Biology (BIOL) 

Biol 1106 General Biology Laboratory I

Laboratory practice designed for the general education student, majors and minors in biology, that illustrates the fundamentals of molecular and cellular biology, genetics, scientific inquiry, scientific method, and scientific design.  Prerequisites: READ 0322, ENGL 0321, MATH 0421.  Corequisite BIOL 1306.  Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 1306 General Biology I

An introduction to the unifying biological principles with emphasis on fundamentals of molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and evolutionary theory.  Covers major biological concepts, scientific design, cells, and organisms.  Designed for both the biology major and the non-science major.  Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

Biol 1107 General Biology Laboratory II

Laboraotory practice designed for the general education student and majors and minors in biology that illustrates the fundamentals of organismal biology, ecology, biodiversty, biological concepts, cells, and organisms.  Prerequisite: READ 0322, ENGL 0321, MATH 0421.  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 1307. Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 1307 General Biology II

An introduction to the fundamentals of organismal biology, ecology, and biodiversity with an emphasis on global implications.  Designed for both the biology major and the non-science major.  Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 1322  Human Nutrition

A study of the basic principles of nutrition in health and disease  Stresses the modern concepts of an adequat diet based on the nutritional needs of  the indeividual.  Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 2101  Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I

Cells, tissues, skeletal, muscle, nervous systems.  Includes dissections and instrumentaion related to basic hands-on understanding of human anatomy and physiology.  Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 2301.  Lab. 3, Cr. 1.

BIOL 2301  Human Anatomy and Physiology I

General biological principles, cellular biology, emphisi on human integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and related topics.  Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment:  BIOL 2101.  Lec. 3, Cr 3.\

BIOL 2102  Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II

Emphasis on endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Includes related dissectiona and instrumentation disigned to facilitate basic hands-on understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Prerequisite: BIOL 2301 AND 2101, prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 2302.  Lab. 3, Cr. 1

BIOL 2302  Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Continuation of BIOL 2301.  Includes human urogenetal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive and endocrine systems, human development, emphasis on nutrition, metabolic, electrolyte and fluid balance.  Prerequistie: BIOL 2301 and  2101, prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 2101.  Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 2317  Evolution

This course reviews the history of evolutionary thought and examines modern evolutionary theory.  Topics include Darwinian and evolution mechanisms of evolutionary change, speciation and the history of life and macroevolutionary trends.  The course concludes with a survey of current research, including applications to human evolution.  Prerequistie: BIOL 1306, 1106, 1307, 1107. Lec. 3 Cr. 3.

BIOL 2121  Microbiology Laboratory

Laboratory application of microbial  techniques including staining microscopy, cultivation of microbes and handling of aseptic cultures and materials in the laboratory, biochemical aspect of microbes, chemical, physical, and chemotherapeutic control of microbial growth, sanitary analysis of municipal water systems, determination of a bacterial unknown.  Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment: BIOL 2321.  Lab 4, Cr. 1

BIOL 2321  Microbiology

An introduction to the field of microbiology, microbiol morpholgy, cell fine structure, factors controlling growth and reproduction, microbial survey, pus viruses; metabolism; microbial genetics, biotechnology, genetic contorl of of microbes; resistance to infection, immunology; transmission of diseases; environmental and applied microbiology.  Prerequisite; BIOL 1306, 1106, 1307, 1107 or BIOL 2301, 2101, 2302, 2102, prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 2121. CHEM 1311, 1312, highly recommended.  Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 3101  Advanced Physiology Laboratory

A laboratory which emphasizes the major concepts of modern genetics.  Prerequisite:BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307 .  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for: BIOL 3303.  Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 3301  Advanced Physiology

Selective topics of mammalian physiology, primarily man, which include nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, endocrine, immunity, respiratory, digestive, metabolic, urinary, acid-base balance, and reproductive systems.  Anatomy and Physiology I and II are highly recommended for this course. Lec. 3, Cr. 3

BIOL 3103 Genetics Laboratory

A laboratory which emphasizes the major concepts of modern genetics.  Prerequisite:BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307 .  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for: BIOL 3303.  Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 3303 Genetics

This course is an introduction to genetics with consideratation of its application in plant and animal biology and human welfare.. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 3108 Plant Morphology Laboratory

A laboratory emphaisizing the study of the morphology, development and relationships of fungi, algae, liverworts, mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. Prerequisite:BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307.  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 3308   Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 3308 Plant Morphology

This course is a study of the morphology, development and relationships of fungi, algae, liverworts, mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms.. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 3109 Ecology Laboratory

A laboratory for ecology which covers the study of the basic environmental factors affecting plants and animals, and their relation to economic and conservation problems. Prerequisite: BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307.  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 3309.  Lab 3 Cr 1.

BIOL 3309 Ecology

A study of the basic environmental factors affecting plants and animals and their relation to economic and conservation problems.  Prerequisite: eight semester hours of biology, Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 3112 Cell Biology Laboratory

A laboratory study of cell and molecular structure and function with emphasis on bioenergetics, membranes, genes, and genetic control, cell division and its regulation, cellular differentiation.   Biochemistry I is highly recommended before taking this course.  Prerequisite: BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307, CHEM 2323 and CHEM 2325.   Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 3312.    Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 3312 Cell Biology

A study of cell structure and function with emphasis on bioenergetics, membranes, genes, and genetic control, cell division, and its regulation, ellular-differentiation. (May not be repeated for credit) Prerequisite: eight semester credit hours of biology. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 3114 Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory

A laboratory study of the comparative morphology, evolution, systematics, and natural history of the invertebrates.   Prerequisite: BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307.  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 3414.  Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 3314 Invertebrate Zoology

A study of the comparative morphology, evolution, systemic and natural history of the invertebrates.  Prerequistie: eight semester hours of biology. Lect 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4100  Biology Seminar

The student completes and independent scholarly review of research topic, makes an oral report on the topic, and discusses current research with faculty and students.  Prerequisite: Senior standing, twenty-four semester credit hours of biology.  Lec. 1, Cr. 1.

BIOL 4170 Laboratory Topics in Biology

This course is a series of lab/field investigations in areas not available in other courses.  May be repeated for credit when content changes.  Lab. 1, Cr. 1.

BIOL 4199   Research Problems in Biology

Research under the supervision of a Biology faculty member.  May be repeated for credit but no more than three semester credit hours (*) may apply toward the Biology major.(*combinations of 4199, 4299).  Prerequisite: Junior standing, completion of three advanced courses in Biology. (nine upper-division semester credit hours and approval of instructor. Lec. 1, Cr. 1.

BIOL 4299 Research Problems in Biology

 Research under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. May be repeated for credit but no more than three semester credit hours (*) may be applied towards the Biology major. (*combinations of 4199, 4299).  Prerequisite: Junior standing, completion of three advanced courses in Biology(nine upper-division semester credit hours), and approval of instructor. Lec. 2, Cr. 2.

BIOL 4109  Herpetology Laboratory

The lab and field work will familiarize students with herptofauna of the lower Rio Grande Valley and with plant and animal associations in a variety of habitats.  Students will be required to keep a journal of field observations and a catalog of of specimens observed.  Prerequisite: BIOL 1306, 1106, 1307, 1106.  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 4309.  Lab 3  Cr 1

BIOL 4309  Herpetology

 An in-depth study of amphibians and reptiles. Classification according to their types and characteristics as well as collection and field trip techniques for acquiring and preparing museum specimens and their preservation for proper storage and cataloguing.  A good knowledge of South Texas herpetofauna will be emphasized.  Special in-depth study of venomous snakes and current snakebite treatment measures will be surveyed.  Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4330  Integrative Biology for Middle School Science Teachers

This course designed for  middle school science teachers is the coordinataed-thematic integration of biology with physiscs, chemistry, and earth/space science through a series of lectures, panels, demonstrations and applied activities.  Prerequisite: eight semester credit hours of biology. Lec. 3,           Cr. 3.

BIOL 4331  Integrative Biology for High School Science Teachers

This course designed for  high school science teachers is the coordinataed-thematic integration of biology with physiscs, chemistry, and earth/space science through a series of lectures, panels, demonstrations and applied activities.  Prerequisite: eight semester credit hours of biology. Lec. 3,           Cr. 3.

BIOL 4370 Topics in Biology

Specialized lecture content not available in other courses.  May be repeated for credit as topics change but no more than three semester credit hours  may apply towards the Biology major.  Prerequisite: Junior standing, completion of twelve semester credit hours in Biology. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4390  Biology Internship

This course is an applied experience in an industrial, educational, private agency, or governmental facility supported by an acceptable scholarly written report and a seminar.  Prerequisite: Junior standing, 16 semester credit hours of Biology. Lab. 6-8, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4399 Research Problems in Biology

Research under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. May be repeated for credit but no more than three semester credit hours may apply toward the Biology major.  Students enrolling for BIOL 4399 will present research results in a Biology Department seminar  Prerequiste: Junior standing, completion of three advnaced courses in Biology (nine advnaced semester credit hours in biology and approval of instructor).  Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4302 Marine Biology Laboratory

A laboratory study of the common marine animals, especialy invertebrates in local coastal waters, particular attention given to structural and physiological relationships.  Prerequisite: BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307.   Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 4302.  Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 4302 Marine Biology

A study of the   common marine animals, especially invertebrates in coastal waters, particular attention is to be given tostructural and physiological relationships.  Prerequisite: eight semester hours of biology. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4110 Marine Botany Laboratory

A laboratory practice emphasizing the collection, preservation, and identification of common local marine flora with emphasis on the macroscopic algae forms.   Field trips to local marine environments is required.   Prerequisite: BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307.   Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 4310.   Lab 3 Cr 1 

BIOL 4310 Marine Botany

A study of common local marine flora with emphasis on the macroscopic algae forms. Students are expected to furnish their own transportation to nine or ten laboratory field sessions.  Prerequiste: eight semester hours of biology. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4114 Plant Taxonomy Laboratory

Laboratory identification of vascular plants with emphasis on native flowering plants.  Prerequisites: BIOL 1306,1106,1307,1107.  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 4314 Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 4314 Plant Taxonomy

Identification of vascular plants with emphasis on native flowering plants. Prerequisite: eight semester hours of biology. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4120 Pant Anatomy Laboratory

This is a laboratory study of  the anatomy of seed plants.  Prerequisite: BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307. Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 4320.   Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 4320 Pant Anatomy

Anatomy of seed plants.  Prerequisite: eight semesters hours of biology. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4125 Plant Physiology Laboratory

A laboratory analysis of cell biology, biochemistry, metabolism, ecophysiology, and the development of plants.  Topics include water relations, respiration, photosynthesis, ntirogen fixation, mineral nutrition, plant hormones, plant molecular biology, genetic engineering, and the role of environmental signals to plant development. Prerequisites: BIOL 1306, 1307, 1106, 1107, CHEM 2323. 2325.  Lab 3 Cr

BIOL 4325 Plant Physiology

An analysis of cell biology, biochemistry, metabolism, ecophysiology and development of plants. Topics include water relations, respriation, photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, mineral nutrition, plaant hormones, plant molecular biology, genetic engineering and the role of environmental signals to plant development.  Prerequisite: BIOL 1306, 1307, 1106, 1107, CHEM 2323, 2325.  Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4140 Immunology Laboratory

This laboratory covers the Immune System, cells and organs of the immune system, antigens and antibodies, Immunoglobulin Genes, Major Histocompatibility Complex proteins, cytokines, vaccines, and infectious diseases.  Biochemistry I is highly recommended for this course. Prerequisites: BIOL 1306, 1307, 1106, 1107, CHEM 2323, 2325.  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 4340.   Lab 3 Cr 1

BIOL 4340 Immunology

This course covers the immune system, cells and organs of the immune system, antigens, and antibodies, immunoglobulin genes.  Major histocompatibility, complex protein, cytokines, vaccines and infectious diseases.  Prerequisites: BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307.  Lec. 3, Cr. 3.

BIOL 4150 Ornithology Laboratory

A laboratory practice concerning the field identification, classification, morphology, ecology, distribution, migration patterns, and behaviour of local birds.   Field trips are required. Prerequisite: BIOL 1106, 1306, 1107, 1307.  Corequisite: Enrollment in or credit for BIOL 4350. 

Lab 3  Cr 1

BIOL 4350 Ornithology

The study of the classification, morphology, ecology, distribution, migration patterns, and behavior of birds. Emphasis on local species. Field trip required.  Prerequisite: eight semester hours of biology. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.