Ball State University
The entire BSU Undergraduate Catalog is
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Biology Department
Undergraduate Course Listings
Course Number - Course Name - Credit Hours -
Course Description
BIOLOGY (BIO)
100 People and the Life
Sciences. (3) Introductory course designed for
students not majoring in science. Emphasizes human and
social aspects of biology: reproduction, development,
genetic counseling, immunology, evolution, biodiversity,
ecology, and environmental concerns.
Not open to students who have credit in BIO 102,111, or
112.
102 Biological Concepts for
Teachers. (3) Principles of biology as they relate to
energy requirements and reproductive processes of living
organisms, including the study of plants and conservation
with emphasis on the human role in the environment.
Designed primarily for students in elementary education
programs.
111 Principles of Biology 1.
(4) Designed for biology, allied health, and other
science majors. Emphasis at cellular level: chemical and
physical organization of life, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell
structure and function, bioenergetics, cell division, genetics,
gene expression, protein synthesis, and evolution. Lecture
and laboratory.
Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry, one
semester of college chemistry, or the equivalent.
112 Principles of Biology 2.
(4) Examines the diversity, evolutionary relationships, ecology,
and physiology of organisms in the animal kingdom with an introduction to the
protozoans. Emphasis is on structure and function at the organismal level,
classification and phylogenetic relationships. Lecture and laboratory.
113 Microbiology for the
Health Sciences. (5) Introductory course for students
in applied health curricula. Presents biomolecules of life,
enzyme interaction, physiology and structure of
representative microorganisms. Emphasis is on bacteria,
viruses, fungi, and protozoa of health significance and the
host-parasite relationship. Microbiological techniques will
be emphasized in laboratory.
Prerequisite: CHEM 101 or its equivalent.
210 Principles of Biology 3. (3)
Examines evolutionary solutions to problems of survival and reproduction faced
by plants and their allies (plants, fungi, protists). Problems are
investigated from a structure-function basis in an evolutionary-phylogenetic
survey. Physiological processes are emphasized, including the selective
pressures involved in the evolution of these mechanisms. Lecture & laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO
112; Recommended Prerequisite: BIO 111
213 Microbiology. (4)
Microorganisms including representative bacteria,
viruses, protozoa, and fungi. Emphasis is placed on
morphology, physiology, genetics, and control. Some
consideration of applied microbiology. Lecture and
laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 111.
214 Genetics. (4) Basic
principles of heredity and variation emphasizing meiosis,
Mendelian inheritance and probability considerations, sex
and gene transmission and expression, linkage and
crossing-over, the nature of the hereditary material, gene
action, and genetic control of development.
Prerequisite: BIO 111 and 112 .
215 Cell Biology. (4) An
introduction to the biology of the cell, including cell
differentiation and growth, the nature of the organization of
the cell, basic bioenergetics and enzyme function, cell
environment, membrane structure and function, cell
metabolism, and the work performed by cells. Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112; CHEM 231 or permission of
the department chairperson.
216 Ecology. (4) Effects
of physical and biotic conditions on the distribution and
abundance of plants and animals. Dynamics of ecological
systems are examined at the population, community, and
ecosystem levels, and from an evolutionary perspective.
Practical applications are emphasized. Lecture and
laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 111 and 112.
217 Methods in Ecology. (3)
Effects of
physical and biotic conditions on the distribution, abundance, and diversity of
plants and animals. Dynamics of ecological systems at population,
community, ecosystem, landscape, and global levels, and from an evolutionary
perspective. Practical applications of ecological knowledge to
environmental problems. Prerequisite: BIO 111,112
253 Human Genetics for
Special Education. (3) Designed for special education
majors to foster understanding human inheritance
implications in their chosen career. Develops genetic
literacy using many instructional techniques. In addition, the
social implications of genetic knowledge will be explored.
Not open to students who have credit in BIO 453.
Open only to special education majors and dual majors in
special education and elementary education.
254 Biology in the Social Context. (3)
Designed
for social work majors to foster understanding of the interactions between and
among human biological and social systems. Emphasizes biological concepts
as they relate to health and behavior. Prerequisite recommended:
college level introductory biology. Open only to social work
majors or by permission of department chairperson.
299X
Experimental/Developmental Topics. (1-6) Topics relevant to the
discipline. course titles will be announced each semester. A total
of 6 hours of credit may be earned.
341 Pathogenic Bacteriology. (3)
Study of
pathogenic bacteria with emphasis on morphology and physiology. Laboratory
techniques for culturing, isolating, and identifying bacteria. Prerequisite:
BIO 113 or 213; CHEM 231.
344 Immunology-Virology. (4)
Examination of
the basic principles of immunology and virology. Topics include the immune
system, the variety of immune responses, immunoregulation, and characteristics
of viruses. Emphasizes virus-host interactions and serological diagnosis
of viral infections. Prerequisite: BIO 213 and one course in
organic chemistry.
369 Internship in Biology. ( 1-6)
Paid,
supervised field and laboratory experiences 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.
390 Honors Colloquium in
Biology. (1-2) Exploration of selected issues in
biology with emphasis upon individual projects, study, and
discussion.
Open only to honors students except by permission of the Department
Chairperson.
A total of 2 hours of credit may be earned.
394 Practicum in Biology.
(1-3) Practical application of biology in a variety of
situations including biology instruction as undergraduate
teaching assistants and discussion leaders, and practical
experience in government or industrial laboratories and
field stations.
Prerequisite: permission of the Department Chairperson.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.
401 Developments in
Modern Biology. (3-6) Stresses recent discoveries in
biology and integrates and enhances understanding of
basic principles of the discipline.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.
416 Population Ecology. (3)
Presents fundamental principles of population growth
and regulation, including both within-species and between-
species interactions. 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.
418 Community and
Ecosystem Ecology. (3) Principles of ecological
organization at the community and ecosystems 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.
420 Field Biology of Distant
Areas. (3-12) Includes study of the sciences 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.
440 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.
Prerequisite: BIO 100, 102, or 111 or permission of the
department chairperson.
446 Applied Microbiology. (3)
The study of microorganisms that are beneficial or
detrimental to changes in foods (including milk and milk
products) and industrial fermentations. This is a lecture/lab
course.
Prerequisite: BIO 213 or permission of the department
chairperson.
448 Biometry. (3)
Principles and application of statistics to biological
problems. The use of parametric and nonparametric tests of
significance in the analysis of data and the interpretation of
experiments. Prerequisite: MATHS 108 or its equivalent or permission
of the Department Chairperson.
452 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, and molecular and
mutagenetic analysis of cell cycle.
Prerequisite: BIO 214; CHEM 231.
Prerequisite recommended: BIO 215.
453 Human Genetics and the
Problems of Humanity. (3) Current problems 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. Prerequisite: BIO 111 or permission of the
Department Chairperson.
456 Cancer Biology. (3) Examination of the
biological basis of cancer, discussion of related contemporary issues, and
overview of recent advances in cancer research. Emphasizes cancer
progression, tumor production, etiology/epidemiology, prevention. Prerequisite:
BIO 215, its equivalent, or permission of the Department Chairperson.
457 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 permission of the Department Chairperson.
460 Microtechniques. (4)
A lecture/lab course in the preparation of biological
material for microscopic examination in teaching, research,
and clinical applications. Emphasis on preparation of
smears, squashes, whole mounts, paraffin and frozen plant
and animal sections, and photomicrography. Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, 213, and one course of college
chemistry.
470 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.
Prerequisite: BIO 215 or permission of the department
chairperson.
480 Limnology. (3) The
physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of inland
waters. Laboratory 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.
482 Aquatic Microbiology. (3)
Microorganisms indigenous to nonpolluted and
polluted aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis on nutrient cycling
and use of microorganisms as indicators of pollution.
Morphology, physiology, and ecology of specific organisms.
Lecture/laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 213.
483 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.
492 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.
Prerequisite: junior standing and completion of the
General Studies science component or permission of the
department chairperson.
498 Undergraduate
Research. (1-3) Designed to give undergraduate
biology students with special aptitude an opportunity to
participate in scientific investigation.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.
BIOTECHNOLOGY (BIOT)
490 Introduction to Recombinant DNA
& RNA Techniques (3) Laboratory course on fundamental
techniques of biotechnology, including experimental design and literature
analysis.
491 Theory and Applications of the
Polymerase Chain Reaction (3)
Laboratory course on design and optimization of PCR and RT-PCR experiments and
applications.
492 Protein Isolation and Analysis (3) Laboratory course
on theory and application of techniques of isolation, purification and
relationship of structure to function.
493 Professional Development (1) Seminar emphasizing development
of curriculum vitae and providing presentations by individuals in industry and
discussions of job ethics and values.
494 Cell Culture Techniques
(2) Practice and theory of cell and tissue culture.
495 Sequence Analysis and
Bioinformatics (2) Determination of nucleotide sequence and
Internet/software utilization for DNA and protein sequence analysis.
496 Research Design and Presentation
(2) Design and presentation of a research proposal.
BOTANY (BOT)
380 Forestry. (3) General
course in forestry with emphasis on forest policy, ecology,
and management. Current issues are discussed with
particular reference to their social, political, and
environmental implications. Lecture and
laboratory.
440 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 the plant taxa.
Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department
chairperson.
442 Economic Botany. (3)
The cultivation, processing, environmental
requirements, and use of plants and plant derivatives for
food, drugs, dwellings, clothing, and power.
446 Medical Mycology. (3)
Study of fungi with emphasis on pathogenic forms.
Discusses methods for identification of fungi along with
morphology and biochemistry of fungi.
Prerequisite: BIO 213.
451 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 231.
460 Plants and Their Allies.
(4) Evolutionary-phylogenetic survey of plant forms.
Includes bacteria, algae, fungi, bryophytes, and vascular
plants. Emphasis on comparative morphology and
anatomy, reproductive structures, cycles, and adaptations to
varying habitats.
Prerequisite: BIO 111,112 or permission of the
instructor.
470 Dendrology. (3) The
identification and site characterization of woody plants with
an 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.
480 Plant Ecology. (3)
Factors affecting the distribution and abundance of
plants. Patterns, structure, and development of plants at the
individual, population, and community level. Laboratory
provides experience with ecological experimentation at the
physiological, population, and community levels.
Prerequisite: BIO 216 or permission of the
instructor.
481 Aquatic Botany. (4)
The collection and identification of nonvascular and
vascular plants from fresh water ecosystems. Emphasizes
the 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.
Two Saturday field trips required.
Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the Department Chairperson.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY (MEDTC)
401 Urinalysis. (1-10)
A study of basic renal anatomy, physiology, and
pathology, as well as training in the preparation of patients
and collection of urine samples, conduct of routine and
special tests of urine, and identification of the various
formed elements in urine sediment.
Prerequisite: PHYSL 210.
Open only to medical technology students in the clinical
year.
A total of 10 hours of credit may be earned.
402 Serology. (1-10)
Principles of immunology. Histology and biochemistry
of the immune system. Theory and practice of the detection
of antibodies and other serum substances related to
disease conditions using various diagnostic procedures.
Prerequisite: BIO 344.
Open only to medical technology students in the clinical
year.
A total of 10 hours of credit may be earned.
403 Microbiology. (1-10)
Study of pathogenic organisms (bacteria,
mycobacteria, fungi, and animal parasites), emphasizing
isolation, culture, identification, and antibiotic sensitivity.
Experience in media preparation, staining techniques, and
various biochemical and serological tests for identification
and sensitivity.
Prerequisite: BIO 341, 344.
Open only to medical technology students in the clinical
year.
A total of 10 hours of credit may be earned.
404 Blood Bank. (1-10)
Theory and practice of blood bank organization and
procedure. Genetics and immunology of blood group
systems; selection of donors; collection, processing, and
storage of blood; preparation of blood products; typing,
compatibility, and pretransfusion tests.
Prerequisite: PHYSL 210.
Open only to medical technology students in the clinical
year.
A total of 10 hours of credit may be earned.
405 Radioimmunoassay.
(1-10) Theory and practice of the use of radio-labeled
substances in the detection of hormones, antigens,
antibodies, drugs, and other clinically important molecules
in blood and other body fluids. Experience in such related
techniques as immunofluorescence and enzyme
immunoassay.
Prerequisite: BIO 344.
Open only to medical technology students in the clinical
year.
A total of 10 hours of credit may be earned.
406 Medical Chemistry.
(1-10) Theory and application of physiology,
biochemistry, and organic chemistry in the laboratory
diagnosis of abnormal metabolism. Experience with a
variety of manual and automated test procedures, including
preparation of patient samples, instrument calibration and
maintenance, and quality control. Prerequisite: CHEM 360.
Open only to medical technology students in the clinical
year.
A total of 10 hours of credit may be earned.
407 Hematology. (1-10)
Study of blood, other body fluids, and bone marrow:
cells, coagulation processes, and pathological conditions.
Practice in collection of samples, staining procedures, and
various tests concerned with cells and dotting mechanisms,
including experience with related instrumentation.
Prerequisite: PHYSL 210.
Open only to medical technology students in the clinical
year.
A total of 10 hours of credit may be
earned.
ZOOLOGY (ZOOL)
330 Structure and
Development of Vertebrates. (5) Comparative study of
the anatomy, development, and evolutionary relationships
of vertebrates. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department
chairperson.
347 Animal Parasitology.
(3) Helminth, protozoan, and arthropod parasites of
animals and humans. Emphasizes identification, life cycles,
host-parasite relationships, and physiology of common
species. Some emphasis on medical and clinical aspects of
parasites in humans, and tropical forms.
Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, or permission of the
department chairperson.
432 Invertebrate Zoology.
(4) Comparative morphology, physiology, ecology, life
histories, and phylogeny of invertebrate animal phyla.
Prerequisite: BIO 111 and 112 or permission of the
department chairperson.
440 Ornithology. (3)
The study of birds including identification, systematics,
anatomy, physiology, life histories, ecological relationships,
and conservation. Field work in addition to regular
laboratory periods may be required.
Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department
chairperson.
441 Entomology. (3)
Anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, life histories, habits,
and adaptations of insects.
Prerequisite: BIO 111 and 112 or permission of the
department chairperson.
444 Ichthyology. (3) The
study of fish with emphasis on identification, classification,
anatomy and physiology, and ecology. Emphasizes Indiana
species, but other important species will be included.
Prerequisite: BIO 111 and 112 or permission of the
department chairperson.
445 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.
446 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 field work.
Prerequisite: BIO 112 or permission of the department
chairperson.
483 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 field work.
Prerequisite: BIO 216 or permission of the department
chairperson.
484 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 is on aquatic insects
as indicators of environmental quality and
stress.
SCIENCE (SCI)
150 Basic
Concepts in Science Education. (3)
Serves as an introduction
to all secondary science teaching programs. Content includes constructing an
integrated vision about what it means to teach and learn science, investigating
the nature of scientific inquiry, developing basic science teaching skills and
dispositions, and beginning preparation for teacher licensure.
Prerequisite or parallel: a science course from the science licensure area.
Open only to secondary science teaching majors (all science license
areas).
392
Teaching of Science in the Junior High School. (3)
Recent curriculum
developments in junior high school science. Science curriculum instruction
related to the physical, mental, and emotional characteristics of the junior
high school student. Experiences in public schools may be required.
Prerequisite: 24 hours of science courses or permission of the department
chairperson.
395 Introduction
to the Teaching of Science. (3)
Philosophy and methodology of teaching science. Emphasizes the nature of science
as a human endeavor, the national goal of scientific literacy for all, and the
pedagogical strategies which enhance science concept acquisition. Lesson
planning within the context of field experiences where appropriate.
Prerequisite: junior standing; at least 24 hours of science content
courses.
Open only to teaching majors in life science, physical science, or
earth-space science.
396 Using
Science Methods and Materials. (3)
Methods and materials used
in teaching secondary science. Designing activities for laboratory and field
work, maintaining safety guidelines, and incorporating computers and electronic
technology into data collection and analysis. Textbook selection, equipment
inventories, and teaching on a science budget. Prerequisite: SCI 395.
Parallel: EDSEC 380; EDJHM 385.
Open only to teaching majors in life science, physical science, or
earth-space science.
397
Teaching Science in the Elementary School. (3)
Methods for teaching science concepts, skills, and attitudes are developed
through classroom and clinical experiences. Special emphasis on making
connections between science and other areas of the elementary curriculum.
Prerequisite: 8 hours of science or permission of the department
chairperson.
398
Teaching Science in the Early and Primary Grades. (3)
Analysis of the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective processes inherent in
science investigations for young children. Classroom and clinical experience
using hands-on activities with science materials appropriate for pre-school and
primary children. Designed for Early Childhood education programs.
Prerequisite: 8 hours of science or permission of the department
chairperson.
498
Science as Inquiry. (3)
An integrated look at the scientific enterprise and the investigative process
that drives it. Focuses on the development and use of cognitive and manipulative
skills used to think scientifically about matters of personal interest in
everyday life.
Prerequisite: GEOG 101 or GEOL 101; BIO 102; PHYCS 101; permission of the
instructor.
Open only to elementary education majors with the science concentration.
