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2020-2021 Interim Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Biology Course List
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Biology
Biology
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BIO 150 - Introduction to Biological Inquiry 4 credits (Fall and Spring)
An introduction to how biologists pose questions, design experiments, analyze data, and communicate scientific information, for prospective biology and biological chemistry majors as well as nonmajors. Although individual sections will have different topics and formats, all sections will involve intensive student-directed investigation and include a laboratory component. For current course content please see the variable topic course listing below or search the online live schedule of courses.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Staff -
BIO 220 - Racing Through Genetics 4 credits (Spring)
Cross-listed as: AMS 220 and ANT 220 . An interdisciplinary study of the role that science has played in the construction of race and ways that society uses such racial classifications. Historic cases including eugenics movement in the early 1990s and application of modern genetic technology will be explored. Students will consider genetic determinism in light of what is known about biology and historicize concepts based in science including the meanings they acquired when invoked to support judicial, political and social politics.
Prerequisite: BIO 150 and one upper level AMS, ANT, SOC, or GWSS course. (In the event of over enrollment, priority will be given to students who have completed BIO 251 )
Note: Plus-2 option available. Not offered every year.
Instructor: Gibel Mevorach, Gregg-Jolly -
BIO 240 - Animal Behavior 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
Investigations of the causes, functions, and origins of animal behavior. We will use an evolutionary perspective to understand and integrate common behavioral adaptations, e.g., obtaining food, avoiding predators, living in groups, communicating, mating, and caring for offspring. Laboratory projects emphasize design, analysis, and communication of quantitative tests of hypotheses carried out in the lab and field. Three lectures and one scheduled lab per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 150 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Staff -
BIO 251 - Molecules, Cells, and Organisms 4 credits (Fall)
Investigations of the cellular and molecular basis of organismal structure and function, including studies of how organisms acquire and expend energy, acquire and transport materials, regulate internal conditions, transmit information, reproduce, develop, grow, and move. Three lectures and one scheduled lab each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 150 , CHM 129 , and completion of or concurrent registration in CHM 221 .
Note: Students who have completed the Biology 251/252 course sequence receive the equivalent of a standard undergraduate introductory genetics course, relevant for pre-professional programs and graduate schools.
Instructor: Staff -
BIO 252 - Organisms, Evolution, and Ecology 4 credits (Spring)
Investigations of the evolutionary causes and ecological consequences of organismal structure and function, including studies of why organisms acquire and expend energy, acquire and transport materials, regulate internal conditions, transmit information, reproduce, develop, grow, and move. Three lectures and one scheduled lab each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 251 and MAT 124 or MAT 131 .
Note: Students who have completed the Biology 251/252 course sequence receive the equivalent of a standard undergraduate introductory genetics course, relevant for pre-professional programs and graduate schools.
Instructor: Staff -
BIO 301 - History of Biological Thought 4 credits (Spring)
This seminar course will consider how biological theories emerge and change in a complex environment of empirical knowledge and social/political concerns. Areas of study may include reproductive biology, evolution, genetics, ecology and conservation, and medicine. Three lecture/discussion sections each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Staff -
BIO 305 - Evolution of the Iowa Flora 4 credits (Fall)
Investigations of the history of Iowa’s plant diversity from three perspectives: 1) taxonomy and systematics; 2) paleoecology and community assembly; and 3) population structure, biogeography, and conservation. Three lectures and one laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Eckhart -
BIO 325 - Fungal Biology 4 credits (Fall)
An integrative survey of the fungal kingdom, emphasizing current topics in developmental biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, systematics, ecology, and human interactions with fungi. Emphasis is on interactive learning through field and laboratory investigations. Combined lecture/lab periods meet two times each week for three hours.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: K. Jacobson -
BIO 334 - Plant Physiology 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
An assessment of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying the life processes of plants. This course will examine major plant functions with emphasis on the physiology and biochemistry of photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient metabolism, translocation, control of growth, and response of plants to environmental stress.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 or BCM 262 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: DeRidder -
BIO 339 - Biogeochemistry 4 credits (Spring)
Study of the effects of life on the Earth’s chemistry. This course will examine the interactions among biological and chemical processes that determine the cycling of biologically significant elements in soils, sediments, waters, and the atmosphere. Lectures and discussions focus on current topics, with particular emphasis on the effects of human activity on biogeochemical cycles. Field and laboratory investigations emphasize quantitative analysis and experimental design. Three lecture/discussions and one laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 , or BCM 262 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: P. Jacobson -
BIO 340 - Aquatic Biology 4 credits (Spring)
An examination of the biology of freshwater systems, including lakes, rivers, and streams, and the linkages between aquatic and terrestrial environments. Lectures and discussions focus on current topics in freshwater biology. Laboratory and field investigations emphasize quantitative analysis and experimental design and include an independent project. One laboratory meeting and two lecture/discussion sessions each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: P. Jacobson -
BIO 343 - Comparative Vertebrate Morphology 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
This class will analyze the structure and evolution of the vertebrates, emphasizing functional morphology. We will consider vertebrate evolution and diversity, integument, biomaterials, and skulls; vertebral columns, lateral flexion, and the transition to terrestrial locomotion; circulatory systems; osmoregulatory structures; gas exchange; and sensory structures. In the lab, we will dissect animals such as sharks and cats and analyze other materials. We will close by focusing on morphological design and locomotion, and students will write a research proposal.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 , or BCM 262 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Queathem -
BIO 345 - Advanced Genetics 4 credits (Fall or spring)
Genetics is an experimental approach that has been applied to questions in all areas of biology, answering fundamental questions about inheritance, cell mechanics, human disease, and evolutionary change. This course will introduce students to advanced genetic principles and techniques. We will then explore how these techniques have been applied to answer fundamental questions in biology by reading both classic and recent papers from the primary literature that utilize genetic approaches. We will also discuss some of the limitations of genetics as a scientific approach. The laboratory will emphasize multiweek projects using genetic techniques to study biological problems. Two three-hour meetings per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 , or BCM 262 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Praitis -
BIO 355 - Developmental Genetics 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
We explore how scientists identify and characterize the genes required for animal and plant development, by reading and discussing papers from the primary literature that utilize molecular and classic genetic techniques. Topics include axis determination, cell fate decisions, tissue formation, sex determination, environmental influences on development, and evolutionary conservation of developmental mechanisms. In the laboratory, students do independent research projects on the model system C. elegans. Two three-hour meetings per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 , or BCM 262 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Praitis -
BIO 363 - Neurobiology 4 credits (Spring)
This course examines the structure, function, and development of the nervous system. Cellular and molecular mechanisms are emphasized and examples are drawn from throughout the animal kingdom. Three lectures and one scheduled laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 or BCM 262 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Lindgren -
BIO 364 - Animal Physiology 4 credits (Spring)
This course examines the integrated function of tissues, organs, and organ systems from a molecular, cellular, and organismal perspective. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms underlying physiological processes found throughout the animal kingdom. Three lectures and one laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Lindgren -
BIO 365 - Microbiology 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
This course examines the structure, physiology and genetics of microorganisms. Emphasis is placed on studying of the diversity of microbes and exploring how microbes shape the environments they inhabit. A significant component of this course will be the critical evaluation of primary literature, along with an emphasis on written and oral communication skills. In the laboratory, students conduct independent research projects involving culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques. Two lectures and one laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 or BCM 262 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Hinsa -
BIO 368 - Ecology 4 credits (Fall)
Study of the distribution and abundance of organisms and of relationships between organisms and environments. Laboratories emphasize quantitative analysis and experimental design in ecology and include several field projects. Lectures focus on the development of ecological concepts and theory. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Eckhart -
BIO 370 - Advanced Cell Biology 4 credits (Fall)
In its infancy, cell biology primarily concerned the description of major cellular structures and functions that were visible by the light microscope. However, modern cell biology, and consequently this course, has shifted focus to the examination of biological processes at the molecular level. Focusing on eukaryotic systems, we will begin with a brief overview of cells, the history of cell biology, and the general approaches used to study cells. The rest of the course will focus on three to four central aspects of cell biology including signal transduction, cell cycle and cytoskeleton. How these topics relate to pharmacology and cancer biology will also be discussed. Laboratories emphasize techniques used in the study of cell biology in frog oocytes, eggs and/or embryos.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 or BCM 262 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Sandquist -
BIO 373 - Mechanisms of Evolution 4 credits (Spring)
This course examines the mechanisms of evolutionary change at both the micro- and macroevolutionary scales. Topics include the maintenance of genetic variation, population structure and speciation, molecular evolution, systematic methods and applications, and macroevolution. Three lectures and one laboratory session each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Staff -
BIO 375 - Principles of Pharmacology 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
An examination of the fundamental principles by which pharmacological agents are produced, work, and used. A major part of the course will explore basic concepts of pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and pharmacodynamics (mechanisms of drug action, receptor theory, dose response relationships, genetic interactions with drugs). Some common drug classes will be examined to illustrate basic physiological and pharmacological principles. Aspects of drug discovery, development and policy may also be introduced. Three lectures and one scheduled laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 or BCM 262 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Sandquist -
BIO 380 - Molecular Biology 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
An examination of the molecular biology of the cell and associated technology. The application of techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR amplification, DNA sequencing and hybridization to contemporary issues in biology are emphasized in lecture and laboratory. Two lectures and one laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 , or BCM 262 .
Instructor: Staff -
BIO 390 - Readings in Biology 2 credits (Fall or Spring)
In this variable content course, students will explore a selected area of biology via a seminar format that emphasizes reading, discussion, and writing about primary literature. May be repeated for credit if content changes. For current course content please see the variable topic course listing below or search the online live schedule of courses.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 .
Instructor: Staff -
BIO 399 - Directed Research 2 or 4 credits
See Directed Research.
Special Topics-Fall
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BIO 395-01 - Advanced Special Topic: Immunology 4 credits (Fall Term 1)
An introduction to the cellular and molecular basis of vertebrate immune systems. Topics include the components and organization of the immune system, development of the immune system, studies of how organisms mount an immune response, and how the immune response itself can cause disease. A significant component of this course will be the critical evaluation of primary literature and case studies of immune dysfunction, along with an emphasis on written and oral communication skills.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 or BCM 262 .
Instructor: Hinsa-Leasure
Special Topics-Spring
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BIO 395-01 - Advanced Special Topic: Orinthology with Lab 4 credits (Spring Term 1)
This course will help students gain a broad appreciation and understanding of birds, including bird evolution, taxonomy and phylogenetics, anatomy and physiology (particiularly in regards to bird flight and reproduction), and behavior and ecology. Students will accomplish this by participating in lecture and lab activities, including field work dedicated to bird identification. Students will also develop an appreciatation for birds and bird watching through participation in citizen science-led research, using birds as study systems.
Prerequisite: BIO 252 .
Instructor: Meyers
Variable Topics - Fall
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BIO 150-01 - Introduction to Biological Inquiry 4 credits (Fall Term 1)
Symmetry Breaking: Cells are not disorderly bags of molecules. On the contrary, all cells carefully distribute their contents asymmetrically in order to make certain parts of themselves distinct from other parts. Symmetry breaking is particularly evident during embryonic development when an embryo morphs from a sphere of cells into something with multiple axes (e.g. front-back). How do cells do this? Why do they spend so much energy breaking symmetry? It turns out that symmetry breaking is essential for many biological processes. In this course students will learn to use frog oocytes, eggs, and/or embryos in order to observe and explore symmetry breaking processes in living cells. Moreover, students will perform novel research related to this topic, which will involve developing a specific hypothesis, designing and performing experiments, and analyzing and sharing results.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Sandquist -
BIO 150-02 - Introduction to Biological Inquiry 4 credits (Fall Term 1)
Plant Genetics and the Environment. The physical and behavioral characteristics of living organisms are largely determined by their genetic makeup and their environment. This course is designed to allow us to ask questions about the relationship between genetics and the environment and to explore the mechanisms plants use to acclimate and adapt to changes in their environment. Using the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana, we will examine the influence of different environmental factors on the growth and development of ‘wild-type’ and mutant individuals. Students will design and perform experiments to address questions about the effect of genetic mutation on plant responses to the environment. After careful analysis of experimental results, students will communicate their findings in various scientific forms.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: DeRidder -
BIO 150-03 - Introduction to Biological Inquiry 4 credits (Fall Term 1)
Sex Life of Plants. This course will explore the evolution and ecology of reproduction in flowering plants to develop your understanding of how and why plants reproduce as they do. You’ll experience biology as it is practiced, as you learn principles of adaptation, practice the scientific method, and communicate your research findings in the style of professional biologists. Activities will include reading and discussing classic and contemporary scientific literature, completing exercises on the structure and function of plant reproductive features, and conducting and reporting on research projects done in the lab, the greenhouse, and the field.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Eckhart -
BIO 150-04 - Introduction to Biological Inquiry 4 credits (Fall Term 2)
The Effects of Climate Change on Organisms. We will examine the effects of predicted changes in temperature, moisture and carbon dioxide levels on organismal and ecosystem function through experimental investigation. We will focus on the effects of such changes on the physiology and metabolic functioning of organisms, as well as on biogeochemical processes of ecosystems. This course will be taught in a workshop format, meeting twice a week for three hours. Class time will be devoted primarily to discussions and lab work, examining theoretical aspects of organismal and ecosystem functioning, design and implementation of lab-based experiments, and the interpretation of our results in the context of extensive ongoing climate change research.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: P. Jacobson -
BIO 150-05 - Introduction to Biological Inquiry 4 credits (Fall Term 2)
Microbial Pathogenesis. In this course we will investigate strategic pathogenetic microorganisms use to colonize our food and thrive inside the human body. Topics addressed will include: the biology of bacteria and viruses, factors important for biofilm formation, how microorganisms become resistant to antibiotics, and how we protect our food and ourselves from microorganisms. Students will isolate and characterize microorganisms attached to vegetables by using standard microbial and basic molecular biology techniques. Based on critical reading of the literature, students will design and carry out independent research projects, analyze and report the results in scientific papers, posters and oral presentation. The class will have two, three hour meetings per week, which combine lecture, lab, and discussion.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Hinsa-Leasure
Variable Topics- Spring
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BIO 150-01 - Introduction to Biological Inquiry 4 credits (Spring Term 1)
Regeneration. In this course we will investigate regeneration using studies from phanaria, fish and axolotl. Based on critical reading of the literature, students will design and carry out independent research projects, analyze and report the results in scientific papers, posters and oral presentation. The class will combine lecture, lab, and discussion.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Staff -
BIO 150-03 - Introduction to Biological Inquiry 4 credits (Spring Term 2)
Exploring the brain. We will learn how scientists study the nervous system, focusing on the tools that past and current neuroscientists use to figure out how the brain works. We will explore the cellular physiology of neurons, the various sensory systems, motor systems, and “higher” brain functions such as sleep, learning, and memory. We will discuss how the brain manages to coordinate all these various functions, as well as examine examples of what happens when the brain fails” at its job (illusions, diseases, etc). As part of biological inquiry students will be taking an investigative approach to develop hypotheses, test the hypothesis through reading research articles, data analysis, and writing a research paper.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Ranjan
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