Biology Courses (BIOL)
Courses
BIOL 1012. Life: The Natural World — 3 hrs.
Examines the natural world as a system, emphasizing interactions among living organisms and with their environments, with a focus on human-environmental interactions, and the importance, origins, and maintenance of biodiversity. Content theme is centered on building an appreciation for the ways scientists work with and learn about the natural world. Students will comprehend scientific studies and infer meaning from graphical displays of data and apply knowledge of biological systems to contemporary problems, such as greenhouse gasses, impacts of climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and disease transmission. Discussion, 3 periods. For biology majors and minors counts only for university elective credit. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 1013. Life: The Natural World - Lab — 1 hr.
This course provides activities illustrating the importance, origins, and maintenance of biodiversity with a focus on the interactions among organisms and between organisms and the environment. The laboratory will emphasize the process of science, and students will practice skills scientists use to answer questions about the natural world. Lab, 2 periods. For biology majors and minors counts only for university elective credit. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): BIOL 1012. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 1014. Life: Continuity and Change — 3 hrs.
Introduction to contemporary topics in the life sciences with a focus on the biological processes that allow life to continue through generations and those that cause change through time. Emphasis on gene structure and function and applications of biology to human concerns. Content theme is centered on building an appreciation for the ways scientists work with and learn about the processes of life. Students will apply knowledge of biological concepts to contemporary and ethical issues, such as diseases and treatments, genetic engineering, cloning, and inheritance of family traits. Discussion, 3 periods. For biology majors and minors counts only for university elective credit. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 1015. Life: Continuity and Change - Lab — 1 hr.
Activities illustrating the role of biology in our present society. Emphasis is placed on activities investigating life science concepts related to human concerns, including human genetics and variation. DNA and DNA fingerprinting, human disease and disease transmission, and basic cellular function. The laboratory will emphasize the process of science, and students will practice skills scientists use to answer questions about the processes of life. Lab, 2 periods. For biology majors and minors counts only for university elective credit. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): BIOL 1014 or equivalent. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 1033. Principles of Microbiology — 4 hrs.
Basic concepts and practical applications of microbiology in daily life; health and disease including basic aspects of immunology and host-microbe interactions. Designed for students majoring in areas other than the sciences. For biology majors and minors counts only for university elective credit. Sections may be offered exclusively for nurses in training. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. (Fall)
BIOL 1101. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology I — 4 hrs.
Principles of the structure and function of organ systems of the human body. Basic biological concepts are covered including cell structure and function (including cell division and cellular metabolism), and DNA structure and function (including mutations). Anatomical terminology and directional terms, human histology and organ systems, including the skeletal system and articulations, the muscular system, and the nervous system are included. Limited to students entering the UNI BSN program, traditional-track pre-nursing, pre-sonography, pre-radiography, or 3+1 Health Sciences. Others must have the consent of the department head. Not for biology, kinesiology, or other majors pursuing most graduate-level professional medical programs. Students pursuing occupational therapy programs should consult with prospective programs to determine if BIOL 1011 and BIOL 1102 are acceptable for admission. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): CHEM 1010. (Fall)
BIOL 1102. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology II — 4 hrs.
Continuation of BIOL 1101. Human organ systems covered include a continuation of the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system (including acid-base balance), endocrine system, and reproductive systems, including cell division and basic concepts of genetics. Limited to students entering the UNI BSN program, traditional-track pre-nursing, pre-sonography, pre-radiography, or 3+1 Health Sciences. Others must have the consent of the department head. Not for biology, kinesiology, or most other majors pursuing graduate-level professional medical programs. Students pursuing occupational therapy programs should consult with prospective programs to determine if BIOL 1101 and 1102 are acceptable for admission. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): C- or better in BIOL 1101 or equivalent. (Spring)
BIOL 1103. Pathophysiology — 3 hrs.
Discussion of health altering variations in the body at the cellular, systemic, and organismal levels. Application of material from BIOL 1101 and 1102. For students entering the UNI BSN program. Others must have the consent of the department head. Discussion, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1010 or equivalent; C- or better in both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1102. (Spring)
BIOL 2051. General Biology: Organismal Diversity — 4 hrs.
Study of organismic biology emphasizing evolutionary patterns and diversity of organisms and interdependency of structure and function in living systems. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051 and BIOL 2052 cannot be taken concurrently. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 2052. General Biology: Cell Structure and Function — 4 hrs.
Introduction to the properties and functions of biological molecules, organization of living cells, production and utilization of energy, and development of multicellular organisms. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051 and BIOL 2052 cannot be taken concurrently. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 3100. Evolution, Ecology and the Nature of Science — 3 hrs.
Understanding how science works and using critical thinking to distinguish between science and pseudoscience, taught through exploration of unifying principles of biology: how organisms interact with each other and the environment, the genetic continuity of life, and how past history affects life. Readings and student-led discussions explore concepts in detail. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130. BIOL 3100 and BIOL 3140 cannot be taken concurrently. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 3101. Human Anatomy and Physiology I — 4 hrs.
Comprehensive study of the structure and function of organ systems of the human body. Preparation for graduate-level medical programs, including physician (such as MD, DO, and PA), dental, chiropractic, and physical therapy programs, or for students in biology, biology dual-degree programs in nursing or medical lab-science, or other university-approved programs. Others must have the consent of the department head. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130, or consent of department head. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 3102. Human Anatomy and Physiology II — 4 hrs.
Continuation of BIOL 3101 or BIOL 3106. Preparation for graduate-level medical programs, including physician (such as MD, DO, and PA), dental, chiropractic, and physical therapy programs, or for students in biology, biology dual-degree programs in nursing or medical lab-science, or other university-approved programs. Others must have the consent of the department head. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): C- or better in BIOL 3101 or BIOL 3106. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 3106. Vertebrate Anatomy — 4 hrs.
Consideration of the origin and evolution of vertebrates and comparison of vertebrate structure and function. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130. (Fall)
BIOL 3108. Medical Histology — 4 hrs.
Microscopic study of cells and tissues from various organ systems. Integration of gross anatomy, physiology and pathology by illustrating how cellular/tissue structure is related to organ function/dysfunction. Examples from normal and diseased tissues Discussion, 2 periods; lab, 4 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130. (Variable)
BIOL 3109/5109. Plants of North America — 4 hrs.
An introduction to plant identification using methods and tools to describe and classify flowering plants found in North America. Students will learn to survey, collect, dissect, and describe vascular plants found in their natural habitat. Discussion 2 periods, lab 4 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; junior standing. (Odd Falls)
BIOL 3120. Plant Diversity and Evolution — 4 hrs.
Form and function in vegetative and reproductive organs in all plant divisions, from algae to flowering plants, and their importance in evolutionary thought and plant classification. Lecture, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130. (Spring)
BIOL 3140. Genetics — 4 hrs.
Analytical approach to classical, molecular, and population genetics. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130. BIOL 3100 and BIOL 3140 cannot be taken concurrently. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 3147. Cancer and Emerging Infectious Diseases — 3 hrs.
Cellular and molecular study of cancer, its epidemiology and identification, standard and novel cancer treatments; examination of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, their causative organisms, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and prognosis. Discussion, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130. (Spring)
BIOL 3151. General Microbiology — 4 hrs.
Physiology, morphology, taxonomy, immunology, and pathogenicity of microbes, with applications to medicine, agriculture, sanitation, and industry. Discussion, 2 periods; lab, 4 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 3160. Field Zoology of Vertebrates — 4 hrs.
Identification and natural history of Iowa vertebrates. Emphasis on field trips. Discussion, 2 periods; lab and field work, 6 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130. (Spring)
BIOL 3170. Entomology — 3 hrs.
Introduction to the fascinating world of insects, focusing on their diversity, ecology and interactions with humans, including insect-borne diseases and forensic entomology. Discussion, 2 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1130. (Even Falls)
BIOL 3174. Field Biology: ___________ — 1-3 hrs.
Selected topics in field biology, emphasizing hands-on techniques for field observation, and testing of evolutionary and ecological hypotheses. Offered both on- and off-campus in flexible format. Topics and hours listed in Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for credit on different topic. Prerequisite(s): vary with topic. (Variable)
BIOL 3179. Cooperative Education — 1-6 hrs.
Up to 12 hours of ungraded credit (credit/no credit basis) may be taken as university electives. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
BIOL 3181. Investigations in Life Science — 4 hrs.
Introduction to significant life science concepts and models of effective teaching related to elementary school life science. Topics include cellular structure and function, inheritance, plant systems, and human systems. Discussion and/or lab, 5 periods. Prerequisite(s): SCI ED 1200. (Odd Falls)
BIOL 3185. Readings in Biology — 1-3 hrs.
Independent readings in biology from selected list approved in advance. Maximum of 3 hours for biology major. Prerequisite(s): consent of department. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
BIOL 3189. Seminar — 1-2 hrs.
(Variable)
BIOL 3190. Undergraduate Research in Biology — 1-3 hrs.
Research activities under direct supervision of Biology faculty members. Credit determined prior to registration based upon student proposal with agreement of faculty advisor. May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2051; BIOL 2052; sophomore standing; consent of department. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
BIOL 3191. Senior Thesis — 1 hr.
Senior research thesis. Open only to, and required for, students pursuing the B.S. Biology or B.A. Biology Honors Emphasis. Prerequisite(s): consent of department head. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
BIOL 4105/5105. Wildlife Ecology and Management — 4 hrs.
Applied population management of game and nongame wildlife. Lab emphasizes field techniques, population modeling, and habitat management planning. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Odd Falls)
BIOL 4108/5108. Biodiversity Conservation Policy — 3 hrs.
Review of laws and policies affecting endangered species, ecosystem management, and biodiversity conservation in the United States. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Even Springs)
BIOL 4114/5114. Comparative Animal Physiology — 4 hrs.
Physical and chemical basis of cellular/organ functions across various animal phyla. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; CHEM 2040 or CHEM 2210; junior standing. (Even Falls)
BIOL 4116/5116. Neurobiology — 3 hrs.
Survey of vertebrate nervous systems. Examination of several levels of organization ranging from molecules to neurons to larger systems in the brain. Discussion, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; CHEM 2040 or CHEM 2210; junior standing. (Spring)
BIOL 4128/5128. Cell Biology — 4 hrs.
Foundation in cell structure, organization, and function, with emphasis on signal transduction, cell trafficking and cell cycle control. Lab will emphasize developing laboratory skills and improving analytical and writing abilities. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; CHEM 2040 or CHEM 2210; junior standing. (Spring)
BIOL 4129/5129. Genomics — 3 hrs.
Genome sequencing, analysis of sequence variation, sequencing for disease diagnosis, comparative genomics, personal genomics, the epigenome in disease development, analysis of gene expression. Discussion, 2 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Even Falls)
BIOL 4130/5130. Genetic Technologies in Medicine — 3 hrs.
Study of genetic technologies in medicine, including causes of human genetic disorders, screening and diagnosis, genomic profiling, personalized medicine, genetic therapies, and ethics. Discussion, 2 periods; lab, 4 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Odd Springs)
BIOL 4137/5137. Advanced Human Physiology — 4 hrs.
A study of the cellular mechanisms in select human organ systems. Class explores in detail the underlying molecular and physical mechanisms in the endocrine, neuronal, renal, and three types of muscular tissue . Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; CHEM 2040 or CHEM 2210; junior standing. (Odd Falls)
BIOL 4142/5142. Evolutionary Biology — 3 hrs.
Conceptual overview of evolutionary theory, mechanisms of evolutionary process, speciation and major evolutionary events. Discussion, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Spring)
BIOL 4144/5144. Virology — 4 hrs.
Introduction to virus structure, replication, genetics, pathogenicity, host interactions, detection, epidemiology, evolution, and virology methods. Health, agriculture, research and industry applications. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Even Springs)
BIOL 4146/5146. Developmental Biology of Animals — 4 hrs.
Major concepts and central questions of animal development and controlling mechanisms. Laboratory emphasis on experimental inquiry and developmental anatomy. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Spring)
BIOL 4150/5150. Immunology — 4 hrs.
Focus on multiple levels of human immunity, from organs/cells to molecular events. Basic immunology and relationships between immunology and various disease states. Laboratory experiences include many commonly-used immunology techniques. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Fall)
BIOL 4157/5157. Biostatistics — 3 hrs.
Introduction to methods used to analyze and interpret quantitative biological data. Emphasis on parametric statistics; use of "R" software for data analysis and presentation. Lecture, 2 hours; lab, 2 hours. Prerequisite(s): MATH 1140, or MATH 1120 and MATH 1130, or MATH 1420, or STAT 1772, or equivalent; BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Fall)
BIOL 4164/5164. Mammalogy — 4 hrs.
Biology of mammals, including evolutionary history, zoogeography, ecology, and diversity. Laboratory emphasis on identifications, natural history, and field techniques. Lecture, 3 periods; lab and field, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Fall)
BIOL 4167/5167. Conservation Biology — 3 hrs.
Human impacts on biodiversity, extinction, conservation of endangered species, protected areas, ex situ conservation, private land conservation, ecological economics. Lecture/discussion, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Spring)
BIOL 4168/5168. Ecology — 4 hrs.
Principles of organismal adaptation, species interactions, and population, community, and ecosystem structure/dynamics. Lab emphasizes student-led experiments, data analysis, and scientific writing. Lecture/discussion, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Fall)
BIOL 4172/5172. Developmental Plant Anatomy — 4 hrs.
Structure and function of flowering plants, with emphasis on cell and organ development. Lecture, 2 periods; lab, 4 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Even Falls)
BIOL 4180/5180. Restoration Ecology — 4 hrs.
Ecological principles applied to restoration of degraded ecosystems. Lab covers hands-on techniques in regional restoration and reconstruction. Discussion, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 3100; BIOL 3140; junior standing. (Odd Springs)
BIOL 4198. Independent Study — 1-6 hrs.
(Fall, Spring, Summer)
BIOL 6202. Graduate Colloquium and Scientific Skills — 2 hrs.
Regular presentations by students, faculty members, or visitors on biological topics combined with instructional guidance to build scientific literacy, writing, and statistical skills. Taken each semester for four semesters for maximum of 8 hours. Discussion, 2 periods. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 6230. Special Problems in Biology — 1-6 hrs.
Credit determined at registration. (Problems in biology other than those for theses or in regular curricular offerings.) May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 6292 recommended; consent of department. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
BIOL 6240. Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology — 3 hrs.
Selected topics concerning understanding of function of living organisms at molecular and cellular level: regulatory mechanisms, recombinant DNA techniques, gene expression, and genetics of diseases. Lecture/discussion, 3 periods. May be repeated on different topic. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor. (Odd Springs)
BIOL 6250. Advanced Physiology and Development — 3 hrs.
Selected topics concerning understanding of organ, organ system, and organism structure and function: immune system, cellular signaling mechanisms, photosynthesis, and cell motility and development. Lecture/discussion, 3 periods. May be repeated on different topic. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor. (Odd Falls)
BIOL 6260. Advanced Ecology — 3 hrs.
Selected topics of ecology, concerning the understanding of relationships among organisms, and between organisms and their environments (natural or artificial): physiological ecology, conservation biology, and aquatic ecology. Lecture/discussion, 3 periods. May be repeated on different topic. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor. (Even Springs)
BIOL 6270. Advanced Systematics and Evolutionary Biology — 3 hrs.
Selected topics concerning understanding of systematic and evolutionary relationships among organisms and evolutionary biology: evolutionary theory, systematics, and origin of life. Lecture/discussion, 3 periods. May be repeated on different topic. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor. (Even Falls)
BIOL 6289. Seminar — 1 hr.
May be repeated for credit. (Variable)
BIOL 6292. Research Methods in Biology — 1 hr.
Introduction to research methods in biology. Emphasis on literature review, proposal preparation, and manuscript style. Discussion, 1 period. (Fall and Spring)
BIOL 6297. Practicum — 2 hrs.
May be repeated. (Variable)
BIOL 6299. Research.
Prerequisite(s): consent of department. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
BIOL 629R. Directed Research.
(Fall, Spring, Summer)