Academic Catalog

Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 115  Human Biology  4.00  
University Studies course investigating the structure and function of the human body as related to areas of health and disease. Designed to meet the University Studies requirement for laboratory science. Does not count toward the Biology major. Not open to those having taken BIOL 270, or 280. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours).
University Studies Requirements:
  • UST: Natural Sciences - Lab
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring
  • Online: Fall & Summer
  
BIOL 123  Concepts In Biology  4.00  
Introduction for non-Biology majors to important biological concepts including chemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, plant and animal form and function, and ecology. Laboratory exercises are integrated with lectures and designed to be experimental and inquiry driven. Fulfills the University Studies requirement for laboratory science. Does not count toward the Biology major. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
University Studies Requirements:
  • UST: Natural Sciences - Lab
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring
  • Online: Summer
  
BIOL 130  Principles of Biology I  4.00  
Introduction to important principles of chemistry, cellular, molecular, and evolutionary biology, and the diversity of life. Laboratory experiments are inquiry driven. Intended as the first of a two-course sequence for biology majors, and students with a strong interest in the life sciences. Fulfills the University Studies laboratory science requirement. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
University Studies Requirements:
  • UST: Natural Sciences - Lab
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall & Spring;
  
BIOL 132  Principles of Biology II  4.00  
The second course in a two-course sequence intended for Biology majors or minors, and other students with a strong interest in the life sciences. Introduces students to the development, structure and function of both plants and animals and the basic principles of ecology. Laboratory exercises are integrated with lectures and designed to be experimental and inquiry driven. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours, recitation 1 hour).
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall & Spring;
  
BIOL 170  Biological Inquiry for Teachers  2.00  
This course uses inquiry-based science methods to answer open-ended biological questions that have environmental connections. This course is required of Elementary Education majors and satisfies environmental science requirements for the Wisconsin Teaching Licensure and the UW-Superior University Studies program. Lecture one hour, laboratory two hours.
University Studies Requirements:
  • Natural Sciences - Environmental
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall & Spring
  • Online: Fall, Spring, & Summer
  
BIOL 181  Special Topics  1.00-4.00  
In-depth study of specialized current topics in biology selected by the faculty on the basis of student/community interest. May include workshops, seminars, field trips, special problems, independent study, etc. Course may be repeated when topics are different. Instructor permission to enroll in this course.
Typically Offered:
  • Occasional by Demand
  
BIOL 189  Biology Elective  1.00-99.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
BIOL 189ES  Biology Elective Environmental Science  1.00-12.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
BIOL 189LS  Biology Elective Lab Science  1.00-12.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
BIOL 270  Human Anatomy & Physiology I  4.00  
First semester of a two-semester sequence investigating the structure and function of human body systems and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within and across each system. Examination of tissues and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems. . (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-Campus: Fall;
  
BIOL 280  Human Anatomy & Physiology II  4.00  
Continuation of a two-semester sequence investigating the structure and function of human body systems and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within and across each system. Examination of the endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring;
  
BIOL 281  Special Topics  1.00-4.00  
In-depth study of specialized current topics in biology selected by the faculty on the basis of student/community interest. May include workshops, seminars, field trips, special problems, independent study, etc. Course may be repeated when topics are different. Instructor permission to enroll in this course.
Typically Offered:
  • Occasional by Demand
  
BIOL 289  Biology Elective  1.00-50.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
BIOL 289ES  Biology Elective Environmental Science  1.00-12.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
University Studies Requirements:
  • Natural Sciences - Environmental
  
BIOL 289LS  Biology Elective Lab Science  1.00-12.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
BIOL 312  Biogeography and Conservation  3.00  
Study of geographical distributions of plants and animals in the context of spatial and temporal factors influencing species distributions, patterns of species richness, and endemism. Themes related to the conservation of biodiversity will be emphasized including island biogeography, landscape and metapopulation processes, phylogeography and conservation genetics. (Lecture three hours.) BIOL 340 and BIOL 305 recommended.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring, Odd Years;
  
BIOL 316  Medical Terminology  2.00  
Study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are emphasized. A programmed learning, word-building systems approach is used to learn, construct, and analyze new terms as they relate to the function and location of body systems. No prerequisite.
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring;
  
BIOL 325  Plant Taxonomy  4.00  
Provides the skills and background to identify flowering plants of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. Lecture topics focus on floral structure, classification, and distribution of plant families of regional importance, while labs focus on identification of living plant materials using dichotomous keys. Each student will prepare a plant collection. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring, Odd Years;
  
BIOL 330  Genetics  4.00  
Integrating the principles and techniques of Mendelian and molecular genetics to emphasize how biological information is inherited and expressed. Students will also investigate the primary research literature and receive instruction in scientific writing. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring;
  
BIOL 340  Ecology and Evolutionary Biology  4.00  
Introduction to foundational principles of ecology and evolutionary biology investigating adaptations of organisms to their environment, natural selection, population biology, life-history strategies and evolutions, ecological and evolutionary consequences of species interactions, and ecosystem processes. Lab activities emphasize using standard sampling methods to collect and analyze data from local ecosystems. Completion of CHEM 105 is recommended but not a prerequisite. (Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours).
Prerequisites:
    Successful completion of BIOL 132 or permission from the instructor
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-Campus: Fall;
  
BIOL 350  Limnology  4.00  
Study of freshwater biology including the physical and chemical attributes of the environment as well as plants and animals found in lakes and streams. CHEM 105 and BIOL 340 is recommended. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall, Even Years;
  
BIOL 355  Microbiology  3.00  
Exploring how the structure, function and genetics of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa) influence our everyday world. This includes microbes relevant to human health and industry; and the biological and chemical defenses we use to regulate them. (Lecture three hours)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring;
  
BIOL 356  Microbiology Laboratory  1.00  
Students learn aseptic techniques, culturing techniques, and basic microbial handling techniques useful in medical, ecological, and industrial fields. The laboratory involves the isolation and biochemical identification of soil bacteria and determination of antimicrobial properties. While it is recommended that students take the laboratory and lecture sections concurrently, it is not required. (Laboratory 2 hours).
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring;
  
BIOL 364  Invertebrate Biology  4.00  
A survey of adaptations and classification of invertebrate animals. Characteristics of various taxonomic groups are emphasized within an ecological and evolutionary context. Laboratory activities focus on the functional morphology, comparative anatomy, and identification of representatives of major phyla and classes of invertebrates. field-based lab exercises emphasize sampling and identification of orders and families of arthropods and mollusks in local ecosystems. (lecture three hours, laboratory two hours)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall, Even Years;
  
BIOL 380  Vertebrate Biology  4.00  
Life histories, habits, habitats, distribution, classification, and recognition of common vertebrates of the north central United States. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall, Even Years;
  
BIOL 382  Ichthyology  4.00  
An introduction to the classification, structure, physiology, distribution, and life histories of fishes. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall, Odd Years;
  
BIOL 389  Biology Elective  1.00-12.00  
Transfer Credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalen to a UW-Superior course.
BIOL 399  Cancer Biology  3.00  
Investigating the cellular, molecular and genetic origins of the human diseases classified together as cancer. Utilizing both scientific and popular literature, historical context will be provided and current research aimed at improving both diagnostic and therapeutic options will be explored. Topics include carcinogenesis, oncogenes, tumor suppressors, microenvironment influence, migration, invasion and metastasis.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall, Even Years;
  
BIOL 405  Neurobiology  3.00  
Introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and systems neurobiology. Topics include the properties of neurons, glia, and the mechanisms and organization underlying neural signaling; the reward pathway and addiction, sleep, memory; and diseases and disorders of the nervous system. Discussions of neurobiological methods and reading of current neurobiological literature will be included.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring, Even Years;
  
BIOL 411  Neurobiology Lab  1.00  
This is a curricular undergraduate research experience (CURE) course where students will further their understanding of BIOL 405 course content through engagement with the scientific process. Students will develop a hypothesis, based on a literature review, conduct an experiment, conduct data analysis, and present their research project and findings to their peers. This is a companion course to BIOL 405 and requires concurrent enrollment. Students may sign up for BIOL 491 concurrently, increasing the research component of this course to satisfy the research requirements of the degree. Students interested in enrolling in BIOL 491 credit should work with the instructor to complete a research contract.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring, Odd Years;
  
BIOL 412  Developmental Biology  4.00  
A comparative analysis of animal embryonic development. Classical embryology will be integrated with genetic regulation of development. Lecture 3 hours, Laboratory 2 hours
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-Campus: Fall;
  
BIOL 414  Molecular Pharmacology  3.00  
Exploring the scientific study of drug interactions on biological systems and the chemical properties, biological effects, and therapeutic uses of drugs. Includes the study of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics, drug therapeutics, drug action, and bodily responses to drug events, through studies of specific drugs and drug interactions. This class is designed to meet the requirements for entry in to nursing, physician assistant, or other health related professional programs.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring, Even Years;
  
BIOL 415  Ecology and Management of Forest Ecosystems  4.00  
Overview of major factors affecting forest ecosystems including disturbance, species interactions, succession, climate change, timber harvesting/resource extraction practices, and ecosystem management strategies. Emphasis on forests of the western Great Lakes Region. Field activities develop identification and data collection skills and are integrated with a semester-long research project designed to evaluate predictions of a specific ecological hypothesis. The research project may be coupled with the BIOL 491 or ENSC 491 Senior Research course to fulfill the capstone experience requirement for Biology or Environmental Science majors, respectively. (Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours).
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Select Semesters;
  
BIOL 420  Field Biology  1.00  
Study of plants and animals in nature through field trips and observation. Topics change each semester. (Laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring, Even Years;
  
BIOL 440  Cell Biology  4.00  
Study of the subcellular structures, protein synthesis & processing, signal transduction, cell cycle, and cell death pathways. Emphasis is place on research techniques, data analysis and modern application of cellular and molecular biology. There is a heavy emphasis on critical thinking scientific literacy and writing of lab reports in this course. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Select Semesters;
  
BIOL 465  Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Cell/Molecular Biology  1.00-2.00  
Principles and practices of techniques used in biochemistry and in cell and molecular biology. Includes protein isolation and analysis, enzyme kinetics, carbohydrate analysis, immunological techniques for analysis, and techniques of gene cloning and manipulation. Recommended: CHEM 462, BIOL 355 AND BIOL 440 or concurrent enrollment. (Lecture one hour, laboratory three hours) Cross-listed as: BIOL/CHEM 465.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring, Even Years;
  
BIOL 481  Special Topics  1.00-4.00  
In-depth study of specialized current topics in biology selected by the faculty on the basis of student/community interest. May include workshops, seminars, field trips, special problems, independent study, etc. Course may be repeated when topics are different. Instructor permission to enroll in this course.
Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite for taking this course is Junior standing or Instructor consent.
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Select Semesters;
  
BIOL 489  Biology Elective  9.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
BIOL 489ES  Biology Elective Environmental Science  1.00-12.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
BIOL 489LS  Biology Elective Lab Science  1.00-12.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
BIOL 491  Senior Research  1.00-4.00  
A course developed in cooperation with faculty or area research laboratories designed to provide students with practical experience in experimental biology. Candidates for this course must outline a research problem and complete a Contract for Independent Learning prior to registration. (May be repeated for a total of four credits.) Instructor consent required. May be used to satisfy Senior Experience requirement for Biology major.
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall & Summer;
  
BIOL 496  Internship  1.00-4.00  
On-the-job experience with local agencies (e.g. Wisconsin DNR) that provides students with opportunities to apply their skills to practical problems. In collaboration with a faculty sponsor, students must complete a Contract for Independent Learning prior to registration. May be used to satisfy Senior Experience requirement.
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall & Spring;
  
BIOL 497  Senior Year Experience  1.00  
This course provides instruction to develop and deliver an oral presentation in a scientific conference format to serve as a culminating experience for the Biology major. Presentation topics are connected to a capstone project completed in BIOL 491 Research in Biology or BIOL 496 Internship, either of which must be taken as a pre-requisite or co-requisite course. Meets in face-to-face format 2 hours per week.
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Fall & Spring;