Ball State University
Biology Department
Graduate Course Listings

Course Number - Course Name - Credit Hours - Course Description

BIOLOGY (BIO)

500 Biological Communications. (1) Introduces biology students to the literature of the life sciences. Focus is on information found in books, journals, indexes/abstracts, and related secondary sources such as handbooks, titles in series, and electronic databases: organization of information and methods of retrieval.

501 Developments in Modern Biology. (3-6) Stresses recent discoveries in biology and integrates and enhances understanding of basic principles of the discipline. A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.

516 Population Ecology. (3) Presents fundamental principles of population growth and regulation, including both with-species and between-species interaction. Implications for over-population, endangered species, and pest and game management are discussed. Laboratory includes both experimental studies and computer simulation exercises. Prerequisite: BIO 216. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 416.

518 Community and Ecosystem Ecology. (3) Principles of ecological organization at the community and ecosystem levels. Emphasis on the processes that influence the structure and function of communities and ecosystems. Laboratory includes field and lab studies of plant and animal systems. Prerequisite: BIO 216. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 418.

520 Field Biology of Distant Areas. (6-12) The species peculiar to selected geographic areas. Ecology, flora, and fauna. Travel may be by air. Seminars may be scheduled regularly throughout the course. Registration fee may include travel charges as well as the general fee. Prerequisite: permission of the Department Chairperson. A total of 12 hours of credit may be earned.

524 Biophysics. (4) The study of biologic phenomena in terms of contributing physical events. Transport processes. Absorption and emission radiation. Ionizing radiation and its effects on living tissue. Use of isotopes in research projects. Prerequisite: BIO 215. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 424.

540 Evolution. (3) Principles, evidence, and the historical context of modern evolution theory. Some attention will be given to the origin of life and the evolution of plants and animals. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 440.

546 Applied Microbiology. (3) Study of microorganisms that effect beneficial and detrimental changes in foods (including milk and milk products) and industrial fermentations. Prerequisite: BIO 213 or permission of the department chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 446.

548 Biometry. (3) Principles and applications of statistics to biological problems. The use of parametric and nonparametric tests of significance in analysis of data and the interpretation of experiments. Prerequisite: MATHS 108 or its equivalent or permission of the department chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 448.

552 Advanced Genetics. (3) Bacterial and eukaryotic genetics with emphasis on recent developments in molecular genetics. Topics include alternative structures of DNA, mechanisms of DNA replication, mutagenesis, DNA rearrangements, regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, molecular and mutagenetic analysis of the cell cycle. Prerequisite: BIO 214; CHEM 231. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 452.

553 Human Genetics and the Problems of Humankind. (3) Current developments in human heredity. Human chromosome aberrations. DNA, the genetic code, and mutations. Consanguineous marriages and genetic defects. Mendelian principles applied to humans. Pedigrees and probability. Genetic screening and counseling. Social, ethical, and legal problems and advances in genetics. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 453.

557 Molecular Biology. (4) Structure and function of macromolecules in living things. Emphasizes three-dimensional structures; models for enzyme mechanisms, DNA replication; protein synthesis and membrane function; and applications of biotechnology. Prerequisite: BIO 215 or the equivalent, or permission of the Department Chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 457.

560 Microtechniques. (4) A lecture/lab course in the preparation of biological material for microscopic examination in teaching, research, and clinical applications. Emphasizes preparation of smears, squashes, whole mounts, paraffin, and frozen plant and animal sections, and photomicrography. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 460

570 (670) Developmental Biology. (4) Recent advances and theories in early embryogenesis and developmental biology. Major emphasis on genetic and molecular mechanisms operating during developmental phenomena. Topics include fertilization, mosaic versus regulative development, regulation of gene expression, patterning, germ line and sex determination and neoplasia. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 215 or equivalent or permission of the department chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 470.

580 Limnology. (3) The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of inland waters. Laboratory time and several field trips will be devoted to exploring techniques for the evaluation of representative aquatic ecosystems. Prerequisite: BIO 216 or permission of the department chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 480.

582 Aquatic Microbiology. (3) Microorganisms indigenous to nonpolluted and polluted aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis on nutrient cycling and the use of microorganisms as indicators of pollution. Morphology, physiology, and ecology of specific organisms. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 213. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 482.

583 Marine Biology. (3) Introduction to marine environments. Properties of seawater, hydrodynamics. Phytoplankton and benthic plants. Primary production, nutrient cycles. Marine animals, surveys of major taxa. Adaptations for life on the bottom, open water, intertidal zones, estuaries, abyssal regions. Problems of overexploitation and pollution. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 483.

592 Bioethical Decision Making. (3) Development of decision-making skills through the analysis and personal resolution of bioethical problems created by the application of new biological and biomedical knowledge and technologies. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 492.

628 Readings in Biology. (1-3) Directed readings for majors in biology. Individualized program of readings developed under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: permission of the Department Chairperson. A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

629 Seminar in Biology. (1) Review and discussion of the literature related to selected topics of current interest in biological research. Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson. A total of 2 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 1 in one semester.

631 Virology. (4) In-depth study of viruses, particularly animal viruses. Topics will include the physical and chemical properties of viruses; virus-host interactions; pathogenesis; treatment; lab diagnosis, and prevention. Emphasizes recent developments in the primary literature. Prerequisite: one course in microbiology and organic chemistry.

636 Immunology. (4) Study of immune responses and the immune system with particular emphasis on recent developments. Topics include cellular interactions, immunochemistry, immunogenetics, ontogeny and regulation, tolerance, and immune inflammation as well as current techniques in cellular immunology. Prerequisite: microbiology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry or cell biology Not open to students who have credit in BIO 344.

641 Medical Bacteriology. (3) Study of pathogenic bacteria with emphasis on morphology and physiology. Laboratory techniques in culturing, isolating, and identifying bacteria. Prerequisite: BIO 213; CHEM 130 or 231. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 341.

642 Medical Microbiology. (8) Microbiology for medical students with consideration of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites as agents in human disease and the immunological and serological elements of the host-parasite relationship. Open only to medical students or by permission of the Department Chairperson.

653 Medical Genetics. (2) Genetics for medical students: basic genetic principles, human cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genetic epidemiology, probability, population and quantitative (multifactorial) genetics, dermatoglyphics, etiology of birth defects, inborn metabolic disorders, genetic screening and counseling, genetics of mental illness and cancer, pharmacogenetics, immunogenetics, and genetic engineering. Open only to medical students or by permission of the Department Chairperson.

655 Cell Biology. (4) Biology of the cell, including cell morphology, bioenergetics, enzyme function, cell environment, membrane structure and function, cell metabolism, and cell differentiation and growth. Prerequisite: CHEM 360. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 215.

669 Internship in Biology. (1-6) Paid, supervised field and laboratory experience in public or private agencies (or in the Department of Biology). Training involves application of biological principles in the work environment. Prerequisite: permission of the Department Chairperson. A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.

691 Developments in Biology Education. (3) Origin, content, emphasis, and objectives of recent curriculum developments and philosophical approaches to teaching science in the secondary school. Student activities include presentation of current topics and creation of instructional materials that incorporate the most current techniques. Prerequisite: an undergraduate major or minor in science.

694 Practicum in Science Education. (1-6) Science curricula and instruction in classroom situations. Needs assessment in science education from the point of view of in-service teachers and their students. Staff consultation in implementation of improved science programs. Prerequisite: permission of the Department Chairperson. A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.

697 Research in Biology. (1-3) Independent research for biology majors at the master's level. Students' research projects must be developed in consultation with a faculty member. As much as 3 hours of credit may be applied toward a master's degree. Prerequisite: permission of the Department Chairperson. A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

790 Internship in Science Education (1-4) Supervised experience in instruction of science or science education courses. A total of 4 hours of credit may be earned. Open only to students who receive permission from the Department Chairperson.

796 Research in Biology. (1-6) Independent research for biology majors at the doctoral level. Students' proposed research projects must be developed in consultation with a faculty member. Prerequisite: permission of the Department Chairperson. A total of 8 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 6 in one semester.

BIOTECHNOLOGY (BIOT)

590 Introduction to Recombinant DNA & RNA Techniques (3) Laboratory course on fundamental techniques of biotechnology, including experimental design and literature analysis.

591 Theory and Applications of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (3) Laboratory course on design and optimization of PCR and RT-PCR experiments and applications.

592 Protein Isolation and Analysis (3) Laboratory course on theory and application of techniques of isolation, purification and relationship of structure to function.

593 Professional Development (1) Seminar emphasizing development of curriculum vitae and providing presentations by individuals in industry and discussions of job ethics and values.

594 Cell Culture Techniques (2) Practice and theory of cell and tissue culture.

595 Sequence Analysis and Bioinformatics (2) Determination of nucleotide sequence and Internet/software utilization for DNA and protein sequence analysis.

596 Research Design and Presentation (2) Design and presentation of a research proposal.

BOTANY (BOT)

530 Plant Anatomy and Morphology. (4) Forms, life cycles, and evolution of the major plant groups with emphasis on the origin and structure of cells, tissues, and organs in higher plants. Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in BOT 430.

540 Taxonomy of Vascular Plants. (4) Identification, use, and care of native and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plant material. The use of botanical keys, manuals, and texts in the identification of plant taxa. Prerequisite: BlO 112 or permission of the department chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in BOT 440.

542 Economic Botany. (3) The cultivation, processing, environmental requirements, and use of plants and plant derivatives for food, drugs, dwellings, clothing, and power. Not open to students who have credit in BOT 442.

544 Plant Propagation and Management. (3) Practical experience in the different methods of plant propagation, care, and cultivation for use in the home, school, garden, and greenhouse. Diseases, pathogens, and pests of the plant. Not open to students who have credit in BOT 444.

546 Medical Mycology. (3) Study of fungi with emphasis on pathogenic forms. Methods of identification of fungi will be discussed along with morphology and biochemistry of fungi. Prerequisite: BIO 213. Not open to students who have credit in BOT 446.

551 Plant Physiology. (4) An introductory treatment of the physiological activities of green plants with emphasis on plant growth substances, photosynthesis, and intermediate metabolism. Prerequisite: BIO 112 and CHEM 130 and 231. Not open to students who have credit in BOT 451.

570 Dendrology. (3) The identification and site characterization of woody plants with emphasis on midwestern tree species. Use of botanical features and keys in field identification. Correlation of species with site conditions, plant diseases, climatic parameters, associate species, and geographical distribution. Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in BOT 470.

581 Aquatic Botany. (4) The collection and identification of nonvascular and vascular plants from fresh water ecosystems. Emphasizes morphology, physiology, and ecology of these plants to explain their distribution in nature. Class project and field trips may be used to demonstrate ecological relationships. Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in BOT 481.

680 Plant Ecology. (3) The structure development, and causes of distribution of North American plant associations. The relationships between species and the abiotic aspect of their environment. Prerequisite: BIO 216 or permission of the Department Chairperson.

ZOOLOGY (ZOOL)

532 Invertebrate Zoology. (4) Comparative morphology, physiology, ecology, life histories, and phylogeny of invertebrate animal phyla. Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, or permission of the Department Chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 432.

534 Comparative Animal Physiology. (3) A comparison of vital activities in the animal groups, particularly the invertebrates. Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, and CHEM 130 or 231 or permission of the Department Chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 434.

540 Ornithology. (3) The study of birds including identification, systematics, anatomy, physiology, life histories, ecological relationships, and conservation. Fieldwork in addition to regular laboratory periods may be required. Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 440.

541 Entomology. (3) Anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, life histories, habits, and adaptations of insects. Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, or permission of the Department Chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 441.

544 Ichthyology. (3) The study of fish with emphasis on identification, classification, anatomy and physiology, and ecology. Emphasizes Indiana species but includes other important species. Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, or permission of the Department Chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 444.

545 Herpetology. (3) Introduction to the biology of amphibians and reptiles, including their origin, anatomy, physiology, classification, behavior, and ecology. Through extensive field trips, the laboratory will emphasize identification and observation of amphibians and reptiles in their natural habitats. Prerequisite: BIO 112. Not open to students who have credit in BIO 445.

546 Mammalogy. (3) The evolutionary origin, characteristics, and distribution of recent mammals. The economic relationships of mammals. The collection and preservation of specimens. May require additional fieldwork. Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 446.

583 Wildlife Biology. (3) The identification, population dynamics, and geographic distribution of wildlife species with particular emphasis on those of the United States. The harvest and management of wildlife. May require additional fieldwork. Prerequisite: BIO 216 or permission of the Department Chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 483.

584 Aquatic Entomology. (3) Immature and adult stages of aquatic insects, including collecting techniques, identification, ecological requirements, morphology, and evolutionary adaptations to lentic and lotic conditions. Emphasis on aquatic insects as indicators of environmental quality and stress. Prerequisite: ZOOL 541 or permission of the Department Chairperson. Not open to students who have credit in ZOOL 484.

670 Field Zoology. (3) The field study of animals -- terrestrial and aquatic, invertebrate and vertebrate, microscopic and macroscopic-with emphasis on collection and identification of noninsect invertebrates.

682 Animal Ecology. (3) The composition, development, dynamics, and geographic distribution of animal communities. The relationships between animals and the physical, chemical, and biotic elements of the environment. Includes physiological ecology and ethology. Field studies of animal communities.

SCIENCE (SCI)

501 Electron Microscopy. (3) Introduction to the techniques and theory of electron microscopy. Emphasis on basic procedures employed in the preparation of materials for electron microscopy, preparation of electron micrographs, and operation of the transmission and scanning electron microscopes.

690 Workshop in Science Education (1-3) Practical experience with teaching science at specific level (early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or higher education) and/or specific topic (e.g., chemistry or geology). May be repeated for different level and/or topic. Prerequisite: teaching experience or certification or permission of the Department Chairperson. Open only to students who meet one of the prerequisites.

695 Advanced Teaching Methods in Science. (3) Recent developments in science teaching at specific level (early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or higher education) and /or specific topic (e.g., biology or physics). May be repeated for different level and/or topic. Prerequisite: teaching experience or certification or permission of the Department Chairperson. Open only to students who meet one of the prerequisites.

696 Current Issues in Science Education (3) Current research and theory of teaching science at specific level (early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or higher education) and /or specific science topic (e.g., chemistry or geology). May be repeated for different level and/or topic. Prerequisite: permission of the Department Chairperson. Open only to students who meet prerequisite.

699 Research Methodology in Science Education. (3) Identification of research problems in science and science education. Introduction to types of research, research design, and grantwriting. Review of literature pertinent to a special topic of student interest. Development of a research proposal. Prerequisite: permission of the Department Chairperson.