Master of Science in Biology Department of Biology College of Arts & Sciences

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1 Master of Science in Biology Department of Biology College of Arts & Sciences BIOLOGY 69 Steven W. Seagle, Chair and Professor Ph.D., University of Tennessee at Knoxville Gary L. Walker, Program Director Professor Ph.D., University of Tennessee at Knoxville Ray S. Williams, Assistant Chair and Associate Professor Ph.D., University of South Carolina The Department of Biology offers the Master of Science in Biology (207A/ ). The graduate program is designed to prepare men and women for competitive careers in the field of biology, including environmental jobs and teaching and re positions, while also preparing students for further graduate and professional work at doctoral levels. Our program provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the broad fields in biology while allowing specialization in an area of their choice. In recent years, the Graduate Program in Biology has been twice named the Outstanding Graduate Program at Appalachian State University, and a number of graduate students have been awarded grants or scholarships for their proposed and ongoing re. Several students from Biology have been selected to receive thesis and re awards from the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School. Courses in the following disciplines are offered through the Department of Biology: BIO: biology PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY (Major Code: 207A/ ) Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Cratis Williams Graduate School ( including resume, three letters of recommendation*, official GRE general exam scores, and official transcripts from all colleges attended; statement of interest and intent; commitment from a Biology faculty member to chair the applicant s thesis committee**. *Recommendations should be written by persons familiar with the applicant s academic performance. **Applicants are encouraged to contact the program director as early as possible regarding thesis re interests. Basic Criteria for Consideration: (GRE V % x 4) + (GRE Q % x 4) + (Analytical writing x 50) + (GPA x 300) = 1300, with a minimum GRE analytical writing score of 4. Hours: 30 semester hours Location: On Campus Required: BIO 5000 Bibliography and Re...4 BIO 5777 Biometrics...3 BIO 5999 Thesis...4 REQUIRED HOURS...11 Elective Hours (5000 level or above chosen in consultation with thesis director)...19 TOTAL HOURS FOR THE MS DEGREE...30 Thesis: Required Proficiency: None required Comprehensive: A written comprehensive examination and an oral defense of the thesis. Product of Learning: None required

2 70 GRADUATE COURSES IN BIOLOGY (BIO) BIO Bibliography and Re/(4).S. A study of scientific writing and oral presentations using exercises in writing and speaking. Skills in ing the literature, presenting papers in specific formats, and reviewing science writing will be developed. Students are required to attend and critique science seminars and to develop a presentation using modern computer technologies to present before fellow students. Required in the first year of graduate study. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. BIO Organismal Ecology/(4).S.Alternate years. The study of the relationships among individual organisms and the biotic and abiotic environments. Structure/function relationships will be emphasized throughout the course. Topics to be covered include: energy budgets; gas exchange by plants and animals; resource acquisition; water relations; and morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations to environmental selection pressures. Lab will cover techniques of measuring gas exchange in both animals and plants; nutrient uptake; water relations; foraging efficiencies and physiological optima; and techniques in microclimate measurement. Prerequisites: BIO 3302 and either BIO 3301 or BIO Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. BIO Population Ecology/(4).F.Alternate years. This course will employ genetic and ecological principles to explore the population dynamics of plants and animals. The role of populations in evolutionary and ecological processes will be emphasized. Topics will include conservation and loss of genetic variation in natural populations; growth and regulation of populations; and factors affecting their demography, distribution and abundance. Labs will include models of growth and regulation along with techniques for analysis of populations in the field. Prerequisites: BIO 3302 and BIO Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. BIO Communities and Ecosystem Ecology/(4).F. A holistic consideration of the interactions among populations of different species with their biotic and abiotic environments. Topics to be covered include succession; patterns in species diversity; community productivity; biogeochemical cycling; ecosystem structure and function. Labs will involve studies of net primary production, nutrient cycling, succession, and diversity, and will include both laboratory and field work. Prerequisite: BIO Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. BIO Topics in Ecology/(2).F;S. This seminar is designed to encourage students to develop more deeply into the ecological and evolutionary literature, with a focus on hot issues (e.g. the application of chaos theory to ecology, controversies over global warming, etc.). The students will be required to interpret the results of relevant papers, and to present those findings to other students and faculty. Students will be asked to do one or two presentations per semester, to critique the other students and to engage in discussion of all the papers read. Prerequisite: BIO Lecture two hours. May be repeated for credit when content does not duplicate. BIO Independent Study/(1-4).F;S. BIO Freshwater Ecology/(4).F. A study of the abiotic and biotic factors that influence the distribution and abundance of species in freshwater communities. Laboratory exercises include field trips to local streams and lakes. Prerequisites: BIO 1110 or BIO 1101 and BIO 1102; BIO 2000, BIO 2001, BIO 3302 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. BIO Basic and Applied Microbiology/(3).S. Lecture, laboratory and field trips dealing with the underlying principles and applications of techniques used in ecological, industrial and medical microbiology. Lecture two hours, laboratory work to be arranged by the instructor. Prerequisite: BIO BIO Taxonomy of Vascular Plants/(3).SS. A study of the gross structure, reproduction, and development of the spermatophytes. Special emphasis is placed upon the classification and nomenclature of the spermatophytes. Lecture two hours, field work two hours. BIO Nature Study/(3).On Demand. Study of common plants and animals with emphasis on ecology, collecting techniques and identification. Designed for students with limited biology backgrounds. Not open to biology majors for credit. [Dual-listed with BIO 4550.] BIO Advanced Animal Physiology/(4).F. A comprehensive study of the physiology of the nervous, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory and endocrine systems with an emphasis on system coordination and integration.

3 71 Laboratory experiments, readings and reports. Prerequisite: a course in general physiology or permission of the instructor. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. BIO Comparative Invertebrate Physiology/(4).S. This course provides a comprehensive study of physiological processes in invertebrate animals, with emphasis on adaptations to differing life history strategies. The principal goal of the course is to contribute significantly to the student s understanding of basic biological theory. Some prior knowledge of cellular physiology, classification, and morphology of invertebrates will be assumed. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. BIO Biogeography/(3).S. The biological, climatological, geographic, and geological factors which affect the distribution of animal and plants. Patterns of distribution will be studied in relation to various sizes of geographical units. Lecture three hours. BIO Local Flora/(3).SS. A study of the common flora and economic plants of North Carolina including collection, identification, and methods of preservation. Lecture two hours, laboratory and field work two hours. BIO Plant Anatomy and Morphology/(3).S. A general survey of the external and internal structure of plants; detailed study of anatomy and morphology of representative plants from all the divisions. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. BIO Cells, Organisms and Evolution/(3).S. Various topics in cell and developmental biology are explored as they relate to evolutionary biology. In addition to a lecture format, this course is based on group discussions, oral presentations and written reports. Lecture three hours. BIO Selected Topics/(1-4).On Demand. BIO Ornithology/(3).S. The morphology, physiology, behavior, ecology and identification of birds. Early morning field trips are required. Extended field trips to a variety of habitats will be arranged. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4551.] BIO Entomology/(3).F. A comparative survey of the insects and related arthropods with an emphasis on morphology and systematics. Methods of collection and preservation are covered. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4552.] BIO Plant Physiology/(4).F. A study of the basic principles of plant physiology and fundamental processes such as cell properties, water relations, growth, photosynthesis, respiration, and mineral nutrition. Prerequisites: CHE 1101, CHE 1110, CHE 1102, CHE 1120 and CHE 2201 is strongly recommended. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4555.] BIO Mycology/(4).F. An investigation of the fungi with particular reference to the techniques of working with these organisms. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4556.] BIO Ichthyology/(3).F. Ecology, distribution, taxonomy and economic importance of fishes. Freshwater fishes will be emphasized. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4557.] BIO Taxonomy of the Fleshy Fungi/(3).On Demand. An in-depth study of the fleshy fungi [mushrooms (agarics), chanterelles, hydnums, polypores, and corals] with an emphasis on morphology, systematics, and ecology. Methods of collection, macroscopic and microscopic dissection, identification, and preservation are covered. Fields trips are required. Lecture two hours, laboratory three hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4558.] BIO Mammalogy/(3).S. The natural history, distribution, adaptations, taxonomy and economic importance of mammals. Field trips and visits to zoos will be arranged. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4559.] BIO Herpetology/(3).F. The morphology, taxonomy, physiology, and distribution of amphibians and reptiles. Methods of collecting and preserving specimens as well as behavioral aspects of species in their natural habitats will be covered. Field trips will be required. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4560.]

4 72 BIO Biology of Aging/(3).F. General study of biological/physiological changes over time in the structure and function of the systems of organisms with emphasis on the human body. Prerequisites: BIO 1101 and BIO 1102, or equivalent. Lecture three hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4563.] BIO 5564.Microscopy/(4).F. A study of the principles and techniques of biological microscopy. Lectures include discussions on preparative techniques for various types of bioimaging, the optical theories behind the imaging technologies, and the structure and function of cellular organelles. Laboratories examine practical techniques of tissue preparation for various kinds of microscopy, the effective use of various types of microscopes, and the interpretation of data obtained from various imaging systems. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4564.] BIO Lichenology/(3).S.On Demand. A study of the morphology, diversity, evolution, ecology, physiology, and chemistry of lichens as well as their significance as biological indicators. Field trips are required. Lecture two hours, laboratory three hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4567.] BIO Immunology/(4).S. A study of the immune system with emphasis on cellular interactions involved in the generation of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Lecture includes discussions on inflammation, antibody diversity, tissue transplantation, and immunopathologies. Laboratories examine lymphoid tissue organization, lymphocyte function, and antibody-antigen reactions with emphasis on clinical application. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4568.] BIO Invertebrate Zoology/(4).F. Students will be introduced to the 34 extant major and minor invertebrate phyla which make up 99% of the Earth s named animal species and virtually 100% of those animals yet undiscovered. The intriguing natural history, symmetry and development, mode of locomotion, nutrition, reproduction, and primary environments of the invertebrates will be discussed. Labs will emphasize invertebrate habitats, field collection, phylogenetic relationships as well as ecological and physiological adaptations and examination of major morphological characteristics. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours with required field trips. [Dual-listed with BIO 4569.] BIO Parasitology/(3).F. A survey of protozoan, helminthic and arthropod parasites with emphasis on causation and prevention of disease. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4570.] BIO Plant-Insect Interactions in Terrestrial Ecosystems/(4).F.Alternate years. A study of the associations between insects and plants, using lecture, class discussions and laboratory exercises. Lecture topics include constraints imposed by plants on herbivorous insects and the strategies insects use to overcome them, pollination biology and ecology and the interplay between biotic and abiotic factors in determining interactions. Students are expected to lead class discussions of current literature. Laboratory exercises are field-based mini-experiments leading to the development of an individual project with experimentation and paper presentation. As a graduate student, mentoring of undergraduate re projects is required. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4571.] BIO Field Biology of Continental U.S.A./(5).SS. Ecological investigations of major habitats in the U.S. Prerequisites: 16 hours in biology and consent of the instructor. [Dual-listed with BIO 4580.] BIO Animal Behavior-Ethology/(3).S. Basic principles of animal behavior are approached from an evolutionary perspective. Topics such as instinct, learning, biological clocks, sociobiology, communication and physiological mechanisms of behavior are stressed. Laboratory emphasizes techniques of observing, recording, and analyzing behavior using a re project format. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. [Dual-listed with BIO 4601.] BIO Advanced Cell Biology/(3).S.Alternate years. A detailed study of cellular structures and their functions as well as cellular communication and regulatory mechanisms, focusing on the eukaryotic cell. Prerequisite: a class in cell biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry or permission of the instructor. Lecture three hours. BIO Biometrics/(3).S. A descriptive treatment of statistical techniques used in collecting and analyzing data from biological systems. Statistical techniques include binomial, Poisson, goodness-of-fit, one and two way anova, regression and correlation and many non-parametric tests. The laboratory emphasizes re design, analyzing data from student re and techniques of computer usage, especially programs like BMDP. Prerequisite: STT 2810 or permission of the instructor. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. BIO Internship/(1-6).F;S. Practical biological experiences in federal, state, and local agencies. Graded on an S/U basis. [Dual-listed with BIO 4900.]

5 73 BIO Graduate Re/(1-9).F;S. This course is designed to provide access to University facilities for continuing graduate re at the master s and specialist s levels. Graded on an S/U basis. BIO 5989 does not count toward a degree. BIO Thesis/(4).F;S. Graded on an S/U basis. BIO Independent Study/(2-4).F;S. Student selects an area of investigation which must be approved by the instructor and advisor. BIO Teaching Apprenticeship/(4).On Demand. This course provides a teaching experience in undergraduate courses under direct supervision of a graduate faculty member. Specific objectives will be determined in a conference between the student and the graduate faculty member involved. Graded on an S/U basis. BIO Selected Topics/(1-4).On Demand. BIO Advanced Seminar in Current Re Topics/(2).S. Lectures, readings, and discussions dealing with biological principles and theories. BIO Current Topics in Molecular Biology/(3).F. Recent advances in biology at the subcellular level. Lecture and laboratory. BIO Advanced Bacteriology/(2).S. Modern techniques and procedures in bacteriology, including instrumental and biochemical methods of analysis and interpretation of data. BIO Independent Re/(1-8).F.S. A total of 8 hours credit is required for this course and may be taken in blocks of 1-8 hours. Results of the re must be reported in a scientifically acceptable manner. Graded on an S/U basis. GENERAL SCIENCE (GS) GS Independent Study/(1-4).On Demand. GS Environmental Problems/(3).S. A study of environmental problems: their historical and cultural origins, their scientific background, and their possible solutions. Designed for students with limited science backgrounds. GS Selected Topics/(1-4).On Demand. GS Graduate Re/(1-9).F;S. This course is designed to provide access to University facilities for continuing graduate re. Graded on an S/U basis. GS 5989 does not count toward a degree.