1997-98 UAF Catalog

Course Descriptions


Degrees and Programs Index


Biology

BIOL 102 (3 Credits) Summer, As Demand Warrants
High Latitude Biology (3+0) n
Major themes in modern biological sciences, using experiences and examples in Alaska and circumpolar regions. Exploration of one of six themes in sufficient detail to become aware of the knowledge frontier dividing the known from the undiscovered. Research term paper required.


BIOL 103X (4 Credits) Fall, Spring
Biology and Society (3+3) n
Fundamental principles of biology; emphasis on their application to humans in the modern world. Lectures, laboratory demonstrations, experiments, and discussions of contemporary biological topics. For non-science majors; cannot be used as a biology elective by biological science majors. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Offered every Fall at the Northwest Campus.)


BIOL 104 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
BIOL 104X (4 Credits) Fall, Spring
Natural History of Alaska (3+0 or 3+3) n
The physical environment peculiar to the North and important in determining the biological setting; major ecosystem concepts to develop an appreciation for land use and wildlife management problems in both terrestrial and aquatic situations. May not be used as biology elective credit for a major in biological science. BIOL 104X (4 credits) fulfills the Natural Science Core requirement. BIOL 104 (3 credits) is also available via Independent Learning. BIOL 104X laboratory fee: $30.00.


BIOL 105X (4 Credits) Fall
BIOL 106X (4 Credits) Spring
Fundamentals of Biology I and II (3+3) n
Principles of biology for the science major. First semester: ecology, genetics, evolution, plant structure and function. Second semester: chemistry of life, introduction to cell structure and function, molecular biology, animal structure and function. Laboratory fee: $30.00. Students for whom this course is required for their major will be given preference when space is limited. (Prerequisites: High school algebra or equivalent and placement in ENGL 111X. Recommended: high school biology and chemistry, or permission of instructor; BIOL 105X for BIOL 106X.)


BIOL 126 (2 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Biology of Northern Birds (1+3) n
Introduction to modern biology (taxonomy, ecology, evolutionary theory, behavior, etc.) for non-majors, using familiar vertebrates in the context of their adaptations to northern environments. Laboratories stress comparative studies, measurements, and how observations are recorded and shared among scientists. (Prerequisites: High school algebra and one year of high school science or permission of instructor.) Offered at Arctic Sivunmun Ilisagvik College only.


BIOL 150 (3 Credits) Independent Learning Only
Introduction to Marine Biology
Survey of marine organisms, evolution of marine life, habitats and communities of ocean zones, productivity, and marine resources. For non-science majors; may not be used as biology elective credit for a major in biological science.


BIOL 179 (2 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Ornithology Field Research (0+6) n
Field practicum (apprenticeship) in research techniques on the biology of birds, and natural history interpretations, for non-majors. (Prerequisites: BIOL 126 [may be taken concurrently] or permission instructor; see also BIOL 479, the parallel course primarily for declared biology majors.) Offered at Arctic Sivunmun Ilisagvik College only.


BIOL 181 (2 Credits) Fall
Principles and Principals of Evolutionary Theory (2+0)
An introduction, by tracing its historical development, to the theory of organic evolution. Readings on Cuvier, Lamarck, Darwin, Crick and others. Research paper required. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.) Offered at Arctic Sivunmun Ilisagvik College only.


BIOL 210 (4 Credits) Spring
Animal Physiology (3+3) n
Animal function, including respiration, digestion, circulation, nerve and muscle function, hormones, and reproduction. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, 271, CHEM 103X and 104X or 105X may be taken concurrently.)


BIOL 211X (4 Credits) Fall
BIOL 212X (4 Credits) Spring
Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (3+3) n
Integrated view of human structure and function for students in pre-professional allied health programs, biology, physical education, psychology and art. BIOL 211X covers cells, tissues and organs, skeletal and muscle systems, the nervous system, and integument. BIOL 212X examines circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 211X for BIOL 212X. Recommended: High school biology, high school algebra, CHEM 105X-106X or CHEM 103X-104X, ENGL 111X.)


BIOL 233 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Biology of the Non-Vascular Plants (2+3)
Structure, function, comparative development, taxonomy, phylogeny and life histories of non-vascular cryptogams (blue greens, algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, loversorts and horn worts). Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X/106X. Next offered:1997-98.)


BIOL 239 (4 Credits) Fall
Introduction to Plant Biology (3+3) n
Structure, function, ecology, and evolutionary patterns of the major groups of plants. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X.)


BIOL 271 (4 Credits) Fall
Principles of Ecology (4+0) n
Basic principles of ecology and evolutionary biology. Environmental factors, their causation and influence upon plants and animals. Basic population biology: population structure, growth, and regulation. Mechanisms of evolutionary change in populations. Organization of biotic communities. Structure and function of ecosystems. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X.)


BIOL 273X (4 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Humans in the Earth System (3+3) n
Understanding the issues involved in global change, how humans cause the changes and how we will be affected. Discussion on the fundamental components of the earth system (atmosphere, oceans, land and biota) and how these components interact. Specific issues include climate change, ozone depletion, deforestation and land degradation. (Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.)


BIOL 277 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Introduction to Conservation Biology (3+0)
(Same as NRM 277)
Introduction to the basic ecological, genetic, management, legal, and historical developments in conservation biology and focused efforts to manage biological diversity resources, with a status review of important habitats and endangered species. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 303 (4 Credits) Fall
Principles of Metabolism and Biochemistry (3+3)
Introduction to metabolism at the molecular level. Topics include structure and function of proteins, allostery and feedback, biological regulation and the major pathways of carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Presented in an evolutionary and ecological context. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X-106X, BIOL 271, 362; CHEM 105X-106X.)


BIOL 305 (5 Credits) Fall
Invertebrate Zoology (3+6) n
Classification, structure, function, evolution, and life histories of invertebrate animals. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, and 271.)


BIOL 317 (4 Credits) Spring
Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (2+6) n
Anatomy, phylogeny and evolution of the vertebrates. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X.)


BIOL 328O (3 Credits) Spring
Biology of Marine Organisms (3+0) n
Marine organisms: ocean as a habitat, distribution, classification, functional morphology, and general biology of the major biological groups; man ad the oceans. (Prerequisite: Upper division standing in a biologically oriented major.)


BIOL 331 (4 Credits) Spring
Systematic Botany (2+6) n
Classification of flowering plants with emphasis on Alaskan flora; taxonomic principles, classical and experimental methods of research. Preregistration is required to insure that each student will prepare a plant collection. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisite: BIOL 239 or permission of the instructor. BIOL 362 recommended.)


BIOL 334W (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Structure and Function in Vascular Plants (3+3) n
Morphology, anatomy and physiology of vascular plants, stressing the interrelationships between development, anatomy, growth, water relations, photosynthesis, transport and metabolism. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisite: BIOL 239. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 342 (4 Credits) Spring
Microbiology (3+3) n
Morphology and physiology of microorganisms. The role of these organisms in the environment and their relationship to humans. Concepts of immunology. Laboratory stresses aseptic techniques for handling microorganisms. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, BIOL 362, CHEM 105X.)


BIOL 362 (4 Credits) Spring
Principles of Genetics (4+0) n
Principles of inheritance; physicochemical properties of genetic systems. Special fee: $20.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X.)


BIOL 380W,O (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Marine Fishes of Alaska (2+3)
(Same as FISH 380)
Taxonomy, recognition, distribution, life history and ecological relationships of marine fishes of Alaska will be studied. Life history traits that make species susceptible to commercial exploitation, changes in climate, ocean circulation or pollution will be emphasized. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X and 106X. Next offered: 1998-99.)


BIOL 384 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Freshwater Fishes of Alaska (2+3)
(Same as FISH 384)
Life histories of Alaskan freshwater fish emphasizing species sought by fishermen. Reproduction, age, growth, migration, food, interrelationships and habitat requirements. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X and 106X or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 406 (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Entomology (3+3) n
Biology of insects and related arthropods, with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution. Lab emphasizes identification. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, 271. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 407 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Aquatic Entomology (2+3)
Ecology, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology and evolution of aquatic insects. Laboratories emphasize identification and field/laboratory techniques. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X and 271, or permission of instructor; BIOL 473 recommended. Next offered: 1998-99.)


BIOL 414O/2 (4 Credits) Fall
Environmental Physiology (3+3) n
Functional variations and relationships among animals in various environments; respiration, cardiovascular systems, metabolism, temperature regulation, osmoregulation excretion, nerve and muscle function. Three hour oral presentation/discussion each week. Service fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 210, CHEM 106X and 321 or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 417 (3 credits) Alternate Spring
Neurobiology (3+0)n
(Same as BIOL 617)
Organization and function of the vertebrate nervous system from the subcellular to the organismal levels. Neural bases of sensations, of specific behaviors, and of homeostasis. Applications of basic neurobiological research to pathological conditions. Examples taken mostly from the recent vertebrate literature. (Prerequisite: BIOL 210 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 418W (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Developmental Biology (3+3) n
Morphological and molecular aspects of development of multicellular organisms, with emphasis on the regulation of morphogenesis. Laboratory stresses experimental study of vertebrate embryos. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, 210 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 425 (3 Credits) Fall
Mammalogy (2+3) n
Variety of mammals, their behavior, life histories, identification, phylogeny and systematics, morphology, distribution, and zoogeography. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 317 or permission of instructor and junior standing or above.)


BIOL 426W,O/2 3 Credits Spring
Ornithology (2+3) n
Evolution, anatomy, physiology, distribution, migration, breeding biology of birds, their classification and identification. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X-106X or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 427W,O (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Ichthyology (3+3) n
(Same as FISH 427)
Major groups of fishes, emphasizing fishes of northwestern North America. Classification structure, evolution, general biology, and importance to man. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 317 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 441W,O/2 3 Credits Fall
Animal Behavior (2+3) n
Genetic and physiological bases of behavior, evolutionary and ecological principles of individual and social behavior, sociobiology, and techniques of behavioral observation and analysis. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 210, 271; or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 442W,O/2 4 Credits Alternate Fall
Advanced Microbiology (2+6) n
(Same as BIOL 642)
Diversity of microorganisms. Morphology, physiology and systematics of microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Emphasis on organisms of environmental or medical interest. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 342, CHEM 321 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1998-99.)


BIOL 443 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Microbial Ecology (3+0) n
Interactions of microorganisms with their environment, emphasizing microbial responses to the environment, microbial processes such as nutrient cycling and pollutant biodegradation, and microbial interactions with each other, with plants, and with animals. (Prerequisite: BIOL 342 or BIOL 271 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 444 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Reproductive Biology (3+0)
Comparative physiology, endocrinology, behavior and ecology of reproduction in mammals and birds. Hormonal control of reproductive function and behavior; seasonal rhythms, energetics, and life histories of reproduction. Although primarily comparative, aspects of human reproductive function and health covered. (Prerequisite: BIOL 211X, 212X, or 210. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 445 (4 Credits) Spring
Molecular Evolution (3+3)
(Same as BIOL 645 and CHEM 445 and 645)
Structure, function and evolution of hereditary molecules (nucleic acids). Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisite: BIOL 362.)


BIOL 450W,O (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Women and Science (3+0)
The historical contributions and participation of women in science with an emphasis on the biological sciences. Discussion of the factors affecting female participation in the sciences and how participation of women in science affects the manner in which science is done. (Prerequisite: Junior standing in the natural sciences or permission of the instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 453O/2 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Molecular Biology (3+3)
(Same as BIOL 653 and CHEM 453 and 653)
Provides in-depth coverage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene function, including the applications of recombinant DNA technology to the biological sciences. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisite: BIOL 362 or CHEM 321 or BIOL 303, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 458 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Vertebrate Endocrinology (3+0)n
(Same as WLF 458)
Introduction to the mechanisms of action and the roles of the main hormonal systems that operate in vertebrates. Hormone effects at the organ, tissue, and (sub)cellular levels. Hormonal control of homeostatis and of specific behaviors. Examples to be taken mostly from recent comparative studies. (Prerequisite: BIOL 210 or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 461 (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Cell Biology (3+3) n
(Same as BIOL 661)
The structure and function of cells. Analysis of cellular events at the cytoplasmic level including: cell replication, functioning of the cytoskeleton, mitochondria, chloroplasts, Golgi-RER-lysosome system, hormone action, and the regulation of the internal environment of the cell. Laboratory focuses on techniques and problem solving. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 362 or concurrent enrollment, CHEM 321 or concurrent enrollment, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1998-99.)


BIOL 471W (3 Credits) Spring
Population Ecology (3+0) n
Biology of populations of plants and animals, including population structure, natality, mortality, population growth, regulation of population size, population interactions in herbivory, predation, and parasitism. (Prerequisite: BIOL 271 for biology majors; WLF 201 for wildlife majors; either course for others.)


BIOL 472 (3 Credits) Fall
Communities and Ecosystems (3+0) n
Structure of plant and animal communities and their organization. Structuring forces of competition, predation, herbivory, mutualisms, and the flow of energy and nutrients. Latitudinal gradients in species richness and biogeography. (Prerequisite: BIOL 271.)


BIOL 473W (3 Credits) Fall
Limnology (2+3)
Physical, chemical and biological characteristics of fresh water, emphasizing ecological aspects important to fish and other organisms. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271, CHEM 106X or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 474 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Plant Ecology (3+3) n
Principles and contemporary topics in plant ecology. Autecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology and evolutionary ecology. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 239, BIOL 271, STAT 300. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 475 (2 Credits) Alternate Fall
Plant Communities of Alaska-Field Course (1+3)
Identification of vascular and non-vascular plants and the processes affecting the structure and evolution of Alaskan plant communities. Field trips to the plant communities of interior Alaska. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 239, permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 477W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Ecology of Streams and Rivers (3+0)
Physical, chemical and (especially) biological aspects of stream and river ecosystems. Considerations of methods used in running water research and management of streams and rivers. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271 and 473 recommended or permission of instructor. (Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 480 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Water Pollution Biology (3+0)
(Same as BIOL 685)
Water quality standards: criteria and use classifications. Effects of man-caused environmental stresses on the composition and dynamics of aquatic communities. Changes in transfers of matter and energy. Biological indices including diversity. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271 and 473 or 477 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 481 (4 Credits) Fall
Processes of Evolution (3+3)
(Same as BIOL 681)
Processes of evolutionary change are used to explore the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Develops fundamental models of population genetics relevant to basic and applied studies in ecology, plant and animal breeding, systematics, conservation biology and wildlife biology. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271, 362, STAT 200, junior standing or above or permission of instructor. STAT 200 may be taken concurrently.)


BIOL 482 (4 Credits) Spring
Patterns of Evolution (3+3)
Patterns of evolution as revealed by the fossil record, molecular and developmental biology, and the methods of comparative biology are used to build a conceptual framework for study of living systems. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271, 362, 303, junior standing or above or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 601 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Radioisotopic Techniques (2+3)
The use of radioisotopes in tracer type applications including licensing and legal requirements under the UAF by-product material license; radiation safety and radiation detection; assay. Emphasis will be placed on radiotracer applications in biological sciences and the analysis and interpretation of the data from these applications. Laboratory fee: $30.00 (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor for upper division undergraduates.)


BIOL 602 (3 Credits) Fall
Research Design (3+0)
(Same as WLF 602)
An introduction to the philosophy, performance and evaluation of hypothetical/deductive research in the natural sciences, with emphasis on hypothesis formulation and testing. Each student will develop a research proposal.


BIOL 611J (3 Credits) Juneau, As Demand Warrants
Fish Physiology (3+0)
Physiology of the living fishes. (Prerequisites: BIOL 210 [Juneau BIOL 310], BIOL 427.)


BIOL 614 (2 Credits) Alternate Spring
Grazing Ecology (2+0)
(Same as WLF 614)
The dynamics of herbivory, emphasizing the grazing process, and including mechanisms of feeding, feeding behavior, habitat and plant selection, physiological influences on feeding, plant and community level responses, plant defenses against herbivory and management of grazing systems. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or approval of instructor. )


BIOL 615 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Systematic and Comparative Biology (3+0)
Concepts of systematic biology which are basic to a rigorous and complete understanding of modern evolutionary theory. Systematics provides the historical framework that is critical to a variety of comparative analyses in biology. Recent innovations in phylogenetic analyses will be explored. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing in biology or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 617 (3 credits) Alternate Spring
Neurobiology (3+0)n
(Same as BIOL 417)
Organization and function of the vertebrate nervous system from the subcellular to the organismal levels. Neural bases of sensations, of specific behaviors, and of homeostasis. Applications of basic neurobiological research to pathological conditions. Examples taken mostly from the recent vertebrate literature. (Prerequisite: BIOL 210 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 618 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Biogeography (3+0)
Spatial and temporal geography of plant and animal groups; emphasis on environmental and historical features controlling present patterns of distribution. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. )


BIOL 623 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Physiological Ecology of Overwintering (2+3)
Investigation of the physiological and behavioral responses of animals to winter in northern environments. Exploration of the biologically relevant environmental changes that accompany winter, and comparison of alternative strategies that organisms use to cope with winter including: acclimatization, photoperiodism, hibernation, supercooling, freeze tolerance, freeze resistance, and arctic endurance. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. )


BIOL 627 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Chemical Ecology (3+0)
Current theory and experimentation in chemical ecology, with emphasis on chemical defenses of plants and animals. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor.)


BIOL 629 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Advanced Animal Behavior (3+0)
Adaptive nature of behavior in relation to the physical, biological, and social environment. Current problems and controversies in the study of behavior. (Prerequisites: BIOL 441 and permission of instructor.)


BIOL 636 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Life History Evolution (2+0+3) n
(Same as WLF 636)
Examination of theory and literature pertaining to life history evolution, including demography, basic quantitative genetics. Importance of trade-offs and population processes is discussed. Exposure to methods of estimation of life history parameters. All students will present a formal seminar. (Next offered: 1997-98.)


BIOL 637 (2 Credits) Alternate Fall
Modern Evolutionary Theory (2+0)
Contemporary ideas and problems with the mechanics of evolution. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 638 (1 Credit) Alternate Fall
Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (2+0)
Readings and discussions of topics of current interest in ecology and evolution. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing.)


BIOL 642 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Advanced Microbiology (2+6)
(Same as BIOL 442)
Diversity of microorganisms. Morphology, physiology, and systematics of microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Emphasis on organisms of environmental or medical interest. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 342, CHEM 321, or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 645 (4 Credits) Spring
Molecular Evolution (3+3)
(Same as BIOL 445 & CHEM 445)
Structure, function and evolution of hereditary molecules (nucleic acids). Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 262 or permission of the instructor.)


BIOL 650 (3 Credits) Fairbanks, Alt. Fall
Fish Ecology Juneau, As Demand Warrants
(Same as FISH 650) (2+3)
The ecology of fish is examined from the community aspect. Current literature on inter- and intraspecific relationships, influence of the environment on community structure, behavior and production is emphasized. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 473 [Juneau BIOL 423] and FISH 400W,O/2. )


BIOL 6530/2 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Molecular Biology (3+3)
(Same as BIOL 453 & CHEM 453 and 653)
Provides in-depth coverage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene function, including the applications of recombinant DNA technology to the biological sciences. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 362 or CHEM 321 or BIOL 303, or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 661 (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Cell Biology (3+3)
(Same as BIOL 461)
The structure and function of cells. Analysis of cellular events at the cytoplasmic level including: cell replication, functioning of the cytoskeleton, mitochondria, chloroplasts, Golgi-RER-lysosome system, hormone action, and the regulation of the internal environment of the cell. Laboratory focuses on techniques and problem solving. Laboratory fee: $30.00 (Prerequisites: BIOL 262 or concurrent enrollment, CHEM 321 or concurrent enrollment, or permission of the instructor.)


BIOL 663 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Photosynthesis (3+0)
(Same as CHEM 663, MSL 663)
Integrated analysis of photosynthesis. Processes to be addressed include gene expression, protein transport, membrane biogenesis, pigment synthesis, electron transport, regulation of enzyme activity, photon absorption and excitation energy transfer. Current data on environmental control of photosynthetic processes, from gene expression through photosynthetic competence, will be analyzed. (Prerequisites: CHEM 451 and MSL 650, or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 664 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Algal Biology: Physiological Ecology
(Same as MSL 664) (3+0)
Ecology of algae examined from a physiological perspective. Emphasis will be placed on phytoplankton, the most thoroughly characterized algae. Algal physiological ecology will be examined both from a classical viewpoint as well as from a more mechanistic approach utilizing modern techniques. (Prerequisites: MSL 650, an undergraduate plant physiology course, or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 672 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Ecosystem Processes (2+0+2)
A comparative approach to the structural and functional components of terrestrial ecosystems, emphasizing primary and secondary production and the dynamics of nutrient cycling processes. Interactions between producers, consumers, and decomposition processes and effects on the efficiencies of nutrient and energy transfers. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of the instructor.)


BIOL 675 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Plant Physiological Ecology (2+3)
Physiological ecology of dormancy, germination, growth, photosynthesis, water relations and nutrition with an emphasis on northern and other stressful environments; relationship to community and ecosystem processes. Laboratory fee: $30.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 239; BIOL 334; BIOL 474; or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 677 (3 Credits) Spring
Advanced Topics in Plant Ecology and Systematics (3+0)
One of four topics is covered each year: 1) Current issues and concepts in plant population and community ecology. 2) Reproductive ecology-pollination, seed dispersal, breeding systems, and coevolution. 3) Plant families of the world. 4) Plant-animal interactions-evolution and ecology. (Prerequisites: BIOL 474 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.)


BIOL 678 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Tropical Ecology Field Course (0+3+Arr)
Intensive field study of the ecology of selected tropical habitats, with emphasis on ecological field methods, plant-animal interactions and ecological problems and processes unique to the tropics. Course consists of two week intensive field work between the fall and spring semesters, followed by weekly lecture/labs during the spring semester. Preregistration in the preceding fall semester is required. (Field trip cost borne by student.) (Prerequisites: BIOL 271, 239 and either BIOL 308 or 331; graduate student standing or senior with permission of instructor.)


BIOL 680 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Data Analysis in Biology (2+3)
(Same as STAT 680 & WLF 680)
Biological applications of nonparametric statistics, including tests based on binomial and Poisson distributions, analysis of two-way and multiway contingency tables, and tests based on ranks; multivariate statistics, including principal component analysis, ordination techniques, cluster analysis, and discriminate analysis; and time-series analyses. Introduction to the use of the computer and use of statistical packages. Each student will analyze a data set appropriate to the student's research interests. (Prerequisites: STAT 300, 401 and either graduate standing in a biologically oriented field or permission of instructor. )


BIOL 681 (4 Credits) Fall
Processes of Evolution (3+3)
(Same as BIOL 481)
Processes of evolutionary change are used to explore the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Develops fundamental models of population genetics relevant to basic and applied studies in ecology, plant and animal breeding, systematics, conservation biology and wildlife biology. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271, 262, STAT 200, junior standing or above or permission of instructor. STAT 200 may be taken concurrently.)


BIOL 682 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Physical-Chemical Limnology (3+0)
(Same as MSL 680)
A comprehensive course in physical and chemical limnology covering the basic processes and cycles in freshwater systems, including a consideration of arctic and subarctic lakes. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing, calculus, quantitative analysis or permission of instructor.)


BIOL 685 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Water Pollution Biology (3+0)
(Same as BIOL 480)
Water quality standards: criteria and use classifications. Effects of man-caused environmental stresses on the composition and dynamics of aquatic communities. Changes in transfers of matter and energy. Biological indices including diversity. (Prerequisite: BIOL 271, and 473 or 477, or permission of the instructor.)