- Department of Biological Sciences -

Undergraduate Course Listing

(F=Fall Semester; Sp=Spring Semester)

 

 

BIO 129 Perspectives in Human Biology (3.5) (Sp)

Lectures and laboratory for students who need to fulfill one year of science plus one semester of lab, a general education requirement. A non-majors course focusing on human biology. Topics include conception, prenatal development, birth, postnatal development, reproduction, aging, disease prevention and treatment, and end of life. LEC/LAB A non-majors course; not an elective for any degree program in the Department of Biological Sciences.

 

BIO 130 Perspectives in Human Biology (3.5) (Sp)

Lectures and laboratory for students who need to fulfill one year of science plus one semester of lab, a general education requirement. Structural and functional characteristics of living things emphasizing human biology and genetics; the significance of these characteristics with respect to the future of humanity. LEC/LAB A non-majors course; not an elective for any degree program in the Department of Biological Sciences.

 

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology (5) (F)

Evidence for evolution; principle of genetics; population genetics; selection natural, sexual, kin; evolution of major groups of organisms; speciation; adaptation; coevolution; and sociobiology. LEC/LAB

Please be advised that BIO 200 has been designated as a "limited enrollment" course, which means that the enrollment in these courses is limited by the number of student positions available. Consequently, self-registration in these courses in the Fall and Spring semesters will be limited to those students who are taking the course for the first time. Thus, enrollment in these courses by repeating students may be difficult or impossible in the Fall and Spring semesters. Students who plan to repeat the course for any reason should plan to register for the course in the Summer. Repeat enrollment is defined as: a student who was previously enrolled in the course at UB, or who transferred an equivalent course to UB, who received either a letter grade of 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D' or 'F' and qualified values thereof (e.g. 'A-', 'D+'); or a grade of 'P', 'S', 'U', 'I', 'J', 'N', or 'R'. The only case in which a student may self-register for a repeated course is when the student has taken an Administrative Withdrawal for an entire previous semester, so that all the grades for that semester were registered as 'W'.

 

201 Cell Biology (4) (Sp)

Lectures emphasize experimental foundations of our understanding of cells and cell organellesand cover the mechanisms underlying cell reproduction, cell motility, and cell energetics. Laboratories provide practice in quantitative analysis emphasizing pipetting, pH, spectrophotometry, and centrifugation. LEC/LAB

Please be advised that BIO 201 has been designated as a "limited enrollment" course, which means that the enrollment in these courses is limited by the number of student positions available. Consequently, self-registration in these courses in the Fall and Spring semesters will be limited to those students who are taking the course for the first time. Thus, enrollment in these courses by repeating students may be difficult or impossible in the Fall and Spring semesters. Students who plan to repeat the course for any reason should plan to register for the course in the Summer.
Repeat enrollment is defined as: a student who was previously enrolled in the course at UB, or who transferred an equivalent course to UB, who received either a letter grade of 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D' or 'F' and qualified values thereof (e.g. 'A-', 'D+'); or a grade of 'P', 'S', 'U', 'I', 'J', 'N', or 'R'. The only case in which a student may self-register for a repeated course is when the student has taken an Administrative Withdrawal for an entire previous semester, so that all the grades for that semester were registered as 'W'.

 

BIO 203 General Physiology (3) (F) (Formerly BIO 328)
Prerequisites: BIO201

Material covers general principles of physiology, using cells, plants, and animals as models to illustrate mechanisms by which living organisms maintain internal function and adapt to their external environment. LEC

 

BIO 205 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: CHE201, CHE203, or CHE251

A basic course in the fundamentals of biological chemistry for students majoring in biological science and nonmajors with an interest in the subject. LEC

 

BIO 213 General Physiology Laboratory (2) (F) Formerly BIO338
Pre- or Corequisite: BIO203

Computer lab experiments to familiarize students with the types of experiments used to demonstrate physiological principles developed in BIO 203.

 

BIO 215 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry Laboratory (2) (Sp)
Prerequisites: CHE101

An introductory laboratory course in biological chemistry. Experiments will deal with the basic methods of isolation, measurements, and characterization of macromolecules. LAB/LEC

 

BIO 302 Introduction to Molecular Biology (3) (F)
Prerequisites: BIO205 OR Pre-co-requisite BCH 403

Structure and function of molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids. Enzymes and energetics. Nucleic acid synthesis, replication, transcription, protein synthesis, the genetic code. LEC

 

BIO 309 Ecology (3) (F)
Prerequisite: BIO200

Processes that control the abundance and distribution of organisms in their natural environments; emphasizing population, community and evolutionary ecology. LEC

 

BIO 310 Ecology Methods (2) (F)
Pre- or corequisite: BIO309

Field exercises to illustrate major concepts of modern ecology, and the techniques and procedures used in ecological research. LAB/LEC

 

BIO 317 Medical Entomology/ Parasitology (3)
Prerequisite: BIO200

The course will relate to latest scientific advances in medical entomology, and vector ecology. It will synthesize information gathered about arthropod-borne disease from a variety of research areas, such as evolutionary biology, biochemistry, epidemiology, and ecology. The course will involve field trips and experiments in the Greater Buffalo Region and/or adjacent states. The course is especially suited for students planning a career in the medical, veterinary and public health/ epidemiological sciences. LEC

 

BIO 318 Plant Biology(3) (S)
Prerequisites: BIO200, BIO201

This course focuses on land plants and algae. Topics include photosynthesis, water relations, plant nutrition, reproduction, development, ecology, economic botany, and others, depending on student interest. Topics will be covered from molecular to organismal levels.

 

BIO 319 Genetics (3) (F)
Prerequisites: BIO205 or BIO403

Basic principles of genetics emphasizing the molecular basis of heredity. Structure, replication, and function of the genetic material, regulation of gene expression, and genetic recombination. LEC

 

BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory (2) (F)
Pre- or corequisite: BIO319

This semester-long series of experiments is planned to simulate an actual research project. The students will generate a mutation and isolate the normal gene to complement it. The normal and mutant genes will be analyzed using techniques from molecular biology and bioinformatics. LAB/LEC

 

 

BIO 330 Development and Evolution (3) (F)
Required: BIO367 or permission of instructor

In recent years, evolutionary biology has begun to significantly inform developmental biology, and developmental biology has been increasingly important for the study of evolution. Evolutionary patterns long apparent in morphological disjunctions among organisms have sought mechanistic, regulatory explanations, and many cell and molecular processes known from developmental regulation in model organisms have yearned for a comparative framework. The new 'science' of evo-devo is thought to hold this promise, and this course will both review important findings from recent decades, and explore topics on the current cutting edge. LEC

 

BIO 330 Pattern and Process in Evolution (3) (Sp)
Prerequisites: BIO200 (and basic algebra)

This course will explore the major theoretical underpinnings of evolution as a scientific field, bringing a more advanced approach to topics introduced in Biology 200 as well as introducing novel areas of study. Separate sections of the course will examine microevolution and macroevolution through both theoretical and mathematical perspectives. All topics will be explored through the lens of current research.

 

BIO 332 Advanced Molecular Biology Lab (3) (S)
Prerequisites: BIO 302 or BIO 319

Hands-on experience with cellular and molecular techniques used in today's research environment. These techniques include the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, and recombinant protein purification. REC/LAB

 

BIO 367 Developmental Biology (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: BIO319

Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in growth and differentiation in animal and plant development. LEC

 

BIO 369 Biology of the Microbes (3) (F)
Prerequisites: BIO205

This course gives an overview of the cell biology, genetics, development, physiology, ecology, and pathology of a wide variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes. The course also includes information about the immune system and its interactions with microbes. LEC

 

BIO 370 Developmental Biology Laboratory (2) (Sp)
Pre- or corequisite: BIO367

Development in both plants and animals will be studied using a variety of lab procedures. LAB

 

BIO 400 Bioinformatics / Genome Analysis (4) (Sp)
Prerequisites: BIO319 or permission of instructor

Computerized analysis of genetic information from a biological perspective. Lectures focus on assumptions, limitations, and strategies of bioinformatics algorithms and statistics. Labs use computers to address biological questions. LEC/LAB

 

BIO 401 Advanced Biological Chemistry I (4) (F)
Prerequisite: BIO205 or BCH403

Structure and function of biological macromolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates; mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, energy transduction, and metabolic regulation. LEC

 

BIO 402 Advanced Cell & Developmental Biology (4) (F)
Prerequisites: BIO205

Major topics in cell and developmental biology are covered at the advanced textbook level. Emphasis is placed on the experimental basis underpinning our current knowledge. LEC

 

BIO 404 Advanced Molecular Genetics (4) (Sp)
Prerequisite: BIO319

Studies of genetic fine structure of eucaryotes and procaryotes and their viruses, the structure of controlling regions and their interactions with regulatory molecules, the organization of the genome, the structure and function of repetitive DNA sequences, and the mechanisms of transcription and replication. LEC (Prerequisite: BIO 319 or equivalent)

 

BIO 405 Advanced Cell & Developmental Biology (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: BIO 402

A continuation of Bio 402 covering recent advances in cell and developmental biology at the research article level. LEC

 

BIO 406 Signal Transduction (3) (F)
Prerequisites: BIO 201

This course discusses how cells respond to stimuli, which encompasses the mechanisms that transmit signals, "crosstalk" between signaling pathways within a cell, and how these signaling pathways generate the multitude of output responses by the cells

 

BIO 407 Advanced Ecology (3) (Sp)

Advanced course in the foundations of ecology emphasizing population and community ecology. Supplements lectures on basic ecological principles and models with discussions of both current and historically important issues. LEC

 

BIO 411 Tropical Marine Ecology (3) (F)
Prerequisites: BIO 309

Surveys tropical marine ecosystems, with an emphasis on coral reef communities. Examines processes controlling abundance and distribution of marine taxa using primary literature. LEC

 

BIO 412 Field course in Tropical Marine Ecology (3) (F)
Prerequisites: BIO 411

An intensive two week field course in the Bahamas focusing on coral reef communities. Combining lectures, fieldwork, and laboratory analyses, students conduct in depth studies of Carribbean marine habitats. LEC/LAB

 

BIO 415 Virology (2)

Surveys bacterial, plant, and animal viruses. Examines viral strategies for existence as simple life forms and covers medical and research importance of viruses. This is a basic undergraduate/graduate course for individuals interested in research or careers related to medicine. LEC (Prerequisite: BIO 200, 201, 202 or equivalent, or permission of instructor)

 

BIO 417 Neurobiology (3) (F)
Prerequisite: BIO 205, or permission of instructor

This course is the first of a two semester sequence with 418 and covers cellular and physiological aspects of the nervous system, including the electrical properties of neurons, signalling within and between neurons, sensory systems and neuroanatomy.

 

BIO 418 Integrative Neuroscience (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: BIO 417

This course examines the nervous system at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels, focussing on major functions such as perception, motor control, and development, as well as the basis for neural diseases. Second of a two-semester sequence with BIO417.

 

BIO 420 Cytogenetics Lab (3) (F)

Cytogenetics is the study of the chromosomal basis of heredity. This course puts emphasis on chromosome organization and the behavior of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. Hands-on experience is gained in the laboratory through the study of a variety of model systems.

 

BIO 425 Human Genetic Diseases (1) (S)
Prerequisite: Genetics (319) or permission from instructor

The aim of this class is to help students gain a sufficient understanding of human genetics so that they can appreciate the genetic basis of human diseases, and the importance of genetic considerations in the prevention and treatment of diseases. This course will use a literature-based approach to cover the fundamentals, from the chromosomal basis for hereditary to the molecular and biochemical basis of genetic diseases as well as the current molecular diagnostic and treatment methods available for genetic diseases. A combination of classic and current papers will be used.

 

BIO 425 Hol - Biology in the News (2) (F)
Prerequisite: BIO Bio 201 (Cell Biology), Bio 203 (Physiology) and pre- or co-registration in Bio 319 (Genetics)

The purpose of this course is to allow students to use the facts that they’ve learned in classes that are required for a Biological Sciences major to critically evaluate biological issues that are presented by non-technical sources. Students will receive training in the explanation/presentation of biological topics, from both technical and non-technical points of view.

 

 

BIO 426/526 Special Topics In Modern Biology: Advances in Plant-Pathogen Interactions (2) (F)

This new course covered topics relating to plant-pathogen interactions, focusing on molecular/cellular processes. Topics to be covered will include basic plant defense mechanisms (hypersensitive response and systemic acquired resistance), plant virology, mechanisms and uses of RNAi/RNA silencing (viral cross protection in plants, silencing of specific genes, modification of developmental processes), and microRNAs in development and viral diseases. Course runs 08/29/2011 - 11/04/2011. M W 1:00PM-2:15PM

BIO426 Genes in Cancer (2) (S)
Prerequisite: BIO319

This course will cover the functions of oncogenes and tumor suppressors in genome regulation and the pathways that lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Topics discussed include the cell cycle, transcription factors, signaling pathways, and metastasis.

 

BIO 440 Experimental Endocrinology (2) (F)
Prerequisites: junior standing in biology or other life sciences, or permission of instructor

Molecular mechanisms mediating cellular integration of peptide hormone influences: role of hormones in cellular function, surface membrane receptor-transduction mechanisms, and nonmembrane receptor-transduction mechanisms. LEC

 

BIO 448 Endocrinology (3) (F)
Prerequisite: BIO203

Structure and function of the ductless glands as they coordinate physiological activities and influence animal behavior. LEC

 

BIO 449 Comparative Genomics (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: BIO319 or permission of instructor

This course will examine the structure and dynamics of the genome from a comparative perspective. Architectural relationships among genomes can be studied in the context of an organismal "family tree". Many other themes in genome science, such gene duplication, intron-exon structure, transposable elements, and regulatory DNA, will be discussed with reference to the evolution of genome complexity. SEM

 

BIO 456 Evolutionary Genetics (3) (F)
Prerequisite: BIO 319, or permission of instructor

Genetic and population-level processes that underlie evolutionary change; topics include population genetics, the effects of population size and selection, population structure, molecular evolution, intragenomic conflict, molecular phylogenetics, and evolutionary development. LEC

 

BIO 458 Molecular Ecology(4) (Sp)
Prerequisites: permission of instructor

The use of molecular genetic markers is becoming a wide-spread and important approach to studying ecological phenomena, such as population structure, migration, mating systems, and natural selection. Students in this course learn to isolate and use molecular markers for ecological and evolutionary studies. LEC

 

BIO 461 Basic Radiation Science (4) (F)

Production, properties, interactions, dosimetry, detection, and instrumentation of radiation from radioisotopes, radiation-producing equipment and nuclear reactors, safe-handling procedures, and survey methods. LEC/LAB

 

495 Undergraduate Supervised Teaching (3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor

Enrollees participate as undergraduate teaching assistants under the supervision of faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences. TUT

 

497 Honors in Biology (1-4) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor

Research experience during the senior year. Enrollees are sponsored by a member of the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences. Upon completion of the requirements of an honors research project, recognition is noted on the student’s transcript. TUT

 

498 Undergraduate Research (1-4) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor

Students collaborate with faculty research mentors on an ongoing faculty research project or conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member. TUT

 

499 Independent Study
Prerequisite: permission of instructor

A program that may include laboratory experience, library research, or tutorial study arranged with a faculty sponsor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

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