Biology Courses
Biological Sciences 110, Credits: 3
BOB: Biology of the Brain, is a freshman-level introductory course that will cover broad topics of Scientific Method, Scientific Thinking, and initiate creitical thinking skills using the field of neuroscience as the backdrop for investigation. BAsic understanding of nerve biology, nerve cell function, communication between nerve cells will follow. The course will climax with a survey of the final product of nerve activity: behavior. Not applicable to Biology Emphases or Biology Minors. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered every semester.
Biological Sciences 120, Credits: 4
A terminal course designed to introduce basic principles of life, such as structure and function, reproduction, evolution, diversity, and adaptation, leading to a broader understanding of man and his biological environment. Not applicable to biology emphases or minors. Three lectures and two hours of laboratory per week.
Biological Sciences 141, Credits: 5
An introduction to biology emphasizing the chemistry of life, the cell, metabolism, genetics, bacteria and protists. Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion and two hours of laboratory per week. This course is prerequisite to all advanced courses in biology for majors and minors. Offered every term.
Biological Sciences 142, Credits: 5
An introduction to biology emphasizing evolution, animal physiology, ecology, fungal, plant and animal diversity. Dissections are required. Three hours of lecture, one hour of discussion and two hours of laboratory per week. This course is prerequisite to all advanced courses in biology for majors and minors. Offered every term.
Biological Sciences 200, Credits: 2
This course is designed to develop the written communication skills of Biology students. It satisfies the Writing Proficiency requirement for all Biology majors. The two units do not apply towards any Biology major or minor.
Biological Sciences 214, Credits: 3
A study of basic ecological concepts and their application to the identification, understanding, and abatement of contemporary environmental problems. Special emphasis is given to those problems resulting from man and his activities. This course is accepted as a course in conservation required for teacher licensure in the sciences.
Biological Sciences 225, Credits: 4
This is an introduction to the "Science" of Forensic Sciences. Students will understand what forensic science is and more importantly what it is not. Students will develop an understanding of the forensic scientist's need for different lab skills from different fields of science and develop a "Forensic Mindset".
Biological Sciences 251, Credits: 4
An introduction to the general principles of inheritance; subjects included are basic transmission genetics, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, mutations, and population genetics. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Offered every semester.
Biological Sciences 253, Credits: 3
Introduction to the chemical and physical bases of life; bacterial and eukaryotic cell structure and function; cellular respiration; photosynthesis; and molecular biology. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered every semester.
Biological Sciences 254, Credits: 2
Introduction to theory and practice in modern molecular biology labs, including principles of nucleic acid isolation/quantitation/manipulation, photometry, centrifugation, electrophoresis, and assay methods. Exercises include basic lab methods and techniques, DNA analysis including cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction digests and RNA analysis. Three hours laboratory per week.
Biological Sciences 257, Credits: 3
A survey of ecosystems and animal and plant populations and communities. Topics include review of the Earth's major biomes and the physical factors that influence them, the ecology and evolution of populations, the nature of biotic communities, the structure and function of ecosystems, and the status and protection of biodiversity. Three hours of lecture per week. Optional field trip. Offered every semester.
Biological Sciences 258, Credits: 2
Introduction to regional terrestrial and aquatic biological communities and field techniques for studying these communities. Field work and lectures will emphasize recognition of biotic community types, interpretation of their dynamics, and methods for identifying and surveying organisms. Weekend field trip required. Registration priority given to Ecology/Field majors.
Biological Sciences 301, Credits: 3
A survey of the biological and physiological bases of human and animal behavior, with particular attention to the following: Basic principles of the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the nervous system; sensory and motor systems; sleep; circadian rhythms; sexual behavior; emotion and stress; motivation; learning, memory, and language; neurological disorders; psychopathology.
Biological Sciences 303, Credits: 4
Students will learn fundamentals of hypothesis formation and testing, experimental design, and to evaluate research methodologies published in the biological literature. Students will write about their own research, and become familiar with the standards for publication of research results. Critical analysis of quantitative methods in biology. Recommended for the Ecology and Field Biology emphasis; strongly encouraged for Cell Biology and Physiology emphasis.
Biological Sciences 311, Credits: 4
Examination of organisms too small to be seen by the unaided eye, ranging from their molecular organization to their role in global ecology. Primary emphasis will be the study of bacteria and viruses, their beneficial or detrimental impacts on humans, animals, and plants, and their current and potential exploitation. Two lectures and two labs per week. Offered every term.
Biological Sciences 315, Credits: 2
An introduction to birding skills and the identification of the more than 200 bird species of southern Wisconsin. Early morning field trips are mandatory. Online lectures and learning activities alternate with outdoor field trips. Reliable computer and on-line access as well as a strong sense of self-discipline are required.
Biological Sciences 317, Credits: 3
Organized around the growth of plants stressing the living processes. The laboratory emphasizes nutrition, growth, hormones, water relations, photosynthesis, respiration and bioassay techniques. Offered during the spring of even years.
Biological Sciences 340, Credits: 4
Dissection and study of vertebrate types emphasizing characteristic structures, general relationships, comparative anatomy, and the significance of adaptation and evolution. Laboratory work, lectures and quizzes.
Biological Sciences 341, Credits: 4
Explores the processes of embryonic development in plants and animals, emphasizing the experimental basis of contemporary knowledge in embryogenesis, morphogenesis, and in cell and tissue differentiation. The laboratory illustrates principles and processes in early development and includes the use of basic microscopy and imaging techniques to study embryonic processes. Skills in observation, experimental design, and data presentation will be developed.
Biological Sciences 345, Credits: 4
A study of the functional mechanisms that underlie the life processes in animals. Six hours of laboratory and lecture per week.
Biological Sciences 351, Credits: 3
A study of the major groups of plants with emphasis on structure, reproduction, classification and evolution. Offered during the spring of odd years.
Biological Sciences 353, Credits: 3
The principles of plant classification and identification, with emphasis on flowering plants of this region. Lectures, laboratories and field trips.
Biological Sciences 354, Credits: 3
A study of the identification and ecology of flowering plants, conifers and ferns. Emphasis will be given to the plants and plant communitites in the vicinity of the course location. A collection of local plants is required of all students. Field trips required. Summer session only.
Biological Sciences 361, Credits: 4
A study of the structure and function of the human body at the level of organs and systems. This course covers the following topics: Anatomical Structure, Basic Histology, Bones, Muscles, and Nervous System. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Biological Sciences 362, Credits: 4
A study of the structure and function of the human body at the level of organs and systems. This is the second term course of a two term sequence. This course represents coverage of the following topics: Endocrinology, Circulatory System, Cardiac System, Lymphatic System, Respiration, Digestion and Metabolism, Renal, and Reproduction and Development. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Biological Sciences 363, Credits: 3
The study of how nucleic acids and proteins interact to control the cell. Topics include DNA replication, chromosome structure, transcription, translation, control of gene expression, gene evolution and genomics. Experimental approaches to studying molecular biology are emphasized. Three hours of lecture per week.
Biological Sciences 364, Credits: 2
Advanced theory, techniques, and practices employed in modern molecular/cell biology labs. Concepts/techniques covered will include advanced lab and instrumentation skills, advanced microscopy, eukaryotic cell culture, protein analytical methods, and application of bioinformatics methodology. Three hous of laboratory per week.
Biological Sciences 370, Credits: 3
The study of aquatic environment, its fauna, flora and general ecology. The laboratory will emphasize the taxonomic study of aquatic organisms.
Biological Sciences 375, Credits: 3
A comprehensive study of the structure, physiology, natural history and significance of the major groups of invertebrate animals. Five hours of laboratory and lecture per week.
Biological Sciences 390, Credits: 0.5
Lecturer on current research and career opportunities in biology through the colloquium format. Required of Biology majors offered on a satisfactory/no credit basis every semester. May not be taken concurrently with Senior Biology Colloquium.
Biological Sciences 400, Credits: 0.5
Continuation of Biological Sciences 630-390. Lectures on current research and career opportunities in biology through the colloquium format. Required of Biology majors. Offered on a satisfactory/no credit basis only. Offered every semester. May not be taken concurrently with BIOLOGY 390.
Biological Sciences 412, Credits: 3
Immunity to infectious diseases related to changes in the constituents of the blood is explored. Transplantation of tissues, allergies, and autoimmune diseases are discussed. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
Biological Sciences 415, Credits: 3
A study of the hormonal regulation of metabolism, growth and reproduction. This course is a survey of endocrine and neuroendocrine mechanisms in humans and higher vertebrates.Two hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory per week. Offered during the spring of odd years.
Biological Sciences 430, Credits: 3
Behavior of animals as individuals and groups, including study of causation, development, integration, evolution and adaptive value of behavior patterns. Lecture and laboratory.
Biological Sciences 442, Credits: 3
This course is an introduction to environmental toxicology that focuses on sources, transport, fate, accumulation, and toxicity of contaminants. Principles of toxicity testing and analysis of effects at different levels of biological organization (molecular to ecosystem) are covered. Information on select classes of contaminants, including emerging contaminants of concern are presented.
Biological Sciences 446, Credits: 3
History of evolutionary thought, evidences of evolution and analysis of evolutionary mechanisms and processes.
Biological Sciences 448, Credits: 3
Bioinformatics is an introduction to computer applications and algorithms currently used in the analysis of biological data, especially genomic and sequence data. The course entails lectures, discussions, readings and hands-on experience with bioinformatic software. Through exercises and individual research projects students acquire a working knowledge of contemporary computational methods and software.
Biological Sciences 450, Credits: 4
An introduction to the biology and classification of insescts. The course surveys insect structure, function, development, and evolution. Relevant insect physiology, ecology, and behavior are introduced. The laboratory surveys insect orders and a select group of Wisconsin families. An insect collection is required. Offered in the fall semester.
Biological Sciences 451, Credits: 3
This is an introductory, multi-disciplinary, summer field course open to all. It is held at Yellowstone National Park and locations in route. Students will learn field methods, geology, ecology and natural history. It is suitable for biology and geology majors and anyone interested in field science or natural history.
Biological Sciences 456, Credits: 3
The chemistry of biological systems, focusing on metabolism and biochemical signaling. Three lectures/week. For Chemistry majors (Biochemistry emphasis), Biology majors (allied health focus) and students interested in Biochemistry postgraduate education.
Biological Sciences 457, Credits: 4
A study of biotic populations and communities and natural ecosystems. Contemporary ecological theory and techniques will be emphasized, as well as their applications to the preservation of natural communities. Laboratory exercises will include field studies, laboratory experiments, and computer simulations and analysis. Six hours of lecture or laboratory per week.
Biological Sciences 458, Credits: 2
A laboratory course that teaches biochemical research techniques through guided original research projects.
Biological Sciences 467, Credits: 3
A study of the application of modern principles of ecology, genetics and evolution to the preservation of natural communities and their constituent organisms. Topics covered include causes and consequences of rarity of organisms, population viability analysis, preservation of genetic diversity, island biogeography, fragmentation and edge effects, and both in situ and ex situ measures for the protection of biodiversity. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered during the fall of odd years.
Biological Sciences 490, Credits: 1-3
This course provides teaching experience at the college level for undergraduate students. Undergraduate teaching experience students will assist faculty members in preparing, delivering, and tearing down laboratory or discussion section instructional units in biology courses, conducting review sessions, and tutoring students under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. S/NC only.
Biological Sciences 491, Credits: 1-3
Variable topics. Faculty-led field courses. Prereq: Consent of instructor.
Biological Sciences 492, Credits: 1
This course provides teaching experience at the college level for undergraduate students. Undergraduate teaching experience students will assist faculty members in preparing, delivering, and tearing down laboratory or discussion section instructional units in biology courses, conducting review sessions, and tutoring students under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. S/NC only.
Biological Sciences 493, Credits: 1-12
Variable topics.
Biological Sciences 494, Credits: 1
Variable topics. Group activity. An advanced course of study in a defined subject matter area emphasizing a small group in intense study with a faculty member. Repeatable two times for a maximum of 2 credits in degree. Prereq: 16 hours of biology including botany and zoology.
Biological Sciences 496, Credits: 1-3
Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings. Repeatable for a maximum of 3 credits in major.
Biological Sciences 497, Credits: 1-99
Variable topics.
Biological Sciences 498, Credits: 1-3
Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in major. One hour of discussion weekly plus laboratory hours by arrangement with instructor.
Biological Sciences 498R, Credits: 1-3
Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. One hour of discussion plus laboratory hours by arrangement with instructor. Repeatable.
Biological Sciences 499, Credits: 2-3
A substantial research project written as a thesis. Two credits are taken in the first semester and three in the second semester. A proposal must be submitted at the midpoint of the first term and an oral defense takes place at the end of the second term. Thesis students must participate in BIOLOGY 498 discussions. Available only for senior students in Biology Honors Emphasis.
