Catalog 2024-2025

BIO - Biology

BIO 124 Life Sciences

This course explores life sciences using an inquiry approach. Students will explore selected topics in life sciences through lectures, activities, and discussions. Students will learn to propose and test hypotheses and to critically analyze scientific results and views. Satisfies natural science distribution requirement of Spartan Studies. This course is not applicable toward a biology, chemistry, or health sciences major or minor. Lecture only.

Spartan Studies:

NSD

Credit Hours: 4

BIO 132 Biogeography and Biomes

Explores the question, "How did species of plants and animals end up where they are?" The course focuses on the ways that millions of years of geological, oceanographic and climatic processes have directed the evolution of the earth's inhabitants. Topics include the general features of the earth's major biomes, the unique biotic features of the earth's major geographic regions, and the ways in which the study of biogeography has played an important role in the history of science. This course also examines the ways that our own species has been affected by, and continues to influence, the distribution of the planet's species. This is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Spartan Studies:

NSD

Credit Hours: 4

BIO 183 Microbiology for the Allied Health Sciences

Focuses on the evolutionary history and biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsia, and protozoa and their role in human health and disease. Other topics infectious diseases caused by medical and surgical practices and injuries as well as current best practices in infection prevention and control. Satisfies natural science distribution requirements of Spartan Studies but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Spartan Studies:

NSD

Credit Hours: 4

BIO 198 General Biology I

A study of biology, emphasizing cell structure, cell reproduction, cellular and organismal metabolism, cell signaling, immunology, endocrinology and mechanisms and genetic systems of plants and animals. Must be completed with BIO 198L and with a grade of “C” or better to enroll in BIO 199 (General Biology II) and BIO 199L (General Biology II Lab).

 

Spartan Studies:

NSD with BIO 198L

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites

Pre- or corequisites: CHE 152 and CHE 153L

Corequisites

BIO 198L

BIO 198L General Biology I Laboratory

A study of biology, emphasizing cell structure, cell reproduction, cellular and organismal metabolism, cell signaling, immunology, endocrinology and mechanisms and genetic systems of plants and animals. Must be completed with BIO 198 (with a grade of “C” or better in both) to enroll in BIO 199 (General Biology II) and BIO 199L (General Biology II Lab).

 

Spartan Studies:

NSD with BIO 198

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisites

Pre- or corequisites: CHE 152 and CHE 153L

Corequisites

BIO 198

BIO 199 General Biology II

Examines the diversity of life through investigations of the taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution of all major prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. Basic ecological and evolutionary theory are focal points of the course, as these represent the mechanisms through which biological and physiological diversity arises.  

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites

BIO 198 and BIO 198L must be completed with a grade of "C" or better in order to enroll in BIO 199 and BIO 199L.

Corequisites

BIO 199L

BIO 199L General Biology II Laboratory

Examines the diversity of life through investigations of the taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution of all major prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. Basic ecological and evolutionary theory are focal points of the course, as these represent the mechanisms through which biological and physiological diversity arises.  

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisites

BIO 198 and BIO 198L must each be completed with a grade of "C" or better in order to enroll in BIO 199 and BIO 199L.

Corequisites

BIO 199

BIO 200 Genetics

A detailed survey of Mendelian, molecular and evolutionary genetics. Topics covered include mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, recombination, linkage, mapping, gene expression and regulation, mutation, DNA damage and repair, DNA technologies, population and quantitative genetics.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 200L

BIO 200L Genetics Laboratory

A detailed survey of Mendelian, molecular and evolutionary genetics. Topics covered include mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, recombination, linkage, mapping, gene expression and regulation, mutation, DNA damage and repair, DNA technologies, population and quantitative genetics.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 200

BIO 205 Tropical Biology and Conservation

This course is intended for students interested in the natural history, biology and ecology of the tropics, the most biologically diverse region of the world. Students will study evolutionary, ecological and other biological principles of tropical ecosystems and the natural history of the organisms that live there. We will examine conservation programs, sustainable development practices and the widespread impact of this region of the globe. The course culminates in a two-week travel experience where students will visit such places as lowland tropical rain forests, high elevation tropical cloud forests, coastal ecosystems, primary and secondary forests and more. In the field, students will conduct brief research programs designed to illustrate the possibilities of careers working in the tropics over a broad range of biological specialties, ranging from tropical biodiversity, evolution and sustainability to agriculture and medicine.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category III)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and permission of the instructor

BIO 212 Ecology

Examines relationships between species and their environment. Students explore the contributions of abiotic and biotic factors to limitations in numbers and distributions of organisms. A strong emphasis is placed upon classical ecological issues such as production dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and competition and life history strategies in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category III)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 212L

BIO 212L Ecology Laboratory

Examines relationships between species and their environment. Students explore the contributions of abiotic and biotic factors to limitations in numbers and distributions of organisms. A strong emphasis is placed upon classical ecological issues such as production dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and competition and life history strategies in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 212

BIO 224 Invertebrate Zoology

A study of the structure, physiology, life histories and group relationships of invertebrate animals.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category II)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 224L

BIO 224L Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory

A study of the structure, physiology, life histories and group relationships of invertebrate animals.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 224

BIO 225 Vertebrate Zoology

A study of the structure, ecology, behavior and taxonomy of the major vertebrate classes.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category II)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 225L

BIO 225L Vertebrate Zoology Laboratory

A study of the structure, ecology, behavior and taxonomy of the major vertebrate classes.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 225

BIO 227 Ecological Physiology

A study of the physiological basis of organismal adaptation to diverse habitats. Covers the environmental parameters impacting animal metabolism and plant productivity with a focus on the major stressors (e.g., water availability, heat, salinity, food supply, oxygen, radiation) in the habitats of each. Major topics include the adaptive and acclimative mechanisms in animals and plants with regard to osmoregulation, excretion, metabolism, respiration, circulation, neuromuscular systems and photosynthesis. The emphasis of the laboratory is on research exploring the adaptive and acclimative strategies employed by organisms under stress and the development of scientific communication skills.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 227L

BIO 227L Ecological Physiology Laboratory

A study of the physiological basis of organismal adaptation to diverse habitats. Covers the environmental parameters impacting animal metabolism and plant productivity with a focus on the major stressors (e.g., water availability, heat, salinity, food supply, oxygen, radiation) in the habitats of each. Major topics include the adaptive and acclimative mechanisms in animals and plants with regard to osmoregulation, excretion, metabolism, respiration, circulation, neuromuscular systems and photosynthesis. The emphasis of the laboratory is on research exploring the adaptive and acclimative strategies employed by organisms under stress and the development of scientific communication skills. 

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 227

BIO 228 Biology of Plants

Studies the morphology, anatomy and physiology of vascular plants, with emphasis on plants and their role in human society. Additional emphases are placed upon plants' reproduction, response to environmental change, ethnobotany, medicinal botany and the development and uses of plants in ancient and modern human societies.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category II)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 228L

BIO 228L Biology of Plants Laboratory

Studies the morphology, anatomy and physiology of vascular plants, with emphasis on plants and their role in human society. Additional emphases are placed upon plants’ reproduction, response to environmental change, ethnobotany, medicinal botany and the development and uses of plants in ancient and modern human societies.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 228

BIO 230 Experimental Design and Biostatistics

Investigates the use of statistical methodology to evaluate biological hypotheses. Topics include basic experimental design, descriptive statistics, and scientific inference and hypothesis testing using statistical tests such as analysis of variance, correlation, regression, contingency tables and nonparametric equivalents. Example data sets drawn from ecology, general biology and biomedical sciences are used to explore concepts. Class time is broken into lecture and laboratory components.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category III, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 250 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

Examines vertebrate evolution through a detailed study of the systems of the vertebrates.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category II, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 250L

BIO 250L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory

Examines vertebrate evolution through a detailed study of the systems of the vertebrates.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 250

BIO 301 Stem Cell Biology

This course will provide basic and advanced understanding of various stem cells (embryonic, induced pluripotent, adult), nuclear reprogramming (epigenetic, viral, non-viral, mRNA and protein based), potential diseases (neurological, autoimmune, metabolic, genetic, cardiac) treated by stem cells, translational medicine (from lab to bedside), drug discovery, and molecular pathways involved in the development and differentiation of embryonic and adult stem cells.
Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP).

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 200

Corequisites

BIO 350L

BIO 301L Stem Cell Biology Laboratory

This course will provide basic and advanced understanding of various stem cells (embryonic, induced pluripotent, adult), nuclear reprogramming (epigenetic, viral, non-viral, mRNA and protein based), potential diseases (neurological, autoimmune, metabolic, genetic, cardiac) treated by stem cells, translational medicine (from lab to bedside), drug discovery, and molecular pathways involved in the development and differentiation of embryonic and adult stem cells.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 200

Corequisites

BIO 301

BIO 302 Clinical Anatomy

This course examines the relationship between anatomy and the clinical reasoning skills used in medical diagnostics. The course relies on anatomical knowledge gleaned from dissections of model organisms as well as human prosections. This course is intended for advanced undergraduates with intentions of pursuing a career in the health professions.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category II, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 250

Corequisites

BIO 302L

BIO 302L Clinical Anatomy Laboratory

This course examines the relationship between anatomy and the clinical reasoning skills used in medical diagnostics. The course relies on anatomical knowledge gleaned from dissections of model organisms as well as human prosections. This course is intended for advanced undergraduates with intentions of pursuing a career in the health professions.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 250

Corequisites

BIO 302

BIO 307 Microbiology

A study of the structure, function and taxonomy of microorganisms, and their interactions with humans and their environment.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 307L

BIO 307L Microbiology Laboratory

A study of the structure, function and taxonomy of microorganisms, and their interactions with humans and their environment.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 307

BIO 310 Developmental Biology

A study of the developmental process in animals with emphases on cellular mechanisms, controlling development and morphology of embryos.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum; BIO 200; BIO 250 recommended.

Corequisites

BIO 310L

BIO 310L Developmental Biology Laboratory

A study of the developmental process in animals with emphases on cellular mechanisms, controlling development and morphology of embryos.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum; BIO 200; BIO 250 recommended

Corequisites

BIO 310

BIO 315 Virology

This course will introduce concepts in modern virology, with an emphasis on virus genetics, replication strategies, host-virus interactions, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention and control of virus infections.
Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 315L

BIO 315L Virology Laboratory

This course will focus on laboratory techniques and methodology used in modern virology, with an emphasis on virus isolation, characterization and cellular interactions.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 315

BIO 317 Parasitology

A study of the major groups of parasites, emphasizing those affecting humans and domesticated animals. Examines the morphology, life history, ecology and pathogenicity of each parasite.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category II, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 317L

BIO 317L Parasitology Laboratory

A study of the major groups of parasites, emphasizing those affecting humans and domesticated animals. Examines the morphology, life history, ecology and pathogenicity of each parasite.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 317

BIO 330 Comparative Animal Physiology

A study of the major physiological systems of animals from a comparative perspective. Covers functional anatomy, homeostasis, evolutionary relationships, neurophysiology, dynamics of muscle contraction, endocrinology, cardiovascular physiology and environmental physiology.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

Corequisites

BIO 330L

BIO 330L Comparative Animal Physiology Laboratory

A study of the major physiological systems of animals from a comparative perspective. Covers functional anatomy, homeostasis, evolutionary relationships, neurophysiology, dynamics of muscle contraction, endocrinology, cardiovascular physiology and environmental physiology.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 330

BIO 340 Ichthyology

Examines the relationship between the unifying biological principles of evolutionary adaptation and the diversity of form and function found among fishes. The course considers the physical and biological selective pressures this group of vertebrates has faced during its evolutionary history and the morphological, physiological, developmental and behavioral adaptations that have arisen in response to these ecological factors. How fishes function in marine and freshwater ecosystems and the management actions being taken to conserve them as natural resources are examined.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category II)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 225 or 250.

Corequisites

BIO 340L

BIO 340L Ichthyology Laboratory

Examines the relationship between the unifying biological principles of evolutionary adaptation and the diversity of form and function found among fishes. The course considers the physical and biological selective pressures this group of vertebrates has faced during its evolutionary history and the morphological, physiological, developmental and behavioral adaptations that have arisen in response to these ecological factors. How fishes function in marine and freshwater ecosystems and the management actions being taken to conserve them as natural resources are examined.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 225 or BIO 250

Corequisites

BIO 340

BIO 345 Field Ornithology

Field Ornithology is an excursion-based, experiential learning opportunity with the goal of teaching students about birds and their habitats. Bird identification, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and biogeography are introduced in the classroom, and reinforced in the field. Course lectures are supplemented by weekly field trips to various locations in and around the Tampa Bay area where students encounter wild birds in their habitats.
Credit Hours: 4
(Category II)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum: At least one category II or category III course, or Ecophysiology (BIO 227), or Conservation, Evolutionary and Ecological Genetics (BIO 355).

Corequisites

BIO 345L

BIO 345L Field Ornithology Laboratory

Field Ornithology is an excursion-based, experiential learning opportunity with the goal of teaching students about birds and their habitats. Bird identification, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and biogeography are introduced in the classroom, and reinforced in the field. Course lectures are supplemented by weekly field trips to various locations in and around the Tampa Bay area where students encounter wild birds in their habitats.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum: At least one category II or category III course, or Ecophysiology (BIO 227), or Conservation, Evolutionary and Ecological Genetics (BIO 355).

Corequisites

BIO 345

BIO 350 Cell Biology

A study of general cellular organization, the physico-chemical aspects of living systems, cell energetics, cell membrane systems, signal transduction and second messenger systems, membrane phenomenon and cell cycle.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 200

Corequisites

BIO 350L

BIO 350L Cell Biology Laboratory

A study of general cellular organization, the physico-chemical aspects of living systems, cell energetics, cell membrane systems, signal transduction and second messenger systems, membrane phenomenon and cell cycle.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 200

Corequisites

BIO 350

BIO 355 Biodiversity Genetics

Uses an inquiry-based approach to explore how genetic data are used to answer research questions in conservation, evolution and ecology. The course focuses on the main approaches and limitations to selecting genetic markers, collecting and analyzing genetic data, that are used in current research. For example, we will cover genealogical data (e.g., DNA sequence), codominant allele data (e.g., microsatellite), expression data (e.g., cDNA) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Topics will be broached as hypothetical research questions are brought to the class by students.
Credit Hours: 4
(Category I)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 200.

Corequisites

BIO 355L

BIO 355L Biodiversity Genetics Laboratory

The laboratory includes hands-on wet lab data collection, data analysis and discussion of current research.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and BIO 200.

Corequisites

BIO 355

BIO 360 Immunology

A study of the fundamental concepts of immunology, including the essentials of immunological expression, cellular and humoral immunity, immunity and disease, auto-immunity, and developmental and comparative immunology, focusing on landmark experiments that underlie its theoretical framework.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and CHE 232; BIO 307 is recommended.

Corequisites

BIO 360L

BIO 360L Immunology Laboratory

A study of the fundamental concepts of immunology, including the essentials of immunological expression, cellular and humoral immunity, immunity and disease, auto-immunity, and developmental and comparative immunology, focusing on landmark experiments that underlie its theoretical framework.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and CHE 232; BIO 307 is recommended

Corequisites

BIO 360

BIO 370 Molecular Biology

Provides a background in molecular biology with a focus on the regulation of gene expression and the experimental approaches used to study this regulation. Topics include DNA replication, transcription, translation and the mechanisms that regulate these processes. The laboratory portion of the course provides experiential learning of some of the laboratory techniques discussed in lecture. Topics covered in the laboratory include DNA extraction, PCR cloning of a gene, gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing and analysis using bioinformatics.
Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

BIO 200

Corequisites

BIO 370L

BIO 370L Molecular Biology Laboratory

Provides a background in molecular biology with a focus on the regulation of gene expression and the experimental approaches used to study this regulation. Topics include DNA replication, transcription, translation and the mechanisms that regulate these processes. The laboratory portion of the course provides experiential learning of some of the laboratory techniques discussed in lecture. Topics covered in the laboratory include DNA extraction, PCR cloning of a gene, gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing and analysis using bioinformatics.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

BIO 200

Corequisites

BIO 370

BIO 380 Behavioral Biology

Course focuses on historical knowledge and recent advances concerning the evolution and adaptive significance of behavior from a comparative point of view. Topics include the genetic basis of behavior, the nervous system and integration of behavior, and social behavior, including mating and reproduction, predator-prey relationships and the biological bases of aggression, territoriality and communication.  Students will develop their communication skills as part of the writing-intensive requirement, learning about discipline-specific writing and research processes that engage course topics through formal and informal writing assignments, with opportunities for in-class discussion of the material, through student-led formal discussions and professor-led informal discussions.
Credit Hours: 4
(Category III, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 380L

BIO 380L Behavioral Biology Discussion

Companion course to BIO 380 explores course concepts in more detail. Laboratory exercises will investigate research methods in behavior, behavioral genetics, sensory systems and communication, animal motivation and personalities, optimal foraging, habitat preference, reproduction and mating systems, and parental care, using a range of live animal, video recordings, and simulations. In addition, scientific writing will be investigated through the preparation of a grant on a behavioral topic of the students choice. One weekend field trip to Lowry Park Zoo is required.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum

Corequisites

BIO 380

BIO 390 Essentials of Electron Microscopy

Introduces the techniques used in preparation and viewing of biological specimens on the scanning and transmission electron microscopes.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and consent of instructor.

Corequisites

BIO 390L

BIO 390L Essentials of Electron Laboratory

Introduces the techniques used in preparation and viewing of biological specimens on the scanning and transmission electron microscopes.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and consent of instructor

Corequisites

BIO 390

BIO 395 Disease Ecology

Course focuses on disease dynamics and host-pathogen interactions in complex natural environments. We will investigate the ecological phenomena that drive the transmission of pathogens among hosts, the impact of disease on host populations, and investigate what impacts the emergence of an infectious disease. We will explore wildlife and human diseases (e.g. White nose syndrome, influenza, malaria, Ebola, HIV, Chytridiomycosis). A discussion section will present the historical and current primary literature allowing us to explore disease epidemics more in-depth. Students will develop critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills through discussion and student-led presentation-based learning.
Credit Hours: 4
(Category III, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 400 Evolution

A study of the scientific foundations of evolutionary theory and the mechanisms responsible for evolutionary change. Topics covered include a historical perspective of evolution, origin of life, natural selection and adaptation, levels of selection, fitness concepts, speciation, Darwinian evolution and punctuated equilibria, extinction, the fossil record, life history evolution and human evolution. Lecture only.

Credit Hours: 4
(Category III, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum.

BIO 401 On the Origin of Species

This course highlights the historic and modern relationships between the study of biology and the shaping of evolutionary theory. Students learn about Charles Darwin and his contemporaries as well as modern research on evolution and zoology with particular emphasis on zoology, paleontology, and related fields as they develop and persist in British culture. The course co-requisite (BIO 401A Darwin's London) requires travel to London and surrounding areas, allowing greater depth of study on topics ranging from natural selection and evolution to paleontology, the history of the biological sciences, and the vertebrate diversity of England.
Credit Hours: 2-4
(Category II)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum, any Biology Category II or Category III course, and Permission of Instructor.

Corequisites

BIO 401A

BIO 401A Darwin’s London

This short-term study abroad course is the companion to BIO 401 Origin of Species and requires travel to London and surrounding areas. The study abroad component of the course highlights the historic and modern relationships between the study of biology and the shaping of evolutionary theory and incorporates visits to historically important research facilities that inspired Charles Darwin and continue to inspire scientists today.
Credit Hours: 2-4
(Category II)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum, any Biology Category II or Category III course, and Permission of Instructor.

Corequisites

BIO 401

BIO 405 Human Evolution

A study of the evolution of humans, beginning with the origin of primates. Course includes emphases on evolutionary phenomena, morphological and molecular evolution, extinct and modern human diversity, primate behavior, and human functional anatomy and paleontology.
Credit Hours: 4
(Category II, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum: BIO 225, BIO 250 or BIO 400 recommended

Corequisites

BIO 405L

BIO 405L Human Evolution Laboratory

A study of the evolution of humans, beginning with the origin of primates. Course includes emphases on evolutionary phenomena, morphological and molecular evolution, extinct and modern human diversity, primate behavior and human functional anatomy and paleontology.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum; BIO 225, BIO 250, or BIO 400 recommended.

Corequisites

BIO 405

BIO 407 Fermentation Microbiology

This course focuses on applications of microbial metabolism in food production. Topics will include types and sources of microorganisms in food fermentations, metabolic activities of microorganisms and their influence on product characteristics, microbial interactions, processing of fermented foods, industrial applications of microbiology, and problems that may arise during fermentation. Focus will be on the microbiology in production of cheese, beer, wine, yogurt, bread, chocolate, coffee, and sausage.
Credit Hours: 3
(Category II).

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum, BIO 307 , and permission of the instructor.

Corequisites

BIO 407A

BIO 407A Fermented Foods: From Art to Science

This short-term study abroad course is the companion to BIO 407: Fermentation Microbiology and requires travel to France and Belgium. The study abroad component of the course highlights the history of fermented foods as well as the modern industrial application of microbiology to food production.
Credit Hours: 1
(Category II).

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum, BIO 307, and permission of the instructor.

Corequisites

BIO 407

BIO 408 Bioinformatics and Genomics

This course introduces fundamental concepts, algorithms and methods in bioinformatics and genomics. Topics include, but are not limited to: pairwise sequence alignment, multiple sequence alignment, biological database searching, phylogenetic analysis, protein structure prediction, genome annotation and comparative genomics. The course introduces the use of computer programming and various computational tools to analyze biological data. Understanding of bioinformatics methods and the practical application of these methods are emphasized. No prior programming experience is necessary.
Credit Hours: 4
(Category I, PP)

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and one of the following: BIO 200, BIO 370, or CHE 320

Corequisites

BIO 408L

BIO 408L Bioinformatics and Genomics Laboratory

This course introduces fundamental concepts, algorithms and methods in bioinformatics and genomics.  Topics include, but are not limited to: pairwise sequence alignment, multiple sequence alignment, biological database searching, phylogenetic analysis, protein structure prediction, genome annotation and comparative genomics. The course introduces the use of computer programming and various computational tools to analyze biological data. Understanding of bioinformatics methods and the practical application of these methods are emphasized. No prior programming experience is necessary.
Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and one of the following: BIO 200, BIO 370 or CHE 320

Corequisites

BIO 408

BIO 409 Programming for Biology

This course will introduce the Python and R programming languages with respect to biological sequence analysis. The BioPython module in Python and the Bioconductor package in R will be used to introduce programming concepts, with emphasis on analyzing big genomic data produced by high throughput sequencing technologies. Development of computational pipelines will be performed, and various free bioinformatics software tools will be integrated with Python and R to analyze biological sequence data. No prior programming experience is necessary.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Biology lower-core curriculum and one of the following: BIO 200, BIO 370, BIO 230 or BIO 408, or permission of instructor.

BIO 410 Senior Seminar

An in-depth study of a current topic in biology. Requires independent study project and presentation.

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisites

Senior standing in biology or marine science.

BIO 411 Biology Outcomes Capstone

This course consists of a capstone exam and a senior skills and attitudes survey, both of which are required of all departmental majors in their final 14-week semester. The capstone exam provides a framework for students to synthesize their comprehension of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology, population biology, evolution and ecology and gauges the preparedness of students to address scientific problems at a wide range of levels of biological organization. The final comprehensive exam serves as an overview of the areas of applied knowledge that are infused in the biology departments major programs. The skills and attitudes survey provides a framework for students to reflect on and provide an indirect measure of their understanding of the process and methodology of science as well as student preparedness to make informed decisions about complex scientific issues. Graded: S/U.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Senior standing in all majors offered through the Department of Biology. Must be taken during graduation semester.

BIO 412 Culminating Experience in Biology

This course is for students pursuing a major in Biology or Marine Science-Biology. Students in this course will integrate their studies at the University of Tampa in the Department of Biology with 1) completing an interdisciplinary synthesis of an aspect of the biological sciences in the context of the local and global world we live in, and 2) finalizing their professional preparation in the biological sciences. By undertaking this synthesis and reflection, students in this course will gain an overall comprehension of the connectedness of the skills and knowledge they have acquired in their time at UT. 
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

BIO 200, BIO 200L and 2 upper- level BIO courses, BIO majors and Spartan Studies Core.

BIO 420 Recent Discoveries in Biology

This advanced biology course will focus on analysis and presentation of published research articles. Students will also attend and critique biology research seminars. Themes ranging from molecular to organismal biology will be explored. This course will be of particular interest to advanced Biology students who plan to pursue graduate or professional degrees.

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisites

Students must have completed the Biology lower-core and either General Genetics or Molecular Genetics and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have senior status or permission of instructor.

BIO 440 Selected Topics in Biology

Students select a topic of interest in biology and explore the subject thoroughly through directed literature-based research. Requires at least two hours each week for each credit attempted and a formal paper with extensive literature review. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of BIO 410 with permission of department chair. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper division biology elective.

Credit Hours: 2-6

Prerequisites

At least 16 credit hours in biology, and faculty and department chair permission

BIO 445 Biological Research

Research questions must be selected with the professor in charge of the project with approval from the department chair. Requires at least two hours each week for each credit attempted. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of BIO 410 with permission of department chair. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper division biology elective.

Credit Hours: 2-6

Prerequisites

At least 16 credit hours in biology, and faculty and department chair consent

BIO 450 Biological Research - Capstone

Research topics must be selected in consultation with the professor in charge of the project with approval from the department chair. Usually requires preliminary library or laboratory research prior to attempting a BIO 450 project (volunteer research, BIO 440 or BIO 445 recommended). Requires at least two hours each week for each credit attempted, a research paper and oral presentation of topic. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of BIO 410 with permission of department chair. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper division biology elective.

Credit Hours: 2-6

Prerequisites

At least 16 credit hours in biology, and faculty and department chair permission

BIO 480 Biology Laboratory Practicum

Through direct involvement both in and out of the classroom students gain practical knowledge of instruction in a college biology laboratory. Under the supervision of faculty, students are involved in the aspects pertaining to teaching a semester's biology laboratory. This may include but is not limited to presenting introductory material, aiding students during laboratories, development and critique of evaluation component(s), and laboratory preparation and maintenance. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper division biology elective.

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor.

BIO 490 Biological Internship

Provides practical experience in science-related programs in a firm or agency under the supervision of faculty and firm representatives. Can be accomplished on a part-time or full-time basis. Graded on a pass/fail basis. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper division biology elective.

Credit Hours: 1-8

Prerequisites

BIO 198 and BIO 199, 56 credit hours, minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major or approval of the department. Note: Prerequisite courses may be specified by the employer.

BIO 495 Special Topics

A lecture or laboratory course offered at the discretion of the Department of Biology. Subject may focus on a current issue in biology, training in a specific research technique or an area of biology that is of interest to a particular group of students. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper division biology elective.

Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor.