Biology

An introduction to vertebrate development, including studies of germ cells, segmentation, and growth of the principal tissues and organs. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 201.

The principles and mechanisms of function in animals and their constituent parts from molecules to organs. The course will consist of three lecture hours and two laboratory hours each week. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 201. Offered occasionally.

The study of plants as living organisms through a survey of the diversity in the plant kingdom. Emphasis will be placed on plant morphology, anatomy, classification, and evolution of structure and function in response to the environment. Laboratory work with fresh and preserved materials is included. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and BIO 201.

The study of physiological processes in plants. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 201; BIO 305 is beneficial but not required.

An advanced study in the plant sciences focused on understanding the concept and theories that govern the distribution and abundance of plant populations and communities. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 305, or consent of instructor. Offered alternating spring semesters.

A study of the structure and function of the human body; fundamental processes including nervous function, hormones, integument, respiration, circulation, blood, muscles, and skeleton. Laboratory work is included. Offered every spring semester. Prerequisites: BIO 200, CHM 201, and CHM 202.

The study of the principles of heredity, gene function and mutation, and growth and reproduction. Prerequisite: BIO 200.

An introduction to field biology with an emphasis on hands-on field research techniques. Very minimal lecture, and substantial time in forests, lakes, streams, and other habitats of northern Michigan. Field experiences will focus on experimental design, sampling terrestrial and aquatic organisms, population estimations, community interactions, ecosystem evaluations, and proper use of field research equipment. Offered at the G.H. Gordon Biological Station during the 2nd summer session.

The study of Michigan's native plants, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, aquatic plants and grasses. Includes extensive field work and overnight field trips.

An introduction to the history of the earth from its formation to the present, including the development of the earthís interior, crust, oceans, climate, continents, mountains and glaciers. In addition to the abiotic history of our planet, prevailing scientific theories on the origins, evolution and diversity of life (from bacteria to dinosaurs) on earth will be examined. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in both spatial and temporal cognition. Lectures are enhanced by field trips. Prerequisites: BIO 101 or equivalent. Offered every spring semester.

A study of the infrastructure and function of cells. Topics include the study of electron micrographs, cellular respiration, enzyme kinetics, mechanisms of movement, protein synthesis and the implications of cellular function in multicellular organisms. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 201, CHM 201, and PHY 101. Offered alternating spring semesters.

An introduction to the study of the microscopic features of cells, tissues, and organs, the physiology that arises from that microanatomy, and laboratory techniques for the preparation of histological specimens. The course will emphasize the major organ systems and tissue types of mammals. Prerequisites: BIO 303 or BIO 308 or permission of instructor. Offered alternating spring semesters.

An introduction to philosophy of science, logical structure of the scientific method, and principles of univariate statistics for the biological sciences. Laboratory work is included, which will require the mastering of a statistical software program. Prerequisites: MTH 105 and BIO 101 or equivalent. Required in the field of concentration. Must be taken before BIO 591. Offered fall and spring semesters.

The study of microorganisms, focusing on bacteria and viruses. General topics include morphology, growth, reproduction, metabolism, mechanisms of genetic exchange, control, pathogenic and applied microbiology. Fundamental concepts of virology and immunology are also covered. Laboratory work includes isolation and identification techniques. Prerequisite: BIO 200. Offered every fall semester.

An introduction to historical microbiology, microbial physiology, environmental microbiology, microbial genomics, and current trends in microbiology. The topics will be presented in an informal lecture/discussion format three days per week. Laboratories will emphasize individual and group projects covering aspects of bacterial photosynthesis, as well as selected laboratory exercises. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 360. Offered alternating spring semesters.

Insects represent 80 percent of all animal species. This course examines their classification, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology, as well as their positive and negative impacts on people and the effects of insect pest control. The laboratory will encompass both indoor activities and several field trips to local environments. Prerequisites: BIO 201 or consent of instructor. Offered alternating fall semesters.

The study of empirical, theoretical, and conceptual foundations of animal behavior. Laboratory experiments, emphasizing ethological methodology, as well as discussion, will reinforce these foundations. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 201. BIO 250 is strongly recommended. Offered alternating fall semesters.

A survey of animal parasites, including their taxonomy, structure, life histories, and evolution. Emphasis is on the practical implications of medical and veterinary parasitic diseases. Prerequisites: BIO 201 or consent of instructor.

The lecture will present both an introduction to theoretical studies, and discussion of actual molecular and phenotypic variation in natural populations and how processes such as mutation, recombination, and selection affect genetic variation. Topics discussed will include genetic variation, Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, genetic recombination, linkage and disequilibrium, basic natural selection models, molecular evolution and phylogenetics, mutation, genetic drift, inbreeding and nonrandom mating, population subdivision and gene flow, and the neutralist versus selectionist debate. Prerequisites: BIO 200 or 201 or consent of instructor. Offered every fall semester.

This is primarily a course in human gross anatomy with three hours of directed cadaveric dissections each week. Weekly lectures will include one laboratory recitation and two lectures on the structure and physiology of the digestive, renal, and reproductive systems. Prerequisite: BIO 308. Offered every fall semester.

An introduction to the basic concepts of molecular biology: the nature, control, recombination and rearrangement of genes; gene manipulation; recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques; and bioengineering strategies. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 360, CHM 303, and PHY 101. Offered alternating spring semesters.

An advanced study of the human immune system. Lecture topics include the structure and function of the organs and cells of the immune system, immune system development, intrinsic and innate immunity, antigen recognition and presentation, adaptive immunity, immunological memory, immune system failure, autoimmunity, and allergies. Prerequisite: BIO 360. Offered alternating fall semesters.

An advanced study of the virosphere. Lecture topics include virus structure, replication cycles, categories of infection, pathogenesis, immune response and evasion, transmission, and treatment. A broad range of virus families are represented. Prerequisite: BIO 360. Offered alternating fall semesters.

An advanced study into the neurophysiology of human cognition. Topics, starting with basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, will build toward an understanding of cognitive functions, emphasizing sensory processing, memory formation, decision making, emotions, and brain diseases. Ultimately the course aims to help students link brain functions to modern views of consciousness. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and BIO 308 or PSY 333. Offered alternating fall semesters.

Senior research project; group format seminar. Required in the field of concentration. Prerequisite: BIO 340. To be taken by majors in the fall semester of their senior year.