2006-2008 Catalog of Courses

 Department of Biology

College of Natural Sciences

www.bio.uni.edu

Staff:

B. Hetrick, Head. T. Abebe, L. Beltz, P. Berendzen, V. Berg, B. Bergquist, D. Brecheisen, E. Brown, M. Clayton, J. Demastes, K. Dhanwada, J. Gerrath, L. Jackson, J. Jurgenson, C. Lee, M. McDade,  M. Myers, S. O'Kane, W. Olson, J. Ophus, K. Pontasch, O. Schwartz, A. Schwekendiek,  R. Seager, D. Smith, T. Spradling, J. Tamplin, C. Thurman, J. Trainer, M. Walter, J. Weld, D. Wiens.

The Department of Biology offers the following undergraduate programs.  Specific requirements for these programs are listed within this Department of Biology section in the following order:

Undergraduate Majors (B.S.)

Biology

Undergraduate Majors (B.A.)

Biology

Biology: Biomedical Emphasis

Biology: Ecology and Systematics Emphasis

Biology: Microbiology Emphasis

Biology: Plant Bioscience Emphasis

Biology-Teaching

Biotechnology

Combined B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S. Program Biology

Minors

Biology

Biology-Teaching

Natural History Interpretation

Major programs are offered by the Department of Biology in two baccalaureate areas: the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Science degree is recommended for most students preparing for graduate study in biology. The Bachelor of Arts degree provides a choice among several tracks depending upon student interest and/or career plans.

Note: Students should submit their declaration of a biology major early in their college programs. This will permit them to plan their major courses with a department advisor to avoid future conflicts. Transfer students with previous courses in biology, zoology, or botany must have transfer courses evaluated to avoid duplication and possible loss of credit. Decisions regarding UNI major courses and transfer credits should be approved by the department head or advisor.

Academic Standard Policy

Majors

1. Students should indicate their interest in majoring in biology by filling out a Declaration of Curriculum form any time after their admission to UNI.
   
   

2. A student's freshman year shall be devoted primarily to completing the required course work in general biology (840:051 and 840:052) and chemistry (860:044 and 860:048, or 860:070). Liberal Arts Core and/or math classes should be taken by students to complete their schedules.
   
   

3. Students must receive a grade of C- (1.67) or higher in courses that are applied to their major.
   
   

4. Students with ACT mathematics scores below 24 are required to complete either Elementary Analysis (800:046) or Mathematics for the Biological Sciences (800:056) with a grade of C- (1.67) or higher before they can graduate with a biology major.
   
   

5. If a student drops a course after the first seven days of classes, in the subsequent semester they will only be allowed to register for that course after all advanced registration is completed.
   
   

6. To graduate from UNI with a biology major, students must have both a cumulative and a major UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher, with a grade of C- (1.67) or higher in all courses that are applied to the major.
   
   

7. Transfer students entering UNI shall be subject to the acceptance requirements listed in #3.

Minors

To graduate from UNI with a biology minor, students must have both a cumulative and a minor UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher, with a grade of C- (1.67) or higher in all courses that are applied to the minor.

Biology core courses are to be selected from list below.

Bachelor of Science Degree Program

Biology Major

The B.S. Biology major requires a minimum of 126 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 126 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.

The Bachelor of Science Major in Biology is designed to prepare students for careers in areas which require a higher degree of concentration in subject matter and cognate areas, particularly advanced-level courses. This degree is especially appropriate for students planning graduate study. In order to ensure graduation within eight semesters, students should work with advisors early in their programs, as advanced planning for sequenced courses is very important.

*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.

Emphasis-Honors Research

Students invited to do "Honors Research" will complete 4 credit hours of 840:190 (Undergraduate Research) and 1 credit hour of 840:191 (Senior Thesis). These hours may be applied to the elective hours of the major.           

Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs

Emphasis-Honors Research

Students invited to do "Honors Research" will complete 4 credit hours of 840:190 (Undergraduate Research) and 1 credit hour of 840:191 (Senior Thesis). These hours may be applied to the elective hours of the major.

Biology Major

The B.A. Biology major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.

This major provides a broad training in biology but allows different specializations through choice of electives. Students who select this major to prepare themselves for graduate study in the biological sciences should consult with their advisor for elective courses.

*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.

Biology Major: Biomedical Emphasis

The B.A. Biology Major: Biomedical Emphasis requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.

This major offers basic preparation to students for allopathic, osteopathic, chiropractic, pharmacy, physical therapy, dental, veterinary, optometric, podiatric and other health-related programs. In addition, it prepares students for graduate study in biomedical sciences, e.g., pharmacology, toxicology, pathology, physiology, cellular biology and related areas. Students should seek advice and information early in their programs so that individual goals and specific additional requirements of some graduate and professional programs can be considered in curricular planning.

*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.

Biology Major: Ecology and Systematics Emphasis

The B.A. Biology Major: Ecology and Systematics Emphasis requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following  specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.

This emphasis provides training to students interested in organismal and/or ecological biology. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, students who wish to specialize further may follow one of four separate tracks: Ecology, Applied Ecology, Botany, or Zoology. This emphasis is appropriate for students interested in a career with private and governmental organizations conducting endangered species recovery, ecological restoration, biological surveys, toxicity evaluations, environmental impact analyses, field research, museum or herbarium curation, or who wish to work in zoos, nature centers, museums, or botanical gardens. This emphasis also provides suitable background for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in ecology, animal behavior, systematics, conservation biology, environmental toxicology, population biology, and evolutionary biology. Students who want information about these careers may take 840:060. A program of field courses offered during the summer is available through Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.

##If 840:180 is taken to satisfy a requirement of the Natural History Interpretation Minor, it cannot be used for credit on this emphasis as well.

Biology Major: Microbiology Emphasis

The B.A. Biology Major: Microbiology Emphasis requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.

This emphasis provides a broad overview of microbiology, including virology, molecular biology, and general microbiology. It is excellent preparation for careers in microbiology in the health sciences or industry and for graduate training in microbiology and related fields.

*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.

Biology Major: Plant Bioscience Emphasis

The B.A. Biology Major: Plant Bioscience Emphasis requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.

This emphasis provides training to students interested in plant bioscience. Students will be trained in the principles and techniques of traditional and molecular biology, tissue culture, and propagation methods. This emphasis is appropriate for students interested in crop improvement, nutritional enhancement, pharmaceutical production, genetic engineering, and plant-based biotechnology which contributes to a wide array of industrial and research applications. Employment opportunities are in agricultural research, food production, and in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors. This emphasis also provides a strong background for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in the plant biosciences, plant physiology, plant biotechnology, plant genetics, plant pathology and protection, plant developmental biology and others. Students who want information about these careers may take 840:060.

*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level. Courses used to satisfy the required part of this emphasis cannot be used as biology electives.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.

Biology Major--Teaching (Extended Program)

The B.A. BiologyBTeaching major requires a minimum of 134 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements, the Professional Education Requirements, and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 134 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.

The Biology Teaching major provides a broad education in biology. Along with professional education courses and student teaching, this curriculum is a sound preparation for teaching life science, biology, and other secondary science courses. This is an extended program requiring at least nine semesters; therefore, students should contact their advisors early in their program. This program is an excellent preparation for graduate work in biology or science education.

*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students who take 840:101 and 840:102 may substitute four hours of this credit for 840:137 and 840:138; if so, neither 840:101 nor 840:102 can count as biology elective credit.

****Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology or chemistry electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.

Biotechnology Major

The B.A. Biotechnology major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.

This major is designed to provide educational training for employment in modern biotechnology fields in both the public and private sectors or for graduate school. Basic skills in recombinant DNA, genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry are emphasized.

*At least 7-8 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

#Not more than four (4) semester hours of credit from 840:179, 840:185, 840:190 and 840:198 will be accepted for biology elective credit.

Combined B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S. Program Biology

The B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S. degree program is a five-year program offered on the thesis option only, leading to both the B.A./B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology. This program prepares students for doctoral graduate studies in biology and it provides training for work as a biologist in academic, industrial, and government laboratories. Students interested in this program can declare their intent by the end of the junior year, provided they have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above. An Application for Admission to Graduate Study should be completed and the student's interest in the Combined B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S. Program in Biology indicated on the application itself.

Once admitted to the program, undergraduate students (who are classified as seniors), may register for graduate credit as a senior, with the approval of the department head (see guidelines on page xxx). The student presents a signed Student Request form (with appropriate signatures), when registering for graduate credit as a senior. The combined total of course credits, both undergraduate and graduate, may not exceed 15 hours in a semester or 8 hours in a summer session. Graduate work completed on the early admission basis will be counted as graduate credit only if the student actually earns the bachelor=s degree at the end of the semester or summer session in which the course work is taken. Actual admission to graduate study and classification as a graduate student commences the semester after the student has completed the baccalaureate.

Refer to the M.S. Biology Major program requirements.

Minors

Biology Minor

Liberal Arts Core courses included in minor program requirements are distinguished by italics.

*At least 3 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

Biology Minor--Teaching

Liberal Arts Core courses included in minor program requirements are distinguished by italics.

The Biology Minor--Teaching provides for second endorsement approval by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and requires first endorsement approval (major) in another science discipline or general science.

*At least 3 hours of biology credit must be 100g-level.

**840:140 is not required as a prerequisite for 100-level courses.

***Students with excellent preparation in chemistry may substitute 860:070 plus 3 additional credit hours of biology electives for 860:044 and 860:048.

Natural History Interpretation Minor

Liberal Arts Core courses included in minor program requirements are distinguished by italics.

The Natural History Interpretation minor provides students with interpretive techniques and opportunities to gain practical experience with interpretation and environmental education program development. This minor, taken with the Biology Major: Ecology and Systematics Emphasis or the Earth Science Major: Interpretive Naturalist Emphasis, comprises the Natural History Interpretation program. This program prepares students for employment as interpreters with park systems, nature centers, zoos, museums, planetariums, and other areas requiring natural history communication skills.

*If 840:180 is taken to satisfy a requirement of the Natural History Interpretation Minor, it cannot also be used for credit on the Biology Major: Ecology and Systematics Emphasis.