SWAU Bulletin Description

Arthur V. Chadwick, Chair; Richard L. McCluskey,
Dan Petr, Hoyet Taylor

AIMS OF THE DEPARTMENT

The objectives of the department are:

to encourage the study of living organisms,
to prepare biology majors in basic and advanced courses that provide a foundation for graduate study, teaching, and research in biology,
to prepare pre-professional students in courses that satisfy entrance requirements for medical, dental, and veterinary medical school, and other professional programs,
to prepare students anticipating careers in nursing and allied health fields,
to prepare students seeking to fulfill general education lab science requirements, and
to prepare students to respond intelligently to Creation / Evolution issues.

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. The B.A. degree requires 36 semester hours in biology and includes a foreign language component. The B.S. degree requires 44 semester hours in biology and emphasizes course work in biology and the sciences. Required cognate courses are specified for each degree. The program has flexibility to allow students the choice of elective biology courses of special interest beyond the basic requirements listed below.

PROGRAMS

Biology, B.A. degree
BIOL     111, 112     General Biology..........................................8
BIOL     230             General Ecology.........................................4
BIOL     320             Genetics....................................................4
BIOL     419             Philosophy of Science..................................3
BIOL     470             Field Natural History...................................4
BIOL     380             Research Methods..................................... 2
BIOL     340             Cell & Molecular Biology or
BIOL                        Elective from Group II or III......................... 3-4
BIOL                        Elective from Group I .................................4
BIOL                        Electives ...................................................4-3
                                  TOTAL ................................................. 36

Required Cognates: CHEM 111, 112; MATH 121.
Recommended Cognates: CHEM 331, 332.

Biology, B.S. degree
BIOL     111, 112     General Biology* ...................................... 8
BIOL     230             General Ecology* ...................................... 4
BIOL     320             Genetics .................................................. 4
BIOL     340             Cell & Molecular Biology ............................ 4
BIOL     419             Philosophy of Science ................................ 3
BIOL     470             Field Natural History ................................. 4
BIOL     380             Research Methods .................................... 2
BIOL                        Elective from Group I ................................ 4
BIOL                        Elective from Group II................................ 3-4
BIOL                        Elective from Group III................................ 4
BIOL                        Elective .................................................... 4-3
                                 TOTAL .................................................. 44

Required Cognates: CHEM 111*, 112*, 331*, 332*; PHYS 121*, 122*; MATH 121*.

* The standard courses required for MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) & DAT (Dental Admission Test) preparation and for medical, dental and veterinary medical school entrance requirements.

Group I Biology of Plants
BIOL 314 Systematic Botany
BIOL 360 Plant Dynamics

Group II Biology of a Taxon
BIOL     310             Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL     312             Field Ornithology
BIOL     430             Entomology
BIOL     440             Mammalogy

Group III Organismic Biology
BIOL     220             Microbiology
BIOL     350             Developmental Biology
BIOL     420             Animal Behavior
BIOL     443             Comparative Anatomy
BIOL     450             Histology
BIOL     460             Animal Physiology

Biology Minor
18 hours (6 u.d.) of biology, including: BIOL 111, 112.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The entrance requirements for most medical, dental and veterinary medical schools are satisfied by the Biology B. S. degree and its cognate requirements of Chemistry, Physics and Math. Medical schools may require additional math and schools of veterinary medicine often have unique entrance requirements. The pre-professional student must choose a major from the list on page 28, and should consult with his/her pre-professional advisor to develop the best degree plan to satisfy specific pre-professional requirements.

TEACHING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Teaching certification requirements for specialization in Biology can be met by the following biology options:

Biology B.A. or B.S. - Secondary Teaching Area - Option I
The student chooses one teaching field which must be a full academic major. If Biology is chosen, the student must meet requirements for a B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology.

Biology B.A. or B.S. - Secondary Teaching Area - Option II
The student chooses two teaching fields, (1) a full academic major, and (2) a 24 semester hour teaching field. If Biology is chosen as the first teaching field, the student must meet requirements for a B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology. If Biology is chosen as the second teaching field, the requirements are as follows:
BIOL     111, 112     General Biology ........................................ 8
BIOL     112             General Biology ........................................ 4
BIOL     230             General Ecology ....................................... 4
BIOL     320             Genetics .................................................. 4
BIOL     419             Philosophy of Science ................................ 3
BIOL                        Electives u.d ............................................ 5
                                 TOTAL .................................................. 24

BIOLOGY COURSES

BIOL 101, 102 Anatomy & Physiology 4, 4 hours
An integrated study of the anatomy and physiology of human organ systems as well as cellular biology and fluid, electrolyte and acid base balance. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Does not apply toward a biology major or minor.

BIOL 104, 105 Human Biology 3, 3 hours
A two-semester survey-study of the human body including structure and function, life-span from conception to death, impact of disease processes and injury on the human body, and the interaction of humans with each other and with the environment. Discussion of the impact of healthful living on human physiology is a very important part of this course. This course is designed to meet the General Education Science requirement and does not apply toward a Biology major nor minor. 2 Lec 3 Lab.

BIOL 111, 112 General Biology 4, 4 hours
A two-semester course covering the basic disciplines of life science. General concepts in genetics, taxonomy, behavior, ecology, morphology, physiology and speciation of living organisms are taught. High school chemistry highly recommended. 3 Lec 3 Lab.

BIOL 220 Microbiology 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112 or BIOL 101, 102.
Introduction to the structure, function and control of microorganisms in the environment with special emphasis on those organisms of medical importance. Introduction to immune responses and mechanisms including antibody and host-antigen interactions, bursal and thymic influences on the lymphoid system, and humoral and cellular immunological response mechanisms. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Lab fee.

BIOL 230 General Ecology 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112.
A general course including study of plant and animal distribution, ecological interrelationships, and observations of the delicate balance in nature. The laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Field trip fee.

BIOL 291 Selected Topics 1 hour
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112, and approval of instructor.
A study in an area of student interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve data collection, or library work and will involve a written report. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration.

BIOL 310 Invertebrate Zoology 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112.
A taxonomic and ecological study of invertebrates from marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Considerable attention is focused on the direct role of invertebrates on human life. Laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered on alternate years. Field trip fee.

BIOL 312 Field Ornithology 3 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112 or permission of instructor.
A field study of native American birds, with emphasis on avian identification, geographical distribution, migration, habits and conservation. Laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 2 Lec 3 Lab. Field trip fee.

BIOL 314 Systematic Botany 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112.
A taxonomic study of the flowering plants of Texas. Includes methods for identification and preservation of plant specimens. Laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered on alternate years. Field trip fee.

BIOL 320 Genetics 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112.
The study of inheritance as it relates to man, animals and plants, including a detailed study of molecular genetics. Experimental work in laboratory involves both lower and higher organisms. 3 Lec 3 Lab.

BIOL 340 Cellular and Molecular Biology 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112; CHEM 112.
A study of the internal workings of the cell. The molecular basis of various cell activities is emphasized. Particular attention is paid to energetics, replication and synthesis, molecular transport, and excitability of cells. Methods of molecular biology, including biomolecular engineering will be studied in the laboratory. 3 Lec 3 Lab.

BIOL 350 Developmental Biology 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112.
A study of vertebrate embryonic development from the formation of germ cells to the development of major organs and parturition. Reference is made to human developmental anatomy throughout the course.

Laboratory includes microscopic study and experiments with sea urchin, frog, and chick embryos. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered on alternate years.

BIOL 360 Plant Dynamics 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112 or permission of instructor.
A broad course emphasizing the biological importance of plants in the world ecosystem as well as their direct vital role in human life. This is an applied botany course in which plant physiology, plant structure, ecology, and systematics are studied. Methods in experimental horticulture are examined. Laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered on alternate years. Field trip fee.

BIOL 380 Research Methods 2 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112, or any entry level science sequence.
A general introduction to the techniques and methodologies of scientific literature and presentations based upon library and on-line research. Each student will select a specific topic for research, prepare a paper, and make an oral presentation based on that work. The student will learn scientific methodology, basic statistical skills and critical data analysis.

BIOL 419 Philosophy of Science 3 hours
A study of the philosophies and methodologies of science. Includes a review of the history of scientific and religious thought and the role each has played in the development of modern theories of origin.

BIOL 420 Animal Behavior 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 112.
A comparative study of behavioral patterns seen in animals and the forces behind them. This course draws from biological fields such as physiology, ecology and genetics, and interfaces with disciplines such as psychology and sociology. Offered on alternate years.

BIOL 430 Entomology 4 hours
A study of the basic morphology, physiology, ethology and classification of insects and related arthropods. The topics include a discussion of development and insect metamorphosis, insect ecology, a treatment of applied entomology, and introduction to insects of medical and veterinary significance. Laboratory includes collecting techniques, preparatory techniques of museum specimens, and insect microscopy. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered on alternate years.

BIOL 440 Mammalogy 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112.
A systematic study of mammals with emphasis on natural history and ecology. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered periodically.

BIOL 443 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112.
An introduction to the classification and diversity of chordates and a comparison of the different vertebrate organ systems. Special consideration will be given to taxonomic comparisons of the skeletal and muscular systems. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered periodically.

BIOL 450 Histology 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112.
An investigation of the structure and function of the tissues of the human body. The course is lab intensive and is intended to acquaint the student with the microscopic characteristics of tissues. 2 Lec 6 Lab. Offered on alternate years.

BIOL 460 Animal Physiology 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112; CHEM 111, 112.
Emphasis will be placed on mammalian organ systems, but comparative aspects of each system and the interaction of environment and physiology will be discussed. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered on alternate years.

BIOL 470 Field Natural History 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112.
An intensive advanced level course for students majoring in biology providing the opportunity for first-hand study of life forms in their natural setting. Includes field work in a region of high biological interest. Subjects include ornithology, mammalogy, entomology, systematic botany, herpetology, paleontology, ecology, and marine biology. A student may also take up to two units of BIOL 491 with emphasis on a chosen taxon. Student may apply to repeat for credit one time with approved research proposal. Offered summers. Travel fee.

BIOL 480 Research in Biology 1-3 hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 380 and approval of instructor.
A supervised research experience involving the development of a research proposal, data collection and a written paper. Research proposal may be developed in BIOL 380. May be repeated for up to 5 hours.

BIOL 481 Senior Thesis 1 hour
Prerequisite: BIOL 480.
This course is designed to permit the student to develop a publishable quality research paper. Instruction consists of writing techniques and guidance in the completion of the project. Students will give several oral progress reports, a final presentation at the Biology Research Symposium and a completed Senior Thesis.

BIOL 491 Selected Topics 1 hour
Prerequisite: BIOL 111,112; two upper division courses; and permission of the instructor.
Special study may be pursued beyond completed course work under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve data collection or library work and will involve a written report. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration.

GEOLOGY COURSES

GEOL 111 Physical Geology 4 hours
A study of the earth, its composition, and the forces that control and change it. Laboratory includes recognition of common rocks and minerals and training in use of geologic maps and interpreting the physical processes recorded in the earth's surface. Laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered on alternate years. Field trip fee.

GEOL 112 Principles of Historical Geology
and Paleontology 4 hours
A study of the disciplines of historical geology and invertebrate paleontology. Emphasis will be on the tools of historical interpretation. Laboratory will cover the invertebrate and vertebrate fossil groups systematically. May apply toward biology major by petition. Laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered on alternate years. Field trip fee.

GEOL 210 Field Methods in Vertebrate
Paleontology 4 hours
An introduction to the techniques and methods of data collection in vertebrate paleontology. Topics covered include introductions to biostratigraphy, taphonomy, excavation technique, and specimen preservation. Laboratory will include practical experience in excavation of fossil vertebrates. Meets the General Education Laboratory Science requirement and may apply toward biology major by petition.3 Lec 3 Lab. Offered summers. Travel fee.