Home Undergraduate Graduate Faculty Staff Biology News Biology Notices Courses Facilities Student Organizations	The undergraduate mission of the Department of Biological Science is to provide a broad foundation in the biological principles that will permit students to pursue successfully a variety of career options including academic work in a diversity of graduate and professional programs. The Department of Biological Science offers B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. Degree requirements are purposely flexible, providing the student with career choices in biotechnology, organismic biology, cellular biology, environmental biology, medicine, dentistry, medical technology, or further graduate training. Course work in the major, combined with studies in the university-wide Tulsa Curriculum gives the student the background required to excel in writing and reasoning and to adjust to the complexity of modern society and its component technologies. Biological Science offers a personalized departmental advising system of access to all professors, high quality student peers, student clubs, and research opportunities for undergraduate students to work in the laboratories of faculty members. Facilities include electron microscopes, equipment for studies in cellular and molecular biology, immunology, genetics, and field biology, Faculty research and expertise are diverse, spanning such areas as ecology and systematics, reproductive biology, and molecular and cellular biology. Major CORE COURSES Biol 1603 (3 hours) - Introduction to Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Biol 1601 (1 hour) - Introduction to Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Lab Biol 1703 (3 hours) - Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Biol 1701 (1 hour) - Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab Biol 2124 (4 hours) - Genetics Major requirements beyond the core courses are completed by taking a minimum of 24 hours of additional elective biology courses at the 3000- or 4000-level for a total of 40 semester hours; electives must be distributed such that two courses each are taken from Clusters A, B, and C listed below. Biology Block III courses do not count toward the major. In addition to the biology requirements, all biology majors must complete the following: Chem 1011, 1013, 1021 and 1023, Math 2014, and Stat 2013. A student must complete the biology major with a 2.2 GPA as well as a 2.0 overall GPA in order to graduate. Minor requirements for those majoring in other subjects are completed by taking the Core Courses (see above) and any two advanced electives listed below. Cluster A: Cellular and Molecular Biology Biol 3473 (3 hours) - Advanced Cell Biology Biol 4003 (3 hours) - Protein Structure and Function Biol 4133 (3 hours) - Immunology Biol 4243 (3 hours) - Mechanisms of Animal Development Biol 4344 (4 hours) - Advanced Molecular Biology Cluster B: Ecology and Evolution Biol 3143 (3 hours) - Evolution Biol 3153 (3 hours) - Animal Behavior Biol 3164 (4 hours) - Field Ecology Biol 3333 (3 hours) - Experimental Design Biol 3524 (4 hours) - Plant Systematics Biol 4023 (3 hours) - Environmental Microbiology Biol 4063 (3 hours) - Population Genetics Biol 4093 (3 hours) - Population Ecology Biol 4213 (3 hours) - Environmental Ethics and Conservation Biol 4253 (3 hours) - Molecular Evolution Cluster C: Organismal Biology Biol 3054 (4 hours) - Histology Biol 3084 (4 hours) - Fundamentals of Microbiology Biol 3174 (4 hours) - Ornithology Biol 3204 (4 hours) - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Biol 3224 (4 hours) - Vertebrate Physiology Biol 3234 (4 hours) - Comparative Animal Physiology Biol 3254 (4 hours) - Comparative Vertebrate Embryology Biol 3314 (4 hours) - The Fungi and Algae Biol 3364 (4 hours) - Parasitology Biol 3454 (4 hours) - Plant Anatomy Biol 3464 (4 hours) - Plant Physiology Biol 3504 (4 hours) - The Higher Plants Biol 3623 (3 hours)  - Medical Botany Health Sciences Because of the variation and frequent changes in entrance requirements among professional schools, students interested in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, physical therapy or other proessional fields should obtain a pre-proessional advisor within the Department of Biological Science as early in their college careers as possible. Nursing Nursing students in consultation with a nursing advisor should enroll for the sequence Biol 1023 and 1021. Minor Biology majors may minor in any subject. however, we strongly recommend that a minor in physical sciences (including inorganic/organic chemistry and physics) be considered since many biology elective courses presume an understanding of basic organic chemistry and most professional and graduate schools require 16 hours of chemistry, eight hours of physics, and mathematics through calculus. Students seeking secondary teacher certification in biology must also complete requirements for a second major in education. In addition, teacher certification requires proficiency in a second language at the novice level. 1001 (1 hour) - Introduction to Biological Science An overview and introduction to the field of biological science. 1003 (3 hours) - Genetics and Human Diversity Introduction to the basic principles of human genetics and their evolutionary, social, and medical implications. Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1011 (1 hour) - Plants and Society Lab Demonstrations and experiments emphasize plant structure and the integral role of plants in past and contemporary human existence. Three hours per week. Prerequisite: Biol 1013 (may be taken concurrrently). Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1013 (3 hours) - Plants and Society Explores the ongoing relationship between human society and plants from prehistory to modern times, including the integral role of plants in human nutrition, medicine, the environment, and as commercially valuable products. Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1021 (1 hour) - Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory The structure and function of major human organ systems, including dissection of a mammal and an experimental approach to human physiological processes. Three hours per week. Prerequisite: Biol 1023 (may be taken concurrently). Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1023 (3 hours) - Human Anatomy and Physiology Introduction to the structure,organization and function of the human body, using an organ-system approach. Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1031 (1 hour) - The Environment and Humanity Laboratory Laboratory and field exercises plus field trips provide firsthand knowledge of the major environmental issues challenging the world today. Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1033 (3 hours) - The Environment and Humanity Introduction to the ecological principles underlying human relationships with the physical and biological environment, including the consequences of overpopulation, environmental exploitation and deterioration and prospects for survival. Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1043 (3 hours) - Biology: A Way of Knowing Application of science, as a way of knowing, to understand living systems. The development of the major conceptual paradigms (cell theory, genetics, and evolution) is used to illustrate the scientific method. Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1053 (3 hours) - Plagues and Pestilence The relationship between humans and the microbial organisms that can cause disease, including appreciation of pathogenic organisms and human defense mechanisms and the past and future impact of microbial disease on civilization and society. Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1123 (3 hours) - Introduction to Indoor Air Quality Basic Introduction to Indoor Air Quality to include general subjects of contaminants, sources, building dynamics, investigation and diagnostic methods, prevention and control options, and risk assessment (focusing on residential, public, and commercial buildings). Not creditable toward a major in biological science. 1603 (3 hours) - Introduction to Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Introduction to the patterns of microbial, botanical and zoological diversity and the processes that produce diversity. Once a week three hours. Corequisite Biol 1601. 1601 (1 hour) - Introduction to Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Laboratory A laboratory that introduces concepts in microbial, botanical and zoological diversity and the processes that produce diversity. Once a week for three hours. Corequisite Biol 1603. 1703 (3 hours) - Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Basic molecular/biochemical composition of cells and the organization and function of both DNA and cellular structures. Corequisite: Biol 1701 1701 (1 hour) - Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory A laboratory in current, fundamental techniques and protocols for the study of DNA and cells. Once a week for three hours. Corequisite: Biol 1703. 2124 (4 hours) - Genetics Principles of transmission, mutation, and function of genetic material. Application of genetic analysis to other biological questions. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory two hours per week focusing on problem solving and data analysis. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701. 3054 (4 hours) - Histology Microscopic anatomy and histophysiology of tissues and organs of mammals. Correlation of structure and function is emphasized. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory four hours per week. Prerequisites:Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124; a previous physiology or anatomy course is helpful. 3084 (4 hours) - Fundamentals of Microbiology Microbial physiology and genetics beyond material presented in the core curriculum. Topics can include microbial structure and function, growth and energetics, gene transfer, plasmids and phage biology, microbial ecology, and an introduction to pathogenic microorganisms. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3143 (3 hours) - Evolution Patterns of biological diversity and processes that produce and maintain diversity. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124, 3153 (3 hours) - Animal Behavior Introduction to classical ethology and behavioral ecology. Topics include animal communication, foraging, sexual selection, mating systems, social organization, spacing patterns, learning, evolutionarily stable strategies, alternative mating tactics, and human sociobiology. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124 3164 (4 hours) - Field Ecology Lecture and field course emphasizing ecological principles through field experiments. Includes design and implementation of field studies and analysis of data that are generated. Emphasizes hypothesis testing on topics such as population size, pollination biology, animal behavior, demography, conservation biology, habitat selection, and community organization. Independent research project required. Lecture and laboratory combined, four hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601. 3174 (4 hours) - Ornithology Examination of evolution, ecology, morphology, behavior, physiology, and natural history of birds. Laboratory emphasizes identification and systematics of species found in Oklahoma. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory four hours per week. Prerequisite: Biol 1603, 1601. 3204 (4 hours) - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Comparative study of the structure and function of chordate organ systems with emphasis on vertebrates. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory six hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124 3224 (4 hours) - Vertebrate Physiology Vertebrate organ systems: their modes of action, interactions, and contributions to homeostasis. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124, Chem 1011,1013,1021, 1023. 3234 (4 hours) - Comparative Animal Physiology Comparisons of bodily functions of major vertebrate and invertebrate groups with special emphasis on adaptations for survival and for maintenance of homeostasis in a variety of environments. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124, Chem 1011, 1013, 1021,1023. 3254 (4 hours) - Comparative Vertebrate Embryology Comparative developmental anatomy of the vertebrates. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory four hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3314 (4 hours) - The Fungi and Algae Diversity and basic biology of the fungi and the algae including those aspects that influence human activities and health. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1504, 1604. 3333 (3 hours) Experimental Design Exposure to the three elements of biological research: understanding the questions asked, the theoretical models used to mimic the system, and the statistical processes used to analyze the data obtained. A "hands-on" course where students are actively involved in these processes during class. Basic mathematics skills are required, including algebra. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3364 (4 hours) Parasitology Parasites of human and veterinary importance, emphasizing morphology, laboratory identification, life histories, pathology, diagnosis, and economic importance. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory four hours per wek. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3454 (4 hours) - Plant Anatomy Vascular plant structure emphasizing microscopic anatomy of tissues and organs and utilizing both light and electron microscopy. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3464 (4 hours) - Plant Physiology Physical, biochemical, and developmental processes of higher plants including use of plants in biotechnology. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory four hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3473 (3 hours) - Advanced Cell Biology Explores cell biology, expanding on material from Biol 1703. Topics encompass the organization and function of cellular structures and organelles. Combines both lectures and discussion/paper presentations. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3504 (4 hours) - The Higher Plants Diversity and morphology of the true plants from the mosses through the flowering plants with emphasis on the evolutionary history of these organisms using fossil, structural, and molecular evidence. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3524 (4 hours) - Plant Systematics Flowering plant identification and systematics with the emphasis on Oklahoma flora. Lecture two hours per week, field investigation ( or laboratory four hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601. 3603-4 (3-4 hours) - Selected Topics in Invertebrate Zoology Lecture and lab/field course emphasizing specific biological topics as they relate to invertebrates. Topics and taxa vary from semester to semester, but are drawn from field ecology, evolution, behavior, systematics and physiology of insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and others. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3613-4 (3-4 hours)  - Selected Topics in Vertebrate Zoology Lecture and lab/field course emphasizing specific biological topics as they relate to vertebrates. Topics and taxa vary from semester to semester, but are drawn from field ecology, evolution, behavior, systematics and physiology of fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 3623 (3 hours)  - Medical Botany Integrated study of medicinal, psychoactive, and poisonous plants, their physiologically active constituents, and their role in historical and modern medicine. Emphasis is placed on the impact that plants have on the health of humans. Prerequisites: Biol ,1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124, Chem 3013. 3991-3 (1-3 hours) - Independent Research 4023 (3 hours) - Environmental Microbiology Environmental microbiology of soil, air, and water focusing on topics of current interest including problems in environmental biology and their solutions as they relate to microorganisms. Prerequisites: Biol 3084 or Biol 3314. 4063 (3 hours) - Population Genetics The genetic composition of populations and the forces that lead to allele frequency change as well as equilibrium. Topics include the effects of random mating, inbreeding, mutation, migration, selection and stochastic processes on the genetic structure of populations. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4083 (3 hours) - Experimental Microbiology Lecture/laboratory course that emphasizes methods in microbial genetics and microbial physiology. Includes laboratory exercises in preparation for the design and execution of individual research projects. Prerequisite: Biol 3084. 4093 (3 hours) - Population Ecology Quantitative approach to the study of plant and animal populations with emphasis on such concepts as density, dispersal, structure, and dynamics. Lecture and laboratory combined, three hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4123-4 (3-4 hours) - Selected Topics in Microbiology Senior seminar that provides experience in critical reading, discussion, and written evaluation of professional papers in the fields of microbial ecology, genetics, and diversity. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124; Biol 3084 recommended. 4133 (3 hours) - Immunology Comprehensive survey of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in host immune protection, auto immunity, and immunopathologic processes. Lecture three hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4143 (3 hours) Virology (Intro to Animal Viruses) An introduction to the biology of animal viruses. Topics include the origin, pathology, and molecular mechanisms of these viruses. Lecture three hours per week, reading assignments and student presentations. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4213 (3 hours) - Environmental Ethics and Conservation Students will explore their own ethical position(s) upon entering the course and the basis for such positions. Through individual writing and a team presentation, students will focus on specific current environmental ethical questions, including the concept of a "land ethic." Lastly, students will learn to think ethically and critically about issues they encounter in class. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4243 (3 hours) - Mechanisms of Animal Development Analysis of mechanisms of differentiation and development in several model animal systems, including mouse, frog, chicken and drosophila. Emphasis on the genetic contribution to the developmental program, cell:cell interactions and environmental factors that influence development. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4253 (3 hours) - Molecular Evolution The evolution of macro molecules; the rates and patterns of change in DNA and proteins and the mechanism responsible for these changes. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4263 (3 hours) - Selected Topics in Molecular Genetics Emphasis on examination of current research in a selected topic in molecular genetics. The topic varies from year to year depending on the interest and expertise of the presenter, but is drawn from such areas as control of transcription in eukaryotes, DNA replication and control of chromosome structure and function. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4283 (3 hours) - Selected Topics in Molecular Cell Biology Emphasis on examination of current research in a selected topic in molecular cell biology. The topic varies from semester to semester but is drawn from such areas as cell-cell signaling, protein targeting and transport and specialized cell physiologies. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4344 (4 hours) - Advanced Molecular Biology Extends the basics of molecular biology from Biol 1703, including DNA structure, chromosome structure, regulation of transcription, and translation. Examines the Central Dogma of Biology (DNA to RNA to protein) using lecture, reading and interpretation of primary literature, and laboratory experiments. Lecture three hours per week, laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124 4383-4 (3-4 hours) - Selected Topics in Biological Science Emphasis on examination of current research in a selected topic in molecular cell biology. The topic varies from semester to semester but is drawn from such areas as cell-cell signaling, protein targeting and transport and specialized cell physiologies. Prerequisites: Biol 1603, 1601, 1703, 1701, 2124. 4933-4943 (3-6 hours) - Senior Research in Biological Science Qualified seniors investigate research problems in areas of faculty interest and competence, gaining experience in organization and execution of a research project. Requirements include attending a weekly seminar to discuss current biological problems, submission of research results in thesis form, and oral examination by a faculty committee. Normally, two consecutive semesters (fall-spring) for a maximum of 6 hours credit. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor with whom work is to be done and faculty approval. 4991-3 (1-3 hours) - Independent Research