Undergraduate Biological Sciences
Undergraduate Biological Sciences
2020 Spring Term
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BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS
BIOLOGY 120
A terminal course designed to introduce basic principles of life, such as structure and function, reproduction, evolution, diversity, and adaptation, leading to a broader understanding of humans and their biological environment. Not applicable to biology emphases or minors. Three lectures and two hours of laboratory per week.
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I
BIOLOGY 141
An introduction to biology emphasizing the chemistry of life, the cell, metabolism, genetics, bacteria and protists. Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion and two hours of laboratory per week. This course is prerequisite to all advanced courses in biology for majors and minors. Offered every term.
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II
BIOLOGY 142
An introduction to biology emphasizing evolution, animal physiology, ecology, fungal, plant and animal diversity. Dissections are required. Three hours of lecture, one hour of discussion and two hours of laboratory per week. This course is prerequisite to all advanced courses in biology for majors and minors. Offered every term.
SEX, GENDER, AND HEALTH
BIOLOGY 180
This course explores the reproductive and sexual functions of human bodies, as well as the scientific and social influences on those bodies. By examining sex, reproduction, and aging, this course uses intersectional lenses to explore uneven access to sexual health resources and reproductive justice across cultures, ultimately demonstrating the achievements and limitations of women's health movements in the recent past.
BIOLOGY FORUM
BIOLOGY 190
Lectures on current research and career opportunities in biology through invited speakers. Additional topics include preparation and planning for graduation, Resume development and interview skills. Required of Biology majors. Offered on a satisfactory/no credit basis every semester.
WRITING IN BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY 200
This course is designed to develop the written communication skills of Biology students. It satisfies the Writing Proficiency requirement for all Biology majors. The two units do not apply towards any Biology major or minor.
ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
BIOLOGY 214
A study of basic ecological concepts and their application to the identification, understanding, and abatement of contemporary environmental problems. Special emphasis is given to those problems resulting from man and his activities. This course is accepted as a course in conservation required for teacher licensure in the sciences.
INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY
BIOLOGY 220
Introduction to basic principles of tracking changes in health indicators and problems in modern society. We will cover both current and historical cases to learn techniques of gathering information, analysis, and application. Problems will include infectious diseases, environmental problems, and other areas of concern in population health.
SCIENCE OF FORENSIC ANALYSIS
BIOLOGY 225
An introduction to the scientific foundation of techniques used for criminal investigation.
INTRODUCTION TO GENETICS
BIOLOGY 251
An introduction to the general principles of inheritance; subjects included are basic transmission genetics, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, mutations, and population genetics. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Offered every semester.
INTRODUCTION TO CELL BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY 253
Introduction to the chemical and physical bases of life; bacterial and eukaryotic cell structure and function; cellular respiration; photosynthesis; and molecular biology. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered every semester.
BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY METHODS I
BIOLOGY 254
Introduction to theory and practice in modern molecular biology labs, including principles of nucleic acid isolation/quantitation/manipulation, photometry, centrifugation, electrophoresis, and assay methods. Exercises include basic lab methods and techniques, DNA analysis including cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction digests and RNA analysis. Three hours laboratory per week.
INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY
BIOLOGY 257
A survey of ecosystems and animal and plant populations and communities. Topics include review of the Earth's major biomes and the physical factors that influence them, the ecology and evolution of populations, the nature of biotic communities, the structure and function of ecosystems, and the status and protection of biodiversity. Three hours of lecture per week. Optional field trip. Offered every semester.
FIELD EXPERIENCE
BIOLOGY 258
Introduction to regional terrestrial and aquatic biological communities and field techniques for studying these communities. Field work and lectures will emphasize recognition of biotic community types, interpretation of their dynamics, and methods for identifying and surveying organisms. Weekend field trip required. Registration priority given to Ecology/Field majors.
INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
BIOLOGY 301
A survey of the biological and physiological bases of human and animal behavior, with particular attention to the following: Basic principles of the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the nervous system; sensory and motor systems; sleep; circadian rhythms; sexual behavior; emotion and stress; motivation; learning, memory, and language; neurological disorders; psychopathology.
BIOSTATISTICS
BIOLOGY 303
Students will learn fundamentals of hypothesis formation and testing, using a variety of univariate statistical methods. Consideration of experimental design and the evaluation of research methodologies published in the biological literature are explored in detail. Students will gain practical experience with implementation of statistical analyses using real world datasets and communicating these results effectively.
MICROBIOLOGY
BIOLOGY 311
Examination of organisms too small to be seen by the unaided eye, ranging from their molecular organization to their role in global ecology. Primary emphasis will be the study of bacteria and viruses, their beneficial or detrimental impacts on humans, animals, and plants, and their current and potential exploitation. Two lectures and two labs per week. Offered every term.
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY 341
Explores the processes of embryonic development in plants and animals, emphasizing the experimental basis of contemporary knowledge in embryogenesis, morphogenesis, and in cell and tissue differentiation. The laboratory illustrates principles and processes in early development and includes the use of basic microscopy and imaging techniques to study embryonic processes. Skills in observation, experimental design, and data presentation will be developed.
ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
BIOLOGY 345
A study of the functional mechanisms that underlie the life processes in animals. Six hours of laboratory and lecture per week.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I
BIOLOGY 361
A study of the structure and function of the human body at the level of organs and systems. This course covers the following topics: Anatomical Structure, Basic Histology, Bones, Muscles, and Nervous System. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II
BIOLOGY 362
A study of the structure and function of the human body at the level of organs and systems. This is the second term course of a two term sequence. This course represents coverage of the following topics: Endocrinology, Circulatory System, Cardiac System, Lymphatic System, Respiration, Digestion and Metabolism, Renal, and Reproduction and Development. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY 363
The study of how nucleic acids and proteins interact to control the cell. Topics include DNA replication, chromosome structure, transcription, translation, control of gene expression, gene evolution and genomics. Experimental approaches to studying molecular biology are emphasized. Three hours of lecture per week.
AQUATIC BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY 370
The study of aquatic environment, its fauna, flora and general ecology. The laboratory will emphasize the taxonomic study of aquatic organisms.
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
BIOLOGY 430
Behavior of animals as individuals and groups, including study of causation, development, integration, evolution and adaptive value of behavior patterns. Lecture and laboratory.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
BIOLOGY 442
This course is an introduction to environmental toxicology that focuses on sources, transport, fate, accumulation, and toxicity of contaminants. Principles of toxicity testing and analysis of effects at different levels of biological organization (molecular to ecosystem) are covered. Information on select classes of contaminants, including emerging contaminants of concern are presented.
ORGANIC EVOLUTION
BIOLOGY 446
History of evolutionary thought, evidences of evolution and analysis of evolutionary mechanisms and processes.
INTRODUCTORY ENTOMOLOGY
BIOLOGY 450
An introduction to the biology and classification of insescts. The course surveys insect structure, function, development, and evolution. Relevant insect physiology, ecology, and behavior are introduced. The laboratory surveys insect orders and a select group of Wisconsin families. An insect collection is required. Offered in the fall semester.
BIOCHEMISTRY OF METABOLISM AND SIGNALING
BIOLOGY 456
The chemistry of biological systems, focusing on metabolism and biochemical signaling. Three lectures/week. For Chemistry majors (Biochemistry emphasis), Biology majors (allied health focus) and students interested in Biochemistry postgraduate education.
GENERAL ECOLOGY
BIOLOGY 457
A study of biotic populations and communities and natural ecosystems. Contemporary ecological theory and techniques will be emphasized, as well as their applications to the preservation of natural communities. Laboratory exercises will include field studies, laboratory experiments, and computer simulations and analysis. Six hours of lecture or laboratory per week.
LABORATORY TEACHING EXPERIENCE
BIOLOGY 492
This course provides teaching experience at the college level for undergraduate students. Undergraduate teaching experience students will assist faculty members in preparing, delivering, and tearing down laboratory or discussion section instructional units in biology courses, conducting review sessions, and tutoring students under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. S/NC only.
INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY 493
Variable topics.
EXCHANGE STUDY
BIOLOGY 497
Variable topics.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
BIOLOGY 498
Typical projects may include helping researchers in conducting researvh projects or helping instructors develop pedagogical tools for their courses. Eligible students who are conducting their own research projects should enroll in Biology 498R. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in major and degree or 2 units in the minor.
INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
BIOLOGY 498R
Students will complete and present an undergraduate research project unter the directior of a faculty mentor. Projects may require more than one semester to complete. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 units in major and degree or 2 in the minor.