hours (offered fall)
This course treats the broad discipline of animal biology from various perspectives, including biochemistry, cell biology, organ systems and physiology, behavior, and ecology. Major adaptive trends among types of animals, as shaped by natural selection, are studied, including laboratory investigations. (This course may not be used as a Biology elective by a Biology major.)

Instructor: Fielden

BIOL 150 - Honors Biology

4 hours (offered fall, spring)
General theme is similarities in living systems as viewed at various levels-the genetic code, energy production, homeostasis, and adaptations for survival. The scientific method as a mode of inquiry will be presented and used in laboratory investigations. Additional topics will be covered beyond what is addressed in BIOL 100 and selected topics may be covered in more detail than in BIOL 100. (This course may not be used as Biology elective by a Biology major.) NOTE: General Honors Course.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 204 - Introductory Microbiology

3 hours (offered spring)
Applied microbiology, studying the nature of bacteria and related microorganisms and their relationships to human economy and nature. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites include BIOL 100, CHEM 100, and MATH 156. (May not be used as biology elective - unrestricted elective only)

Example Syllabus (.doc file)

Instructors: Cooper

BIOL 214 - Anatomy and Physiology I

4 hours
First class in a two-semester sequence covering structure and function of the human body, using a systems approach. Laboratory component included. May not be used as a Biology elective by Biology majors.

Prerequisites: CHEM 100 AND concurrent or previous enrollment in BIOL 100.

Instructor: Guffey

BIOL 215 - Anatomy and Physiology II

4 hours
Second class in a two-semester sequence covering structure and function of the human body, using a systems approach. Laboratory component included. May not be used as a Biology elective by Biology majors.

Prerequisite: BIOL 214

Instructor: Guffey

BIOL 325 - Human Physiology

4 hours
Introductory principles and concepts of human body function for Health and Exercise, Psychology, and Nursing majors. Emphasis on practical and applied examples of human health, exercise, and physical performance.

Prerequisite: BIOL 100 or CHEM 100 or equivalent.

NOTE: Biology majors must take BIOL 315 (Physiology) orBIO 405 (Plant Physiology) to meet major requirements. BIOL 325 may not be used as a Biology elective by Biology majors-unrestricted elective only.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructor: Mitchell

BIOL 363 - Human Ecology

3 hours
Ecology of humans and environmental problems. (May not be used as a biology elective by Biology majors-unrestricted elective only.)

BIOL 365 - Human Anatomy

4 hours
The body as a whole, structural units, integrative systems, maintenance systems, and reproduction. Instructor's permission required for enrollment. (May not be used as a Biology elective by Biology majors-unrestricted elective only.)

Instructors: Houser

Courses for Majors: Required Support (Biology Core)

BIOL 107 - Introductory Biology I

4 hours (offered fall)
This course presents the unifying concepts of biology with a focus on the nature and philosophy of biological science, evolution by natural selection and the central role of DNA in evolution. Cellular and molecular levels of organization are studied. Laboratory investigations are included. Required of all Biology majors.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 108 - Introductory Biology II

4 hours (offered spring)
This course presents the unifying concepts of biology at the organismic level of organization. The diversity of life is emphasized. Laboratory included. Required of all Biology majors. Prerequisites: BIOL 107 or permission of instructor.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 145 - Freshman Biology Seminar

1 hour
Selected topics. Required for all Biology Majors during the fall semester of the freshman year. It includes an introduction to the Biology program.

Example Syllabus (.doc file)

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 200 - Cell Biology

4 hours (offered fall)
A study of the molecular basis of cell form, function, and variation. Required of all Biology majors. Prerequisite: Successful completion of BIOL 107 and BIOL 108. Completion or co-enrollment in CHEM 120 is strongly suggested. NOTE: General Honors Course.

Example Syllabus (.doc file)

Instructors: Cooper, Janick-Buckner, Ma

BIOL 248 - Sophomore Biology Seminar

1 hour
Selected topics.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 249 - Junior Biology Seminar

1 hour
Selected topics.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 300 - Genetics

4 hours (offered spring)
The nature, transmission, variation, and action of the genetic material. Required of all Biology Majors. NOTE: General Honors Course.

Prerequisite: BIOL 107, BIOL 108, BIOL 200, and CHEM 121, or permission of the instructor.

Instructors: Buckner, Fore, Walston

BIOL 301 - Introduction to Ecology

4 hours (offered fall)
This course documents and seeks to explain patterns of distribution and abundance of organisms in the natural world. Required of all Biology majors.

Prerequisites: BIOL 107 and BIOL 108.

Instructors: Carroll, Burt, Fore, Gering, Kelrick

BIOL 315 - Physiology

4 hours (offered spring)
Physicochemical analysis of body functions with emphasis on control systems which maintain homeostasis. (This course or BIOL 405 required for all Biology Majors). NOTE: General Honors Course

Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and CHEM 121.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructors: Fielden, Rutter, Schulte, Mitchell

BIOL 405 - Plant Physiology

4 hours
Principles and laboratory experiments on plant function in the areas of water relations, photosynthesis, respiration, and growth. (This course or BIOL 315 required for all Biology Majors.) NOTE: General Honors Course.

Prerequisites: BIOL 200 and CHEM 121.

Instructor: Ma

BIOL 545 - Biology Senior Seminar

1 hour each
Selected topics, including a culminating review of the Biology Program. Biology Senior Seminar is required for all senior Biology Majors.

Example Syllabus (.doc file)

Instructors: All Faculty

Courses for Majors: Electives

BIOL 302 - Comparative Anatomy

5 hours
The comparative morphology of vertebrates. Included are lectures on the evolution, development, anatomy, and function of organ systems. Laboratories involve dissections of representative vertebrates.

Instructors: Ellis, Guffey

BIOL 304 - General Microbiology

4 hours (offered fall and spring)
The nature of microorganisms with an emphasis on procaryotes, viruses, and fungi. Microscopy, cell structures and functions, metabolism, genetics, host defense, biological diversity, and environmental issues will be investigated. Includes laboratory. NOTE: General Honors Course.

Prerequisites: BIOL 107 and CHEM 120 are strongly recommended.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructors: Herrera, Lockhart

BIOL 309 - Histology

4 hours
Light and electron microscopic anatomy of representative mammalian cells, tissues, and organs.

Prerequisites: BIOL 107, 108, and BIOL 200.

Instructor: Shinn

BIOL 312 - Local Flora

2 hours
Identification of trees in both winter and spring stages of growth and identification of common vascular plants with the use of taxonomic keys emphasized.

Instructor: Hooper

BIOL 313 - Plant Anatomy

4 hours
Comprehensive studies of the internal structure of vascular plants, focusing mainly on the anatomy of flowering plants. The course emphasizes structure-function relationships and anatomical adaptations of plants to various environmental conditions.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructor: Hooper

BIOL 314 - Plant Taxonomy

4 hours
Selected flowering plant families, characteristics, and possible evolutionary relationships.

Instructor: Hooper

BIOL 316 - Entomology

4 hours
The fundamentals of insect biology, life histories, pest management, and classification. Individual projects are required.

Instructors: Fielden, Gering

BIOL 317 - Economic and Medicinal sBotany

3 hours
Industrial, medicinal, edible, crop, and ornamental plants with economic value.

Instructor: Hooper

BIOL 362 - Embryology and Developmental Biology

5 hours
Theory and principles of development. The laboratory includes experimental manipulation of living, developing organisms. NOTE: General Honors Course.

Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and BIOL 300

Instructors: Schulte, Walston

BIOL 364 - Invertebrate Zoology

4 hours
Biology, taxonomy, structure, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships of invertebrate animals. Lecture and laboratory.

Prerequisite: BIOL 108.

Instructors: Shinn

BIOL 391 - Internship for Biology Majors

4-12 hours
On-the-job training in a biological field to complement the student's academic education. Only three hours total of BIOL 391 and 392 may be counted as biology electives.

Instructors: All faculty

BIOL 392 - Evaluation and Analysis of Internship

1-3 hours
Encompassing research, analytical analysis, and evaluation of internship experience. Only three hours total of BIOL 391 and 392 may be counted as biology electives.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 404 - Medical Microbiology

4 hours
A study of pathogenic microorganisms, their isolation, cultivation, identification, and control.

Prerequisites: BIOL 304.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructor: Lockhart

BIOL 441 - Biology Research I

1-3 hours
Individual study and laboratory work on an assigned problem. Three hours only of biology research may be counted as Biology electives.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 442 - Biology Research II

1-3 hours
A continuation of BIOL 441.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 443 - Biology Research III

1-3 hours
A continuation of BIOL 442.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 444 - Independent Studies (Topic)

1-5 hours
This course provides flexibility for students who are in need of specific credit in topics. Only 3 hours may be counted as biology electives.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 501 - Limnology

4 hours
The ecology of aquatic habitats in which the biota of lakes and streams are studied by field surveys and individual projects.

Instructor:

BIOL 502 - Biometry

3 hours
The design and conduct of experiments and the analysis of biological data. Prerequisite or equivalent: STAT 190.

Instructors: Carroll, Kelrick

BIOL 503 - Evolutionary Biology

3 hours
The study of evolution by natural selection, emphasizing mechanisms, historical development, and modern evidence. Data from the fields of genetics, molecular biology, population biology, paleontology and behavior may be considered. NOTE: General Honors Course.

Prerequisite: BIOL 300 or equivalent.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructors: Carroll, Fore, Gering

BIOL 504 - Herpetology

4 hours
The taxonomy, life history, and distribution of amphibians and reptiles. The laboratory includes fields trips.

Instructor: Montgomery

BIOL 505 - Cytology

4 hours
Study of select eukaryotic cellular and molecular processes through reading and discussion of primary literature.

Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and BIOL 300

Instructors: Janick-Buckner

BIOL 506 - Ornithology

4 hours
The evolutionary history, functional anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behavior of birds. The course also introduces students to Missouri's birds, their systematic relationships, ecology, and behavior. The course involves substantial field work.

Instructor: Goldman

BIOL 508 - Advanced Plant Taxonomy

3 hours
Historical taxonomy and experimental approaches; taxonomy problems, herbarium, morphological, cytological, statistical, and chemical techniques.

Prerequisite: BIOL 314 or permission of instructor.

Instructor: Hooper

BIOL 509 - Comparative Plant Morphology

4 hours
Comparative investigations of the structure, life-cycles, and evolution of fossil and living vascular plants. Emphasis on such topics as: the origin of land plants, evolution of the ovule and flower, and the origin of flowering plants.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructor: Hoojn

BIOL 510 - Advanced Ecology

3 hours
An advanced course in ecology examining the conceptual and theoretical foundations of population and community ecology. Reading and discussion of primary literature is emphasized.

Prerequisite: BIOL 301 or permission of instructor.

Instructors: Carroll, Fore, Gering, Kelrick

BIOL 511 - Environmental Physiology of Animals

4 hours
A study of physiological mechanisms which major animal groups have evolved to tolerate stresses of an array of habitats/environments ranging from abyssal ocean depths to high-altitude living. Physiological basis and evolution of adaptations enabling animals to function in different environments are explored on the molecular, cellular, systems, and organismal levels.

Prerequisite: BIOL 315 or equivalent.

Instructor: Schulte

BIOL 512 - Cellular Physiology

4 hours
An advanced study of the molecular biology of the cell with an experimental approach. The course will provide an in depth investigation into cell interactions with diverse environments, membrane functions, mechanisms of cellular regulation, the cytoskeleton, cell motility, evolution of cell functions, and energy matter conversions. Includes laboratory work.

Instructor: Schulte

BIOL 515 - Animal Behavior

3 hours
The course involves various approaches to understanding the behavior of animals. It considers the natural and evolutionary history of behavior, behavioral genetics, neuroethology, and behavioral ecology. The course includes laboratory and field projects investigating behavior of some local species, and a multitude of "OH MY" stories.

Example Syllabus (.doc file)

Instructor: Goldman, Burt

BIOL 517 - Mammology

4 hours
Mammal life history, behavior, classification, and distribution. Laboratory includes identification of Missouri species from prepared specimens and field trips.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructor: Burt

BIOL 518 - Advanced Topics (Topic)

1-5 hours (each topic)
An in-depth study of selected science topics presented under formal classroom organization (not intended for individualized study). The total number of hours on a program is limited to 8; only those hours which have the approval of the student's advisor may be counted as biology electives.

Instructors: All Faculty

Selected Past BIOL 518 Topics: (links go to syllabi)

Advanced Cellular Biology (.pdf file)
Cancer Biology
Electron Microscopy (.doc file)
Microbial Ecology (.pdf)
Microscopy (.pdf)
Neurobiology
Understanding and Critiquing the Revised Theory of
Natural Selection (.pdf)
Virology (.pdf)

BIOL 519 - Directed Field Studies

1-5 hours
An interim course to encourage scientific investigation of geographic regions. Ecological, geological, climatological, and anthropological phenomena are studied. Only 3 hours may be counted as Biology electives.

Instructors: All Faculty

BIOL 520 - Immunology

4 hours
A study of the cells, tissues, molecules, and processes involved in the mammalian defense mechanisms. Laboratory includes immunological techniques utilized in both the research and clinical laboratories.

Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and BIOL 300.

Example Syllabus (.pdf file)

Instructors: Janick-Buckner

BIOL 598 - Workshop (Topic)

1-3 hours (each topic)
In-depth study of selected topics presented in a short period of time. The total number of hours on a program is limited to 8; only those hours which have the approval of the student's advisor may be counted as biology electives.

Instructors: All Faculty