BSU Catalog Home | Biology Program | All-University Courses and Descriptions

Biology (BIOL)

Check with department for semester when these courses are offered. Read each course description for prerequisites.

1120 GENERAL BIOLOGY: EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY (3 credits) A general introduction to modern biology with an emphasis on evolution, ecology, and the diversity of life. Intended for nonbiology majors. Liberal Education Category 3

1150 AQUATIC SYSTEMS (3 credits) An introduction to the physical characteristics, chemistry, and biology of lakes, streams, and rivers. Includes information on human impacts and alteration of these natural systems. Liberal Education Category 3

1211 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I (4 credits) An introduction to the structure and function of living systems, with an emphasis on basic mechanisms and concepts in biochemistry and in cellular and molecular biology. Intended primarily for Biology majors. Lecture and laboratory. BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212 must be taken in sequence. Liberal Education Category 3 (LC)

1212 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II (4 credits) An introduction to living organisms, with an emphasis on the basic mechanisms and concepts in organismal biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Topics include taxonomy and classification of the major groups of plants and animals, structure and function, development, and behavior. Intended primarily for Biology majors. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1211 or consent of instructor. Liberal Education Category 3 (LC)

1300 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (2 credits) A study of anatomical and medical terminology by examining word roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Designed to assist pre-professional and allied health students who desire to increase their usage and understanding of medical terminology. This course does not satisfy any Biology major or minor degree requirements.

2110 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (5 credits) The structure, function, and development of the human body. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110 or BIOL 1211.

2310 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY (4 credits) Basic adaptive features of the major invertebrate phyla, their structure, classification, ecology, and evolution. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212.

2360 GENETICS (4 credits) Fundamental principles of heredity in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Includes both classical and molecular genetic approaches to studying organisms. Prerequisites:. BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212.

2380 MOLECULAR GENETICS: THEORY AND PRACTICE (5 credits) Study of the structure, replication, repair, expression, regulation, and change of genetic material. Introduction to theory and procedures by which recombinant DNA molecules are formed, cloned, and expressed. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212. (Might not be offered every year)

2610 GENERAL ECOLOGY (3 credits) Introduction to the interrelationships of organisms and their environments, emphasizing the historic development of fundamental principles at the levels of individual, population, community, and ecosystem through examination of theoretical and empirical findings. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1120 or BIOL 1211, 1212 or consent of instructor.

2620 FIELD AND LABORATORY METHODS IN GENERAL ECOLOGY (1 credit) Introduction to methods for the collection, analysis, and presentation of data addressing fundamental questions concerning the interrelationships of organisms with their environment. Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 2610.

2925 PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT: BIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE ENVIRONMENT (3 credits) Discussion and evaluation of current environmental biology topics, including biodiversity, ecosystems, biological resources, and human impact on the environment. This course fulfills Liberal Education requirements only and does not satisfy any Biology major or minor degree requirements. Liberal Education Category 10

3100 FIELD BIOLOGY (3 credits) Survey of the flora and fauna found in major environments of the region, their ecological interrelationships, and techniques used to study their distribution and abundance. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212.

3120/GEOL 3120 SOILS (4 credits) Introduction to principles of soil genesis, classification, physical and chemical properties, and biological significance. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212 or consent of instructor.

3140 BIOLOGY WRITING CERTIFICATION (0 credits) A requirement designed to document the student's ability to competently write in expository English in a scientific format. The student may petition any senior staff member for certification by submitting a paper on a mutually agreed upon topic to that staff member after enrolling in the course.

3150 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (3 credits) Introduction to the study of the diversity, physiology, ecological context, and evolutionary development of behavior of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Prerequisite: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212, or PSY 1100.

3200 FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATES (4 credits) Morphology and functional roles of representative freshwater invertebrates and their ecological interrelationships. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite BIOL 1211, BIOL 1212, and junior status, or consent of instructor.

3250 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY (4 credits) Basic phylogenetic principles, classification, and evolutionary history of vertebrates; anatomy, functional morphology, and adaptations of vertebrates. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212.

3260 MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY (4 credits) Physiological and pathophysiological principles and control mechanisms of organ systems within humans. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211, BIOL 1212, BIOL 3250, and CHEM 2312.

3300 INTRODUCTION TO HEMATOLOGY (3 credits) Introduction to the principles of blood cell formation, function, and associated disorders. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211, CHEM 1211, and CHEM 1212. (Might not be offered every year)

3310 ENTOMOLOGY (4 credits) The biology of insects, their natural history, morphology, classification, and economic importance. Lecture, laboratory, and field study. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212, or consent of instructor.

3361 LIMNOLOGY I (4 credits) Introduction to the biology, chemistry, geology, and physics of lakes and streams. Lecture, field, and laboratory work. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211, BIOL 1212, BIOL 2610, CHEM 1211, CHEM 1212, and PHYS 1101 (concurrent enrollment possible), or consent of instructor.

3362 LIMNOLOGY II (4 credits) The second course of the Limnology sequence concentrating on the organisms commonly found in aquatic systems. Topics include physical, chemical, and biotic constraints of aquatic biota with an emphasis on ecological relationships within and between groups. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 3361.

3410 PRINCIPLES OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (3 credits) Introduction to the field of wildlife management, including the biological principles important to the understanding of wildlife populations and the management strategies implemented by natural resource managers. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211, BIOL 1212, and BIOL 2610. (Might not be offered every year)

3510 ORNITHOLOGY (4 credits) Morphology, ecology, behavior, classification, distribution, and evolution of birds. Lecture, laboratory, and field study (early morning field trips and one or two all-day field trips). Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212.

3554 READINGS IN AQUATIC BIOLOGY (1 credit) In-depth review and focused group discussion of a selected topic or topics. Emphasis is on learning to access and synthesize relevant literature. Active participation in discussions and working groups is required. Prerequisite: Junior status in Aquatic Biology.

3580 IMMUNOLOGY (5 credits) The study of disease fighting mechanisms of the body. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 2360 or BIOL 2375, and one year of Chemistry. (Might not be offered every year)

3590 CELL BIOLOGY (4 credits) Microscopic anatomy and physiological mechanisms of plant and animal cells. Gene control of cellular metabolism, mechanism of energy utilization in cells and pathways of synthesis of molecules. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 2360 or BIOL 2375; and CHEM 1211, 1212.

3615 ADVANCED ECOLOGY (3 credits) Principles of community dynamics, organism interactions, and environmental relationships. Lecture, project laboratory, and field study. Prerequisite: BIOL 2610. (Might not be offered every year)

3623 FOREST ECOLOGY (4 credits) Fundamentals of forest ecology, including study of tree growth, tree demography, forest community dynamics, and ecosystem processes. Students also learn to identify forest trees native to the region and basic techniques of forest stand description. Prerequisite: BIOL 2610. (Might not be offered every year)

3630/GEOG 3630 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (3 credits) Methods and theory of conservation biology; species diversity, extinction rates, management of endangered species, and the economics of conservation strategies.

3660 RADIOBIOLOGY (4 credits) Principles of nuclear science: G.M. counting, gamma scintillation counting, gamma ray spectra, liquid scintillation counting, autoradiography. Effect of radiation on living systems. Utilization of radioisotopes and radiation as tools in biological research and medicine. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: One year of college physics, chemistry, or biology.

3710 MICROBIOLOGY (4 credits) Structure, classification, and physiology of bacteria and related microorganisms. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites or Corequisites: One year introductory biology and one year introductory chemistry or consent of instructor.

3720 PLANT FORM AND FUNCTION (4 credits) Structure, function, and development of vascular plants. Interrelationships between anatomical structures and physiological processes and how plants cope with environmental challenges. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211, BIOL 1212, and one year of college chemistry or consent of instructor.

3723 ECOSYSTEM ECOLOGY (3 credits) Fundamentals of the study of ecosystems, with emphasis on the integration of abiotic and biotic components in the development of ecosystem processes. Comparisons and interactions between terrestrial, wetland, aquatic, and atmospheric systems across the major biomes. Prerequisite: BIOL 2610.

3730 PLANT DIVERSITY (4 credits) Classification, phylogeny, collection, field identification, and uses of wild plants. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212, or consent of instructor.

3755 MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY (3 credits) Principles of diagnostic medical microbiology. Discussion of how various microbes cause disease. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 3710. (Might not be offered every year)

3830 AQUATIC PLANTS (4 credits) Survey of the morphology, physiology, taxonomy, systematics, and ecology of algae and aquatic vascular plants. Lecture, laboratory, and field study. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212.

3840/ENVR 3840 WETLANDS ECOLOGY (3 credits) Survey course develops a basic understanding of the terminology, classification, ecology, values, and conservation of wetlands. Covers wetland systems from around the world, with emphasis on wetlands in North America. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212.

3844 WETLANDS ECOLOGY LAB (1 credit) Laboratory course to supplement BIOL/ENVR 3840 Wetlands Ecology. Intended to strengthen a basic understanding of the terminology, classification, ecology, values, and conservation of wetlands. Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL/ENVR 3840 or consent of instructor.

3850 MARINE BIOLOGY (3 credits) Lecture course introducing major concepts and theories. Includes physical and chemical components of the oceans, with special interest paid to the major groups of organisms living in marine systems. Emphasis on the different types of marine systems (coral reefs, mangroves, open water, etc.). Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212. (Might not be offered every year)

4030 WETLAND DELINEATION AND CLASSIFICATION (4 credits) Training course to develop a basic understanding of the identification, delineation, classification, and regulation of wetlands. Use of hydrological, physiochemical, and vegetation characteristics to identify and map wetland boundaries. Wetland types and regulations of northern Minnesota are emphasized. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211, 1212, or consent of instructor.

4031 ADVANCED WETLAND DELINEATION (4 credits) Training course intended to develop an advanced understanding of wetland delineation and regulation. Includes review of hydrological, physiochemical, and vegetation characteristics used to identify wetland boundaries, as well as specifics of wetland regulation, comprehensive wetland delineations, and post-field reporting. Covers procedures and regulations used by federal and state agencies, with an emphasis on those in Minnesota. Prerequisite: BIOL 4030 or consent of instructor.

4100 HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE (2 credits) Historical survey of key conceptual developments of biology with an emphasis on the interplay of science and social contexts. Lecture, class discussion, journals, and focused writing exercises. Prerequisite: One year of college biology or consent of instructor. (Might not be offered every year)

4210 PARASITOLOGY (4 credits) The biology of animal parasites, their identification, biochemistry, immunology, and epidemiology. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212, or consent of instructor. (Might not be offered every year)

4220 HISTOLOGY (4 credits) Microscopic anatomy of vertebrate tissues and organs. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211, BIOL 1212, and BIOL 3250. (Might not be offered every year)

4520 MAMMALOGY (4 credits) Morphology, ecology, behavior, classification, distribution, and evolution of mammals. Lecture and laboratory. Collection or paper by each student. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212.

4534 ICHTHYOLOGY (4 credits) An overview of morphology, physiology, behavior, taxonomy, systematics, and ecology of fishes. This course emphasizes the evolution of ecological adaptations and the origin and conservation of biodiversity. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211 and BIOL 1212.

4545 FISHERIES MANAGEMENT (4 credits) Theory and methods of fisheries management with an emphasis on quantitative methods and ecosystem management. Lecture and extensive field and laboratory work. Prerequisites: BIOL 1211, BIOL 1212, and BIOL 3362; PSY 3301 or STAT 2610. BIOL 4534 strongly recommended.

4620 ORGANIC EVOLUTION (3 credits) Mechanisms and results of organic evolution. Lectures and discussion. Prerequisite: BIOL 2360 and junior status or consent of instructor.

4894 ADVANCED LABORATORY PROJECTS IN BIOLOGY I (2 credits) Independent laboratory project work based on the background and interests of the students and the instructor. Students normally are expected to register for both semesters of the advanced laboratory projects (4894 and 4895). Prerequisites: Completion of the Area II required writing course for the B.S. or B.A. Biology major, junior status, and consent of instructor.

4895 ADVANCED LABORATORY PROJECTS IN BIOLOGY II (2 credits) Independent laboratory project work based on the background and interests of the students and the instructor. Students normally are expected to register for both semesters of the advanced laboratory projects (4894 and 4895). Prerequisites: Completion of the Area II required writing course for the B.S. or B.A. Biology major, junior status, and consent of instructor.

4896 ADVANCED FIELD PROJECTS IN BIOLOGY I (2 credits) Independent field projects based on the background and interests of the students and the instructor. Students normally are expected to register for both semesters of the advanced field projects (4896 and 4897). Prerequisites: Completion of the Area II required writing course for the B.S. or B.A. Biology major, junior status, and consent of instructor.

4897 ADVANCED FIELD PROJECTS IN BIOLOGY II (2 credits) Independent field projects based on the background and interests of the students and the instructor. Students normally are expected to register for both semesters of the advanced field projects (4896 and 4897). Prerequisites: Completion of the Area II required writing course for the B.S. or B.A. Biology major, junior status, and consent of instructor.

4920 DIRECTED GROUP STUDY (1-6 credits) Includes offerings in Seminar in Biology. Prerequisite: Senior status.

4970 INTERNSHIP: AQUATIC BIOLOGY (2 credits) When taken as Aquatic Biology, the following description applies. This course provides practical work experience in an applied aquatic biology setting. Possible internship activities include conducting field and/or laboratory research, preparing reports and other documents, environmental-based planning, or general administration. Internships typically are obtained within government agencies, academic institutions, or private organizations. The internship must be arranged and approved by an appropriate faculty member prior to registration. Completion of this course requires a written report and an evaluation from the student’s supervisor. This course would then be followed by 2 credits of BIOL 4894, BIOL 4895, BIOL 4896, or BIOL 4897, where the student would analyze data, write a formal paper, and give an oral presentation. Prerequisite: Junior or senior Aquatic Biology major.

4970 INTERNSHIP: BIOLOGY CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (2 credits) When taken to partially complete the Biology Capstone Experience, the following description applies. This course provides practical work experience in an applied setting. Possible internship activities include conducting field and/or laboratory research, preparing reports and other documents, or related duties. Internships typically are obtained within government agencies, academic institutions, or private organizations. The internship must be arranged and approved by an appropriate faculty member prior to registration. Completion of this course requires a written report and an evaluation from the student’s supervisor. This course would then be followed by 2 credits of BIOL 4894, BIOL 4895, BIOL 4896, or BIOL 4897, where the student would analyze data, write a formal paper, and give an oral presentation. Prerequisite: Junior or senior Biology major.

4970 INTERNSHIP: WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (2 credits) When taken for the Wildlife Management emphasis, the following description applies. This course provides practical work experience in an applied wildlife management setting. Possible internship activities include conducting field and/or laboratory research, preparing reports and other documents, or related duties. Internships typically are obtained within government agencies, academic institutions, or private organizations. The internship must be arranged and approved by an appropriate faculty member prior to registration. Completion of this course requires a written report and an evaluation from the student’s supervisor. This course would then be followed by 2 credits of BIOL 4894, BIOL 4895, BIOL 4896, or BIOL 4897, where the student would analyze data, write a formal paper, and give an oral presentation. Prerequisite: Junior or senior Biology major with Wildlife Management emphasis.