BIO3315 Biological Chemistry
A one-semester biochemistry course designed for lifescience and pre-health majors.
Concepts covered will include these: pH, biologicalbuffers, bioenergetics, nucleotides,
amino acids, polypeptide chain folding, proteins,enzymes/kinetics, carbohydrates,
lipids, intermediary metabolism, characterization ofmajor metabolic pathways, cellular
respiration, and molecular biology. Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry I. Spring.
BIO3323, BIO3123 Anatomy and Anatomy Lab
Human structure is studied with a strong emphasis on the integration of form and
function. Origins and major systems of the vertebrates are studied through phylogenetic
analysis and laboratory investigations of the cat. The relationship between anatomy
and physiology, and the application of anatomical investigations to the medical field
are also discussed. Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312,
1112. Fall.
The human immune system consists of a vast array of interacting cells and molecules,
dispersed throughout the body, that are designed to recognize and repel anything foreign
while avoiding harm to self. This course introduces the genetic, molecular, and cellular
basis of vertebrate immunity. Clinical aspects of immunology including diagnostics,
immune deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders also will be discussed. The goal is
to present a broad overview of immune function that allows students to comprehend
the rapid advances being made in this field. Three lectures weekly. Prerequisite:
Biology 1312, 1112. Spring.
BIO3325, BIO3125 Genetics and Genetics Lab
A study of classical genetics as well as of the molecular biology of the genetic material.
Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312, 1112. Spring.
BIO3326, BIO3126 Ecology and Ecology Lab
Physiological ecology, behavior, population dynamics, community interactions, and
ecosystem function are studied using the framework of natural selection and adaptation.
Ecological models based on fundamental mathematical principles and experimental evidence
from the primary literature complement student laboratory investigations of ecological
principles. Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312, 1112.
Spring, even-numbered years
BIO3327, BIO3127 Microbiology and Microbiology Lab
The majority of life on Earth, at least in terms of sheer numbers, consists of organisms
too small to be seen individually with the unaided eye. All of the currently recognized
domains of life are represented in the microbial world, along with the non-living
viruses, viroids, and prions. This course introduces students to the structure, classification,
physiology, and genetics of microorganisms, as well as their distribution in nature
and interactions with humans, plants, and animals. The laboratory presents fundamental
techniques for observing, handling, and cultivating microbial cells as well as methods
for controlling their growth and identifying unknown microorganisms. Two lectures,
one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312, 1112. Fall.
BIO3329 Developmental Biology
Complex living organisms begin their existence as single cells, which must somehow
give rise to diverse cell populations that are organized into characteristic forms
and function coordinately. Developmental biology is the study of processes involved
in creating a new organism and then modifying its structure in an orderly fashion
as it progresses from an embryo to an adult. The goal of this course is to introduce
students to fundamental anatomical, cellular, and molecular aspects of development,
and to some of the rapid and exciting advances being made in this field. While we
focus primarily on the animal kingdom, comparisons to other organisms are included
to provide insight into the surprising conservation of genes, structures, and mechanisms
that exists among living things. Three lectures weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312,
1112. Fall.
BIO3330, BIO3130 Ornithology and Ornithology Lab
Study of the anatomy, physiology, development, behavior, ecology and evolution of
bird species, with particular emphasis on North American bird groups and native Texas
birds. Lab exercises focus on taxonomy, identification, dissection, field trips, study
skins, and behavioral observations. Course also includes discussion of birds through
history and their influence on the arts and human society. Three lectures, one laboratory
weekly. Prerequisites: None. Spring.
BIO3331, BIO3131 Physiology and Physiology Lab
Analysis of the physical and chemical phenomena governing the functions of cells,
tissues, organs and organ systems. Provide students with an understanding of the function
& regulation of the human body and physiological integration of the organ systems
to maintain homeostasis. Course content will include neural, musculoskeletal, circulatory,
respiratory, digestive, urinary, immune, reproductive, and endocrine organ systems. Three
lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312, 1112; Chem. 1303 and
1304. Fall.
BIO3334 Human Infectious Diseases
Focuses on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and immunobiology of the major microbial
diseases. Provide a systems approach to various infectious processes and includes
an overview of antimicrobial therapy, vaccines, sterilization, and public health.
Diseases covered will range from relatively trivial localized infections such as acne
to life-threatening systemic infections such as anthrax.
BIO3335, BIO3336 Biochemistry I & II
A sequential year course focusing on the study of living systems at the molecular
and cellular level. An understanding of life's recurring strategies including: 1)
how chemical structures of macromolecules (proteins and carbohydrates) relate to their
biological function, 2) how enzyme mechanisms and energy flow catalyze reactions,
3) how interrelated metabolic pathways are regulated, and 4) how biological systems
store, transfer, and regulate energy and information. Students acquire experience
in reading and presenting the primary scientific literature. Three lectures weekly.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 3322 or permission of the instructor. Biology 3135-3136 should
be taken concurrently. Fall and Spring.
BIO3135, BIO3136 Biochemistry Laboratory I & II
The laboratory is designed to introduce several major techniques common to biochemical
investigations. Techniques include protein purification through chromatographic separations,
protein characterization through spectroscopic and electrophoretic methods, immunoassay
methods, enzyme kinetics, and recombinant DNA techniques. One four-hour laboratory
period weekly. Prerequisite: Chemistry 3322 and concurrent enrollment in Biology 3335-3336.
Fall and Spring.
BIO3337 Exercise Physiology
A systems approach to exercise science and covers thestructure and function of muscle
including neuronal control, metabolism and energyexpenditure, effects of exercise
on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, prin-ciples of exercise training, environmental
influences on performance, performanceoptimization, nutrition, age and sex considerations
in sport and exercise, diagnostic/ characterization techniques, obesity, and disease.
Problem-based learning, peerteaching, critical thinking skills are emphasized. A research
project utilizing techniqueslearned in this course will be required. Prerequisite:
BIO 3331. Spring.
Facilitates understanding of basic and advanced concepts ofnutrition. Students will
gain knowledge of the different nutrients, their functions,and their sources, with
emphasis on the relationship of nutrition and health. At theend of the course students
will be able to identify the six different nutrients, explainhow the body processes
foods, identify macro and micronutrients, their functions,sources, deficiencies and
toxicities, understand basic guidelines for optimal nutri-tion, the relationship of
nutrition to health, and assess and evaluate their own eatingpractices. Skills such
as critical thinking, communication, empirical and quantitativereasoning, and social
responsibility are stressed. Prerequisite: BIO 1311. Spring.
BIO3340 Experimental Techniques
A laboratory-based course that complements Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Molecular
Biology. The techniques covered include spectrophotometry, centrifugation, using radioactive
tracers, SDS gel electrophoresis, Western blotting and chromatography. This course
is particularly useful for those intending to do summer research or work as research
technicians. Prerequisites: None. Fall and Spring.
Stages of a biological research investigation, beginning with experimental design
and data collection followed by descriptive statistics and other common statistical
tests (one-and two-sample testing, analysis of variance, correlation, regression,
and chi-square, nonparametric tests). Course work includes statistical analysis using
the computer and a final course project presenting results of analysis of biological
data. Three lectures weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312/1112. Spring.
BIO3346, BIO3146 Animal Behavior and Animal Behavior Lab
Study of the adaptive significance of behavior includes analysis of behavioral mechanisms
(genetics, neurobiology) and development (instinct, learning), and focuses on categories
of behavior such as foraging, mating, sociality, territoriality, and parental care.
A wide range of behavioral examples, from microorganisms to humans, are used. Three
lectures, one laboratory period weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312/1112. Fall, odd-numbered
years.
BIO3347 Evolutionary Biology
Study of micro and macroevolutionary processes that result in adaptive phenotypic
change within and across populations. Darwin's ideas on natural selection are discussed
and followed by presentation of evidence for evolution, analysis of the effects of
other evolutionary forces, phylogenetic analysis, population genetics, and speciation.
Three lectures weekly. Prerequisites: Biology 1312, 1112. Spring, odd-numbered years.
Covers important topics in the health care environment,including regulatory structures
used in the healthcare industry, economics of healthcare, health law and policy, HIPAA
regulations, ethics in health information anddelivery of health care, comparative
approaches to health care in different countries,and emerging topics important to
research and innovation in health care. The coursewill emphasize the use of case studies
that apply concepts used in the course topotential real-world situations in the healthcare
field. Through the course studentswill be required to conduct independent research
to identify and use informationconcerning the health care and will be required to
give at least one oral presentationthat provides an analysis of a major issue in health
care. Spring.
BIO3V41, BIO3V42 Special Topics
Selected topics of current interest. Fall and Spring.
BIO3V54 Community Ecology/ Research
Field investigations of ecological relationships. Projects currently include restoration
of endangered bird species, wetland studies, and examination of native mycoheterotrophic
orchids. Three hours field work required per credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
BIO4163 Biopsychology Seminar
This course is designed to integrate the various bio-psychology concentration requirements
in such a way as to illuminate the interfaceof behavior and physiology in humans.
During the semester we explore topics suchas Brain anatomy/physiology, executive control
and behavior, placebo/mind body,Brain/music processing, pain perceptions, Artificial
Intelligence, Neuro Imaging,dreams, memory, Brain waves, language, cognition, the
Limbic System, empathy, and addiction.
BIO4245 Advanced Genetics
Investigations of the study of mutations, comparisons of random and 'directed' mutations,
chromosomal rearrangements, and the molecular basis of selected human diseases. Course
includes student presentation of articles from the primary literature and discussion.
One meeting weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 3325. Fall.
BIO4328, BIO4128 Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Lab
The structure and activity of any living organism are ultimately dependent on information
stored in its DNA genome. This information must be read correctly in a time and space-dependent
manner to produce the nucleic acids, proteins, and other molecules that allow cells
to function. The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding
of what genes are at the molecular level, and an overview of the mechanisms involved
in transmitting, maintaining, and expressing the vast reservoir of information they
contain. The laboratory introduces techniques for preparing and manipulating DNA,
isolating and cloning genes, and expressing foreign proteins in bacterial cells. Prerequisite:
Biology 1312, 1112. Spring.
BIO4338 Cell Structure and Function
The structures of the cell membrane, cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, lysosomes,
proteasomes, nucleus, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and chloroplasts are described at
the macro- and the molecular level. The roles of the cell membrane, cytoskeleton,
and organelles in solute transport, signaling, constitutive and regulated secretion,
cell movement, cell division, respiration, and photosynthesis are illustrated. The
use of microscopy, centrifugation, and molecular biology in the study of cell biology
is also discussed. Three lectures weekly. Prerequisites: Biology 1312, 1112. Spring.
BIO4360 Biological Literature Seminar
The techniques of searching for and acquiring information from the scientific literature,
and the analysis and interpretation of it. Students present oral critiques of research
papers and prepare for the comprehensive examination topics. Prerequisite: Senior
standing. Fall.
BIO4V43, BIO4V44 Research
Research in some phase of biology. Fall, Spring, Summer.
In-depth scientific literature-based study of specific prob-lems in ecology, to include
field botany, parasitology, ecological genetics or otheradvanced ecological questions.
4V62. Advanced Microbiology
In-depth scientific literature-based study of specificproblems in microbiology, to
include virology, microbial-caused diseases or otheradvanced microbiological questions.
4V63. Advanced Physiology
In-depth scientific literature-based study of specificproblems in physiology, to
include exercise physiology, pathophysiology, neurophysi-ology or other advanced physiological
questions.
4V64. Advanced Techniques
In-depth scientific literature-based study of specificlaboratory techniques, with
emphasis on techniques involving DNA and RNA ma-nipulation in the laboratory.