Biology - BIOL
BIOL F100X Human Biology (n)4 Credits
Offered Fall; As Demand Warrants
Introduction to scientific methodology and biological principles with a focus on humans as biological organisms. Topics include organization of the human body, human genetics, human development and the relationship between our bodies and health. Includes lecture, discussion, lab and projects. Offered through e-learning. Offered at the Northwest campus as demand warrants. May not be used as biology elective credit for a major in biological sciences. Note: Intended for non-science majors and those seeking preliminary instruction before beginning study in health-related areas. Offered through UAF Community and Technical College and Rural campuses as demand warrants. Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. (3+3)
BIOL F103L Biology and Society Laboratory
1 Credits
Offered Spring
A laboratory section only of BIOL 103X designed for transfer students that are non-science majors who have completed a natural science course with no laboratory at another institution. This lab cannot be used as a biology elective by biological science majors. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: A natural science course with no laboratory and permission of instructor. (0+3)
BIOL F103X Biology and Society (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring; Fall at Northwest Campus
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. (3+3)
BIOL F104X Natural History of Alaska (n)(a)
4 Credits
Offered Fall
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. (3+3)
BIOL F111X Human Anatomy and Physiology I (n)
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Integrated view of human structure and function for students in pre-professional allied health programs, biology, physical education, psychology and art. Covers cells, tissues and organs, skeletal and muscle systems, the nervous system, and integument. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. Recommended: High school biology; High school algebra CHEM F105X-CHEM F106X or CHEM F103X-CHEM F104X. (3+3)
BIOL F112X Human Anatomy and Physiology II (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring
Integrated view of human structure and function for students in pre-professional allied health programs, biology, physical education, psychology and art. Examines circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive systems. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F111X; placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. Recommended: High school biology, high school algebra, CHEM F105X- CHEM F106X or CHEM F103X-CHEM F104X; ENGL F111X. (3+3)
BIOL F115X Fundamentals of Biology I (n)
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Introduction to the principles of biology for science majors, with emphasis on chemistry of life, cell structure, metabolism, genetics and animal form and function. Students for whom this course is required for their major will be given preference when space is limited. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in MATH F107X or higher; CHEM F105X (may be taken concurrently) or permission of the instructor. Recommended: High school biology. (3+3)
BIOL F116X Fundamentals of Biology II (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring
Continuation of topics addressed in BIOL F115X, with emphasis on evolutionary biology, diversity of life, plant form and function and ecology. Students for whom this course is required for their major will be given preference when space is limited. Special fees apply. Prerequisite: BIOL F115X. (3+3)
BIOL F135 The Third Kingdom: Mushrooms and other Fungi
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Introduction to fungi of the world with an emphasis on Alaska arctic, subarctic and subantarctic environs. Designed to encourage more in-depth study, but is primarily for traditionally non-science orientations. Form, function, symbiosis, taxa, social, industrial and technological applications are emphasized. (3+0)
BIOL F150 Introduction to Marine Biology
3 Credits
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. Only available via e-Learning and Distance Education. (3+0)
BIOL F239 Introduction to Plant Biology (n)
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Plant biology including plant form and function (morphology, physiology and development), ecology (including interactions with herbivores, pollinators and microbes), conservation, evolution and economic botany. Emphasis on vascular plants (particularly angiosperms) but includes comparisons with nonvascular plants. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X. (3+3)
BIOL F240 Beginnings in Microbiology
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Fundamentals of microbiology. Survey of the microbial world, interactions between microbes and host, microbial human diseases, the environmental and economic impact of microorganisms. Provides background in basic and applied microbiology with emphasis on the role microorganisms play in human health and life. Offered at UAF Community and Technical College. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: One course in high school or college-level biology required, or permission of the instructor. Recommended: One course in chemistry. Note: May not be used as biology elective credit for a major in biological sciences. (3+3)
BIOL F261 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology (n)
4 Credits
An introduction to the structure and function of cells. Topics include: the structure and function of cellular components, including proteins, membranes and organelles; understanding how cells communicate; and how information is processed in the cell via DNA replication, transcription and translation. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; CHEM F105X; CHEM F106X or concurrent enrollment. Cross-listed with CHEM F261. (3+3)
BIOL F271 Principles of Ecology (n)
4 Credits
Basic principles in physiological, ecosystem, population and community ecology. Environmental factors and their influence on plants and animals. Structure, growth and regulation of populations. The ecosystem concept, biogeochemical cycles, and the structure and function of major terrestrial biomes. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; LS F100 or LS F101 or successful completion of library skills competency test; or permission of instructor. (3+3)
BIOL F277 Introduction to Conservation Biology
3 Credits
Offered Spring
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 F115X, BIOL F116X. Cross-listed with NRM F277. (3+0)
BIOL F288 Fish and Fisheries of Alaska (a)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
This course will provide mid-level undergraduate students with an introduction to the biology and fisheries of Alaskan fish, shellfish and marine mammals with important finfishes as the main focus of the course. First, we will examine important recreational, subsistence and commercial shellfish and finfish species. Next we will briefly cover fisheries economics and then turn our attention to lesser known freshwater and marine fish species. Finally, we will conclude with a brief overview of marine mammal fisheries in Alaska. The amount of coverage of each of these topics will vary depending on what is known about each group of organisms. Before enrolling students should have a basic understanding of basic biological and ecological concepts. This course is required of all fisheries students but should appeal to anyone interested in Alaska's fish and fisheries. Prerequisites: BIOL 116X and FISH 101; or permission of instructor Cross-listed with FISH F288. (3+0)
BIOL F301 Biology of Fishes
4 Credits
Offered Fall
A broad overview of the biological diversity of fishes presented from the comparative and organismal perspectives. The course examines the relationship between physical and biological properties of aquatic environments and the anatomy, physiology, behavior and geographical distribution of living fish lineages. Topics include fish evolution, biogeography, classification, gross and fine anatomy, sensory biology, and form-function relationships. Topics are presented to highlight essential concepts generally relevant in biology. Prerequisites: BIOL F116X or equivalent; junior or senior standing. Recommended: BIOL F317. Cross-listed with FISH F301. (3+3)
BIOL F303 Principles of Metabolism and Biochemistry
4 Credits
Offered Fall
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 F115X; BIOL F116X; CHEM F105X; CHEM F106X. (3+3)
BIOL F305 Invertebrate Zoology (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Classification, structure, function, evolution and life histories of invertebrate animals. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; BIOL F271. (3+3)
BIOL F310 Animal Physiology (n)
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Animal function, including respiration, digestion, circulation, nerve and muscle function, hormones and reproduction. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; CHEM F105X; CHEM 106X. (3+3)
BIOL F317 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring
Anatomy, phylogeny and evolution of the vertebrates. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X. (2+6)
BIOL F331 Systematic Botany (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring
Classification of flowering plants with emphasis on Alaskan flora; taxonomic principles, classical and experimental methods of research. Preregistration is required to ensure that each student will prepare a plant collection. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F239 or permission of instructor. Recommended: BIOL F362. (2+6)
BIOL F334 W Structure and Function in Vascular Plants (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Morphology, anatomy and physiology of vascular plants, stressing the interrelationships between development, anatomy, growth, water relations, photosynthesis, transport and metabolism. Prerequisites: BIOL F239; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X or permission of instructor. (3+3)
BIOL F335 Principles of Epidemiology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Introduction to the basic concepts of epidemiology, with examples from human to veterinary medicine, including chronic and infectious disease epidemiology, social epidemiology, outbreak investigation, properties of tests, and an introduction to study design and surveillance. Prerequisites: STAT F200X or higher or permission of instructor. (3+0)
BIOL F342 Microbiology (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; CHEM F105X. (3+3)
BIOL F362 Principles of Genetics (n)
4 Credits
Principles of inheritance; physiochemical properties of genetic systems. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; CHEM F105X; MATH F107X or higher. (3+3)
BIOL F402 W Biomedical and Research Ethics (h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Issues in biomedical ethics. Topics will vary but include discussion of moral principles and problems of research ethics and medical ethics, such as: animal and human experimentation; data management; informed consent; therapeutic and non-therapeutic research; physician/patient relationship; autonomy; assisted reproductive technologies; euthanasia; organ transplantation; and allocation of scarce medical resources. Prerequisites: ENGL F111X; either ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X; junior or senior standing; a course in philosophy, science, or nursing; permission of instructor. Recommended: A course in philosophy, science or nursing. Cross-listed with PHIL F402. (3+0)
BIOL F406 Entomology (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Biology of insects and related arthropods, with emphasis on evolution, ecology, behavior, biodiversity, morphology and systematics. Lab emphasizes identification and collection. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; BIOL F271; or permission of instructor. (3+3)
BIOL F417 O Neurobiology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Organization and function of the vertebrate nervous system from the subcellular to the organismal levels. Neural bases of sensations, specific behaviors and homeostasis. Applications of basic neurobiological research to pathological conditions. Examples taken mostly from the recent vertebrate literature. Prerequisites: BIOL F310; COMM F131X or COMM F141X; or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F617. (3+0)
BIOL F418 Biogeography
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This course explores the geography of life by examining linkages between climate, geomorphology, and ecological communities with emphasis on the biogeography of subarctic, polar and alpine regions. Prerequisites: BIOL F271 or NRM/BIOL F277, junior/senior standing or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F618 and GEOG F618. (3+0)
BIOL F425 W Mammalogy (n)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Variety of mammals, their behavior, life histories, identification, phylogeny and systematics, morphology, distribution and zoogeography. Prerequisites: BIOL F317 or permission of instructor; junior standing or above. (2+3)
BIOL F426 W,O/2 Ornithology (n)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Evolution, anatomy, physiology, distribution, migration, breeding biology of birds, their classification and identification. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; COMM F131X or COMM F141X; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X; or permission of instructor. (2+3)
BIOL F427 Ichthyology (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring
Major groups of fishes, emphasizing fishes of northwestern North America. Classification structure, evolution, general biology and importance to man. Cross-listed with FISH F427. (3+3)
BIOL F433 Conservation Genetics
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Concepts of population genetics, phylogenetics, pedigree analysis, systematics and taxonomy as they apply to conservation of species. Evaluating the impact of small population size, population fragmentation, inbreeding, hybridization, taxonomic uncertainties and other factors on viability and management of species. Prerequisites: BIOL F271 or equivalent; BIOL F362 or equivalent; or permission of instructor. Recommended: BIOL F277; NRM F277. Cross-listed with WLF F433. (3+0)
BIOL F441 W,O/2 Animal Behavior (n)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Genetic and physiological bases of behavior, evolutionary and ecological principles of individual and social behavior, sociobiology and techniques of behavioral observation and analysis. Prerequisites: BIOL F271; BIOL F310; COMM F131X or COMM F141X; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X; or permission of instructor. (2+3)
BIOL F443 W Microbial Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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, plants and animals. Prerequisites: ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X; BIOL F271 or BIOL F342; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
BIOL F445 W,O Molecular Ecology and Evolution (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
An introduction to theory and computational techniques used to analyze and interpret DNA sequence variation among populations and closely related species. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F362; BIOL F481. Stacked with BIOL F645. (2+3)
BIOL F455 W,O Environmental Toxicology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Environmental toxicology will focus on the general properties and principles of persistent and/or poisonous (toxic) chemicals commonly encountered in air, water, fish and wildlife. Numerous natural and synthetic chemicals in the environment will be discussed from a global perspective with some bias towards arctic and subarctic regions. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: CHEM F451 or BIOL F303; or one semester each of organic chemistry and cell or molecular biology; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with CHEM F455. (0+0)
BIOL F457 W Environmental Microbiology
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This course focuses on the role of microorganisms in environmentally-relevent processes including bioremediation of pollutants, biogeochemical cycling, corrosion and wastewater treatment, including current methods for studying microbial diversity and function. Prerequisites: BIOL F115 and BIOL F116; BIOL F342; CHEM F1105X and CHEM F106X or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Recommended: CHEM F451 or BIOL F303 or equivalent. Stacked with BIOL F657 (3+0)
BIOL F459 O/2 Wildlife Nutrition
4 Credits
Offered Fall
The energy nutrient requirements of vertebrate animals in relation to their ecology, physiology and life history. Concepts and techniques used by wildlife biologists to understand relationships between wild animals and their habitats. Techniques for constructing energy and nutrient budgets of wild animals and applications of these budgets to population-level processes and habitat management. Prerequisites: COMM F131X or COMM F141X; BIOL F310; BIOL F271; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with WLF F460. (3+3)
BIOL F462 O Concepts of Infectious Disease
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Covers infectious disease biology using examples of different pathogens and exploring the concepts of their biology and the implication of these principles on pathology, epidemiology and sociology of infectious diseases. Prerequisites: BIOL F261 or BIOL F342; or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F662. (3+0)
BIOL F465 Immunology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Adaptive immune response including its components and activation from cells to molecules, clonal selection, antigen recognition, and discrimination between foreign and self. Concepts applied on the level of intact organisms addressing allergies, autoimmunity, transplantation, tumors and disease (AIDS). Prerequisites: BIOL F115X and BIOL F116X and BIOL F310; or BIOL F111X and BIOL F112X; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
BIOL F469 O Landscape Ecology and Wildlife Habitat
3 Credits
Offered Spring
A problem-based learning and critical thinking approach to modern methods in landscape ecology, including geographic information systems, remote sensing, modeling, software and the Internet. Graduate students are expected to help undergraduates with occurring problems and questions. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F271 or equivalent; COMM F131X or COMM F141X. Cross-listed with WLF F469. (2+3)
BIOL F471 Population Ecology (n)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Biology of populations of plants and animals, including population structure, natality, mortality, population growth, regulation of population size, population interactions in competition, herbivory, predation and parasitism. Prerequisites: A calculus course and BIOL F271 (2+3)
BIOL F472 W Community Ecology (n)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Prerequisites: BIOL F271; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X or permission of instructor. (2+3)
BIOL F473 W Limnology
4 Credits
Offered Fall
The ecology of inland waters emphasizing lakes and rivers. Lecture provides graphically oriented view of concepts. Workshops provide role-playing exercises for integrating social, economic and ecological aspects of managing freshwater systems. Laboratory involves team- based original research from proposal to manuscript. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; BIOL F271; CHEM F105X; CHEM F106X; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or F213X or permission of instructor. (2+3+2)
BIOL F475 Vegetation Description and Analysis (a)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Methods of vegetation science including sampling, classification, gradient analysis, ordination, field description and mapping. Field trips to the plant communities of interior Alaska. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F239 or BIOL F233 or BIOL F271 or BIOL F331; or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F689 (2+3)
BIOL F476 Ecosystem Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Focus on the biological and physical principles that govern functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Emphasis on how plants, animals and microorganisms control the movement of water, carbon and nutrients through ecosystems. Discussion of how changes in these processes have altered global cycles of carbon, water and nutrients and sustainability of the world's ecosystems. Prerequisites: BIOL F271 or BIOL F239 or permission of instructor. (3+0)
BIOL F481 Principles of Evolution
4 Credits
Patterns and processes of evolutionary change are used to explore the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Basic models of population genetics, quantitative genetics, development, phylogenetics and systematics are used to build a conceptual framework for study of living systems. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F271; BIOL F362; STAT F200X; junior standing; or permission of instructor. Note: STAT F200X may be taken concurrently. Stacked with BIOL F681. (3+3)
BIOL F483 Stream Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Spring
The ecology of streams and rivers focusing on physical, chemical and biological processes. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; BIOL F271. Recommended: CHEM F105X; CHEM F106X. (3+0)
BIOL F485 Global Change Biology (a)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Contemporary science and policy concerns of global change that involve biological processes. Includes structural and functional responses and sensitivities of biological processes to environmental changes (such as climate and human uses of land and biological resources); implications of biological responses to global change for conservation and management of biological resources; and the social and economic consequences of biological responses to global change. Prerequisites: BIOL F271; CHEM F105X; CHEM F106X. Cross-listed with WLF F485. (3+0)
BIOL F486 Vertebrate Paleontology (n)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
The study of vertebrate evolution through geologic time. Covers the temporal range, diversity and systematics of major vertebrate groups as documented in the fossil record, with an emphasis on current problems in vertebrate evolutionary pattern and process. Labs emphasize comparative morphology and identification of major vertebrate groups. Prerequisites: BIOL F310; or BIOL F317; or GEOS F315; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with GEOS F486. (2+3)
BIOL F487 Conceptual Issues in Evolutionary Biology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Analysis of some of the main models which explain evolutionary change, followed by consideration of the practical implications these models have on the study of biological phenomena in general. Cross-listed with PHIL F487. (3+0)
BIOL F488 Arctic Vegetation Ecology: Geobotany
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Arctic plants in relationship to Earth, including arctic plant identification, climate, geology and geography controls on arctic plant communities, snow ecology, applications to wildlife studies and current Arctic issues. Lecture, labs, and 1 winter field trip. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115 and BIOL F116 or equivalent; BIOL F239 or BIOL F271; or approval of instructor. Stacked with: BIOL F688 (3+1)
BIOL F602 Research Design
3 Credits
Offered Fall
An introduction to the philosophy, performance and evaluation of hypothetical/deductive research in the biological sciences, with emphasis on hypothesis formulation and testing. Each student will develop a research proposal. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with WLF F602. (3+0)
BIOL F604 Scientific Writing, Editing, and Revising in the Biological Sciences
3 Credits
Offered Spring
For students who are ready to produce a manuscript or thesis chapter. Topics include the publishing process (e.g., the role of editors and reviewers), preparing to write (selecting a journal, authorship), the components of the scientific paper, revising and editing manuscripts, and responding to reviews. Students will produce a complete manuscript. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Biology, Wildlife, or related discipline and permission of instructor. Cross-listed withi WLF F604. (3+0)
BIOL F605 Animal Stable Isotope Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Recent primary literature in stable isotope ecology, which uses naturally occurring variation in stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and sulphur as markers of organismal and ecological processes. The focus will be on animal studies, including diet reconstruction, mixing models, food web, metabolism, nutrient allocation and migration. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
BIOL F613 Resilience Internship
2 Credits
Offered Fall
Students of the Resilience and Adaptation Program participate in internships to broaden their interdisciplinary training, develop new research tools, and build expertise outside their home disciplines. Internships are for eight to ten weeks of full time commitment and take place during the student's first summer in the program. In the autumn students meet to discuss their internship experiences and make public presentations. Prerequisites: ANTH/BIOL/ECON/NRM F667; ANTH/BIOL/ECON/NRM F668; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with ANTH F617; ECON F613; NRM F613. (2+0)
BIOL F614 Foraging Ecology
2 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
The dynamics of herbivory, emphasizing the foraging 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 plant-herbivore systems. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or approval of instructor. Cross-listed with WLF F614. (2+0)
BIOL F615 Systematic and Comparative Biology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Concepts of systematic biology basic to a rigorous and complete understanding of modern evolutionary theory. Systematics provides the historical framework 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. (3+0)
BIOL F616 Ecological Background for Resilience and Adaptation (a)
1 Credits
Offered Fall
Provides the ecological background that is necessary for understanding the role of ecology in complex systems involving interactions among biological, economic, and social processes. Designed for incoming students of the Resilience and Adaptation Program (RAP), who have not received training in ecology. Prerequisites: Graduate student enrollment or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with NRM F616. (1+0)
BIOL F617 Neurobiology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Organization and function of the vertebrate nervous system from the subcellular to organismal levels. Neural bases of sensations, specific behaviors and homeostasis. Applications of basic neurobiological research to pathological conditions. Examples taken mostly from the recent vertebrate literature. Prerequisites: BIOL F310 and graduate standing; or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F417. (3+0)
BIOL F618 Biogeography
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This course explores the geography of life by examining linkages between climate, geomorphology, and ecological communities with emphasis on the biogeography of subarctic, polar and alpine regions. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F418 and GEOG F418. (3+0)
BIOL F622 Current Issues in Conservation Biology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Critical discussion of contemporary issues concerning extinction patterns, population viability and the preservation, design and management of habitats for populations/species of concern. Stresses integration of principles and policies into strategies for biological conservation. Prerequisites: Graduate standing; BIOL F471 or WLF F410; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with WLF F622. (3+0)
BIOL F629 Advanced Animal Behavior
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Adaptive nature of behavior in relation to the physical, biological and social environment. Focus on mechanistic (endocrinological and molecular) approaches to studying behavior. Prerequisites: BIOL F441 and graduate standing; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
BIOL F633 Conservation Genetics
4 Credits
Offered Spring
Concepts of population genetics, phylogenetics, pedigree analysis, systematics and taxonomy as they apply to conservation of species. Evaluating the impact of small population size, population fragmentation, inbreeding, hybridization, taxonomic uncertainties and other factors on viability and management of species. Prerequisites: BIOL F271 and BIOL F362 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Recommended: BIOL F277; NRM F277. Cross-listed with WLF F633. (3+3)
BIOL F644 Advanced Topics in Evolution
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Modern theory and subdisciplinary directions in the expanding field of evolutionary biology. Topics include adaptation, speciation, reinforcement, comparative method, group selection, phylogeography, advanced systematics, geographic variation and the role of evolutionary biology in society. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisites: Undergraduate course in evolution or permission of instructor. (3+0)
BIOL F645 W,O Molecular Ecology and Evolution (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
An introduction to theory and computational techniques used to analyze and interpret DNA sequence variation among populations and closely related species. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F362; BIOL F481; graduate standing or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F445. (2+3)
BIOL F647 Global to Local Sustainability (a)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Explores basic principles that govern resilience and change of ecological and social systems. Principles are applied across a range of scales from local communities to the globe. Working within and across each of these scales, students address the processes that influence ecological, cultural and economic sustainability, with an emphasis on northern examples. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in a natural science, social science, humanities, or interdisciplinary program at UAF; and permission of instructor. Cross-listed with ANTH F647; ECON F647; NRM F647. (3+0)
BIOL F649 Integrated Assessment and Adaptive Management
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Interdisciplinary exploration of the theoretical and practical considerations of integrated assessment and adaptive management. Students survey concepts important in understanding societal and professional-level decision-making. Students work as individuals and as a team to undertake case studies with relevance to integrated assessment and adaptive management. The class builds a portfolio of cases and conducts an integrated assessment. Note: In case of enrollment limit, priority will be given to graduate students in the Resilience and Adaptation Program in order for them to be able to meet their core requirements. Prerequisites: Graduate student standing in a natural science, social science, humanities or interdisciplinary program at UAF or another university; or permission of instructor. The course is designed to fit into the sequence of Resilience and Adaptation Program's core courses. It is open to other graduate students interested in and prepared to conduct interdisciplinary studies relating to sustainability. Recommended: ANTH/BIOL/ECON/NRM F647; ANTH/BIOL/ECON/NRM F667. In case of enrollment limits, priority will be given to graduate students in the Resilience and Adaptation program in order for them to be able to meet their core requirement. Cross-listed with ANTH F649; ECON F649; NRM F649. (3+0)
BIOL F656 Environmental Toxicology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Environmental toxicology will focus on the general properties and principles of persistent and/or poisonous (toxic) chemicals commonly encountered in air, water, fish and wildlife. Numerous natural and synthetic chemicals in the environment will be discussed from a global perspective with some bias towards arctic and subarctic regions. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: CHEM F451; BIOL F303; or one semester each of organic chemistry and cell or molecular biology or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with CHEM F655. (3+0)
BIOL F657 W Environmental Microbiology
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This course focuses on the role of microorganisms in environmentally-relevent processes including bioremediation of pollutants, biogeochemical cycling, corrosion and wastewater treatment, including current methods for studying microbial diversity and function. Prerequisites: BIOL F115 and BIOL F116; BIOL F342; CHEM F1105X and CHEM F106X or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Recommended: CHEM F451 or BIOL F303 or equivalent. Stacked with BIOL F457 (3+0)
BIOL F659 Wildlife Nutrition
4 Credits
Offered Fall
The energy nutrient requirements of vertebrate animals in relation to their ecology, physiology and life history. Concepts and techniques used by wildlife biologists to understand relationships between wild animals and their habitats. Techniques for constructing energy and nutrient budgets of wild animals and applications of these budgets to population-level processes and habitat management. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F310; BIOL F271; graduate standing; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with WLF F660. (3+3)
BIOL F662 Concepts of Infectious Disease
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Covers infectious disease biology using examples of different pathogens and exploring the concepts of their biology and the implication of these principles on pathology, epidemiology and sociology of infectious diseases. Prerequisites: Graduate standing; BIOL F261 or BIOL F342; or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F462. (3+0)
BIOL F665 Aquatic Entomology
2 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Aquatic invertebrate taxonomy, mostly to the family level, and ecology. Includes field trips to learn collecting techniques and habitats. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor; Students must be able to safely wade in streams and wetlands. Cross-listed with FISH F665. (1+3)
BIOL F666 Scientific Teaching
2 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
This course explores methods for teaching science at the university level. Emphasis is placed on methods of course design, instructional techniques, assessment and course management that have been shown by research to improve student learning. This course is intended for graduate students in the sciences who have an interest in improving their teaching skills. The course format will be a mixture of discussion, workshops and seminars. If the course is over-enrolled, priority will be given to teaching assistants who are assigned to teach large, introductory level (100 or 200 level) courses during the semester they are taking this course. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor. Cross-listed with CHEM F666 and GEOS F666 (2+0)
BIOL F667 Resilience Seminar I
1 Credits
Offered Fall
Provides a forum for new students of the Resilience and Adaptation graduate program to explore issues of interdisciplinary research that are relevant to sustainability. A considerable portion of the seminar is student-directed, with students assuming leadership in planning seminar activities with the instructor. Prerequisites: Student must be enrolled in Resilience and Adaptation graduate program or permission of instructor. Recommended: ANTH/BIOL/ECON/NRM F647 (taken concurrently). Cross-listed with ANTH F667; ECON F667; NRM F667. (2+0)
BIOL F668 Resilience Seminar II
1 Credits
Offered Spring
Provides a forum for new students of the Resilience and Adaptation graduate program to explore issues of interdisciplinary research that are relevant to sustainability. The seminar provides support to each student planning his/her summer internship and preparing and presenting a thesis research prospectus. Prerequisites: ANTH/BIOL/ECON/NRM F647; ANTH/BIOL/ECON/NRM F667; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with ANTH F668; ECON F668; NRM F668. (2+0)
BIOL F669 Landscape Ecology and Wildlife Habitat
3 Credits
Offered Spring
A problem based learning and critical thinking approach to modern methods in landscape ecology, including geographic information systems, remote sensing, modeling, software and the Internet. Graduate students are expected to help undergraduates with occurring problems and questions. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Cross-listed with WLF F669. (2+3)
BIOL F672 Ecosystem Processes
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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 or permission of instructor. (2+2)
BIOL F675 Plant Physiological Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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. Prerequisites: Graduate standing; BIOL F239; BIOL F334; BIOL F474; or permission of instructor. (2+3)
BIOL F676 Interdisciplinary Modeling of High Latitude Global Change (a)
4 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Introduces students to approaches to modeling how regional and global environmental change influences biological and social systems in high latitudes and how the responses of these systems influence the regional and global functioning of the earth system. Prerequisites: STAT F200X or equivalent; graduate standing; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with NRM F676. (3+3)
BIOL F677 Advanced Topics in Plant Ecology and Systematics
3 Credits
Offered Spring
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. Note: May be repeated for credit when topic differs. Prerequisites: BIOL F474; graduate standing; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
BIOL F679 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the cellular and molecular underpinnings of signaling in the nervous system. Discussions will be focused on properties of excitable membranes, synaptic transmission, and neurological integration. Fundamentals of the functional properties of neurons will provide the background for discussions of small neuronal circuits that regulate behavior, the cellular/molecular basis of learning and memory, and pharmacological approaches for the treatment of neuronal pathologies. Prerequisites: Two F300-level courses in BIOL or CHEM; MATH F200 or MATH F272; or permission of the instructor Recommended: MATH F201 Cross-listed with CHEM F470; CHEM F670 (3+0)
BIOL F680 Data Analysis in Biology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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 analysis. 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 F200X; STAT F401; either graduate standing in a biologically oriented field; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with WLF F680. (2+3)
BIOL F681 Principles of Evolution
4 Credits
Patterns and processes of evolutionary change are used to explore the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Basic models of population genetics, quantitative genetics, development, phylogenetics and systematics are used to build a conceptual framework for study of living systems. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: Graduate standing with courses in genetics, ecology and statistics; or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F481. (3+3)
BIOL F686 Vertebrate Paleontology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
The study of vertebrate evolution through geologic time. Covers the temporal range, diversity and systematics of major vertebrate groups as documented in the fossil record, with an emphasis on current problems in vertebrate evolutionary pattern and process. Labs emphasize comparative morphology and identification of major vertebrate groups. Prerequisites: BIOL F310; or BIOL F317; or GEOS F315; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with BIOL F486; GEOS F486. (2+3)
BIOL F687 Conceptual Issues in Evolutionary Biology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Analysis of some of the main models which explain evolutionary change followed by consideration of the practical implications these models have on the study of biological phenomena in general. Cross-listed with PHIL F687. (3+0)
BIOL F688 Arctic Vegetation Ecology: Geobotany
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Arctic plants in relationship to Earth, including arctic plant identification, climate, geology and geography controls on arctic plant communities, snow ecology, applications to wildlife studies and current Arctic issues. Lecture, labs, and 1 winter field trip. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115 and BIOL F116 or equivalent; BIOL F239 or BIOL F271; or approval of instructor. Stacked with: BIOL F488 (3+1)
BIOL F689 Vegetation Description and Analysis
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Methods of vegetation science including sampling, classification, gradient analysis, ordination, field description and mapping. Field trips to the plant communities of interior Alaska. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F239 or BIOL F233 or BIOL F271 or BIOL F331; or permission of instructor. Stacked with BIOL F475 (2+3)