Biological Sciences

School/College: College of Letters and Science

Department links

Biological Sciences Web site

Biological Sciences Faculty Directory

Degrees Conferred:

• MS in Biological Sciences
• PhD in Biological Sciences

Contents

• Graduate Faculty
• Master of Science in Biological Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences
• Courses

Overview

The Department of Biological Sciences offers graduate programs in biology with areas of concentration in botany; microbiology; cellular and molecular biology; genetics; physiology and morphology of plants and animals; terrestrial and aquatic ecology; behavioral biology; conservation biology; and evolution.

Facilities of the Great Lakes WATER Institute, the UWM Field Station, the departmental greenhouse, and the electron microscope laboratory provide opportunities for laboratory and field research. The recommended deadline for submitting applications for admission to the graduate programs in Biological Sciences is January 1 for the Fall semester and for TA or RA support. The recommended deadline for admission for the Spring semester is September 1 and for the summer, January 1. Timely application is encouraged for students seeking financial support. The deadline for Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship applications is mid-January for the upcoming academic year beginning with the Fall semester. Highly qualified applicants may be offered a Ruth I. Walker Memorial Fund Scholarship (variable dollar amount), for up to two years. All applicants approved for admission by April 1 are considered for the Ruth Walker award; a special application is not required. When applying for admission, applicants should describe as completely as possible their specific research interests within biological sciences. Applicants are strongly encouraged to establish contact, before or during the application process, with Biological Sciences faculty members whose research interests are closest to their own, regarding the likelihood of one serving as the student's major professor. To assist the applicant in this process, a Biological Sciences Graduate Program brochure is available, which describes the research activities of the faculty. The brochure can be obtained by contacting the departmental office.

Graduate Faculty

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Shaw Distinguished Professor

Strickler, J. Rudi, Ph.D., Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

Professors

Dunn, Peter, Ph.D., University of Alberta

Forst, Steven, Ph.D., New York University

Heathcote, David R., Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley

Hoot, Sara, Ph.D., University of Michigan

Hutz, Reinhold J., Ph.D., Michigan State University

McBride, Mark, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Saffarini, Daad, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Scanes, Colin G., D.Sc., Hull University (U.K.)

Schnitzer, Stefan, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Whittingham, Linda, Ph.D., Queen's University

Associate Professors

Berges, John, Ph.D., University of British Columbia

Cheng, Yi-Qiang (Eric), Ph.D., Michigan State University

Coggins, James R., Ph.D., Wake Forest University

Ehlinger, Timothy J., Ph.D., Michigan State University

Karron, Jeffrey D., Ph.D., University of Colorado

Kuchin, Sergei, Ph.D., Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms, Moscow, Russia

Steeber, Douglas, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Udvadia, Ava, Ph.D., Duke University

Wejksnora, Peter J., Ph.D., Brandeis University

Wimpee, Charles F., Ph.D., University of California-Los Angeles

Witten, Jane. L., Ph.D., University of Chicago

Yang, Ching-Hong, Ph.D., University of California-Riverside

Young, Erica, Ph.D., Monash University, Australia

Zhao, Dazhong (Dave), Ph.D., The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

Assistant Professors

Alberto, Filipe, Ph.D. University of Algarve, Portugal

Bardy, Sonia, Ph.D., Queen's University Kingston, Ontario

Dey, Madhusudan, Ph.D., Jawaharlal Nehru University

Jennifer Gutzman, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Hoebel, Gerlinde, Ph.D. University of Ulm, Germany

Latch, Emily, Ph.D., Purdue University

Oliver, Julie, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Prasad, Gyaneshwar, Ph.D., Maraja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India

Quinn, Christopher, Ph.D., Yale University

Rodriguez, Rafael, Ph.D., University of Kansas

Senior Scientists

Reinartz, James A., Ph.D., Duke University

Associate Scientists

Carvan, Michael, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Meyer, Gretchen, Ph.D., Cornell University

Owen, Heather, Ph.D., Miami University

Master of Science in Biological Sciences

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Admission

An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus these departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program:

1. Undergraduate coursework equivalent to the Biological Sciences major at UWM, including coursework in the following areas of plant or animal science: cellular and molecular biology or genetics; organismal biology; ecology.
2. A year of physics; chemistry through organic or biochemistry.
3. Undergraduate mathematical preparation including at least one course in calculus, statistics, or biometry.
4. Submission of scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination.
5. At least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's scholarship and research potential.

Applicants may be admitted with specific course deficiencies (e.g. physics, chemistry) provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses. The student is expected to satisfy deficiency requirements with a grade of C or better within three enrolled semesters. The deficiencies are monitored by the Graduate School and the individual graduate program unit. No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be counted as program credits required for the degree. The student is expected to maintain a grade of B in all other coursework.

Major Professor as Advisor

The student must have a major professor to advise and supervise the student's studies as specified in Graduate School regulations. The Graduate Committee assigns a faculty advisor as a necessary prerequisite to admission.

Credits and Courses

Students who initially enroll before Fall 2014:

Minimum degree requirement is 24 graduate credits, at least 18 of which must be in biological sciences and up to 6 of which may be in related areas. Of the 24 credits, at least 12 must be course or seminar credits -- not research credits. The student must take at least two seminars during the course of the student's program up to a maximum of 4 credits counting toward the degree; and enroll in Biology Colloquium each semester with a maximum of 4 colloquium credits counting toward the degree. The student plans a program of studies in consultation with the major professor. If desired, a special area of concentration (botany, microbiology, physiology) may be declared.

Students who initially enroll for Fall 2014 or later:

Minimum degree requirement is 30 graduate credits, at least 24 of which must be in biological sciences and up to 6 of which may be in related courses. Of the 24 credits, at least 12 must be course or seminar credits. The student must take at least two seminars during the course of the student s program up to a maximum of 4 credits counting toward the degree; and enroll in Biology Colloquium each semester with a maximum of 4 colloquium credits counting toward the degree. The student must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits in research. The student plans a program of studies in consultation with the major professor. If desired, a special area of concentration (botany, microbiology, physiology) may be declared.

MS Graduate Advisory Committee

The MS Graduate Advisory Committee is selected by the major professor in consultation with the student, by the end of the first year of enrollment. The MS Advisory Committee consists of the major professor and two other graduate faculty members. The Committee must meet at least once a year to monitor and formally report on the student's academic and research progress.

Oral Examination

The student must pass an MS oral examination. The examination should be taken by the end of the first year of enrollment, but in any event, must be taken no later than the end of the second year of enrollment. The MS Advisory Committee administers the oral examination.

Thesis

Students must prepare and defend a thesis reporting the results of their research. During the final year of study, students must present a seminar on their research, with prior public announcement.

Time Limit

The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences

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Admission

An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus the following program requirements to be considered for admission:

• Applicant must present at least 30 credits in one or more areas of biological sciences and must show substantial evidence of scholarly potential. A master's degree is not prerequisite for admission to the PhD program.
• Other academic preparation: a year of general physics including at least one semester of laboratory; one year of general college chemistry with laboratory, plus at least one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory or biochemistry with laboratory; two courses in college mathematics chosen from among courses in calculus, biometry or statistics.
• Submission of scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination.
• Acceptance by a faculty member in the program who will act as major professor (sponsor): see Major Professor as Advisor.
• Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's scholarship, research achievements and potential.

Applicants may be admitted with specific course deficiencies provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses. The student is expected to satisfy deficiency requirements with a grade of C or better within three enrolled semesters. The deficiencies are monitored by the Graduate School and the individual graduate program unit. No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be counted as program credits required for the degree. The student is expected to maintain a grade of B in all other coursework.

Reapplication

A student in the MS program, or who receives the master's degree at UWM, must formally reapply for admission to the Graduate School before continuing studies toward the PhD.

Major Professor as Advisor

The student must have a major professor to advise and supervise the student's studies as specified in Graduate School regulations. The graduate committee assigns the incoming biological sciences student to an advisor whose experience and research most closely approximates the student's own career interests. Before the student's preliminary examination either this initially assigned advisor or another qualified staff member is designated as the student's major professor.

Course of Study

Minimum degree requirement is 54 credits beyond the bachelor's degree, at least 27 of which must be earned in residence at UWM. Of the 54 credits, at least 28 must be earned in formal courses and graduate seminars. (Four colloquium credits are required after the bachelor's degree and count toward the degree.) The student must take at least three seminars during the student's course of study up to a maximum of 8 credits counting toward the degree. The remaining 26 credits may be earned in independent reading and/or study, or research. At least 30 of the 54 credits must be in biological sciences; 12 credits may be earned in allied sciences, including those in the secondary area of concentration or minor field(s).

Secondary Area of Concentration

The student must select a secondary area of concentration either within biological sciences or in an allied science, and must present at least 9 credits of course work in that area to the departmental Graduate Committee. A university minor (option A or B) may qualify as a secondary area of concentration upon approval by the departmental Graduate Committee.

Language or Data Analysis Proficiency

The student must demonstrate proficiency either in a foreign language or data analysis. The student can demonstrate language proficiency in one language other than English (German, French, Russian or Spanish preferred), either through examinations or through 12 credits of specified coursework, either before or after admission to the program. The student can demonstrate proficiency in data analysis by presenting 12 credits in one or more of the following: mathematics (200-level or above), statistics, computer science.

Residence

The student must meet Graduate School residence requirements.

PhD Advisory Committee

The PhD Advisory Committee shall be selected by the major professor in consultation with the student by the end of the first year of enrollment. The PhD Advisory Committee shall consist of the major professor and four other graduate faculty members. One of the faculty should reflect competency in the secondary area of concentration. When the advisory committee is formed, the student must prepare a departmental "certification document" for the approval of the committee. The committee must meet at least once a year to monitor and formally report on the student's academic and research progress.

Dissertation Proposal and Doctoral Preliminary Examination

Prior to the doctoral preliminary examination, the student submits a preliminary written dissertation proposal to the student's PhD Advisory Committee and delivers an oral presentation of relevant research in progress. The doctoral preliminary examination is in two parts. Part I is a written exam; Part II is an oral exam. Parts I and II of the doctoral preliminary examination must be taken with a warrant from the Graduate School; and must be taken before the end of the second or third year of full-time enrollment (before completion of 24 or 36 credits for students with a MS or BS degree, respectively). Deviation from this plan must be approved by the Graduate Committee.

Dissertator Status

Specific requirements which must be completed before the Graduate School places a doctoral student in dissertator status are described in the Doctor of Philosophy Degree requirements section.

Dissertation

In consultation with the major professor the candidate must select a suitable research project and submit a written research plan. The final dissertation proposal constitutes the student's written research plan which is subject to approval of the PhD Advisory Committee. This plan is to be submitted to the Department. The research plan will be reviewed for progress annually. During the final year of study the candidate must present a seminar, with prior public announcement, on this research and must prepare a dissertation reporting the results of this research. The original research findings embodied in this dissertation should be acceptable for publication in a refereed journal.

Dissertation Defense

As the final step toward the degree the candidate must defend the dissertation before the PhD Advisory Committee.

Time Limit

All degree requirements must be completed within ten years from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program. For additional information on Graduate School PhD requirements, see the Doctor of Philosophy Degree requirements section.

Courses

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Courses numbered 300-699 are Undergraduate/Graduate. Courses numbered 700 and above are Graduate only.

401 Immunology. 2 cr. U/G.

Fundamentals of the immune response, including cellular, physiological and molecular aspects. 2 hrs lec. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 315(P) or 325(260)(P); Chem 341(P) or 343(P).

402 Immunological Techniques. 3 cr. U/G.

Modern methods and protocols in immunology. 6 hrs lab. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 401(C).

405 General Virology. 3 cr. U/G.

Basic course in nature of viruses: bacterial, plant, and animal. The use of viruses in model systems for molecular biology and agents of disease. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 325(260)(P); Bio Sci 315(P) or 383(303)(P); Chem 501(R).

406 Marine Biology. 3 cr. U/G.

Marine biology with a strong ecological focus; physical and chemical constraints that marine environments impose on organisms; specialized adaptations of marine organisms in response. 2 hrs lec, 1 hr dis. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 152(P) & 310(C).

407 Plant Systematics and Evolution. 3 cr. U/G.

Survey of important plant families; plant systematic theory, current techniques in data collection and analysis. 2 hrs lec/dis; 4 hrs lab. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 152(P); Bio Sci 310(C) or 325(C); or grad st; or cons instr.

425 Plankton Biology. 4 cr. U/G.

Planktonic algae and zooplankton; emphasis on taxonomy, diversity, and ecology. Laboratory includes microscopic examinations and experimental studies of development, physiological ecology, and predator-prey interactions. 3 hrs lec, 4 hrs lab. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 150(P), 152(P), & any of 310(C), 315(C) or 325(C).

430 (530) Animal Behavior-Ethology. 3 cr. U/G.

Animal behavior from the biologist's point of view, relating species-characteristic behavior to environment, internal function, ontogeny, and evolution. 3 hrs lec/dis. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 310(P) or 316(C).

458 Community Ecology. 3 cr. U/G.

Theories and models in community ecology. Analysis of biological communities emphasizing the origin, maintenance and consequences of species diversity within local communities. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 152(P) & 310(P) or cons instr; or grad st.

465 Biostatistics. 3 cr. U/G.

Simple distribution; statistical inference; simple regression theory; experimental design; analysis of variance and covariance as they relate to biology. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 150(P); Math 105(P).

475 Tropical Biology: (Subtitled). 3 cr. U/G.

Ecology and biogeography of various types of tropical forests, including required field trip to area being studied. Required field trip at participants' expense. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: jr st; BioSci 310(P); cons instr.

480 Ecological Genetics. 3 cr. U/G.

Origin and maintenance of genetic variation within and among populations. Fundamental theory and application to ecology and conservation. 3 hrs lec/dis. Prereq: jr st, Bio Sci 310(P) & 325(P); or equiv.

490 (660) Molecular Genetics. 3 cr. U/G.

Molecular mechanisms of higher organisms and model systems. Topics include gene structure, genetic and genomic analysis, gene expression and regulation. 2 hrs lec, 1 hr dis. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 325(260)(P); Bio Sci 315(C) & 316(C).

497 Study Abroad: (Subtitled). 1-12 cr. U/G.

Designed to enroll students in UWM-sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially-prepared program course work. Retakable w/chg in topic. Prereq: jr st; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.

500 Plant Physiology. 3 cr. U/G.

Major biological activities of plants; including growth, development, and metabolism. 3 hrs lec/dis. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 325(P); Bio Sci 310(P) or 315(P) or cons instr.

501 Plant Physiology Laboratory. 2 cr. U/G.

Basic laboratory techniques useful in studying plant activities. 6 hrs lab/dis. Prereq: jr st & Bio Sci 500(C).

505 Conservation Biology. 3 cr. U/G.

Genetic and ecological approaches to the conservation of biological diversity. Topics include biology of rare plants and animals, design of nature reserves, and restoration ecology. 3 hrs lec. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 152(P) & 325(260)(P).

512 Limnology I. 3 cr. U/G.

The ecology of freshwater ecosystems as influenced by physical and chemical processes. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 150(P) & 152(P), course in chem; or cons instr.

513 Limnology I Laboratory. 1 cr. U/G.

Field sampling techniques and analytical methods for assessing biological, chemical, and physical processes in aquatic ecosystems. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 512(C).

514 Limnology II: Plankton Ecology. 3 cr. U/G.

Ecology of freshwater organisms, including resource acquisition, biotic interactions, and plankton conributions to ecosystem properties and lake management strategies. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 310(P); Bio Sci 425(P) or 512(P); or cons instr.

523 Evolution and Ecology of Birds. 3 cr. U/G.

Study of the origin and maintenance of diversity in birds. Topics include systematics, biogeography, life-history behavior, and conservation. 3 hrs lec. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 152(P) & 310(P).

525 Ecology and Evolution of Fishes. 3 cr. U/G.

Studies of form and function in fishes and relationships with their environment. Topics include feeding and reproductive ecology, species interactions, evolution, and genetics. 3 hrs lec. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 310(P).

529 (650) Molecular Biology of Microorganisms. 3 cr. U/G.

Molecular analysis of microbial genetic systems of bacteria, phage, fungi, and yeast. 2 hrs lec, 1 hr dis. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 383(303) (P).

532 (655) Behavioral Ecology. 3 cr. U/G.

Behavioral adaptations of organisms in relation to their environment, including social organization, territoriality, cooperation and conflict, parental care, breeding strategies, foraging. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 310(P).

535 Bacterial Pathogenesis. 3 cr. U/G.

Structural and physiological characteristics of important bacteria causing human and animal diseases. Interactions between pathogen and host, including host defense mechanisms. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 383(P).

539 (663) Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Biology. 4 cr. U/G.

Molecular biological techniques, including cell cultures, RNA and DNA isolation, cloning and sequencing of genes; use of expression vectors; protein electrophoresis. 2 hrs lec/dis, 6 hrs lab. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 315(P), 316(P) & 325(260)(P).

540 Microbial Diversity and Physiology. 3 cr. U/G.

Physiology, ecology, and diversity of microorganisms. 3 hrs lec. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 383(303) (P).

542 Biological Electron Microscopy. 3 cr. U/G.

Theory, design, and operating principles of scanning and transmission electron microscopes; preparation of biological specimens. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 315(P) & 316(P) or cons instr.

543 Scanning Electron Microscopy Laboratory. 2 cr. U/G.

Lab/dis with an emphasis on 'hands-on' exercises including biological specimen prep, microscope operation and photography. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 542(C) & cons instr.

544 Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory. 3 cr. U/G.

Lab/dis with an emphasis on 'hands-on' exercises including fixation and sectioning of biological specimens, microscope operation and photography. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 542(C) & cons instr.

545 (675) Physiology of Reproduction. 3 cr. U/G.

Mammalian reproductive physiology with emphasis on humans; neuroendocrine control of reproductive cycles, pregnancy, and lactation; clinical implications; biological aspects of human population control. Prereq: jr st; Chem 103(P) or 341(P) or 343(P); Bio Sci 315(P); or cons instr.

553 (430) Seaweeds and Coastal Marine Biology. 3 cr. U/G.

Adaptations of seaweeds and benthic marine invertebrates for survival on rocky marine shores; ecological interatctions that provide structure to shoreline communities and foodwebs. 2 hrs lec; 1 hr dis. Students are encouraged to enroll subsequently in Bio Sci 554. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 152(P) & 310(P) or 425(P); or cons instr.

554 Marine Ecology Laboratory. 2 cr. U/G.

Three-week field trip to a marine station to study seaweeds, benthic invertebrates, and intertidal ecology at student's expense. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 553(C) or cons instr.

556 (656) Developmental Neurobiology. 3 or 4 cr. U/G.

The mechanisms involved in the genesis and maintenance of nervous system organization. 3 hrs lec, 1 hr dis. Grad students enroll in LEC & DIS for 4 cr. Undergrads may enroll in LEC only for 3 cr or LEC & DIS for 4 cr. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 354(P) or 356(P) or cons instr.

562 Topics in Field Biology: (Subtitled). 1-2 cr. U/G.

Intensive mini-course on topics in applied and basic field biology such as vegetation sampling, natural area management, wetland delineation. Retakable w/chg in topic to 6 cr max. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 310(P) or equivalent; add'l prereqs may be required depending on topic.

564 (630) Endocrinology. 3 cr. U/G.

Physiological, biochemical, and phylogenetic aspects of hormonal communication; emphasis on vertebrates. 3 hrs lec. Prereq: jr st; Chem 103(P) or 341(P) or 343(P); Bio Sci 315(P); or cons instr.

565 Eukaryotic Gene Regulation. 3 cr. U/G.

Molecular mechanism by which genes are regulated in higher eukaryotes, including humans. Role of gene regulation during normal development and disease in eukaryotes. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 315(P) or 325(P) or grad st.

566 (effective 09/03/2013) Advanced Cell Biology. 3 cr. U/G.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of human developmental diseases; cell signaling in the treatment and prevention of diseases and genetic syndromes. Prereq: jr st, BioSci 315(P); or grad st.

572 Functional Genomics. 3 cr. U/G.

Organization, function, and analysis of genes, proteins, and genomes using internet databases and bioinformatic tools; current knowledge of genomes in various organisms; transcriptomics and proteomics. 2 hrs lec, 1 hr dis. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 325(260)(P).

573 (676) Cellular Evolution. 3 cr. U/G.

Theories concerning the origin of life on Earth and the evolution of cellular structure and function, culminating in the emergence of the multicellular kingdoms. 2 hrs lec, 1 hr dis. Prereq: sr st; Bio Sci 315(P) or 325(260)(P); Bio Sci 316(P); Chem 341/342(P) or 343/344/345(P), or cons instr; Bio Sci 383(303)(R) or 490(660)(R) or Chem 501(R) or 601(R).

575 Evolutionary Biology. 3 cr. U/G.

Evolutionary processes in natural populations. Topics include mating patterns, speciation, gene flow, natural selection, and genetic approaches to conservation. 3 hrs lec. Grad students must reg conc in Bio Sci 776. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 152(P) & 325(260)(P).

577 The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Learning and Memory. 3 cr. U/G.

Learning and memory from a cellular and molecular viewpoint. Topics include synapse formation, neuronal communication, neuroplasticity, and diseases of learning and memory. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci/Psych 354(P) or cons instr.

580 Experimental Microbiology. 4 cr. U/G.

Modern experimental approaches to study of microbial physiology and genetics. 2 hrs lec/6 hrs lab. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 383(303) (P).

587 Molecular Signal Transduction. 3 cr. U/G.

Signaling pathways in prokaryotes/eukaryotes: Receptors, G-proteins and protein kinases in signal perception/amplification/transduction; signaling pathways as therapeutic targets. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 315(P) or cons instr.

595 Molecular Biotechnology. 3 cr. U/G.

Broad conceptual discussion of modern biotechnologies and their applications. Topics include agricultural, food, and biopharmaceutics industrial, environmental, and medical applications. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 325(P) & 383(P) or equiv or cons instr.

596 Neuropharmacology. 3 cr. U/G.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of drug action on the nervous system. Topic include drug affects on neurotransmitters, receptors, cell signaling, and neurological disease/disorders. Prereq: jr st; BioSci/Psych 354(P) or 355(P) or Psych 654(P) or cons instr.

597 RNA Structure, Function, and Metabolism. 3 cr. U/G.

Structural and functional complexity of RNA. RNA as genetic material, enzymes and regulators; micro RNAs as potential therapeutics. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 325(P) or cons instr.

599 Special Topics in Biological Sciences: (Subtitled). 1-3 cr. U/G.

In-depth examination of important subjects in one or more areas of the biological sciences. Specific credits and add'l prereqs announced in Schedule of Classes each time course offered. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: jr st.

607 Environmental Microbiology. 3 cr. U/G.

Bacteria from the environment; emphasis on aquatic systems; biogeochemical cycles, bioremediation, and environmental control of gene expression. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 383(303)(P).

611 Seminar on Recent Advances in Limnology and Oceanography: (Subtitled). 2 cr. U/G.

Lectures and discussion of current issues in limnology and oceanography; focus on a specific issue or research topic. Retakable w/chg in topic to 6 cr max. Prereq: jr st; Bio Sci 512(P) or cons instr.

667 Advanced Techniques in Microbial, Molecular and Cellular Biology: (Subtitled). 4 cr. U/G.

Such topics as hybridoma technology, bacterial gene transfer, gene expression systems. 1 hr dis, 6 hrs lab. Topic and any add'l prereqs announced in Schedule of Classes each time course is offered. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: sr st; Bio Sci 383(303)(P) or equiv or cons instr.

725 Recent Advances in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology: (Subtitled). 3 cr. G.

Current developments and research in molecular microbiology and/or immunology. 3 hrs lec. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: grad st or cons instr.

750 Scientific Writing. 2 cr. G.

Writing techniques for the sciences, including proposal writing, submission of papers to journals. Writing and editing research proposals, scientific papers, and review papers. Critique of published papers. Prereq: grad st.

776 Evolutionary Biology Laboratory. 1 cr. G.

Experimental approaches to the study of ecological genetics. Topics include techniques for measurement and analysis of genetic variation, fitness, inbreeding depression, and mating systems. 3 hrs lab. Prereq: grad st or cons instr; Bio Sci 575(C).

899 Advanced Independent Studies. 1-3 cr. G.

Special studies at the graduate level involving independent reading, library research, and/or field for laboratory study other than thesis research. Retakable w/chg in topic to 8 cr max. Prereq: grad st; cons instr.

900 Biology Colloquium. 1 cr. G.

Talks by invited speakers and faculty members on topics of biological interest. Prereq: grad st.

925 Seminar: Molecular and Cell Biology: (Subtitled). 1-2 cr. G.

Carries 1 cr when offered once weekly; carries 2 cr when offered twice weekly. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: grad st

927 Seminar: Population and Community Ecology: (Subtitled). 1 or 2 cr. G.

Carries 1 cr when offered once weekly; carries 2 cr when offered twice weekly. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: grad st.

928 Seminar: Aquatic Biology: (Subtitled). 1 or 2 cr. G.

Carries 1 cr when offered once weekly; carries 2 cr when offered twice weekly. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: grad st.

929 Seminar: Behavioral Biology: (Subtitled). 1 or 2 cr. G.

Current topics in behavioral biology examined in a seminar format. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: grad st.

930 Seminar: Physiology and Endocrinology: (Subtitled). 1 or 2 cr. G.

Carries 1 cr when offered once weekly; carries 2 cr when offered twice weekly. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: grad st.

931 Seminar in Systematic Biology and Evolution: (Subtitled). 1 or 2 cr. G.

Current topics in systemic biology and evolution explored in a seminar format. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: grad st.

933 Seminar in Neuroscience. 1 cr. G.

Student presentations in cellular, molecular, and behavioral neuroscience. Retakable to 3 cr max. Bio Sci 933 & Psych 933 are jointly offered; students may enroll under only one of the curricular areas in any single semester. Prereq: grad st in Psych, Bio Sci, or Ed Psych or cons instr

990 Research. 1-8 cr. G.

Mentored research in partial fulfillment of thesis requirements. Prereq: grad st.