Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 5102  Graduate Defense Seminar  
1 Semester Credit Hour  

Presentation of research conducted for MS degree. Should be taken the last semester of resident graduate study. Open only to MS Thesis and Non-thesis Degree Candidates in Biology. Students can enroll in any semester with the approval of their graduate advisory committee chair.

BIOL 5301  Coral Reef Systems  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  
BIOL 5304  Virology  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Survey of bacteriophages and major pathogenic plant and animal viruses including Baltimore classification, viral replication, and emerging viral diseases. Emphasis on analysis and review of primary literature on viruses.

Prerequisite: BIOL 2416, 2421 and CHEM 3412.

BIOL 5308  Biogeography  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Selected reading, discussion and projects concerning the geographic distribution of plants and animals.

Prerequisite: BIOL 3428 and 3414.

BIOL 5309  Biological Systematics and Phylogenetics  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Introduction to the theories and methods of biological systematics and phylogenetics. Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years. Stacked woth BIOL 4309

BIOL 5310  Physiological Adaptations in Animals  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

A study of the physiological adaptations of animals to their environment, including osmoregulatory and temperature regulatory mechanisms.

Prerequisite: BIOL 3430.

BIOL 5311  Cellular Bases of Behavior  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Using vertebrate and invertebrate animal models, this graduate-level course explores how behaviors emerge from the activity of neural circuits and how experience modulates these circuits.

BIOL 5315  Animal Behavior  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Adaptive aspects of animal behavior related to how and why behaviors develop, how behaviors affect fitness, and how behaviors evolve. Offered in the fall semester.  Stacked with BIOL 4315

BIOL 5319  Biology of Marine Mammals  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Introduction to marine mammals, with a focus on their interactions with their biotic and abiotic environment.

BIOL 5322  Molecular Genetics  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

In-depth study of the molecular basis of genetic interactions; focus on molecular mechanisms of mutation, suppression and recombination.

Prerequisite: CHEM 3412, BIOL 2416 and 3403.

BIOL 5329  Plant Adaptations  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Emphasis on living gymnosperms and angiosperms and their adaptive significance.

BIOL 5330  Conservation Biology  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Principles of and threats to the conservation of biological diversity in its many forms, as well as the contemporary tools to solve conservation problems including patterns and processes creating biological diversity, causes of diversity loss, the role of economics, policy, ethics, and institutions, and the use of models in conservation planning and evaluation. Advanced courses in ecology or marine biology would benefit students. Offered in the fall semester. Stacked with BIOL 4330.

BIOL 5334  Biology and Ecology of Coral Reefs  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

This course will introduce the biology of corals, describe the abiotic and biotic interactions among coral reef ecosystem inhabitants, identify the threats of climate change, and discuss the conservation and management of reefs for the future. Offered every spring.

BIOL 5335  Aquatic Microbiology  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Types and distribution of microorganisms in aquatic environments. Interactions with other organisms. Role in nutrient cycling, degradation of organic substances, pollution, water purification.

Prerequisite: BIOL 2421.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0092.  
BIOL 5340  Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

Integrative biological study using genome-wide approaches and bioinformatics. The "-omics" technologies (Genomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics, etc) will be reviewed. Applications to understanding biological function in various biological disciplines will be emphasized. Offered during fall. Cross listed with MARB 6342.

Prerequisite: BIOL 2416 and 3410 or CHEM 4301.

BIOL 5355  Public Aquarium and Animal Care Operations  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

This course examines the unique requirements needed for aquariums and zoos to balance animal care and health with public display for general education and conservation research. 

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5360  Computation for 21st Century Biologists  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

This course is designed to prepare students to use computational tools for bioinformatic applications in advanced courses and independent research projects. Students will be introduced to powerful open-source computing tools used in biological research for creation, organization, manipulation, processing, analysis, and archiving of “big data.” While not a formal requirement, it is assumed that students have a firm command of basic algebra. Offered every fall semester Stacked with BIOL 4360

BIOL 5371  Evolutionary Genetics  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  

EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS An advanced introduction to evolutionary processes and their genetic basis, focusing on theoretical and experimental approaches to the study of population genetics, phylogeography, coalescence theory, evolutionary ecology, and molecular evolution.

BIOL 5392  Thesis Proposal  
3 Semester Credit Hours  

Thesis track students must complete a proposal for their thesis project. A proposal is considered complete when it is approved and signed by all members of the student's graduate advisory committee. Open only to thesis track students in the MS Biology program. Qualified students can enroll in any semester with the approval of their graduate advisory committee chair.

BIOL 5393  Thesis Research  
3 Semester Credit Hours  

Implementation of the Thesis Proposal, and the production of a rough draft of the thesis submitted for initial editing and comment. A course section will be created for the student to enroll. Students can enroll in any semester with the approval of their graduate advisory committee chair.

Prerequisite: BIOL 5392.

BIOL 5394  Thesis Submission  
3 Semester Credit Hours  

The final draft of the thesis is completed, approved by the graduate advisory committee, and is readied for distribution.  Students can enroll in any semester with the approval of their graduate advisory committee chair.

Prerequisite: (BIOL 5392 and 5393).

BIOL 5396  Directed Independent Study  
1-3 Semester Credit Hours (1-3 Lecture Hours)  

Study in areas of current interest. Credit is not given for research on the thesis project. A total of six semester hours of Directed Independent Study may be counted toward the MS degree.

BIOL 5397  Directed Research  
3 Semester Credit Hours  

For students in the MS Biology Professional track. Field, laboratory, and/or library research that results in the production of the professional paper, its approval by the graduate advisory committee, and its final submission.  Students can enroll in any semester with the approval of their graduate advisory committee chair. This course must be successfully completed for the professional track student to complete the MS degree.

BIOL 5406  Immunology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

An in-depth study of immunology. Emphasizes function and interaction of specific cells, cytokines, lymphokines, antibodies and molecules that are the essential components of the immune system. The course includes up-to-date coverage of both innate and adaptive immunity, and the immune system in health and disease.

Prerequisite: BIOL 2421.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0092.  
BIOL 5407  MYCOLOGY  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 1 Lab Hour)  

Biology, classification, and ecology of the fungi. Applied aspects and current topics in mycology and mycological techniques.

Prerequisite: BIOL 2421.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0092.  
BIOL 5408  Microbial Ecology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

Relationships between microorganisms and their biotic and abiotic environments. Role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling. Methodology in microbial ecology. Biotechnological aspects.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0092.  
BIOL 5410  Mammalogy  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

The course is designed for graduate students in biology wanting to acquire a more detailed working knowledge and appreciation of mammalian diversity in structure, function, ethology, and ecology. Knowledge and skills acquired in this course will be useful to field and laboratory studies in ecology, evolution, animal behavior, biogeography, wildlife management, and related disciplines. Offered in even Fall semester.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5412  Ecology of Fresh Waters  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

ECOLOGY OF FRESH WATERS Ecological relationships and productivity of freshwater communities, including rivers, lakes and wetlands. Focus is on interactions of the physical, chemical and biotic environment and influence of human activities on systems.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5413  Entomology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

A survey of insects and their kin including natural history, classification, phylogeny, ecology, behavior, development, and physiology. Offered in spring semester of even years. Stacked with BIOL 4413.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5414  Growth and Development  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

Special topics involving growth and development in plants and animals.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0092.  
BIOL 5415  Biology of Estuarine Organisms  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

Systematics, distribution, and ecology of estuarine macrofauna and macroflora.  Weekend field trips and individual study required.

Prerequisite: BIOL 3413.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5417  Field Biology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (1 Lecture Hour, 6 Lab Hours)  

is a hands-on course designed to teach students key concepts by immersing them in nature. Topics include adaptations of plants and animals in different habitats, food web interactions, and how biotic and abiotic forces interact to structure natural communities including spatial and temporal variation in communities.

Prerequisite: BIOL 3428.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5420  Application of Molecular Techniques  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

Application of DNA-RNA technology to selected scientific problems. Emphasis on current research techniques.

Prerequisite: BIOL 3403 and CHEM 3411.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0092.  
BIOL 5422  Plant Taxonomy  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

Experimental and analytical approaches to plant variation and evolution, breeding systems, cyto- and molecular genetics, hybridization and phylogeny. The course will present a foundational approach to the methods, research and terminology of plant systematics and summarize information on the most recent knowledge of evolutionary relationships as well as practical information vital to field work.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5425  Ornithology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

The course is designed for graduate students in biology wanting to acquire a more detailed working knowledge and appreciation of avian diversity in structure, function, ethology, and ecology. Knowledge and skills acquired in this course will be useful to field and laboratory studies in ecology, evolution, animal behavior, biogeography, wildlife management, and related disciplines. Offered in odd Fall semesters.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5426  Avian Biology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

NCD

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5427  Coastal Ecology of Texas  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

COASTAL ECOLOGY OF TEXAS Study of the ecology and environmental issues of the Texas coast. Includes field trips along the entire Texas coastline.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5428  Fisheries Biology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

FISHERIES BIOLOGY Advanced study of theory and techniques in fisheries science including behavior of fisheries populations and applications to resource management with emphasis in tidal-influenced waters. Includes readings in the current literature and a research project. The laboratory will emphasize practical sampling design and data interpretation.

BIOL 5429  Marine Botany  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

Marine plants are a diverse group that includes unicellular algae, seaweeds, seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangrove forests. The goal is to present taxonomic, physiological, chemical, and ecological aspects of marine plants, their adaptations, and how abiotic and biotic factors interact in their communities. The use of recent journals and original scientific research will allow the student to evaluate anthropogenic effects to these communities and develop methods of restoration and management.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5430  Marine Plankton  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

Investigation of the systematics, distribution, and ecology of marine plankton. Cross listed with MARB 6430.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5431  Phycology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

Study of the major groups of freshwater and marine algae; morphology, ecology, systematics, life cycles, and physiology. Laboratories emphasize collection, identification, and culturing techniques.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0092.  
BIOL 5432  Ichthyology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

The study of fish encompassing species diversity, natural history, and evolutionary and ecological relationships of fishes. This course will consist of four major parts: (1) Evolution, (2) Systematics, (3) Biology, and (4) Ecology of fish. Laboratory identification of marine and freshwater fishes from the University archives and collected during field excursions.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5435  Biological Microtechniques  
4 Semester Credit Hours (2 Lecture Hours, 4 Lab Hours)  

The theory and practice of using histochemical and microscopic techniques to prepare tissues and small specimens for research analysis.

Prerequisite: CHEM 3411.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0092.  
BIOL 5436  Marine Ecological Processes  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  

Advanced studies in structure and habitats of marine environments. Emphasis on factors influencing distribution of marine organisms, including field trips to areas along the Texas coast.

Prerequisite: BIOL 3428.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5437  Ecology of Marine Plants  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours)  
Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5439  Case Work Methods in Forensic Anthropology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

This course combines the study of human bones (osteology) with hands-on examination of disarticulated skeletal remains using established and validated forensic anthropological methods to develop the demographic profile of the living individual, including assessment of trauma and pathological conditions. Offered in the spring semester. Stacked with BIOL 4439. Cross-listed with BIMS 4439.

Prerequisite: BIOL 2401.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0092.  
BIOL 5442  Herpetology  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

A global perspective and current research topics on the biology of amphibians and reptiles.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5446  Tropical Ecology and Conservation  
4 Semester Credit Hours (4 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

This is an overview course in major ecosystems in both the New and Old World tropics, the ecological principles at work in these systems, and the current threats and conservation approaches being used. It will be a hybrid course including lectures and journal readings/discussion (seminar-style).

Prerequisite: BIOL 3428.

BIOL 5452  Ecology and Evolution of Fishes  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

This course covers aspects of fish ecology from individual, population, community, and ecosystem levels.  We discuss the role of the environment on fish physiology and behavior, food-web dynamics, community assembly and diversity, ecosystem interactions, and anthropogenic impacts on fishes with a focus on conservation. 

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5590  Special Topics  
5 Semester Credit Hours (5 Lecture Hours)  

An advanced study of a biological topic. May be repeated with full credit in another area of biology. Topics vary by semester.

BIOL 5609  Field and Sampling Techniques  
6 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 6 Lab Hours)  

Experience in field studies, organizing field notes, collecting and methods of preserving organisms for teaching and museum purposes. The course includes field ecological sampling methods, environmental data collection, safety, logistics, and proper scientific equipment operation.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.  
BIOL 5940  Project Research  
1-9 Semester Credit Hours (1-9 Lecture Hours)  

Research related to the MS project. Open only to degree candidates in biology with consent of the graduate advisor. This course may be repeated as needed but a maximum of 4 hours can be applied to the MS degree in biology. Course is taken as credit/non-credit. Students can enroll in any semester with the approval of their graduate advisory committee chair.

BIOL 6371  Evolutionary Genetics  
3 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours)  
BIOL 6446  Tropical Ecology and Conservation  
4 Semester Credit Hours (3 Lecture Hours, 3 Lab Hours)  

TROPICAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION Ecological processes and conservation issues in the tropics. Laboratory focuses on field techniques used to study tropical forest ecology. Principals of Ecology (BIOL 3428) or equivalent, or permission of instructor. SMTE 0091 is a co-requisite for this course. Documented completion of this safety training is required early in the semester for continued participation in this course.

Co-requisite: SMTE 0091.