Biology (BIO)                             Course Schedules

BIO 500 Biological Statistics 3(2-2)
An introduction to biological statistics; emphasis on concepts of descriptive statistics and central tendency, inferential statistics. ONE-WAY ANOVA and correlation/linear regression.  Prerequisites:  Twelve (12) hours of biology or permission of instructor; math competency equivalent to MTH 130 recommended.

BIO 501 Evolution 3(3-0) D
Mechanisms of descent with modification are discussed in a framework of microevolution, speciation, and macroevolution. Prerequisites: 9 hours of biology and BIO 326.

BIO 502 Teaching Biology 3(2-3) F
Material, methods, and problems suitable for use in the secondary school; required training course for prospective teachers of biology.

BIO 508 Modern Concepts in Biological Science for Elementary Teachers 3(3-0) D
For teachers of grades K-8. Emphasis on biological concepts taught in elementary and middle school; development of a series of laboratory activities as a class project.

BIO 509 Icthyology 4(2-4) D
Anatomy, taxonomy, physiology, natural history, and ecology of fishes with laboratory emphasis on fishes of the Great Lakes region. Prerequisites: BIO 218 or equivalent.

BIO 510 Fisheries Biology 4(3-2) D
Analysis of fish populations, management of fisheries resources, and other problems related to freshwater fisheries. Prerequisite: BIO 509.

BIO 511 Aquatic Insects 3(1-4) D
Natural history and systematics of freshwater insects. Prerequisite: One year of biology including introductory entomology.

BIO 512 Embryology 3(2-3) F
Vertebrate embryology for the biology major and preprofessional student. Embryology of the frog, chick, pig, and man.

BIO 513 Plant Taxonomy 3(2-3) F (Odd Year)
Plant taxonomy with attention to plants of the Mount Pleasant area. Prerequisite: Six hours of general botany.

BIO 516 Computers in the Biological Sciences 3(2-3) Sp
Application of field data to procedures of programming and application of data to model structures whenever possible. Elementary mathematics required. Prerequisite: Working knowledge of a language such as BASIC, FORTRAN, PHL, PASCAL.

BIO 518 Animal Behavior 3(2-3) D
Behavior in invertebrate and vertebrate organisms related to genetics, morphology, and the ecology of animal populations. Prerequisite: One year of biology.

BIO 523 Fresh Water Algae 4(2-4) Sp
Taxonomy, morphology, and ecology including analysis and collection methods.

BIO 524 Molecular Biology 4(3-3)
Molecular basis of genetics and genetic expression, primarily in prokaryotes, and techniques of recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory includes nucleic acid purification and recombinant DNA procedures. Prerequisites: BIO 208, BIO 326, CHM 346, CHM 522 (may be concurrent); or instructor permission.

BIO 525 Plant Ecology 4(2-4) D
A study of plants emphasizing physical and biotic interrelationships and factors which govern their distribution. Field work stressed. Prerequisites: 340 and a plant identification course highly recommended.

BIO 526 Limnology 3(3-0) D
Factors contributing to the biological productivity of fresh water habitats and the relationship of different factors that influence biological productivity in lakes and streams. Prerequisites: BIO 340; one year of college chemistry recommended, or permission of instructor.

BIO 527 Limnological Methods 3(0-6) D
Qualitative and quantitative measurements of the chemical-physical-biological factors fundamental to a study of limnology.

BIO 531 Aquatic Vascular Plants 3(2-3) F (Even Year)
Classification, ecology, and importance of aquatic vascular plants and their role in fisheries problems, wildlife management, and limnology.

BIO 534 Endocrinology 3(2-3) D
A study of the ductless glands and their secretions and their influence on the body. Prerequisite: BIO 392

BIO 535 Aquaculture 3(2-2) D
Development, importance, techniques, and problems in the culture of aquatic organisms, mainly fish.

BIO 536 Histology 3(2-3) D
Study of the principal tissues of vertebrates.

BIO 537 Immunology 4(3-3) F
A description of the biological and biochemical mechanisms of the immune response. Emphasis will be placed on antibody structure, antigen-antibody interaction, immunobiology, and serology. A knowledge of aseptic techniques is strongly recommended. Prerequisites: BIO 326 and CHM 521.

BIO 538 Anatomical Preparations 2(1-3) Sp (Odd Year)
Practical techniques involved in the preparation of dry skeletal material, limb-muscle unites, differential staining, air-dried viscera, latex injection, plastic embedding and freeze drying of vertebrate specimens, Prerequisites: BIO 101 or 105 and BIO 218 or 337, or permission of instructor.

BIO 541 Wildlife Biology and Management 4(2-4) F
Presents the basic ecological principles and the varied techniques utilized in managing the wildlife resource. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

BIO 543 Medical Parasitology 3(2-3) Sp
The study of the protozoan, helminth, and arthropod parasites of man. Designed for paramedical and laboratory technology students. Prerequisite: BIO 208 or 218.

BIO 544 Developmental Biology 4(3-3) D
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of embryonic development, emphasizing animals. Prerequisite: BIO 324 or 326; CHM 132 or CHM 211.

BIO 549 Herpetology 3(2-3) F (Odd Year)
Survey of extant amphibians and reptiles from standpoint of morphology, behavior, physiology, evolution, and ecology. Local collecting field trips required. Prerequisites: Six hours of biology.

BIO 550 Transmission Electron Microscope Technique 4(1-6) F, Sp
Biological specimen preparation and examination. Photographic aspects of electron micrograph production.

BIO 552 Scanning Electron Microscope Technique 4(1-6) F, Sp
Operation of an SEM including methods of specimen preparation and taking of electron micrographs.

BIO 554 Advanced Electron Microscopy 3(1-4) D
Routine maintenance, alignment and optimization of a TEM and a SEM for high resolution micrography. Prerequisites: BIO 550 and BIO 552.

BIO 556 Biological EDS Analysis 3(1-4)
Techniques for elemental analysis of biological specimens using an SEM with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Includes specimen preparation and operation of an EDS system. Prerequisites: BIO 552.

BIO 557 Dendrology 3(2-3) F
Identification and other characteristics of Michigan evergreen and deciduous woody plants, both native and cultivated. Prerequisite: BIO 203.

BIO 558 Natural Resources Management 2 (Spec) Su
Fish and wildlife research and management, forest management, river degradation, wetland values, and resource interpretation. Much of the course will consist of field trips with resource specialists from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

BIO 559 Field Botany 3(2-3) D
The collection, identification, and preparation of herbarium specimens for the local flora. Prerequisites: BIO 203.

BIO 560 Avian Ecology 3(2-3) D
Relationships between behavior, community organization and ecology of birds are examined through investigative field work. Prerequisites: BIO 340, 310 recommended.

BIO 561 Wetland Ecology 3(2-3) D
Wetland systems classification and characterization in North America; includes ecological evaluation of wetland soil, water, plants, plant communities, animals, animal communities, values, destruction, conservation, management. Prerequisites: 340 or permission of instructor.

BIO 563 Biological Microtechnique 2(1-3) Sp (Odd Year)
Theoretical and practical information concerning the compound microscope and making of microscope slides. Theory and application of microphotography. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours of biology.

BIO 573 Forest Ecology and Management 3(2-3) Sp
Physical and biological factors affecting the growth, distribution, and development of trees and forests. Outdoor laboratories stress techniques for forest measurement, manipulation, harvest, and regeneration. Prerequisites: BIO 340 and 557 or permission of instructor.

BIO 576 Animal Cell Culture 4(1-6)
Practical aspects of animal cell culture, involving media preparation, aseptic manipulation of cell culture, cell maintenance, and cell storage. Prerequisites: BIO 392 or equivalent.

BIO 577 Hematology 3(2-3) Sp
Current concepts of hematopoiesis, including red cell count and white cell count and white cell morphogenesis, physiology and pathophysiology. The laboratory will cover the clinical techniques and procedures commonly used in hematologic evaluation. Prerequisite: BIO 392.

BIO 580 Medical Microbiology 4(2-4)
Focuses on relationships between humans and pathogenic microbes. Covers major groups of medically important microorganisms, pathological consequences of infection, diagnostic procedures, and clinical case problem-solving. Prerequisites: BIO 208 and 392 (or equivalent); or permission of instructor.

BIO 590 Cardiovascular Physiology 3(3-0)
Basic principles of normal mammalian cardiovascular physiology. Prerequisite: BIO 392 or equivalent.

BIO 591 Neurophysiology 3(3-0)
Study of the basic principles responsible for nervous system function. Includes discussion on the structure, electrophysiology, and biochemistry responsible for neural activity and senses. Prerequisites: BIO 392 or equivalent.

BIO 592 Environmental Physiology 3(3-0) D
A survey of the adaptive physiological mechanisms whereby animals survive the challenge of their environment. Prerequisite: 392.

BIO 594 Advances in Natural Resources Conservation 2(2-0) D
An intensive field or library study after which data are presented orally to the class and in the form of a paper. Prerequisite: 240 or 338.

BIO 597 Special Topics in Biology 1-9(Spec) D
Prerequisite: See Course Offering Guide and/or Class Schedule.

BIO 600 Biological Research Design and Analysis 3(3-0)
An examination of the proper design and statistical analysis needed to solve problems in laboratory and field biology. Prerequisites: BIO 500 or permission of instructor.

BIO 610 Biology Colloquium 1-9(Spec) D
Advanced study of selected subject areas under faculty guidance through lecture and/or seminar colloquia in special competence areas of the graduate faculty. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

BIO 619 Continuing Registration for Final Research Project 1(1-0)

BIO 620 Biology Practicum 1-9(Spec) D
Practical experience in methodology and technique in selected fields or laboratory-oriented practica, offered in subjects related to graduate faculty specialities. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

BIO 626 Topics in Genetics 1-3(Spec) D
Various advanced topics in genetics are covered which range from transmission genetics to molecular genetics and evolution. Student participation is expected. May be repeated as offered to maximum of 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIO 326.

BIO 658 Zooplankton Biology 3(2-3)
An examination of the taxonomy, physiology, behavior and ecology of planktonic animals. Prerequisites: BIO 218, 340; or permission of instructor.

BIO 629 Topics in Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics 1-4(Spec) D
Seminar on current research papers in the molecular genetics of animals, plants, and fungi. May be repeated up to four credits. Student presentations and discussion expected. Prerequisites: BIO 326 and instructor’s permission.

BIO 630 Art of Scientific Communication 2(2-2)
Exploration of methods involved in the writing of refereed scientific papers, grant proposals, theses and dissertations, and oral or poster presentations at scientific meetings.

BIO 635 Toxicology 3(3-0)
Study of toxic chemicals, their effects on living organisms, and the metabolism and fate of the chemical in the organism. Prerequisites: BIO 392, CHM 346, CHM 521, CHM 522; or permission of instructor.

BIO 636 Topics in Botany 1-3(Spec)
Discussion of various botanical topics from current literature. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Biology and a course in botany.

BIO 637 Topics in Immunology 1-3 (Spec) D
Various topics in immunology are covered as lecture or readings from current literatures. May be repeated as offered to a maximum of 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIO 537 or equivalent.

BIO 640 Quantitative Ecology 3(3-0) D
Application of quantitative methods in ecological research. Prerequisite: BIO 340; recommend one course in statistics.

BIO 648 Field Methods in Ethology 3(2-3) D
Research methods for the study of animal behavior in the field. Topics include observation data acquisition and analysis, and hypothesis formulation and testing. Prerequisite: graduate standing in biology or psychology.

BIO 650 Population Ecology 3(3-0) D
Theoretical and realistic considerations of mechanisms affecting dynamics of plant and animal populations. Prerequisites: BIO 340 or equivalent and MTH 132 or equivalent.

BIO 651 Topics in Ethology 1-3(Spec) D
Discussion of various ethological topics from current literature. May be repeated as offered to a maximum of three hours. Prerequisite: 518 and consent of instructor.

BIO 652 Behavioral Ecology 3(2-3) D
An integration of behavior and ecology from the standpoint of species diversity, habitat utilization, reproduction, and competition. Field observations to illustrate principles of adaptation through behavioral channels. Prerequisites: 340 and 518 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

BIO 653 Stream Ecology 3(2-3) Sp (Odd Year)
Structure and function of stream ecosystems with emphasis on biological processes. Special attention will be given to recent developments in the field. Prerequisites: BIO 340 and BIO 526 or equivalent.

BIO 654 Pesticides. 3(3-0) Sp (Even Year)
Chemical characteristics of pesticides, their physiological effects on plants and animals, and the effect of residues in aquatic and terrestrial communities. Prerequisites: One semester of organic chemistry or consent of instructor.

BIO 656 Fish Ecology 2(2-0) Sp (Even Year)
A study of the ecological relationships of fishes. Prerequisite: 509 or equivalent.

BIO 657 Fisheries Management 2(2-0) Sp (Odd Year)
A study of specific habitats as related to fisheries management, habitat alteration problems, alternative management solutions, special techniques, and specific management topics. Prerequisite: 510 or equivalent.

BIO 680 Conservation Biology 3(3-0) D
Addresses dynamics and problems of perturbed species, communities and ecosystems and practical aspects of implementing protection. Prerequisites: BIO 340 and 326 or equivalents.

BIO 692 Topics in Physiology 1-4(Spec) D
Seminars, technique courses or lecture courses on new frontiers in physiology or of special interest. May be repeated for a maximum of four hours. Prerequisites: BIO 392 or equivalents.

BIO 730 Seminar 1(1-0) F, Sp
Formal, oral departmental presentation of the Plan A thesis research. Required of students receiving the M.S. in Biology, Plan A. CR/NC only.

BIO 790 Research in Biology 2-4(Spec) D
Acquaints the student with research techniques. Registration requires the approval of the department chairperson. CR/NC only.

BIO 798 Thesis 1-6(Spec) D
An acceptable thesis may be presented for six hours of credit. Registration requires a Plan A thesis prospectus on file in the biology office and approval of the department chairperson. CR/NC only.
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