Department of

Biological Science

College of Arts and Sciences

Web Page: http://www.bio.fsu.edu/

Interim Chair: Thomas Roberts; Associate Chair (Graduate Studies): Bates; Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies): L. Keller; Associate Chair (Curriculum Development): Epstein; Professors: Bates, Chase, Deng, Erickson, D. Fadool, Fajer, Gaffney, Gilbert, Houle, Hughes, Levitan, Meredith, Miller, Roberts, Roux, Steppan, Taylor, Travis, Tschinkel; Associate Professors: Bass, Epstein, J. Fadool, Houpt, Inouye, L. Keller, T. Keller, Mast, Tang, Trombley, Underwood, Winn, Wulff; Assistant Professors: Chadwick, Cui, Dennis, DuVal, Jones, Lee, Lemmon, Lenhart, Lyons, McGinnis, Rokyta, Stroupe, Yu, Zhu; Professors Emeriti: Abele, Anderson, Caspar, DeBusk, deKloet, Elam, Freeman, Heard, Herrnkind, Hofer, Homann, James, Livingston, Mariscal, Outlaw, Quadango, Reeves, Roeder, Short

The Department of Biological Science offers an undergraduate major in biological science that includes programs of study in most contemporary areas of biology. Specific academic concentrations within the major include cell and molecular biology; ecology, evolution, and environmental biology; marine biology; physiology and neuroscience; invertebrate and vertebrate zoology; plant sciences; and pre-professional health sciences. The requirements for the baccalaureate degree in biological science include most prerequisite courses necessary for admission to medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, osteopathic, chiropractic, and other allied health professional schools.

The department also offers a major in computational biology in conjunction with the Computer Science Department. This interdisciplinary major provides a top-notch educational program for students interested in the areas of computational biology and bioinformatics. The program seeks to achieve two goals: (1) to develop an understanding of the issues associated with developing biologically meaningful computational models, and (2) to give students the broad-based education that is needed to create a set of models directed toward solving a practical biomedical problem.

In addition, students interested in marine science may obtain a special certificate in marine biology and living resource ecology.

Computer Skills Competency

All undergraduates at Florida State University must demonstrate basic computer skills competency prior to graduation. As necessary computer competency skills vary from discipline to discipline, each major determines the courses needed to satisfy this requirement. Undergraduate majors in biological science and in biology/FSU-Teach satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in BSC 2010L. Undergraduate majors in computational biology satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in COP 3014.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites

The state of Florida has identified common program prerequisites for this University degree program. Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites, but may not be admitted into the program.

At the time this document was published, some common program prerequisites were undergoing revision. Please visit http://facts23.facts.org/florida/facts/Home_Page/College_Students/Transferring/Common_Prerequisite_Manual for a current list of state-approved prerequisites.

The following lists the common program prerequisites or their substitutions necessary for admission into this upper-division degree program:

Biology, General

1. BSC X010/X010L or BSC X010C or BSC X040/X040L or PCB X011C
2. BSC X011/X011L or BSC X011C or BSC X041/X041L
3. CHM X045/X045L or CHM X045C, or CHM X040 and CHM X041
4. CHM X046/X046L or CHM X046C
5. CHM X210/X210L and CHM X211/X211L, or CHM X210C and CHM X211C, or PHY X053/X053L and PHY X054/X054L, or PHY X048/X048L and PHY X049/X049L
6. MAC X311 or MAC X233 or MAC X253 or MAC X281 or MAC X241
7. MAC X312 or MAC X282 or MAC X234 or STA X023 or STA X024 or STA X321

Biology, General FSU-Teach

1. BSC X010/X010L or BSC X010C or BSC X040/X040L or PCB X011C
2. BSC X011/X011L or BSC X011C or BSC X041/X041L
3. CHM X045/X045L or CHM X045C, or CHM X040 and CHM X041
4. CHM X046/X046L or CHM X046C
5. CHM X210/X210L and CHM X211/X211L, or CHM X210C and CHM X211C, or PHY X053/X053L and PHY X054/X054L, or PHY X048/X048L and PHY X049/X049L
6. MAC X311 or MAC X233 or MAC X253 or MAC X281 or MAC X241
7. MAC X312 or MAC X282 or MAC X234 or STA X023 or STA X024 or STA X321
8. SMT X043
9. SMT X053

Note: Transfer students will be able to take SMT X043 and SMT X053 while enrolled in upper division.

Computational Biology

1. BSC X010/X010L or BSC X010C or BSC X040/X040L or PCB X011C
2. BSC X011/X011L or BSC X011C or BSC X041/X041L
3. CHM X045/X045L or CHM X045C, or CHM X040 and CHM X041
4. CHM X046/X046L or CHM X046C
5. PHY X048/X048L or PHY X053/X053L
6. PHY X049/X049L or PHY X054/X054L
7. MACX311
8. MACX312

Requirements for a Major in Biological Science

Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the "College of Arts and Sciences" chapter of this General Bulletin.

1. Prerequisites for Upper-Division Biological Science Courses
   Registration in all 3000- and 4000-level biological science courses is allowed only after meeting the following criteria:
   1. Satisfactory completion ("C–" or better) of BSC 2010/L (Biological Science I with lab) and BSC 2011/L (Biological Science II with lab)
   2. Satisfactory completion ("C–" or better) of CHM 1045/L and CHM 1046/L or CHM 1050/L and CHM 1051/L (General Chemistry I and II with labs)
   3. A minimum combined 2.0 GPA in all biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics courses, and their prerequisites, that are applicable to the major, from any institution attended.
2. Academic Performance
   1. All courses applicable to the major, including biological science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics must be completed with a grade of "C–" or better;
   2. Designation, continuation, and graduation as a biological science major requires a minimum combined 2.0 GPA in all courses taken for the major from any institution, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics, and their prerequisites;
   3. A biological science major who applies for readmission to the college must meet the biological science degree requirements of the catalog in force on the date of readmission.
3. D/F Policy
   1. A student who has not yet completed the prerequisite courses required for upper-division status (CHM 1045 and lab, CHM 1046 and lab, BSC 2010 and lab, BSC 2011 and lab) and earned more than one unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D–, D, D+) in courses required for the major in biological science (biological science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics) and their prerequisites at Florida State University or elsewhere, whether or not repeated, will not be permitted to graduate from Florida State University with a degree in biological science;
   2. A student who has completed the prerequisite courses required for upper-division status (CHM 1045 and lab, CHM 1046 and lab, BSC 2010 and lab, BSC 2011 and lab) and earned more than three unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D–, D, D+) in courses required for the major in biological science (biological science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics) and their prerequisites at Florida State University or elsewhere, whether or not repeated, will not be permitted to graduate from Florida State University with a degree in biological science.
4. Co-op and Transient Study.
   Florida State University biological science majors who intend to take courses for the major (biological science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics) at other institutions must receive approval from the Department of Biological Science Academic Advising Office prior to enrollment. This policy applies to courses taken as part of the FAMU–FSU and TCC—FSU co-op programs, as well as courses taken elsewhere.
5. Required Courses in Biological Science.
   Thirty-eight semester hours of biological science coursework are required for the degree. At least twenty of the required semester hours must be taken in residence at Florida State University. The following shall be included in the thirty-eight semester hours:
   1. Nine semester hours (prerequisite to all major coursework in biology): BSC 2010/2010L, 2011/2011L
   2. PCB 3063 General Genetics (3)
   3. BOT 3015 Plant Biology (2)
   4. BSC 3402L Experimental Biology Laboratory (2)
   5. PCB 4674 Evolution (3)
   6. At least one course from two of the three areas:

   Area I: Cell and Molecular Biology

   MCB 4403, 4403L Prokaryotic Biology and Laboratory (3, 2)

   PCB 3134 Cell Structure and Function (3)

   PCB 4024 Molecular Biology (3)

   PCB 4253 Animal Development (3)

   Area II: Physiology

   BOT 4503 Plant Physiology (3)

   PCB 3743 Vertebrate Physiology (3)

   PCB 4723 General and Comparative Animal Physiology (3)

   Area III: Ecology and Environmental Science

   BSC 3052 Conservation Biology (3)

   PCB 3043 General Ecology (3)

   ZOO 4513 Animal Behavior (4)

   7. Additional courses for major credit at the 3000- or 4000-level to complete the thirty-eight semester hour requirement. No more than six semester hours of honors work in biological science (BSC 4970r), six semester hours of directed individual study (BSC 4900r), one semester hour of undergraduate supervised teaching (BSC 4945), and two semester hours of senior tutorial (BSC 4931) can be used to meet the thirty-eight hour requirement
   8. Completion of at least five biology laboratory/field courses (the letter "C" listed after the course number indicates that the course is a lecture and a lab/field combined, and the letter "L" indicates the course is a laboratory or field course).
6. Required Courses in Collateral Areas
   1. General Chemistry: Two semesters of general chemistry with laboratory equivalent to CHM 1045/L plus CHM 1046/L or CHM 1050/L plus CHM 1051/L
   2. Organic Chemistry: Two semesters of organic chemistry equivalent to CHM 2210 and 2211. Many health professions programs also require CHM 2211L (Organic Chemistry II Laboratory), BCH 4053 (General Biochemistry I), and BCH 4054 (General Biochemistry II), which do not apply to the major
   3. Mathematics/Statistics: Either two semesters of calculus with analytical geometry equivalent to MAC 2311, MAP 2480 and MAC 2312, or MAC 2311, MAP 2480 and STA 2171
   4. Physics: Two semesters of general physics with laboratories equivalent to PHY 2048C and 2049C (prerequisite of MAC 2311) or two semesters of college physics with laboratories equivalent to PHY 2053C and 2054C (prerequisites are MAC 1114 and MAC 1140).
7. Exit Survey:
   All seniors must complete the online exit survey in the semester in which they plan to graduate. For details, contact an adviser in the Biological Science Academic Advising Office.
8. Minor.
   The required collateral courses in chemistry constitute a chemistry minor and fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences requirement for a minor; however, the student may select other minors in consultation with an adviser.

Requirements for a Major in Computational Biology

Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the "College of Arts and Sciences" chapter of this General Bulletin. The common program prerequisites are currently being determined. Lower-division students should complete the 1000 and 2000-level science and calculus courses listed below.

1. Biological Science (eighteen hours)

BSC 2010 Biological Science I (3)

BSC 2011 Biological Science II (3)

PCB 3063 General Genetics (3)

PCB 4674 Evolution (3)

plus six hours of biological science elective credit chosen from:

BOT 4394 Plant Molecular Biology (3)

BSC 2010L Biological Science I Laboratory (1)

BSC 2011L Biological Science II Laboratory (1)

BSC 4613 Systematics (3)

MCB 4403 Prokaryotic Biology (3)

MCB 4403L Prokaryotic Biology Laboratory (2)

PCB 3134 Cell Structure and Function (3)

PCB 3743 Vertebrate Physiology (3)

PCB 4024 Molecular Biology (3)

PCB 4233 Immunology (3)

PCB 4253 Animal Biology (3)

PCB 4843 Fundamentals of Neuroscience (3)

2. Computer Science (sixteen hours)

CDA 3100 Computer Organization I (3)

COP 3014 Programming I (3)

COP 3330 Object Oriented Programming (3)

COP 3344 Introduction to UNIX (1)

COP 4530 Data Structures, Algorithms and Generic Programming (3)

plus three hours of computer science elective credit chosen from:

CDA 3101 Computer Organization II (3)

COP 4531 Complexity and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms (3)

COP 4710 Theory and Structure of Databases (3)

COT 4420 Theory of Computation (3)

3. Computational Science (six hours)

BSC 4933r Selected Topics in Biological Science (3)

CIS 4930r Special Topics in Computer Science (3)

4. Mathematics/Statistics (fifteen hours)

MAC 2311 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4)

MAC 2312 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4)

MAD 2104 Discrete Mathematics I (3)

STA 2171 Statistics for Biology (4)

5. Physics (eight or ten hours)

PHY 2048C General Physics A (5)

Or

PHY 2053C College Physics A (4)

And

PHY 2049C General Physics B (5)

Or

PHY 2054C College Physics B (4)

6. Chemistry (eight hours)

CHM 1045 General Chemistry I (3)

CHM 1045L General Chemistry I Laboratory (1)

CHM 1046 General Chemistry II (3)

CHM 1046L General Chemistry II Laboratory (1)

Note: All courses applicable to the major must be completed with a grade of "C–" or better.

Marine Biology Certificate Program in Living Marine Resource Ecology (Upper Division Only)

A Certificate Program in Marine Biology and Living Marine Resource Ecology provides interested students with both a challenging academic program and substantive hands-on experiences in the field. The program prepares students to pursue professional careers in the application of ecology to significant resource issues of the marine environment. The certificate requirements assure a strong knowledge base in relevant biological disciplines, hands-on research experience on marine organisms and habitats, and an awareness of major problems and solutions of marine resource ecology now confronting science and society.

Prerequisites for the certificate program include: (1) completion of prerequisites required for the major in biological science (BSC 2010/L, 2011/L; CHM 1045/L, 1046/L; and (2) a 3.0 GPA or better in the 2000-level biological science core courses (BSC 2010/L and BSC 2011/L). Students enrolling in the program will be required to complete at least sixteen semester hours of specified coursework as described below, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in courses used for the certificate. Students wishing to enter the program retroactively may do so by the first semester of their senior year at the latest.

The certificate offers internships, scholarships, and other instructor programs that provide unique professional development opportunities for students interested in this field. These opportunities allow students to work closely with scientists in a student/mentor relationship, or to attend remote training or study programs during the summer. Selection for scholarship awards is based on academic qualifications; demonstrated interest in fisheries ecology, marine biology, and zoology; and relevance to the applicant's biological and career interests. Additional information is available through the Academic Advising Office and the department's Institute for Fishery Resource Ecology. For more information about the certificate program and list of required courses, please contact the Academic Advising Office.

Honors in the Major

The Department of Biological Science offers a program in honors in the major to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent and original research as part of the undergraduate experience. For requirements and other information, see the "University Honors Office and Honor Societies" chapter of this General Bulletin.

FSU-Teach Program in Science Teaching

For those interested in teaching Biological Science, FSU-Teach is an innovative approach to teacher education that involves a collaboration between scientists, mathematicians, and education faculty at Florida State University. In this program, students develop deep science or mathematics knowledge and the skill and experience needed to be an effective science or math teacher. FSU-Teach pays for tuition for the first two courses (Step 1 and Step 2). Work study positions with scientists, mathematicians and local schools are available.

Prerequisites for admission to the Biological Science/FSU-Teach major are the same as the prerequisites for the Biological Science major. The program is a double-major only curriculum requiring students to complete a primary major in Biological Science in addition to a secondary major in Science and Mathematics Teaching. The discipline area has a special track for FSU-Teach majors enabling students to complete the double major in four years.

The program culminates with conferral of the baccalaureate degree with two majors and all coursework and state testing requirements for initial Florida teacher certification. Note that students seeking certification must be formally admitted to the School of Teacher Education and meet all of the requirements for pursuing a state-approved program. For information regarding the requirements for the second major in Science and Mathematics Teaching, please see the chapter in this General Bulletin for School of Teacher Education. For additional information, see our Web site: http://FSU-Teach.fsu.edu.

Graduate Study

The Department of Biological Science offers work leading to the Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees; consult the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Requirements for a Minor in Biological Science

A minimum of twelve semester hours of biological science courses approved for major credit, including BSC 2010/L and BSC 2011/L and one additional biology course that counts in the major (PCB 3063 recommended); a minimum of four semester hours of the twelve semester hours must be taken at Florida State University. Grades below "C–" will not be accepted for minor credit.

Definition of Prefixes

BCH—Biochemistry (Biophysics)

BOT—Botany

BSC—Biological Sciences

ISC—Interdisciplinary Sciences

MCB—Microbiology

PCB—Process Biology

PSB—Psychobiology

SCE—Science Education

ZOO—Zoology

Undergraduate Courses

Courses Not for Major or Minor Credit

BSC 1005. General Biology for Nonmajors (3). This course consists of four selected topics in contemporary biology.

BSC 1005L. General Biology Laboratory for Nonmajors (1). This course may be taken concurrently with lecture or subsequent to completion of lecture with passing grade.

BSC 1005C. General Biology for Nonmajors (4).

BSC 2085. Anatomy and Physiology I (3). This course is the first of a two-semester human anatomy/physiology sequence emphasizing the cell, stimulus-response concept, and the skeletal-muscular and first half of the nervous systems.

BSC 2085L. Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory (1). Corequisite: BSC 2085. This lab explores microscopic and gross anatomy of the human body. Physiology of muscle contractions and nerve signaling are explored using computer simulated experiments.

BSC 2086. Anatomy and Physiology II (3). Prerequisite: BSC 2085 or instructor permission. This course is a continuation of a two-semester human anatomy/physiology sequence beginning with the second half of the nervous system, then continuing with endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems. Also included are fluid-electrolyte balance and immunity.

BSC 2086L. Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory (1). Corequisite: BSC 2086. This lab focuses on sensory and organ systems found in the human body. Physiology of the sensory and organ systems are explored with lab activities and computer simulated experiments.

ISC 3076. Science, Technology, and Society (3). Prerequisite: Junior standing or instructor permission. This course examines interrelations among science, technology, and society. Science is considered as an enterprise in modern society that produces technological advances and new perspectives on reality. This course cannot be used as credit toward a major or a minor in a science department.

MCB 2004. Microbiology for Health Services (3). Corequisite: MCB 2004L. This course covers microbiology for students planning careers in the health services, with emphasis on infectious disease, food microbiology, and public health.

MCB 2004L. Microbiology for the Health Services Laboratory (1). Corequisite: MCB 2004. This course covers microbiological techniques including the isolation, typing, and identification of bacteria, properties of pathogenic bacteria, and food microbiology.

PCB 2099. Human Physiology (3). This course surveys the major systems and their regulation in normal function and disease in the human body.

SCE 4939r. Seminar in Contemporary Science, Mathematics, and Science Education (1). This course includes presentations of contemporary and interesting issues in science, mathematics, or academic methods. Content varies from semester to semester. May be repeated to a maximum of four semester hours.

Courses for Major Credit

Note: All 3000- and 4000-level biological science courses have the following minimum prerequisites: BSC 2010/L, 2011/L; CHM 1045/L and 1046/L. Additional prerequisites, if any, are included in the course listing.

Botany

BOT 3015. Plant Biology (2). This course is an introduction to evolutionary relationships, natural history, ecological adaptations, and physiology of plants, fungi, autotrophic protista, and prokaryotes.

BOT 3015L. Plant Biology Laboratory (1). Corequisite: BOT 3015. This lab explores anatomy, development, and morphology and life cycles of autotrophs and fungi and other osmotrophs.

BOT 3143C. Field Botany (4). This course is an introduction to plant taxonomy with emphasis on laboratory and field study. Orientation to principles of identification, classification, and rules of botanical nomenclature.

BOT 4394. Plant Molecular Biology (3). Prerequisite: BOT 3015. Prerequisite or corequisite: PCB 3063. This course explores molecular biology and biotechnology of plant growth and development.

BOT 4503L. Plant Physiology Laboratory (1). Prerequisite: BOT 3015.

Biological Science

BSC 2010. Biological Science I (3). This course introduces basic chemistry, energetics, metabolism, and cellular organization; molecular genetics and information flow; animal and plant function.

BSC 2010L. Biological Science I Laboratory (1). This laboratory furnishes tools and techniques used to visualize, quantify, and analyze biological phenomena, including experimental design and execution, recording of data, and graphic and statistical analysis of data.

BSC 2011. Biological Science II (3). Prerequisite: BSC 2010. This course focuses on reproduction and development, transmission (Mendelian) genetics, population biology, ecology, and evolution.

BSC 2011L. Animal Diversity Laboratory (2). Prerequisites: BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L. This lab is an introduction to animals, sponges, cnidarians, flatworms and pseudocoelomates, annelids, molluscs, arthropods, echinoderms, and chordates.

BSC 3052. Conservation Biology (3). This course focuses on the history of the conservation movement, the research on populations of animals and plants that is relevant to man's impact upon the environment, pollution in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, endangered species, government regulation, and sustainable development.

BSC 3312. Marine Biology (3). This course explores marine geology, chemistry of the oceans, oceanic circulation, oceanographic techniques, the marine environment and marine life.

BSC 3402L. Experimental Biology Laboratory (2). Prerequisite: Majors only. This course explores methodology of biological experimentation, data analysis, and reporting using selected topics (see academic advising office for selected topics offered each semester).

BSC 3930. Seminar in Biological Frontiers (1). (S/U grade only.) This course is a weekly seminar covering topics in biological research. Not repeatable for credit toward major requirements.

BSC 3938. Careers in the Biological Sciences (1). (S/U grade only.) This course is intended for biology sciences majors at any point in their undergraduate career, but is most beneficial to those in their first three years. Career options in biology-related fields (including health professions) and the preparation they require are presented for students planning to immediately enter the job market or to continue their academic careers upon graduation. Not repeatable for credit toward major requirements.

BSC 3949r. Cooperative Education Work Experience (0). (S/U grade only.) This non-credit, experiential learning course offers students an opportunity to gain "real world" on-the-job work experience related to a specific academic field of study. Students must register for this course through the FSU Career Center.

BSC 4473C. Introduction to Scientific Diving (3). Prerequisites: Open water diver certified by national organization, clear diving medical exam, ability to pass swimming evaluation. This course is designed for the scientist or scientist in training who plans to use SCUBA diving as a tool for underwater research. Skills covered include dive planning, emergency management, underwater navigation, survey techniques, and instrument deployment and recovery.

BSC 4613. Systematics (3). This course explores the history of systematic theory; methods of phylogenetic analysis including distance, parsimony, and likelihood; classification of the diversity of life; the comparative method; analysis of within species variation.

BSC 4900r. Directed Individual Study (1–4). Prerequisites: A combined 3.0 GPA in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and statistics courses applied to the major; permission from a biological science instructor; and Department of Biological Science Advising Office permission. This course is a supervised study of a special topic or research participation in the area of the faculty member's research. Graduate students may not register for this course. A maximum of six semester hours may be applied to biological science major credit. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

BSC 4931r. Senior Tutorial in Biological Science (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Senior standing (90+ hours). This course focuses on selected topics in contemporary biological science; maximum enrollment of five students in each tutorial. Repeatable one time to a maximum of two semester hours which may be applied to biological science credit.

BSC 4933r. Selected Topics in Biological Science (1–4). Prerequisites: Courses as specified and junior or senior standing. May be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours.

BSC 4934r. Selected Topics in Applied Biology (1–4). (S/U grade only.) May be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours. Some sections are not for major credit.

BSC 4937. Seminar in Living Marine Resource Ecology (1). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This seminar course in marine resource ecology designed to introduce students to a broad array of current research priorities and interests in marine ecology. Students have the opportunity to meet with resource managers and scientists from both the biological and social fields. Lecture topics range from life history studies of marine fish to the economic consequence of marine policy.

BSC 4940. Research Internship in Marine Biology (3–9). Prerequisites: PCB 3043, junior or senior standing, 3.0 GPA in biology, a course in the area of research, and associate chair written permission. This course is a special supervised study in marine biology at the National Marine Fisheries Services Laboratory in Panama City, the Mote Marine Laboratory, or other approved location. Students may receive up to nine semester hours of credit, of which four semester hours would apply to the biological science major. Offered during the summer only.

BSC 4945. Undergraduate Supervised Teaching (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: Senior standing and instructor permission. A maximum of one semester hour may be applied to biological science major credit.

BSC 4970r. Honors Work in Biological Science (1–6). Prerequisite: Admission to the department's honors-in-the-major program. This course involves participation in a supervised research problem. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours, of which six semester hours may be applied to biological science major credit.

Microbiology

MCB 4403. Prokaryotic Biology (3). Prerequisites: CHM 2210 and PCB 3063. Corequisite: MCB 4403L. This course covers structural and functional characteristics of microorganisms, with emphasis on prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and viruses. Topics include: prokaryotic cell structure and function, physiology and genetics of prokaryotes and viruses, physiological and molecular aspects of microorganisms and human disease, and biotechnological applications of microbial physiology (environmental, food, and industrial microbiology).

MCB 4403L. Prokaryotic Biology Laboratory (2). Prerequisites: CHM 2210 and PCB 3063. Corequisite: MCB 4403. This course covers laboratory methods for growth, handling, and study of prokaryotes and other types of microorganisms. Topics include: aseptic technique and isolation of pure cultures; microscopic methods; effects of environment on growth; viruses; physiological characterization methods; and methods related to medical, environmental, and food microbiology.

Process Biology

PCB 3043. General Ecology (3). This course focuses on topics such as: population biology; population growth; community processes, succession, nutrient cycling, and energy flow; species interactions; ecological efficiency; and biogeographical ecology.

PCB 3063. General Genetics (3). This course is an introduction to the principles of transmission and molecular genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and significance of these principles to other aspects of biological science.

PCB 3134. Cell Structure and Function (3). This course focuses on topics such as: cellular chemistry and physiology, morphology, and function of cellular organelles; and cellular motility, growth, division, communication, and regulation.

PCB 3743. Vertebrate Physiology (3). This course studies physiological systems of vertebrates with emphasis on mammals. Mechanisms underlying physiological processes and the physico-chemical principles upon which they depend are also studied.

PCB 4024. Molecular Biology (3). Prerequisites: PCB 3063 and PCB 3134 recommended. This course studies the molecular basis of cellular function with emphasis on the activities of DNA, RNA, and the regulation of gene expression.

PCB 4024L. Molecular Biology Laboratory (1). Corequisite: PCB 4024.

PCB 4233. Immunology (3). Prerequisites: CHM 2210, PCB 3063, PCB 3134, or instructor permission. This course analyzes the tissues, cells, and molecules of the immune system and their relationships to disease and transplantation.

PCB 4233L. Laboratory in Immunology (1). Corequisite: PCB 4233.

PCB 4253. Animal Development (3). Prerequisite: PCB 3063. This course discusses a number of topics, including fertilization, early embryonic events, organogenesis, differentiation, morphogenesis, cytoplasmic localization, determination, and differential gene expression.

PCB 4253L. Developmental Biology Laboratory (3). Prerequisite: PCB 3063. Corequisite: PCB 4253. This lab combines lecture and laboratory experiments regarding sea urchin fertilization, frog and chick early development, gene expression, cell-cell interactions, and metamorphosis.

PCB 4674. Evolution (3). Prerequisites: PCB 3063 and senior standing (90+ hours). This course places emphasis on the processes of evolution: origin of life, theories of evolution, sources of variation, natural selection, population systems, isolating mechanisms, evolution above the species level.

PCB 4723. General and Comparative Animal Physiology (3). Prerequisite: CHM 2210. This course studies the physiological and biochemical interactions of animals with their respective environments. Emphasis on non-mammalian vertebrate and invertebrate systems.

PCB 4843. Fundamentals of Neuroscience (3). Prerequisites: PCB 3134, PCB 3743, or PCB 4723. This course emphasizes cellular and molecular approaches to neuroscience and brain function and emphasizes simple model systems including invertebrates.

Zoology

ZOO 3205. Advanced Invertebrate Zoology (2). Prerequisite: PCB 3043 or PCB 3063 or ZOO 3713C or instructor permission. Corequisite: ZOO 3205L. This course focuses on the structure, function, behavior, and evolution of the invertebrate phyla, especially those taxa living in the sea.

ZOO 3205L. Advanced Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory (2). Prerequisite: PCB 3043 or PCB 3063 or ZOO 3713C or instructor permission. Corequisite: ZOO 3205. This laboratory deals with the structure, function, behavior and ecology of the invertebrate phyla, especially those taxa living in the sea.

ZOO 3713C. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4). This course emphasizes form and function and origin and evolution of structure.

ZOO 4204C. Biology of Higher Marine Invertebrates (5). Prerequisite: BSC 3312 or PCB 3043 or ZOO 3205 or ZOO 3205L. This course focuses on the biological specializations of crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms, including life history, behavior, ecology, biomechanics, and environmental adaptations.

ZOO 4343C. Biology of the Lower Vertebrates (4). This course explores the systematics, ecology, and evolution of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.

ZOO 4353C. Biology of Higher Vertebrates (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, and CHM 1046. This course covers the systematics, ecology, and evolution of birds and mammals.

ZOO 4454C. Biology of Fishes (4). This course provides an overview of the systematics, morphology, ecology, behavior, physiology, and life history of the most diverse group of vertebrates on earth, the fishes. It includes conservation and management issues and laboratory exercises balanced with field trips to different northwest Florida habitats, including freshwater springs, salt marshes, seagrass beds, and offshore reefs.

ZOO 4513. Animal Behavior (4). This course discusses modern perspectives of the behavior of animals.

ZOO 4753C. Histology (4). This course explores the microscopic anatomy and functions of the cells, tissues, and glands composing the organs and systems of humans.

ZOO 4823. Insect Biology (3). This course discusses the morphology, classification, natural history, physiology, and evolution of insects.

ZOO 4823L. Insect Diversity of North Florida (2). Prerequisite: MAC 2311. Prerequisite or corequisite: ZOO 4823. This course includes topics such as: collection, keying, and curation of local insects.

Graduate Courses

Biochemistry

BCH 5886r. Special Topics in Biochemistry and Cell Biology (1–3).

BCH 5887r. Special Topics in Biochemistry and Cell Biology (1–3).

Botany

BOT 5938r. Selected Topics in Botany (1–4).

BOT 6936r. Seminar in Botany (2). (S/U grade only.)

Biological Science

BSC 5409. Biophysical Principles of Biological Techniques (3).

BSC 5476C. Introduction to Scientific Diving (3).

BSC 5900r. Directed Individual Study (1–12). (S/U grade only.)

BSC 5932r. Graduate Tutorial in Biological Science (1). (S/U grade only.)

BSC 5936r. Selected Topics in Biological Science (1–4).

BSC 5945r. Supervised Teaching (1–2). (S/U grade only.)

BSC 6921r. Colloquium in Biological Science (1). (S/U grade only.)

Microbiology

MCB 5408. Prokaryotic Biology (3).

MCB 5505. Virology (3).

MCB 5936r. Selected Topics in Microbiology (1–4).

Process Biology

PCB 5137. Advanced Cell Biology (3).

PCB 5425. Population Ecology (3).

PCB 5447. Community Ecology (3).

PCB 5525. Molecular Biology (3).

PCB 5595. Advanced Molecular Biology (3).

PCB 5672. Evolution (3).

PCB 5675. Advanced Evolutionary Biology (3).

PCB 5785. Biology of Muscle (3).

PCB 5795. Sensory Physiology (3).

PCB 5845. Cell and Molecular Neuroscience (4).

PCB 5936r. Selected Topics in Genetics and Cell Biology (1–4).

PCB 5937r. Selected Topics in Physiology (1–4).

PCB 5938r. Selected Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (1–4).

PCB 6936r. Seminar in Genetics and Cell Biology (2). (S/U grade only.)

PCB 6938r. Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (2). (S/U grade only.)

Neuroscience

PSB 5057. Neuroscience Methods: Molecules to Behavior (2). (S/U grade only.)

PSB 5077. Responsible Conduct of Research (2). (S/U grade only.)

PSB 5341. Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience (4).

PSB 5347. Neuropharmacology (3).

PSB 6070r. Current Problems in Neuroscience (2). (S/U grade only.)

PSB 6920r. Neuroscience Colloquium (1). (S/U grade only.)

PSB 6933r. Seminar in Neuroscience (1–2). (S/U grade only.)

Zoology

ZOO 5932r. Selected Topics in Marine Biology (1–4).

ZOO 5935r. Selected Topics in Zoology (1–4).

ZOO 6933r. Seminar in Marine Biology (2). (S/U grade only.)

ZOO 6934r. Seminar in Zoology (2). (S/U grade only.)

Secondary Science Teaching

ISC 5098. Reflective Science Teaching (2).

ISC 5525. Advanced Portfolio Design (1).

ISC 5535. Research in the Content Area for Teachers (6).

ISC 5944. Ethics, School Law, and Management of Science Classrooms (3).

ISC 5945. Full-Time Teaching Internship (9). (S/U grade only.)

ISC 5946. Half-Time Teaching Internship (6). (S/U grade only.)

ISC 8939. Portfolio Review (0). (S/U grade only.)

For listings relating to graduate coursework for thesis, dissertation, and master's and doctoral examinations and defense, consult the Graduate Bulletin.