Biology: Course List

Study of biological principles, focusing on cellular structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution and development. This introductory course is intended for science majors.

• Gen Ed: Human Biology 1

Biological principles, structure and function of organisms, with consideration of interactions at cellular level and examination of the relationships of organisms to the environment. Includes laboratories.

Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.

• Course is repeatable for credit.

Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.

• Gen Ed: World Culture
• Travel Course
• Course is repeatable for credit.

Microorganisms and their activities; their form, structure, reproduction, physiology, metabolism, and identification; their distribution in nature and their relationship to each other and other living things.

Mechanisms of heredity and variation, their cytological and molecular basis and their implications in biological technology.

Basic techniques of genetic research; laboratory investigation and analysis of animal, plant, and human patterns of inheritance.

A lecture course examining the molecular organization of major cellular organelles and their functions in plant and animal cells.

A laboratory course examining a variety of laboratory techniques used by cell biologists to elucidate cell structure and function.

Patterns and processes of biological evolution and their significance for modern biology. Topics include the history of life, population genetics, speciation, and evolution in populations today.

Identification and classification of vascular plants of North America, emphasizing flora of Wisconsin and including topics in evolution of vascular plants.

General physiology of vascular plants within the context of a plant life cycle: seed dormancy and germination, metabolism, transport systems, mineral nutrition, patterns of plant growth and development, growth regulators, reproduction and senescence.

Morphology, taxonomy and studies of fungi in medical mycology, allergies, antibiotic production, brewing, baking and other industries; poisonous edible and plant pathogenic fungi; techniques in collection, isolation, pure culture and identification.

Anatomy of seed plants, with special emphasis upon tissue differentiation and structure.

Identification and natural history of plants indigenous to northeastern Wisconsin. .

A lecture and laboratory course examining the anatomy of organs and organ systems of the vertebrates with emphasis on adaptations. Specimens primarily studied in the lab are the shark and cat.

Overview of avian biology, emphasizing adaptation and ecology. Identification of North American bird species and other avian families. Region's most interesting birding areas.

Comprehensive study of mammals, including systematics, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Laboratory studies include work with specimens from the Richter Natural History Museum.

Biology of animal behavior patterns; behavioral interactions of animals with their environment.

Ways in which dissimilar organisms perform similar functions. Behavioral, physiological, and biochemical solutions to problems imposed on invertebrate and vertebrate animals by their environment.

Survey of invertebrate animals. A phylum-by-phylum survey examining defining characters, structure, function, life cycles, and ecology of invertebrate animals. Lab focuses on identification of invertebrates living in Wisconsin.

Structure, function, diversity, and ecology of insects, as well as their impact on human society. Lab develops ability to identify Wisconsin insects, both in the field and by examining microscopic anatomy.

Study of viruses, bacteria, and viruses in relationship to their environment.

Molecular approaches to biological problems, emphasizing study of informational macro molecules. Topics include replication, control, expression, organization, and manipulation of genes; RNA processing; protein processing; transposons; oncogenies, growth factors; genetic control of development and the immune system.

Molecular biology of nucleic acids and the techniques that form the basis of biotechnology. Topics include electrophoresis, restriction mapping, hybridization, plasmid analysis, and DNA cloning (recombinant DNA library construction, screening, and mapping).

This course examines animal development from fertilization to the establishment of the adult body. Emphasis is placed on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control differentiation, morphogenesis, and growth.

Laboratory will introduce descriptive and experimental embryological techniques using a variety of model organisms.

This course provides a capstone experience for upper-level students majoring in biology. Class activities introduce students to academic and professional infrasturctures, career oppportunities, and major conceptual issues in the biological sciences. During a significant part of the course, students will read and discuss current articles from the primary sci

• Course is repeatable to 3 credits.

Work closely with a faculty member to plan, perform, evaluate, and report on laboratory research in biology or related area.

• Course is repeatable to 10 credits.

Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings.

• Course is repeatable for credit.

Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.

• Course is repeatable for credit.

Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.

• Gen Ed: World Culture
• Travel Course
• Course is repeatable for credit.

Identification and classification of vascular plants of North America, emphasizing flora of Wisconsin and including topics in evolution of vascular plants.

General physiology of vascular plants within the context of a plant life cycle: seed dormancy and germination, metabolism, transport systems, mineral nutrition, patterns of plant growth and development, growth regulators, reproduction and senescence.

Morphology, taxonomy and studies of fungi in medical mycology, allergies, antibiotic production, brewing, baking and other industries; poisonous edible and plant pathogenic fungi; techniques in collection, isolation, pure culture and identification.

Identification and natural history of plants indigenous to northeastern Wisconsin. .

Overview of avian biology, emphasizing adaptation and ecology. Identification of North American bird species and other avian families. Region's most interesting birding areas.

Comprehensive study of mammals, including systematics, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Laboratory studies include work with specimens from the Richter Natural History Museum.

Survey of invertebrate animals. A phylum-by-phylum survey examining defining characters, structure, function, life cycles, and ecology of invertebrate animals. Lab focuses on identification of invertebrates living in Wisconsin.

Structure, function, diversity, and ecology of insects, as well as their impact on human society. Lab develops ability to identify Wisconsin insects, both in the field and by examining microscopic anatomy.

Detailed study of microorganisms from viruses to fungi in their environment. Study of both free-living and pathogenic organisms and their degrading abilities.

Molecular approaches to biological problems, emphasizing study of informational macro molecules. Topics include replication, control, expression, organization, and manipulation of genes; RNA processing; protein processing; transposons; oncogenies, growth factors; genetic control of development and the immune system.

Molecular biology of nucleic acids and the techniques that form the basis of biotechnology. Topics include electrophoresis, restriction mapping, hybridization, plasmid analysis, and DNA cloning (recombinant DNA library construction, screening, and mapping).