Chair and Professor-Rose. Professors-Aron, Baccus, Horne, Huffman, Koehn, Koke, Lemke, Lewis, Longley, Ostlund, Tuff, Whiteside. Associate Professors-Arsuffi, Barnes, Benjamin, Groeger, Tarsitano, Walter, West, Williamson. Assistant Professors-Farr, Garcia, McLean, Ott. Lecturers-Manning, Prabhakaran, Simpson, Upchurch

Biology is the study of life; it attempts to understand the tremendous diversity of living beings and how they interact with each other. Because the activities of scientists and technologists alter our lives and environment in so many ways, knowledge of the biological sciences is becoming increasingly important for any educated person.

The Biology Department offers the BS and BA in the classical disciplines of general biology, botany, and zoology. For those who seek more specialized education, degrees in aquatic biology, marine biology, wildlife biology, microbiology and physiology are available.

Biology majors take a minimum of ten courses that include the core curriculum of botany, zoology, anatomy/physiology, genetics, cell biology, and ecology. Required courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics provide a broad scientific background. A minor outside the Biology Department is required. The BS in biology is often the choice for those seeking pre-medical and pre-dental education.

Biologists usually find employment in research or education. Many graduates work with state agencies such as the Texas Department of Water Resources, Public Health, Parks and Wildlife, or the various health science/medical centers and biotechnology laboratories. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Lower Colorado River Authority, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority are also potential employers. Certification programs are available in microbiology and wildlife management. Interested students should see the chair or the major area advisers.

The Biology department website is http://www.bio.swt.edu/

Major and Minor in Biology

Majors in biology take a minimum of ten courses.

A minor in biology takes a minimum of six courses of which at least three courses are advanced. A year of chemistry is required.

A grade of at least a C is required in all prerequisite coures.
 
 

Notes

1. A teaching certificate is available with this degree but will require extra hours.
2. General Studies requirements include 18 hours of Writing Intensive courses and 3 hours of the International Perspective.
3. A total of 40 advanced hours is required to graduate. An advanced course is one that is numbered above 3000 and below 5000.

 

Freshman Year	Hours
Biology 1410, 1420	8
Chemistry 1410,1420	8
English 1310, 1320*	6
General Studies 1100*	1
History 1310, 1320*	6
Philosophy 1305*	3
Phy. Fitness Perspective (2 courses)*	2
	34
Sophomore Year	Hours
Biology (see majors)	8
Communication 1310*	3
English (Literature)*	3
English 3303	3
Mathematics 2321	3
Modern Language 1410, 1420	8
Political Science 2310, 2320	6
	34
Junior Year	Hours
Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre 3313*	3
Biology (see majors)	12
Minor (or elective hours)	6-12
Modern Language 2310, 2320	6
Social Science Perspective*
(advanced hours)	3
	30-36
Senior Year	Hours
Biology (see majors)	12
Minor (advanced hours)	10-12
Physics 1410, 1420	8
	30-32

Notes:

1. Recommended minor is chemistry.

2. A teaching certificate is available with this degree but will require extra hours.

3. General Studies requirements include 18 hours of Writing Intensive courses and 3 hours of the International Perspective.

4. A total of 40 advanced hours is required to graduate. An advanced course is one that is numbered above 3000 and below 5000.
 
 

Freshman Year	Hours
Biology 1410, 1420	8
Chemistry 1410, 1420	8
English 1310, 1320*	6
General Studies 1100*	1
History 1310, 1320*	6
Philosophy 1305*	3
Phy. Fitness Perspective (2 courses)*	2
	34
Sophomore Year	Hours
Biology (see majors)	8
Chemistry 2410, 2420	8
Communication 1310*	3
English (Literature	3
English 3303	3
Mathematics 2321, 2331	6
Political Science 2310, 2320	6
	37
Junior Year	Hours
Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre 3313*	3
Biology (see majors)	12
Minor (or advanced elective hours)	8
Modern Language/
International Perspective**	3-8
Social Science Perspective*
(advanced hours)	3
	29-34
Senior Year	Hours
Biology (see majors)	12
Minor (or advanced elective
hours as required)	4-12
Physics 1410, 1420	8
Electives	3
	27-35

*See the General Studies section of this catalog.

**If two years of the same foreign language were taken in high school, then 3 hours of General Studies International Perspective and enough additional hours to total the minimum 128 hours required for the degree will fulfill this requirement. In the absence of such high school language, two semesters of the same modern language must be taken.

Biology Majors (without teacher certification)

Aquatic Biology: Requirements-Biology 2430 or 3465, 2460 or 3440, 3400 or 3450, 3460, 4415, 4416, 4470, and one advanced biology course. Chemistry 3410.

Botany: Requirements-Biology 2460 or 3440, 3400 or 3450, 3410, 3461, 3465, 4411 or 4412, 4454, and one Biology elective.

General Biology*: Requirements-Biology 2430 or 3465, 3400 or 3450, 2460 or 3440, 4416 or 4454 and 4 advanced Biology courses.

General Physiology: Requirements-Biology 3465, 2460* or 3440, 3400 or 3450, 3421 or 4450, 4416 or 4454, 4441, 4442, and one Biology elective. Chemistry 3410.

Marine Biology: Requirements-Biology 2430 or 3465, 2460 or 3440, 3400 or 3450, 3410, 3422, 3470, 4416 or 4454, and nine semester credit hours of marine biology (three courses). Marine biology courses are limited to formal biology courses taken at a marine station and must be approved by the marine advisor prior to registration.

Microbiology: Requirements-Biology 2430, 2460, 3440, 3400 or 3450, 3 of the following: (3442, 4446, 4426, 4445); 4416 or 4454. Chemistry 3410 and 4375; or Chemistry 4375, 4385, 4275.

Wildlife Biology: Requirements-Biology 2430 or 3465, 2460 or 3440, 3400 or 3450, 3461, 4421, 4422, 4423, 4454, and two of the following: 4416, 4420, 4425.

Zoology: Requirements-Biology 2430, 2460, 3400 or 3450, 3470, 3480 or 3490 or 3495, 4416, 4420, and 4465.

Teacher Certification in Biology

Students seeking certification to teach biology will follow coursework leading to the BS or BA degree, in addition to taking the necessary courses prescribed by the Texas Education Agency. A minor in chemistry is suggested. Initial or additional certification may be acquired after completing the degree and enrollment in a masters program or as a post-graduate. Students interested in certification are strongly encouraged to see an appropriate adviser in the Biology Department.

Courses in Biology (BIO)

**1310 Principles of Biology. (3-0) This course covers basic principles of Biology such as the scientific method, cell theory, evolution, genetics, organismal functions, flow of energy through the environment, ecology, and stresses the relationships between these principles and the everyday life of man. Biology 1410 or 1420 must be completed before this course will be accepted for credit toward any degree. May not be credited toward a biology major or minor or secondary teaching field. Approved course for the General Studies Natural Science Perspective.

**1410 (BIOL 1411) Introduction to Plant Biology (General Botany). (3-2) This course presents a panorama of plant life and how plants function, live, reproduce, and interact with their environment and man. The botanical principles discussed will convey a conceptual unity to the knowledge about plants and their relationships in a dynamic world.

**1420 (BIOL 1413) General Zoology. (3-2) This course presents a panorama of animal life and how animals function, live, reproduce, and interact with their environment and man. The zoological principles discussed will convey a conceptual unity to the knowledge about animals and their relationships in a dynamic world.

2430 Human Physiology and Anatomy. (3-4) A course on human physiology covering the various organ systems. Principles of molecular biology, cell and tissue structure, anatomy and relationship of structure and function are stressed. Specifically designed for (1) biology majors requiring only a one-semester human physiology course and (2) home economics majors. Prerequisite: Biology 1310 or 1420 and Chemistry 1310 or 1410.

2440 Principles of Microbiology. (3-3) The Basic Principles of microbiology, morphology, physiology, immunology and the relationship of microorganisms to diseases. This course is designed primarily to meet the requirements for students in allied health sciences and other programs requiring only one semester of microbiology. This course may not be credited toward a biology major or minor.

(WI) 2460 Cell Biology. (3-3) Fundamentals of structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Course includes cell and organelle structure, basic biochemistry, principles of thermodynamics and energy transformation, nucleic acid and protein synthesis, and enzyme kinetics. Prerequisite: Biology 2430 and 8 hours of Chemistry.

3351 General Genetics. (3-0) Basic principles of genetics which relate to the problems of human populations. A course in genetics for non-science majors. May not be credited toward a biology major. Not creditable toward a biology minor if credit is received for either Biology 3400 or 3450. Prerequisites: Biology 1410 and 1420.

(WI) 3400 Evolution and Genetics. (3-3) Fundamental studies of the structure and function of genetic material and the mechanisms of biological evolution. Course principles include molecular genetics, cytogenetics, population genetics, natural selection and macroevolution. May not be credited toward a biology major or minor if credit received for Biology 3450. Prerequisite: Biology 1410 and 1420. Note: Students who take Biology 3400 cannot receive credit for either BIO 4301 or 3450.

3406 Economic Botany. (3-3) An introduction to the utilization of plants by humans and their economic and ecological significance. Laboratories will stress plant features beneficial to economic and societal needs.

(WI) 3407 Environmental Science. (3-3) An ecosystem approach to our world is used to show that stability of living systems depends upon balance of nutrients, energy, and populations. An understanding of natural selection is developed and related to adaptations, ecosystem balance, succession, and the position of humans in the biosphere. Laboratories will emphasize ecosystem interactions and coactions. Limited to Minors.

3410 Morphology of Non-Vascular Plants. (3-3) A study of algae, fungi, charophytes, mosses, and liverworts. Lectures and laboratory studies emphasize evolution, comparative morphology and culture techniques. Prerequisite: Biology 1410 and 1420.

(WI) 3421 Vertebrate Physiology. (3-3) The physiology of vertebrate organs will be explored by study of the systems in which they function. Mammalian systems will be emphasized. The systems studied include the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the reproductive system and the urinary system. Prerequisite: 2430 or 2460 or 3465.

(WI) 3422 Oceans and Estuaries. (3-3) The study of the physical, morphometric and chemical aspects of oceans and estuaries with emphasis on the flow of energy within the marine environment. At least two field trips are taken to visit marine stations and to collect material for analysis on campus. The course is designed specifically for those students with a major in marine biology. Prerequisite: Biology 1410 and 1420. Biology 3470 is strongly recommended.

3430 Mycology. (3-3) A study of the fungal kingdom including slime molds and lichens. Laboratory studies will emphasize taxonomy, morphology and culture techniques.

(WI) 3440 Microbiology. (3-4) Principles of microbiology, morphology, anatomy, physiology and taxonomy of representative groups of non-pathogenic organisms. Laboratory methods stress studies of pure cultures, the use of laboratory apparatus in quantitative determinations and the detection and identification of microbial populations in the environment. Prerequisite: Biology 1410, 1420 and one semester of organic chemistry or consent of the instructor.

(WI) 3442 Virology. (3-4) The structure, multiplication and genetics of bacterial, plant, and animal viruses. The role of viruses in human and plant disease. Prerequisites: Biology 2460, 3440. One semester organic chemistry recommended.

3450 Genetics. (3-3) Basic principles of inheritance. Lecture: Mendelian principles of inheritance, sex linkage, epistasis, genetic mapping, DNA replication, transcription, translation, genetic expression. Laboratory: Genetic transformation, conjugation, and DNA damage. Also cover monohybrid dihybrid, multiple alleleic and sex linked inheritance in Drosophila. No credit toward biology major or minor if credit received for Biology 3400. Prerequisite: Biology 1410 and 1420. Note Students can only receive credit for one of the following: Biology 3450 or 3400.

(WI) 3460 Aquatic Biology. (3-3) An introduction to plant and animal life in the fresh water habitats of the local area.. Prerequisites: Biology 1410 and 1420 and Chemistry 1410 and 1420.

3461 Plant Taxonomy. (3-3) Principles of identification and classification of plants; nomenclature and characteristics of various plant groups with emphasis on the higher plants. Prerequisite: Biology 1410.

3465 Plant Physiology. (3-3) Basic principles of plant physiology studied in lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: One year of biology and one year of chemistry. One semester of organic chemistry is strongly recommended. Prerequisite: Biology 1410 and Chemistry 1310 or 1410 or 1420.

3470 Invertebrate Zoology. (3-4) A study of the comparative morphology, evolution, systematics and natural history of invertebrates. Prerequisite: Biology 1410 and 1420.

3480 Histology. (3-4) A study of the structural and functional relationships between cells and tissues in organs. The laboratory includes the study of prepared slides and of microtechnique. This course is designed to meet the needs of pre-professional students. Prerequisite: Biology 2430.

3490 Vertebrate Embryology. (3-3) A comparative study of the processes and forms of vertebrate embryonic development with emphasis on the human. The laboratory includes the study of sea urchin, Amphioxus, frog, chick and pig embryos. Prerequisite: Biology 2430.

3495 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. (3-4) A comparative study of structural evolution of the vertebrate body. The laboratory work consists of dissection and study of Amphioxus, lamprey, dogfish, Necturus, a reptile, a bird and/or mammal. This course is designed to suit the needs of biology majors and minors and pre-professional students.

4299 Undergraduate Research. (0-4) Available only to biology majors with at least a "B" average, and with prior permission of a supervising professor. Does not supplant any of the courses necessary for the biology major. May be repeated once for credit.

4301 Evolution. (3-0) Basic genetic principles applied to natural selection, adaptation, populations, speciation and man's future. Consideration is given to the origin of life, nature of chromosomal variation, evolution of genetic systems and certain other selected topics. Prerequisite: Biology 1410 or 1420 and 3450. Note: Students can only receive credit for one of the following: Biology 4301 or 3400.

4305 Nature Study. (3-3) A comprehensive survey of natural events. Includes laboratory and field work emphasizing observation, collection and discovery of relationships. Creditable only for those seeking elementary certification.

4402 Earth Science I. (3-3) The description and interpretation of earth phenomena considered from the standpoint of meteorology and astroscience. Includes field observations, methods of measurement and interpretation of data related to the physical environment and space technology. May not be counted toward a major or minor in biology.

4403 Earth Science II. (3-3) The description and interpretation of earth phenomena considered from the standpoint of geology and oceanography. Includes field observations, methods of sampling and interpretation of data related to the physical environment. May not be counted toward a major or a minor in biology.

4408 Science Processes and Research. (3-3) Students will analyze research design, design research, interpret data, and communicate results. Stress on broad-field structure and integration of major science concepts and science knowledge. Should be taken the semester prior to student teaching.

4410 Field Biology of Plants. (3-3) Ecological relationships and natural history of plants, including historical geology, geography, soils, vegetational regions and surface geology of central Texas. Emphasis is placed on plant-soil-water relationships to develop conservation concepts. Students will make a representative collection of plants.

4411 Morphology of the Vascular Plants. (3-3) The structure, life-cycles and evolution of fossil and living vascular plants. Emphasis on such topics as the origin of land plants, evolution of the ovule, angiospermy, the flower and fruit. Prerequisite: Biology 1410 and Chemistry 1410 or 1420

4412 Plant Anatomy. (3-3) The anatomy of vascular plants stressing descriptive, development and comparative aspects of seed plants and the anatomical adaptations of plants to environmental factors. Prerequisiste: Biology 1410 and Chemistry 1410 or 1420.

4413 Parasitology. (3-4) The biology and biological significance of the common parasites of man and animals. (S). Prerequisite: Biology 1420.

4415 Ichthyology. (3-3) An introduction to the morphology, taxonomy, natural history and evolution of fishes. Field trips will be made to collect specimens and laboratory periods will be devoted to morphological and systematic analysis. Prerequisite: Biology 1420.

(WI) 4416 General Ecology. (3-3) The ecological relationships that exist between organisms and those relationships that exist between organism and environment. Laboratory sessions will be devoted to literature review and/or specific ecological problems. Prerequisites: Biology 1410 and 1420 and one additional year of Biology and Chemistry.

(WI) 4420 Natural History of the Vertebrates. (3-3) Environmental relationships and natural history of vertebrates. Emphasis is upon taxonomy, speciation and biotic provinces. The laboratory will include field trips for the study and collection of animals in their natural habitats. Students will assemble a representative collection of animals. Prerequisite: Biology 1420.

4421 Ornithology. (3-3) Introduction to anatomy, behavior, ecology and identification of birds of Texas. Laboratory will emphasize field studies of birds and their habitat requirements.

4422 Mammalogy. (3-3) The taxonomy, distribution, ecology, behavior and evolution of mammals with particular emphasis on wild animals of the southwest. Laboratory will emphasize anatomy, identification, preparation of specimens and field exercises in the methods of population analysis. Prerequisite: Biology 1420; Biology 4416 is recommended.

(WI) 4423 Wildlife Management. (3-3) Applications of the principles of ecology and natural history to the management of wildlife habitats and control of wildlife populations. Laboratory will involve demonstrations and practice exercises with wildlife management techniques and instrumentation and field trips to observe wildlife management projects. Prerequisite: Biology 1410 and 1420; Biology 4416 or 4421 or 4422 is recommended.

4425 Biometry. (3-3) Basic principles of statistical methods as applied to biological problems such as sampling techniques, analysis of data, experimental design and population dynamics. Emphasis will be on practical application. Prerequisite: Math 1315.

(WI) 4426 Immunology (3-4) A study of the immune response, antigen/antibody reactions, major histocompatibility complex, and immunopathology. Prerequisites: Biology 3440, 2460. One semester organic chemistry recommended.

4434 Herpetology. (3-3) A course treating the origin and evolution of amphibians and reptiles; their reproductive and physiological tactics; taxonomy/systematics; and population biology. Emphasis will be placed on North American species and those groups inhabiting Texas. Prerequisite: Biology 1420.

4435 Techniques in Wildlife Management. (3-3) The basic methodology of practical wildlife management. This involves techniques in monitoring and data collection related to population dynamics and habitat parameters of wildlife species.

4440 Pathogenic Fungi. (3-4) A general study of fungi with special emphasis on the taxonomy, sources, incidence, medical factors and host-pathogen relationships of pathogenic fungi. Prerequisite: Biology 3440 or consent of instructor.

(WI) 4441 Cellular Physiology. (3-3) Advanced cellular biology, including membrane physiology, thermodynamics, energy transduction and distribution, and cellular movement in non-muscle and muscle cells. Laboratory includes discussion of current research and exercises in cellular physiology. Prerequisites: Biology 2460 and one semester of Organic Chemistry.

4442 Experimental Techniques. (3-3) Use of methods and instruments applicable to biological investigations, including colorimetry; UV-spectrophotometry; fluorescence; flame and atomic absorption spectrophotometry; paper, gas, gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography; radioactive counting; and electrophoresis.

(WI) 4445 Pathogenic Microbiology. (3-4) Pathogenic bacteria and their relationship to disease, emphasizing identification of selected groups of pathogens, epidemiology and the biological basis for resistance. Prerequisite: Microbiology 3440 or consent of instructor.

(WI) 4446 Microbial Ecology. (3-4) This course will illustrate the wide variety of bacteria in nature, their interactions with other organisms and the environments, and their roles in global cycling of elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. The laboratories will feature enrichments for selected groups of microorganisms (sulfate reducers, nitrogen fixers) and analysis of these isolates by microscopy, gas chromatography and radiochemical substrate utilizations. Prerequisite: Biology 3440.

4450 Physiological Ecology of Animals. (3-3) This course brings together the principal concepts of environmental physiology of animals inhabiting the major ecological realms of the earth (land, air, sea, and fresh water). The biological problems associated with living in the various ecological realms will be discussed, and the biochemical and physiological adaptations of animals to their diverse habitats will be studied.

(WI) 4454 Plant Ecology. (3-3) Physiological ecology and community structure and function in the organization of terrestrial plant ecosystems. Quantitative vegetational sampling and the use of field and laboratory physiological equipment are included in the laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 4416, 3465 or Biology 2460.

4465 General Entomology. (3-3) Principles of morphology, physiology and taxonomy of insects. Laboratory time will be devoted to a taxonomic study of the common orders and families of insects. Prerequisite: Biology 1420.

(WI) 4470 Limnology. (3-3) The physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting productivity in lakes, ponds, and streams. Limnological sampling methods, chemical, and biological analysis of samples and hydrographic surveying are included in the laboratory. Prerequisite: One year of chemistry or consent of the instructor.

4475 Molecular Biology and Genetics. (3-3) Lecture: Prokaryotic genetic analysis, structural aspects of proteins, bacteriophage genetics, genetic code, gene expression, enzymology of DNA replication and repair. Laboratory: Bacterial growth and maintenance, isogenic strain construction, genetic transformation, transduction, conditional mutagenesis, genetic complementation, restriction enzyme digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis. Prerequisite: Biology 3450.

4480 Cytology and Microtechnique. (3-3) A study of cellular ultrastructure and electron microscope technique. The lecture portion of the course will cover cytology of all cell types and theoretical aspects of light microscopy and electron microscopy. Laboratory portion will train students to proficiency in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Prerequisite: Biology 2460.

4481 Internship in Biological Laboratory Technologies. (0-15) The student will participate in the work of a selected biology unit (private, commercial, or governmental). A research paper, reporting the internship experience conducted at the biological unit under the supervision of a faculty member, will be required.

Courses in General Science (GS)

3310-3320   General Science. (3-2) A laboratory course designed to acquaint the student with the fundamentals of physical, biological, and earth science. Creditable only for elementary or special education degree candidates. Prerequisite for 3310: Physics 1310 and 1320 and 1110. Prerequisite for 3320: Biology 1310 or 1410 or 1420.