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• Undergraduate Spring 2025
• Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Biological Sciences

2025 Spring Term

Class Schedule

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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BIOLOGY OF AGING

BIOLOGY 241

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the biological process of aging. The course covers current concepts and knowledge of the aging process, including cellular and molecular research, oxidative stress and DNA repair. It will educate students on various changes organism undergo during gradual transformation from birth to advanced stages of life. This course will explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of calorie restriction and importance of evolutionary theories in understanding aging process.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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ECOLOGICAL FIELD METHODS

BIOLOGY 258

Introduction to regional terrestrial and aquatic biological communities and field techniques for studying these communities. Field work and lectures will focus on recognizing biotic community types, observing ecological interactions, and methods for identifying and surveying organisms.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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BIRDING IN SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

BIOLOGY 315

An introduction to birding skills and the identification of the more than 200 bird species of southern Wisconsin. Early morning field trips are mandatory. Online lectures and learning activities alternate with outdoor field trips. Reliable computer and on-line access as well as a strong sense of self-discipline are required.

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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.

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PLANT TAXONOMY

BIOLOGY 353

The principles of plant classification and identification, with emphasis on flowering plants of this region. Lectures, laboratories and field trips.

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CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 357

This course explores the conceptual foundations of conservation biology. We will study the primary threats to biodiversity, and pay particular attention to issues of habitat degradation and loss, overexploitation, species invasions, and climate change. We will learn and apply skills, tools, and biological principles that are used by conservation biologists to study, track, manage, and mitigate environmental threats.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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AQUATIC BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 370

The study of aquatic environments: fauna, flora and general ecology. The laboratory will emphasize the taxonomic study of aquatic organisms.

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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.

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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.

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ORGANIC EVOLUTION

BIOLOGY 446

History of evolutionary thought, evidences of evolution and analysis of evolutionary mechanisms and processes.

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INTRODUCTORY ENTOMOLOGY

BIOLOGY 450

An introduction to the biology and classification of insects. 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.

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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.

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WILDLIFE ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY 457

Covers advanced ecological concepts related to wildlife. Topics include individual ecological needs, population biology, species interactions, and community-level impacts. In-depth look at quantitative and analytical aspects. Students will gain experiences in the application of concepts and methodologies in real-world settings, and learn more about analytical aspects of wildlife ecology. Provides the groundwork necessary for advanced studies or ecological research.

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ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY

BIOLOGY 458

A laboratory course that teaches biochemical research techniques through guided original research projects.

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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.

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INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 493

Variable topics. Students will learn skills related to their major or career goals through hours spent shadowing or working in a biology-related business, non-profit, etc. Students should apply for internship credit through the biology department webpage.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

BIOLOGY 498

Typical projects may include helping researchers in conducting research 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.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

BIOLOGY 498R

Students will complete and present an undergraduate research project under the direction 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.

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BIOLOGY THESIS

BIOLOGY 499

A substantial research project written as a thesis. Two credits are taken in the first semester and three in the second semester. A proposal must be submitted at the midpoint of the first term and an oral defense takes place at the end of the second term.