College Catalog
Course Descriptions
Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 100 Human Biology - GS 4
A lecture, discussion, and laboratory course for non-science students. The primary emphasis is on the structure and function of the human organism. Some objectives are: to develop an appreciation for humankind's position in phylogeny; an awareness of the human body as a functioning biological entity; an awareness of some current issues involving the application of the science of biology to our present and future welfare. This course does not count toward the biology major. A student who has received credit for BIOL120 may not take BIOL100 for credit without the Registrar's consent. Both semesters. See Extended General Studies Course Description.

BIOL 115 Principles of Biology - GS 4
A lecture and laboratory course that presents a body of knowledge of cell-level biology. Intended to prepare the students in the BCON nursing program for subsequent upper-level biology courses, as well as serving as an exposure to modern biology for non-majors. Content progresses from the level of atoms, biochemicals, to membrane structure/function and finally to cells. Topics also include pH, metabolic pathways, cell signaling and communication, DNA replication, transcription and translation, and the control of gene expression. A discussion of cell division and its control is followed by Mendelian genetics and the inheritance of human genetic traits and diseases. This will be followed by an introduction to prokaryotic life forms and viruses. Laboratory exercises familiarize the student with the use of equipment found in modern laboratory settings, including microscopes, balances, pipetors, pH meters and spectrophotometers. Includes the isolation and electrophoresis of DNA. Non science majors are advised to take BIOL 100 or BIOL 180 to fulfill the GS 4 requirement. First semester.

BIOL 120 General Biology 1 - GS 4
A lecture and laboratory study of living systems with particular emphasis on the molecular, cellular and tissue levels of organization in both plants and animals. Genetic mechanisms and aspects of development are included. First semester, each year. Non science majors are advised to take BIOL 100 or BIOL 180 to fulfill the GS 4 requirement. See Extended General Studies Course Description.

BIOL 121 General Biology 2
A lecture and laboratory study of living organisms, with emphasis on heterotrophic protists and animals. Evolutionary theory and processes, morphology, taxonomy, and physiology are covered in detail. Second semester, each year.

NOTE - BIOL 120 and 121, are considered an introductory sequence for biology majors in both concentrations in Biology and others such as pre-professional students who desire an emphasis in biological sciences.

BIOL 180 Biological Diversity - GS 4
A lecture and laboratory course that studies the diversity of living organisms and ecological communities. Topics include global and historical patterns of diversity, historical and contemporary extinctions, the impact of humans on these patterns through processes such as introduction of exotic species and habitat modification. Rationales and strategies for biological conservation are evaluated and compared. Non science majors are encouraged to take this or BIOL 100, and not BIOL 121, to fulfill the GS 4 requirement. Non science majors are advised to take BIOL100 or BIOL 180 to fulfill the GS 4 requirement.

BIOL 201 Botany
A lecture and laboratory course that concentrates on the study of plant structure and function. Topics discussed include plant growth and development, metabolism, reproduction and response to the environment. The principles of plant biotechnology are also introduced. Lectures emphasize plant physiology while lab exercises concentrate on plant morphology and structure (gross and microscopic examinations). Labs include some plant physiology and tissue culture experiences, introduction to taxonomy and the major plant groups. Prerequisite: BIOL 120. Fall semester.

BIOL 220 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
A lecture and laboratory course that includes a comparative study of vertebrate morphology with an emphasis on the functional significance of structure. A systemic approach is used beginning with an overview, principles of evolution, and basic developmental biology. Laboratories involve dissecting representatives from the major vertebrate groups and studying their skeletal anatomy. Prerequisite: BIOL 121. Fall semester.

BIOL 225 Vertebrate Natural History (see Infrequently Offered Coursess section of the Catalog)

BIOL 228 Ecology
A lecture and laboratory course on the relationships of plants and animals to one another and to their physical environment. Field trips and laboratory work provide first-hand knowledge of organisms and their ecological significance in the De Pere area. Prerequisite: BIOL 121 or BIOL180. Fall semester.

BIOL 244 Genetics
A lecture and laboratory course demonstrating the basic principles of the gene structure, gene action, and gene transmission as found in various organisms. Topics covered include DNA structure, replication, transcription and translation, recombinant DNA technology, bacterial genetics, and genome structure. Discussions of Mendelian inheritance, changes in chromosome structure and number are followed by an introduction to population genetics. Laboratory exercises include DNA electrophoresis, PCR, bacterial transformation and inheritance in both Drosophila and plants. Prerequisite: BIOL 120. Spring semester.

BIOL 310 Tropical Biology
A lecture and laboratory course designed to provide a sound foundation in ecological concepts and biology of tropical ecosystems around the world. The ecosystems to be studied include: tropical dry forests, cloud forests, savannas, mangroves, and coral reefs, but special emphasis will be given to tropical rain forests. Nutrient cycles, production, trophic interactions, plant-animal interactions, biodiversity and conservation biology are discussed. Prerequisite: BIOL 121 or consent of the instructor. Alternate years.

BIOL 320 Human Anatomy and Histology
A lecture and laboratory study of the gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy of the human body. The course uses a regional approach with emphasis on the upper limb, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, lower limb, and brain. Students learn to identify muscles, nerves, vessels, organs, and tissues of the human body. The laboratories involve cadaver dissections and light microscopy. One-third of the course includes information/laboratory work emphasizing human histology. Recommended for pre-professional students interested in health-related professions and students interested in medical illustration. Prerequisite: BIOL 220, 372, and instructor's consent. Spring semester.

BIOL 338 Limnology
A lecture and laboratory course dealing with the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of freshwater ecosystems, and the interrelationships of organisms in these habitats. Field trips and laboratory experiences will provide first-hand knowledge of aquatic organisms and their ecological significance. Prerequisite: BIOL 121 or BIOL 180. Fall semester. Every other year.

BIOL 350 Microbiology
A lecture and laboratory course dealing with the study of prokaryotic organisms, including morphology, physiology, genetics and application. Labs include preparation of media, cultivation and staining of microbial organisms and the study of their morphology and physiology. Prerequisite: BIOL 121. Fall semester.

BIOL 353 Biotechnology in a Global Society - GS 11
A lecture and discussion course that deals with advances and application of biotechnology in the context of the entire living world, both the society of human beings and the larger, living environment. Due in large part to the ability to clone genes, as well as many plants and animals, and to genetically engineer these organisms (perhaps even humans), biotechnology is revolutionizing both the means and pace of our intervention in this global community. Students become aware of the techniques and advances of biotechnology, and are better prepared to make informed decisions about its application. This course also provides students with the necessary scientific background to understand the ethical problems posed by biotechnology. See Extended General Studies Course Description.

BIOL 355 Invertebrate Biology
A lecture and laboratory course dealing with the morphology, taxonomy, evolution, physiology and ecology of free living invertebrates (exclusive of the insects). Labs include sampling of local fauna and field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 121. Every third year.

BIOL 360 Medical Microbiology
A lecture and laboratory course dealing with the interaction between microbial pathogens and the human host. Topics studied include the development and normal functioning of the immune system, and allergic reactions, and their relationship to microbial pathogens. A survey of the important bacteriological, mycological and viral pathogens in terms of their mechanisms of disease production is also included. Prerequisites: BIOL 350; CHEM 216 or 220.

BIOL 365 Immunology
A lecture and laboratory course dealing with the immune response of vertebrates, with special emphasis on mammalian systems. The development and anatomy of the immune system, as well as the various cellular components (leukocytes) and secretions (cytokines, antibodies, complement proteins) are studied in detail. Topics covered include antigen presentation, T and B cell function, immunoglobulin structure and function, innate and acquired immune responses, granulocyte mediated responses, immunity to pathogens, various forms of hypersensitivity including allergies, auto-immune diseases, and applied topics such as transplantation immunity. Labs deal with induction, measurement and response of immune cells. Prerequisites: BIOL 244.

BIOL 368 Parasitology
A lecture and laboratory course dealing with eukaryotic disease causing organisms, with special emphasis on pathogens of medical and veterinary significance. The course deals with important human diseases including malaria, sleeping sickness, Leishmaniasis, as well roundworm, tapeworm, fluke and arthropod diseases. The morphology, physiology, pathology and immunology of the various parasitic diseases are considered in detail. Labs emphasize morphology and diagnostics (mprphological and molecular) and may include an experimental component. Prerequisite: BIOL 121, BIOL 244. Alternate years.

BIOL 371 Cellular Physiology
A lecture and laboratory course concentrating on the structure and function of the eukaryotic cell. Topics covered include membrane structure and function, post-translational processing and transport of proteins, cell adhesion and communication, signal transduction pathways, the control of the cell cycle (cancer) and the tools/methods used cellular level studies. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, BIOL 244, and CHEM 220 or 216. Fall semester.

BIOL 372 Systemic Physiology
A lecture and laboratory course concentrating on the function of organ systems and their role in the entire organism. Emphasis is placed on integration and control mechanisms. Topics covered include neurophysiology, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and muscle physiology, and reproduction. Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BL 220, and CHEM 216 or CHEM 220. Fall semester.

BIOL 373 Molecular Biology
A lecture and laboratory course involving an in-depth study of the organization and function of genes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The main themes of modern molecular biology and molecular genetics are emphasized. Topics discussed include: DNA structure, organization, replication, transcription, translation and control of gene expression. In addition to the text, readings from current literature are also required. A portion of the course is devoted to lab experiences providing exposure to the techniques commonly used in a molecular biology lab: DNA quantification, gel electrophoresis of DNA, DNA isolation, electrophoresis and cloning, Southern blotting, and relevant bacteriological techniques are lab activities that may be included. Prerequisites: BIOL 244 and CHEM 216 (or CHEM 220). Spring semester.

BIOL 374 Plant Structure (see Infrequently Offered Coursess section of the Catalog)

BIOL 376 Plant Systematics (see Infrequently Offered Coursess section of the Catalog)

BIOL 380 Plant Ecology (see Infrequently Offered Coursess section of the Catalog)

BIOL 381 Vertebrate Embryology
A lecture and laboratory course in developmental biology. A descriptive terminology for normal development of vertebrates is first established. Then, experimental techniques and causal relationships are considered. Prerequisite: BIOL 121, BIOL 244, and consent of instructor. Every three years.

BIOL 382 Vertebrate Reproduction (see Infrequently Offered Coursess section of the Catalog)

BIOL 385 Endocrinology
A lecture and laboratory course on hormones and the mechanisms by which hormones control cellular function and metabolism. Prerequisite: BIOL 372. Alternate years.

BIOL 389 Mammalogy
A study of mammals with emphasis on principles of mammalian ecology, conservation, and biodiversity. Topics will include characteristics of mammals, classification, natural history, ecology, biodiversity, conservation, and techniques in field study. Special emphasis will be given to mammals occurring in northeastern Wisconsin. Prerequisite: BIOL 121.

BIOL 390 Ichthyology
A lecture and laboratory course on the classification, morphology, physiology, and ecology of fishes. Laboratory activities include individual student projects and the collection and identification of Wisconsin fishes. Prerequisite: BIOL 121. Alternate years.

BIOL 395 Introduction to Biological Research
A lecture and laboratory course designed to train students in biological research. Emphasis is on hypothesis development, methodologies for testing hypotheses, and . A laboratory project is requred. Prerequisite: BIOL 121, BIOL 244, and consent of instructor.

BIOL 420 Evolution (see Infrequently Offered Coursess section of the Catalog)

BIOL 428 Advanced Ecology
A course involving an original student laboratory and/or field investigation of an ecological or related problem under faculty supervision, terminating in a final research report. Prerequisite: BIOL 228 and consent of instructor. Each year.

BIOL 430 Paleobiology
A lecture and laboratory course exploring the evolutionary history of invertebrates and vertebrates by studying fossils and geology. Prerequisite: BIOL 121 OR GEOL 105. Alternate years.

BIOL 460 Biology Seminar
An in-depth study of biologically oriented topics in an area not usually covered by scheduled courses. Emphasis will be on current literature with student independent study and presentations. Prerequisite: BIOL 121 and consent of instructor.

BIOL 489 Special Topics
A course designed for group study of subject matter of special interest. The organization, methodology, and objective of the course will be determined by the instructor and may include a laboratory experience. Prerequisite: Junior and senior Biology majors or consent of instructor.

BIOL 490 Independent Study
A course that allows students to pursue an area of study on an individual basis with consultation and evaluation. The methodology and objective will be mutually agreed upon by a faculty member and the student. Prerequisite: Junior and senior Biology majors, and consent of instructor and approval of the Associate Dean of Natural Sciences.

BIOL 492 Directed Research
A course offering which allows students to pursue an area of study on an individual basis with consultation and evaluation. The methodology and objective will be mutually agreed upon by a faculty member and the student. Prerequisite: junior and senior majors or consent of instructor.

BIOL 496 Research and Thesis
Original student laboratory and/or field research of a biological problem under faculty supervision terminating in a bachelor's thesis when approved. The student interested in research will seek a staff member willing to direct the work. The student will submit to his/her prospective research director a written proposal of the project. The staff member then forms a committee which he/she will chair with two other faculty members to consider the student's research proposal and the merit of research accomplished, to approve the preparation of a thesis, and to recommend acceptance of the thesis to the discipline (or division when inter-disciplinary). Approval of the student research proposal should be received no later than the end of the student's junior year. The student will present his/her work in public forum at a time set by his committee with his approval. Prerequisite: biology major and consent of instructor.

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