Course descriptions index


Biology


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 distance education.     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 Tanana Valley Campus 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 Credit     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 F104 Natural History of Alaska

3 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.     Offered Spring and Fall via Independent Learning. (3+0)


BIOL F104L Natural History of Alaska Laboratory

1 Credit     Offered Fall

A laboratory section only of BIOL 104X 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 F104X Natural History of Alaska (n)

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. 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. 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. Prerequisites: High school algebra or equivalent; placement in ENGL F111X or higher; placement in DEVM F105 or higher; or permission of instructor. Prerequisite/co-requisite: CHEM F105X. 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. 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. Available via Independent Learning only. (3+0)


BIOL F233 Biology of the Non-Vascular Plants

3 Credits     Offered As Demand Warrants

Structure, function, comparative development, taxonomy, phylogeny and life histories of non-vascular cryptogams (blue-green algae, algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, liverworts and horn worts). Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X. (2+3)


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 Tanana Valley Campus. 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     Offered Fall

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. (3+3)


BIOL F277 Introduction to Conservation Biology

3 Credits     Offered Spring Even-numbered Years

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 Marine and Freshwater Fishes of Alaska

3 Credits     Offered Spring Even-numbered Years

Biology of the marine and freshwater fishes of Alaska including their evolutionary relationships, biogeography, life-history, ecology, behavior and importance to people. Prerequisites: FISH F101 or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with FISH F288.) (3+0)


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)

5 Credits     Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years

Classification, structure, function, evolution and life histories of invertebrate animals. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X; BIOL F271. (3+6)


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 F328O Biology of Marine Organisms

3 Credits     Offered Spring

Marine organisms: ocean as a habitat, distribution, classification, functional morphology, and general biology of the major biological groups; man and the oceans. Prerequisites: COMM F131X or COMM F141X; upper-division standing in a biologically oriented major. (3+0)


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 insure that each student will prepare a plant collection. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F239 or permission of instructor. Recommended: BIOL F362. (2+6)


BIOL F334W 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 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. (3+3)


BIOL F402W 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 Even-number 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 F417O 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 F422 Physiological Ecology of Overwintering

3 Credits     Offered As Demand Warrants

Investigation of physiological and behavioral responses of animals and plants to winter in northern environments. Analysis of biologically relevant environmental changes that accompany winter, and comparison of alternative strategies that organisms use to cope with winter including: photoperiodism, acclimatization, arctic endurance, migration, hibernation, supercooling and freeze tolerance. Includes principles of thermoregulation, conductance and fattening. Includes field studies of overwintering of insects and amphibians. Prerequisites: BIOL F310 or permission of instructor. (Stacked with BIOL F623.) (2+3)


BIOL F425 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 F426W,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 Even-numbered Years

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. Stacked with BIOL F633; WLF F633.) (3+0)


BIOL F441W,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 F443W 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 Molecular Evolution

4 Credits     Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years

Structure, function and evolution of hereditary molecules (nucleic acids). Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F362. (Cross-listed with CHEM F445. Stacked with BIOL F645; CHEM F645.) (3+3)


BIOL F450W,O Women and Science

3 Credits     Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years

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 concluded. Prerequisites: COMM F131X or COMM F141X; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X; junior standing in the natural sciences; or permission of instructor. (3+0)


BIOL F453O/2 Molecular Biology

4 Credits     Offered Fall Even-numbered Years

Provides in-depth coverage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene function, including the applications of recombinant DNA technology to the biological sciences. Prerequisites: BIOL F362 or CHEM F321 or BIOL F303; COMM F131X or COMM F141X; or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with CHEM F453. Stacked with BIOL F653; CHEM F653.) (3+3)


BIOL F458 Vertebrate Endocrinology

3 Credits     Offered Fall, Spring; As Demand Warrants

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 homeostasis and of specific behaviors. Examples to be taken mostly from recent comparative studies. Prerequisites: BIOL F310 or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with WLF F458.) (3+0)


BIOL F459 Wildlife Nutrition

3 Credits     Offered Fall

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: BIOL F310; BIOL F271; or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with WLF F460. Stacked with BIOL F659; WLF F660.) (3+0)


BIOL F462 Concepts of Infectious Disease

3 Credits     Offered Spring Even-numbered Years

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 F467 Ecosystems of Alaska (n)

3 Credits     Offered Summer Even-numbered Years; As Demand Warrants

Focus on the application of ecological principles to field research. Emphasis on the integration of ecology with climatology, geology and hydrology to understand the functioning of ecosystems at local and regional scales. One week of intensive lecture and library research followed by 10 days of field research in the major ecosystems of Alaska. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: An undergraduate course in ecology, geology, hydrology or climatology and permission of instructor. (2+3)


BIOL F469O 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 F217 or equivalent; COMM F131X or COMM F141X. (Cross-listed with WLF F469. Stacked with BIOL F669; WLF F669.) (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, BIOL F271 for biology majors; WLF F201 for wildlife majors; either course for others. (2+3)


BIOL F472W 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 F473W 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 F474 Plant Ecology (n)

4 Credits     Offered Spring Even-numbered Years

Principles and contemporary topics in plant ecology. Autoecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology and evolutionary ecology. Prerequisites: BIOL F239, BIOL F271, STAT F200X. (3+3)


BIOL F475 Vegetation Description and Analysis

2 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 F474 or other general ecology course; permission of instructor. (1+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

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 F487 Conceptual Issues in Evolutionary Biology

3 Credits     Offered Spring Even-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. Stacked with BIOL F687; PHIL F687.) (3+0)


BIOL F602 Research Design

3 Credits     Offered Fall

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. (Cross-listed with WLF F602.) (3+0)


BIOL F611 Fish Physiology

3 Credits     Offered in Juneau, As Demand Warrants.

Physiology of the living fishes. Prerequisites: BIOL F310 [BIOL S310-J]; BIOL F427. (3+0)


BIOL F613 Resilience Internship

2 Credits

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 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 Spring

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. (3+0)


BIOL F622 Readings in Conservation Biology

3 Credits     Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years

Critical reading and discussion of historical and contemporary literature concerning extinction patterns, population viability and the preservation, design and management of habitats for small populations. Stresses integration of principles 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 F623 Physiological Ecology of Overwintering

3 Credits     Offered As Demand Warrants

Investigation of physiological and behavioral responses of animals and plants to winter in northern environments. Analysis of biologically relevant environmental changes that accompany winter, and comparison of alternative strategies that organisms use to cope with winter including: photoperiodism, acclimatization, arctic endurance, migration, hibernation, supercooling and freeze tolerance. Includes principles of thermoregulation, conductance and fattening. Includes field studies of overwintering of insects and amphibians. Prerequisites: BIOL F310 or permission of instructor. (Stacked with BIOL F422.) (2+3)


BIOL F629 Advanced Animal Behavior

3 Credits     Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years

Adaptive nature of behavior in relation to the physical, biological and social environment. Current problems and controversies in the study of behavior. Prerequisites: BIOL F441 and graduate standing; or permission of instructor. (3+0)


BIOL F633 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 and BIOL F362 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Recommended: BIOL F277; NRM F277. (Cross-listed with WLF F633. Stacked with BIOL F433; WLF F433.) (3+0)


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 Molecular Evolution

4 Credits     Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years

Structure, function and evolution of hereditary molecules (nucleic acids). Special fees apply. Prerequisites: BIOL F362; graduate standing; or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with CHEM F645. Stacked with BIOL F445; CHEM F445.) (3+3)


BIOL F647 Regional Sustainability

3 Credits     Offered Fall

Explores basic principles that govern resilience and change of ecological and social systems. The principles are applied at the level of populations, communities, regions and 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 Alaskan examples. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in a natural science, social science, humanities, or interdisciplinary program at UAF; or 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 F650 Fish Ecology

3 Credits     Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years

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. Prerequisites: BIOL F473 [BIOL S423-J]; FISH F400. (Cross-listed with FISH F650.) (2+3)


BIOL F653 Molecular Biology

4 Credits     Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years

In-depth coverage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene function, including the applications of recombinant DNA technology to the biological sciences. Prerequisites: Graduate standing; BIOL F303 or BIOL F362 or CHEM F321; or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed with CHEM F653. Stacked with BIOL F453; CHEM F453.) (3+3)


BIOL F659 Wildlife Nutrition

4 Credits     Offered Fall

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. Stacked with BIOL F459; WLF F460.) (3+3)


BIOL F662 Concepts of Infectious Disease

3 Credits     Offered Spring Even-numbered Years

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 F667 Resilience Seminar I

1 Credit     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. Graded Pass/Fail. 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 Credit     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. Graded Pass/Fail. 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. Stacked with BIOL F469; WLF F469.) (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. (Cross-listed with ECON F675.) (2+3)


BIOL F676 Interdisciplinary Modeling of High Latitude Global Change

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 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 F687 Conceptual Issues in Evolutionary Biology

3 Credits     Offered Spring

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. Stacked with BIOL F487; PHIL F487.) (3+0)