Department of Biological Sciences
Graduate Course Listing

 

BIO 500 Bioinformatics and Genome Analysis (4) (Sp)

The Bioinformatics and Genome Analysis course focuses on contemporary methods in the analysis of genetic information, including use of computerized genetic databases, experimental phylogenetics, phylogenetic tree construction, hypothesis testing in phylogenetics, testing and calibrating of molecular clocks, linkage mapping and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, positional cloning, genomics and proteomics. This 4-credit course includes both lectures and computer-based lab exercises, and provides first-hand experience with various analytical tools. The course is open to senior undergraduate and graduate students.

 

BIO 501 Advanced Biological Chemistry (4) (F)

Structure and function of biological macromolecules discussed. Topics: structure and properties of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, energy transduction and metabolic regulation. LEC

 

BIO 502 Advanced Cell & Developmental Biology I (4) (F)

Major topics in cell and developmental biology are covered at the advanced textbook level. Emphasis is placed on the experimental basis underpinning our current knowledge. LEC (Prerequisite: a course in cell biology)

 

BIO 504 Advanced Molecular Genetics (4) (Sp)

Studies of genetic fine structure of eucaryotes and procaryotes and their viruses, the structure of controlling regions and their interactions with regulatory molecules, the organization of the genome, the structure and function of repetitive DNA sequences, and the mechanisms of transcription and replication. LEC (Prerequisite: BIO 319 or equivalent)

 

BIO 505 Advanced Cell & Developmental Biology II (4) (Sp)

A continuation of BIO 402 covering recent advances in cell and developmental biology. Aspects of cell organization, structure and function will be presented and discussed. LEC (Prerequisite: BIO 502 or permission of instructor)

 

BIO 506 Signal Transduction (3)

This course discusses how cells respond to stimuli, which encompasses the mechanisms that transmit signals, "crosstalk" between signaling pathways within a cell, and how these signaling pathways generate the multitude of output responses by the cells.

 

BIO 507 Advanced Ecology (3)

An advanced course in the foundations of ecology emphasizing population and community ecolgy. Lectures in basic ecological principles are supplemented with discussions of both current and historically important issues, as well as application of ecological principles to environmental problems. LEC (Prerequisite: a basic course in ecology)

 

BIO 508 Plant Responses to the Environment (3)

The course provides an integrated approach to the study of plants, incorporation the concepts of physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and ecology to provide an understanding the plant as a whole and how it functions in the environment. The focus will be how plants respond to environmental stresses and how these adaptations are expressed and constrained at all levels of analysis, from the molecule to the community. LEC (Prerequisites: basic courses in gentics and physiology)

 

BIO 510 Biophysical Aspects of Macromolecules (4)

Applications of spectroscopic techniques to determinations of kinetic, the modynamic, and equilibrium constants characterizing interactions between biological macromolecules. Examples include microtubule assembly, protein folding, lac repressor binding to DNA and immunoglobulin/hapten interactions. LEC

 

BIO 511 Ocean Shallow Water Ecosystem (3)

Consideration of basic ecological forces at work in controlling creation and maintenance of ecological niches in the ocean. Implies an understanding of both physical and biological aspects of these ecosystems. Course describes interaction between major physical environmental forces (such as light, salinity, wave activity, etc.) and various marine organisms. Emphasizes more detailed study of interactions in organisms. Emphasizes more detailed study of interactions in selected ecological niches. LEC (Prerequisite: basic ecology and invertebrate zoology)

 

BIO 513 Advanced Physiology (4)

Physiology of animals, microorganisms, and plants, including membrane transport, electrophysiology, behavior of simple organisms, communication (including intra- and intercellular and integrative (hormonal) levels), exercise physiology and thermoregulation. Emphasis will be placed on techniques (experimental and analytical) and current literature.

 

BIO 514 Topics in Advanced Ecology (2)

Explores a series of current topics in advanced ecological studies. Lectures and discussion may include such topics as roles of density dependent and independent population regulation; effects on coevaluation on community structure, research methods in ecology; sampling methodology and modelilng; community stability and succession; and readings in ecology. Topics vary from year to year, and may be taken for credit more than once. SEM (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

 

BIO 515 Virology (3)

Surveys bacterial, plant, and animal viruses. Examines viral strategies for existence as simple life forms and covers medical and research importance of viruses. This is a basic undergraduate/graduate course for individuals interested in research or careers related to medicine. LEC (Prerequisite: BIO 200, 201, 202 or equivalent, or permission of instructor)

 

BIO 516 Intermediate Cell Biology (3) Sp

A comprehensive treatment of current developments in cell biology taught at the textbook level. Textbook readings will predominate with supplementary readings from the primary literature. LEC (Prerequisites: BIO 201, BIO 205 or equivalents)

 

BIO 517 Neurobiology (4)

Three one-hour lectures and one tutorial per week. Lectures on the neural control of stereotypic behavior morphology and development of nervous systems, morphology and development of neuron systems, muscular systems, and cardiac systems. Tutorial on current literature covering topic discussed in lectures. LEC (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

 

BIO 518 Integrative Neuroscience (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: BIO 517

This course examines the nervous system at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels, focussing on major functions such as perception, motor control, and development, as well as the basis for neural diseases. Second of a two-semester sequence with BIO417.

 

BIO 520 Bioenergetics (3)

Interdisciplinary. Designed mainly for chemistry students interested in living systems, or biology students interested in living systems, or biology students interested in chemistry. Lectures and discussions include: a brief historical account of early research in bioenergetics, genereal thermodynamic considerations, fermentation, aerobic glycolysis and substrate level phosphorylation, citric acid cycle, respiratory chain, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and respiratory control, photosynthesis, the proposed molecular mechanisms for coupling electron transport to phosphorylation in various biological and related model systems, theories of energy transduction and metabolic control in living systems, active transport and muscular contraction. Emphasizes major discoveries, controversies, and unanswered questions concerning the living state, rather than surveying existing factual information. Also listed as CHE 550. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

 

BIO 521 Computer Applications in Molecular Biology (3)

Structure and operation of computers, principles and operation of general purpose software, theory and operation of software for analysis of biological sequences. Includes hands-on use of sequence analysis software on the University's VAX cluster. Two hours recitation and 1 hour computer lab work.

 

Bio 522/Mic 522: Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions

The interaction between proteins and nucleic acids is critical to all organisms both cellular and viral. The interaction between proteins and nucleic acids from a physical biochemical perspective will be studied.

 

BIO 523 Palynological Applications (3)

A lecture course which establishes the principles of pollen morphology, pollen analysis and pollination biology. Subsequently, through independent study and lectures applications of palynology to the fields of archeology, biology, evolution, geology, geography and paleobotany and paleontology are examined.

 

BIO 524 Plant-Herbivore Interactions (3)

Lecture and Laboratory. This course addresses the most ubiquitous of ecological interactions: the plant-herbivore interaction. It covers the determinants of food quality, plant chemical defense, the sequestration and detoxification of secondary metabolites, tritrophic-level interactions, host finding and specialization, mutualistic interactions and coevolution.

 

BIO 525 Special Topics Course: Development and Evolution (3) (F)
Required: BIO367 or permission of instructor

This course will explore how evolutionary biology informs developmental biology, and how developmental biology is important for the study of evolution. LEC

 

BIO 531 Case Studies in Biology: The Natural World and the Human Melting Pot (3)

Course intended for k-8 instructors; component of general education masters degree program under auspices of school of education and the college of arts and sciences.

 

BIO 539 Advanced Comparative Physiology Colloquium (1)

A weekly course devoted to contemporary problems in advanced comparative physiology. Topics studied in detail, emphasizing recent literature. SEM

 

BIO 540 Experimental Endocrinology (2)

Study of cellular integration of peptide hormone influences and molecular mechanisms which mediate these influences. This includes: 1) role of hormones in cellular function; 2) surface membrane receptor-transduction mechanisms; 3) nonmembrane receptor-transduction mechanisms; 4) role of the "state" of the cell in cellular response to hormone and 5) cellular integration of multiple hormone influences. LEC

 

BIO 542 Molecular Pharmacology II (3)

Molecular biological strategies as applied to problems in pharmacology. LEC

 

BIO 548 Seminar in Ecology and Liminology (1)

Evaluation and review of selected topics in ecology and limnology with emphasis on aquatic interrelation. May be taken more than once for credit. SEM (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

 

BIO 549 Comparative Genomics (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: BIO 319, or permission of instructor

This course will examine the structure and dynamics of the genome from a comparative perspective. Architectural relationships among genomes can be studied in the context of an organismal "family tree". Many other themes in genome science, such gene duplication, intron-exon structure, transposable elements, and regulatory DNA, will be discussed with reference to the evolution of genome complexity. SEM

 

BIO 550 Experimental Limnology (4)

Comparative limnological investigations. Selected physical, chemical, and biological techniques utilized to study the Finger Lakes of New York, the Great Lakes and some meromictic lakes. Two lectures, one laboratory for five hours or field trip/week. LEC/LAB (Prerequisite: BIO 450, 317 and permission of instructor)

BIO 551 Cell Nucleus (2)

Advanced course dealing with cell and molecular biology of the eucaryotic cell nucleus. Topics include: nuclear structure, dynamics of nuclear structure and function, role of nuclear structure in spatial organization and expression of the eucaryotic genome, and relationships of nuclear structure and function to cellular regulation. Emphasizes recent developments in the field and includes a critical analysis of current research articles. LEC (Prerequisite: a course in cell biology or permission of instructor)

 

BIO 552 Limnology (4)

Physical, chemical, and biological investigations of freshwater lakes and streams. Three lectures, one lab of three hours or field trips. LEC/LAB (Prerequisite: one year each of biology, chemistry, and math through calculus or physics)

 

BIO 553 Evolutionary Biology Colloquium (1-3)

This is the core course for the Graduate Group in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology. Consists of lectures and seminars by the faculty and student paper presentations by students on current topics in Evolution and Ecology. Typically, 2-3 major topics are covered each semester. Topics covered during the Fall of 1990 were coevolution, sexual selection, and the genetic consequences of behavior.

 

BIO 555 Cell Motility (3)

Advanced course in cell biology dealing with molecular and biophysical aspects of biological movement. Topics include: muscle contraction, ciliary and flagellar motion, and mitotic and morphogenetic movements. LEC (Prerequisite: a course in cell biology or equivalent)

 

BIO 556 Evolutionary Genetics: The Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change (4)

To understand an maintain the diversity of life on our planet, it is first necessary to understand the processes that cause evolutionary change within natural populations. This course introduces and fully explores the topics of population and quantitative genetics, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, population size and genetic drift, natural selection and sexual selection, kin selection, speciation, adaptation, and molecular evolution. LEC (Prerequisites: A course in genetics, and a semester of calculus)

 

BIO 558 Molecular Ecology(3) (Sp)

This course focuses on the use of molecular markers to study the ecological causes and consequences of population structure as well as phenomena as diverse as life history strategies and symbiosis. This course will give students a strong foundation in the ecological questions and issues that can be addressed with a molecular approach, and a working knowledge of the molecular tools necessary to address those issues.

 

BIO 561 Basic Radiation Science (4)

Introduction to production, properties, interactions, dosimetry, detection, and instrumentation of radiations from radioisotopes, radiation producing equipment, and nuclear reactors. Safe handling procedures and survey methods appropriate for biological, health, and engineering sciences included. This is a basic introduction to theory and instrumentation for radioisotope techniques and radiobiology and is a prerequisite to all other courses in this area of science. LEC/LAB

 

BIO 563 Radiation Protection (4)

Theory and practice of radiation safety programs including site, area, and personnel monitoring of various types of installations, including dental, medical diagnostic and therapy, industrial research, and nuclear reactors. Translation of guides and regulations into working procedures for facility design and survey emphasized. LEC/LAB (Prerequisite: BIO 561 and 565)

 

BIO 565 Radiation Biology (3)

Effects of ultraviolet and ionizing radiations on biological systems. Molecular, physiological, genetic, and lethal responses considered at the level of molecules, cells, organs, and organisms with implications of risk to human population. LEC (Prerequisite: BIO 561)

 

BIO 567 Techniques in Immunology (2)

This lab is designed to provide you with experience and training that you would need to work in a professional immunology laboratory. The major portion of the lab is designed around the process of monoclonal antibody production, purification and characterization. Techniques include: tissue culture, ELISA, western blotting, etc.

 

BIO 568 Molecular Basis of Immunology (3)

Consideration of immunological phenomena including properties of antigen and antigen structure; properties of antibody and antibody structure; antigen-antibody interactions; complement; evolution, distribution theory and mechanism of antibody formation. LEC

 

BIO 575 Physiological Ecology (3)

Through evolutionary time, organisms have developed resistance to unfavorable environments, which facilitates survival. This course investigates response of organisms to environmental parameters such as temperature, water, light, etc. Adaptation and mechanisms for survival considered at the subcellular, cellular, organismal, and populational levels. LEC (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

 

BIO 599 Supervised Teaching (1-3)

Teaching assistants (TA) enroll with permission of department chair. Members of faculty supervise instructional efforts of TAs assisting their courses. Credit up to three hours dependent on type and amount of instructional duties. May be taken more than once for credit.

 

BIO 600 Problems in the Biological Sciences (1-8)

Research performed under the guidance of individual faculty members.

 

BIO 608 Topics in Macromolecular Structure (3)

An advanced course that considers the structural, thermodynamic, electrostatic and dynamic aspects of molecules that direct the folding of proteins and nucleic acids and govern their interactions with each other as well as with small ligands. Students will approach these topics with the aid of state-of-the-art molecular graphics and computational chemistry methods. LEC/LAB (Prerequisites: an advanced course in biochemistry).

 

BIO 609 Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology (1)

The course will review the current literature in the broad field of cell and molecular biology. Topics to be covered will vary according to the interests and the instructor, but will always emphasize the most recent research. May be taken more than once for credit. SEM

 

BIO 610 Graduate Student Seminar (1)

All graduate students required to attend this seminar during the first four semesters of residence. M.S. students will present one seminar, and Ph.D. students will present two. Seminars normally will be presented by second year students. SEM

 

BIO 614 Departmental Seminar (1)

Required of all graduate students every semester. Seminars on current topics in cell and molecular biology by invited speakers. SEM

 

BIO 615 Advanced Research Topics (1)

Multiple sections of this course are offered each semester, with each section taught by a different instructor. Each section will review the most recent research results occurring in the instructor's own field. Since each student in a section will either be doing research in the field or interested in doing research in the field, permission of the instructor is required for each student registering for each section. May be taken more than once for credit. SEM

 

BIO 680 Graduate Research (1-12)

An original investigation to be pursued under sponsorship of one or more faculty members.

 

BIO 700 Thesis (1-12)

Upon satisfactory completion of original investigation (Graduate Research), M.S. and Ph.D. students shall be the results of their research to their committee, and upon their approval, the results will be documented in thesis form. M.S. and Ph.D. students must take this class once.