Missouri State University

Graduate College

2013-14 Graduate Catalog

Preliminary Edition
published April 2013

Department of Biology

Temple Hall, Room 212, Phone: (417) 836-5126, Fax: (417) 836-4204
Email: biology@missouristate.edu
Website: http://biology.missouristate.edu
Department Head: S. Alicia Mathis

Graduate faculty

Professor:  M. Christopher Barnhart, Daniel W. Beckman, Paul L. Durham, Frank A. Einhellig, Janice S. Greene, John E. Havel, John S. Heywood, Laszlo G. Kovacs,  S. Alicia Mathis, Thomas E. Tomasi, D. Alexander Wait

Associate Professor:  Brian D. Greene, Kyoungtae Kim, Georgianna Saunders

Assistant Professor:  Day Ligon, Paul Schweiger, Brian Weaver

Adjunct Faculty:  Wendy B. Anderson, David E. Bowles, Sami Khoshyomn, Lloyd W. Morrison, J. Daren Reidle, Gareth A. Rowell

Emeritus Professor:  Jerry D. Berlin, Loren L. Denney, Roar L. Irgens, Steven L. Jensen, Don L. Moll, Richard L. Myers, Grant L. Pyrah, Paul L. Redfearn, Russell G. Rhodes,  Lynn W. Robbins, John G. Steiert, Robert F. Wilkinson, Jr.

Programs

Master of Science, Biology

D. Alexander Wait, Graduate Director
Temple Hall, Room 248; Phone (417) 836-5802
AlexanderWait@missouristate.edu 

Program Description

The Department of Biology offers a Master of Science in Biology, participates in the Master of Natural and Applied Science (MNAS) and the Master of Science in Plant Science, and in conjunction with the College of Education, the Master of Science in Education with emphases in biology and natural science.  Together with an advisor, students design an individual program of study, selecting courses that provide additional background in biology as well as developing an area of concentration. 

Areas of research include animal behavior, aquatic biology, cellular biology, ecology, field biology, immunology, microbiology, physiology, systematics, and wildlife conservation.  During the first semester, the student declares an area of specialization and begins to pursue a research problem (thesis) with the close supervision of a graduate faculty thesis committee.

Most course work is usually completed by the end of the second or third semester, and the thesis or non-thesis option is completed after four or five semesters.  A comprehensive examination is taken during the second year.  A maximum of 9 hours of approved graduate courses taken in related subjects outside the Biology department may be counted.

This graduate program has been designed to provide opportunities for continued study and mastery of new skills for those who desire to maintain or increase their competence in biology and its allied environmental and health‑related fields.  Some students completing the program have continued their education in doctoral programs, while others have accepted positions as ecologists, conservationists, industrial laboratory supervisors, research assistants, or teachers in secondary schools or colleges.

Graduate Assistantships

Evaluation of applications for teaching assistantships begins on March 1 (fall assistantships) and October 1 (spring assistantships), and will continue until positions are filled.  Applicants must first be accepted into the program, and files must be complete to be considered.  Therefore, applicants should apply by February 1/Sept 1 to ensure being considered for a TA position.

Retention Requirements

To remain in the program, a student must maintain a GPA of 3.00 and make satisfactory progress on the research project.

Admission Requirements for the Accelerated Master's Option
  1. Junior standing, a GPA in biology of 3.25 or better and an overall GPA of 3.25 or better.
  2. Completion of BIO 121, 122, 235, 369, 310 or 320 or 361; CHM 200 or 310; MTH 138 or 135 and 181 with an overall GPA of 3.25 or better.
  3. Undergraduate laboratory or field research experience in residence in the Department of Biology with a supportive recommendation from the student’s undergraduate research advisor. [Note:  undergraduate research experience at another university conducted in collaboration with Missouri State University Biology faculty may be considered.]
  4. GRE scores commensurate with the advanced standing of this option.
  5. Acceptance of applicant by a graduate faculty member who agrees to serve as the student’s graduate research advisor.
  6. Acceptance of the applicant by the graduate faculty in Biology under the accelerated masters option.   
Accelerated Master's Degree Option

Eligible Missouri State University majors in biology may apply for preliminary acceptance into the Master of Science program in Biology after admission requirements for the accelerated masters option have been satisfied.  {Note: biology majors at other universities approved for participation in this program may apply if they meet the requirements below.}  If accepted, graduate courses chosen from approved 600 or 700-level courses may be counted toward both the graduate and undergraduate degrees, with a maximum of 12 credit hours counted.  This option offers an opportunity for biology majors with undergraduate laboratory research experience to complete the course requirements for the Master of Science degree in Biology in two semesters and a summer after attaining the Bachelor’s degree, rather than the typical four semesters and a summer.  Contact the Department of Biology for further information and guidelines.

Before enrolling in a course to be counted as both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the courses toward the masters degree, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and complete a mixed credit form.  Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the course(s).  See the “Graduate College” section for further information.  

Entrance Requirements
  1. The student must have a minimum of 24 undergraduate hours (or equivalent) in biology.  In the case of a student whose preparation for formal graduate study is judged to be inadequate (including cognate areas such as chemistry, physics, or mathematics), a program of prerequisite course work may be outlined for the purpose of properly supplementing his/her preparation.  Such courses will not be credited as course requirements for the degree.
  2. Candidates for admission to programs in biology are required to have a GPA of at least 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work and a 3.00 average in biology.
  3. Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), General Test must be submitted.
  4. A statement of interest and three letters of reference are required for admission to the degree program.
Degree Requirements  (32 hours total)
  1. Program of Study.  The program for each candidate will be structured by the candidate's committee in consultation with the student, and must include at least 32 semester hours of graduate credit.  Evaluation of previous training and academic objectives will be important factors in establishing this program.
  2. Biology Requirement (minimum 23 semester hours).  A minimum of 16 hours of biology from courses numbered 700-799 inclusive.
  3. Electives (maximum 9 semester hours).  Approved graduate courses may be selected from related fields to a maximum of 9 hours.  Any deviation from this maximum will require approval by department head.
  4. Research.  For both options, the student is required to give an oral presentation of his/her work to the Department.
    1. Thesis Option:  Completion of a satisfactory thesis in the candidate's discipline (maximum of 6 hours of BIO 798 and 6 hours of BIO 799).
    2. Non-thesis Option:  After an unsuccessful attempt at a thesis, and with the permission of the thesis committee and department head, a student may switch to a non-thesis option.  This requires the completion of a minimum of two degree papers, each of which shall require an extensive paper or major creative work.  Four hours of BIO 790 and four hours of BIO 798 may be counted toward this degree under this option.
  5. Comprehensive Examination.  Both a written and an oral comprehensive examination must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be granted. 

    The written examination is taken after most of the course work has been completed, and is written and evaluated by the student's thesis committee.  The examination can include comprehensive questions in biology and questions specific to the area of study chosen by the student.  The use of computers is encouraged, where appropriate, for the written examination.  The oral examination follows the presentation of the student's thesis research or degree paper to the faculty.  The examination tests the student's understanding of the research or degree paper.

Master of Science, Plant Science

See “Darr School of Agriculture”.

Master of Natural and Applied Science

This is an interdisciplinary program within the College of Natural and Applied Science.  Accelerated master’s program available.  See “Master of Natural and Applied Science”.

Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education: Biology Area of Emphasis

Contact Dr. Georgianna Saunders or Dr. Janice Greene and see program requirements for the M.S.Ed., Secondary Education under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.

Biology Requirements

Biology courses that includes a minimum of 3 hrs in courses numbered 700 or above to total 15 hours.

Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education: Natural Science Area of Emphasis

Contact Dr. Tamera Jahnke and see program requirements for the M.S.Ed., Secondary Education under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.

Natural Science Prerequisite and Requirements

In this option, students complete a minimum of 15 hours with course work selected from two of the following disciplines:  Biology, Chemistry, Geography and/or Geology, Mathematics, and Physics.  A minimum of 3 hours of course work numbered 700 or above must be included.  The prerequisite requirements are those listed in the departmental statements of both selected academic areas of emphasis.

Courses from one of the above disciplines                     9 hrs

Courses from a second of the above disciplines            6 hrs

Total                                                                              15 hrs

Additional Opportunities

In addition to working in the department, a student may take courses or do research at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi or the State Fruit Experiment Station, Mountain Grove, Missouri.  Also, the University operates the Bull Shoals Field Station in Taney County, Missouri.

Biology Courses

BIO 605 Human Nature

Recommended Prerequisite: general biology with evolution; genetics; college algebra; and introductory psychology. A survey of current biological research on the behavioral, psychological, and cognitive dimensions of human biology. This course emphasizes the evolution and function of human social behaviors and value systems, but also addresses the genetics of human psychological diversity, the genetics of human-ape divergence, and the neurobiology of human cognition. May be taught concurrently with BIO 505. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 605 and BIO 505.

BIO 608 Environmental Microbiology

Recommended Prerequisite: microbiology. The study of the ecology of microorganisms and the applied use of microorganisms by man in the environment. Laboratory will emphasize current methods used in the field of environmental microbiology. May be taught concurrently with BIO 508. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 508 and BIO 608.

BIO 609 Stream Ecology

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology course and one year of college chemistry. The interdisciplinary study of running waters, including study of the physical and chemical environment, trophic interactions, nutrient cycling, and the multiple impacts of humans on modifying these systems. Lectures, group discussion of readings, and laboratory and field exercises. One all-day Saturday field trip required. May be taught concurrently with BIO 509. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 509 and BIO 609.

BIO 611 Immunology

Recommended Prerequisite: microbiology or molecular/cellular biology. A study of the immune system with emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions, allergy, transplant rejection, cancer surveillance, and autoimmune disease. Laboratory emphasis on techniques used to address research and diagnostic problems. Supplemental course fee. May be taught concurrently with BIO 511. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 511 and BIO 611.

BIO 613 Industrial Microbiology

Recommended Prerequisite: microbiology course. An introduction to the fundamental concepts of industrial and applied microbiology. The industrial production of proteins, metabolites, polymers, biocides, and vaccines will be discussed in addition to biotransformations and environmental applications. Production improvement strategies that employ both physical and modern molecular techniques will be introduced. Laboratory will emphasize the selection of industrially important microorganisms, the theory and operation of a fermentor for the production of proteins, antibiotics, and steroids, use of analytical equipment for monitoring product formation, enzymes analysis, downstream processing, and bio-reactor construction and design. May be taught concurrently with BIO 512. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 512 and BIO 613.

BIO 616 Evolution

Recommended Prerequisite: genetics course; and college algebra or pre-calculus mathematics course. A survey of modern evolutionary biology, including the evidence that supports the theory of evolution, the natural processes that cause evolution, patterns and mechanisms of speciation, and methods for estimating evolutionary relationships. May be taught concurrently with BIO 515. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 515 and BIO 616.

BIO 617 Microbial Physiology and Metabolism

Recommended Prerequisite: microbiology course and organic chemistry course. Physiology and anatomy of microorganisms including adaptive responses to environmental changes and microbial metabolic diversity will be discussed. Laboratory will emphasize selective isolation and identification of microorganisms, the growth dynamics of microorganisms, and responses by microorganisms to environmental changes. May be taught concurrently with BIO 517. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 517 and BIO 617.

BIO 618 Regulatory Mechanisms

Recommended Prerequisite: genetics, molecular/cellular biology, microbiology, or biochemistry. The regulation of gene expression and protein/enzyme activity in prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses. A content-based lecture and discussion course utilizing both textbook and primary literature. May be taught concurrently with BIO 518. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 618 and BIO 518.

BIO 620 Pathogenic Microbiology

Recommended Prerequisite: microbiology course. Fundamental principles of pathogenic microbiology; transmission, infection and control of the pathogen. May be taught concurrently with BIO 520. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 520 and BIO 620.

BIO 621 Marine Science for Teachers I

Prerequisite: 12 hours in biology. Recommended Prerequisite: genetics course. A course designed to introduce students, particularly inservice teachers, to the study of marine science and to promote the teaching of marine biology at all grade levels. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 521. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 521 and BIO 621.

BIO 623 Marine Science for Teachers I Lab

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIO 621. Laboratory portion of BIO 621. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 522. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 522 and BIO 623.

BIO 627 Field Biology

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Field work during an extended field trip to a specific region of North America to familiarize the student with the flora and/or fauna of that region. Course is scheduled irregularly during academic breaks and may be preceded by several lectures in preparation for the trip. May be repeated to a total of 6 credits with a maximum of 3 credits to be applied to the major in biology. Supplemental course fee (variable by section). May be taught concurrently with BIO 527. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 527 and BIO 627.

BIO 629 Phycology

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology course. The structure, function, ecological significance, and diversity of algae. Emphasis will be placed on field studies, isolation and growth, and physiological characteristics. May be taught concurrently with BIO 530. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 530 and BIO 629.

BIO 632 Principles of Fisheries Management

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology or wildlife management course. Life history, population ecology, and management of exploited freshwater and marine species. Scientific sampling and analysis of fishery populations. Characterization, history, and management principles for representative commercial and recreational fisheries. May be taught concurrently with BIO 532. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 532 and BIO 632.

BIO 633 Wetland Ecology

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology course; and one year of college chemistry. The composition, structure, function, and importance of wetland ecosystems. Comparisons of different wetland types, hydrology, nutrient cycles, plants and animals and their adaptations, and conservation strategies. May be taught concurrently with BIO 533. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 533 and BIO 633.

BIO 635 Coastal Vegetation Lab

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIO 641. Laboratory portion of BIO 641. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 535. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 535 and BIO 635.

BIO 636 Plant Ecology

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology course. The dynamics, structure, and distribution of plant populations and communities, with emphasis on interactions among plants, plants and other organisms, and plants and ecosystems. Laboratory emphasis on experimental studies in the greenhouse and field. Weekend field trip is required. BIO 436 may be taught concurrently with BIO 636. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 436 and BIO 636.

BIO 637 Salt Marsh Plant Ecology

Prerequisite: permission of advisor or department head. Recommended Prerequisite: general biology II, plant taxonomy, ecology and plant physiology course. A study with emphasis on the botanical aspects of local marshes; includes plant identification, composition, structure, distribution, and development of coastal marshes. Biological and physical interrelationships. Primary productivity and relation of marshes to estuaries and associated fauna. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 537. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 537 and BIO 637.

BIO 638 Salt Marsh Plant Ecology Lab

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIO 637. Laboratory portion of BIO 637. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 538. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 538 and BIO 638.

BIO 639 Biogeography

Recommended Prerequisite: general biology I and II courses. Study of patterns of distribution of organisms in space and in time. May be taught concurrently with BIO 539. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 539 and BIO 639.

BIO 640 App of Molecular Markers

Prerequisite: permission. Recommended Prerequisite: genetics course. Introduction to the use of molecular markers in biological research. Topics covered include methods for identifying genetic variation at the molecular level (protein electrophoresis, automatic DNA sequencing, RAPDs, RFLPs, AFLPs, microsatellites) and their applications to research in systematics, ecology, evolution, conservation biology, forensics, and gene mapping. Students will complete research projects using one or more of the techniques learned. Supplemental course fee. May be taught concurrently with BIO 540. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 540 and BIO 640.

BIO 641 Coastal Vegetation

Prerequisite: 10 hours of biology and permission of advisor or department head. Recommended Prerequisite: general biology I and II courses. A broad study of the general and specific aspects of coastal vegetation, with emphasis on local examples. Vegetational composition, variation, succession, climax, and distribution. Includes aerial techniques, plant identification, delineation of vegetational types and mapping. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 534. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 534 and BIO 641.

BIO 644 Plant Physiology

Recommended Prerequisite: organic chemistry course. Basic chemical and physical principles of plant function considering water relationships, nutrient transport, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, and phytohormones. May be taught concurrently with BIO 544. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 544 and BIO 644.

BIO 650 Statistical Methods for Biologists

Recommended Prerequisite: genetics course and pre-calculus mathematics course. Scientific methodology, experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation applied to biological questions. May be taught concurrently with BIO 550. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 550 and BIO 650.

BIO 651 Advanced Statistical Methods for Biologists

Recommended Prerequisite: statistics course. The design and analysis of biological experiments, with an emphasis on the choice and interpretation of inferential statistics. Topics covered include causal inference, statistical power, general linear models, repeated measures designs, log-linear models, nonparametric procedures, and computer-intensive techniques. The use of computer software to analyze real data sets from the biological literature is emphasized. May be taught concurrently with BIO 551. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 551 and BIO 651.

BIO 654 Marine Ichthyology

Prerequisite: 16 hours of biology and permission of advisor or department head. Recommended Prerequisite: General Biology I and II, Genetics and Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. This course provides the student with a strong general background in the biology of marine fishes. Emphasis placed on the principles involved in the classification and taxonomy of marine and estuarine fishes. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 555. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 555 and BIO 654.

BIO 656 Marine Ichthyology Lab

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIO 654. Laboratory portion of BIO 654. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 556. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 556 and BIO 656.

BIO 657 Marine Fisheries Management

Prerequisite: permission of instructor; and concurrent enrollment in BIO 658. A course designed to familiarize students with practical marine fisheries management problems in today's real world. Covers the international and local, economic, social, legal, and political, as well as biological factors that are considered in decisions directed toward achieving optimum sustainable yield from marine resources. The history of management schemes, sources of information, current status of fishing technology, management methods, legal problems and educational needs are explored. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 557. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 557 and BIO 657.

BIO 658 Marine Fisheries Management Lab

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIO 657. Laboratory portion of BIO 657. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 558. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 558 and BIO 658.

BIO 659 Population Genetics and Evolutionary Mechanisms

Recommended Prerequisite: evolution course and statistics course. The theory of genetic variation in populations, with emphasis on quantitative description of the mechanisms of biological evolution. May be taught concurrently with BIO 560. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 560 and BIO 659.

BIO 661 Environmental Issues Education and Interpretation

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Discussion of environmental issues, practical experiences in teaching environmental concepts, and awareness of environmental resource materials for the formal and nonformal educational setting. May be taught concurrently with BIO 561. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 661 and BIO 561

BIO 662 Limnology

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology course; and one year of college chemistry. Physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of lakes and reservoirs. Laboratory includes mapping, lake models, water chemistry, and surveys of diversity and abundance. Two all-day Saturday labs required. May be taught concurrently with BIO 562. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 562 and BIO 662.

BIO 663 Population Ecology

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology course and pre-calculus mathematics course. Discussion of factors controlling the distribution and abundance of populations. Quantitative description of population dynamics is emphasized. May be taught concurrently with BIO 563. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 563 and BIO 663.

BIO 664 Ozarks Natural Communities

Recommended Prerequisite: BIO 369. Examination of forests, glades, and aquatic habitats with focus on environmental issues in the Ozarks. Integration into formal and non-formal educational settings will be covered. May be taught at the Bull Shoals Field Station. May be taught concurrently with BIO 564. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 664 and BIO 564.

BIO 665 Marine Ecology

Prerequisite: 16 hours of biology and permission of advisor or department head. Recommended Prerequisite: General Biology I and II. A consideration of the relationship of marine organisms to their environment includes the effects of temperature, salinity, light, nutrient concentration, currents, and food on the abundance and distribution of marine organisms. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 566 required. May be taught concurrently with BIO 565. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 565 and BIO 665.

BIO 666 Marine Ecology Lab

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIO 665. Laboratory portion of BIO 665. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 566. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 566 and BIO 666.

BIO 668 Physiological Ecology

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology course; and general physiology or plant physiology or human physiology course. Physiological adaptations of plants and animals to environmentally stressful conditions and to ecological/evolutionary pressures. May be taught concurrently with BIO 567. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 567 and BIO 668.

BIO 671 Comparative Animal Physiology

Recommended Prerequisite: general physiology or human physiology course. Organ/system function in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. May be taught concurrently with BIO 571. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 571 and BIO 671.

BIO 673 Ornithology

Prerequisite: 12 hours of biology. Taxonomy, distribution, life histories and ecology of birds; emphasis on Missouri forms. Early morning field trips required. May be taught concurrently with BIO 573. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 573 and BIO 673.

BIO 674 Aquatic Entomology

Aquatic insects, ecology and taxonomy with emphasis on field applications. May be taught concurrently with BIO 574. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 574 and BIO 674.

BIO 675 Ichthyology

Prerequisite: 12 hours in biology. Taxonomy, distribution, life histories and ecology of fish with emphasis on Missouri forms. May be taught concurrently with BIO 575. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 575 and BIO 675.

BIO 676 Herpetology

Prerequisite: 12 hours in biology. Taxonomy, distribution, life histories and ecology of amphibians and reptiles with emphasis on Missouri forms. One weekend field trip required. May be taught concurrently with BIO 576. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 576 and BIO 676.

BIO 677 Mammalogy

Prerequisite: 12 hours in biology. Taxonomy, distribution, life histories and ecology of mammals with emphasis on Missouri forms. One weekend field trip required. May be taught concurrently with BIO 577. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 577 and BIO 677.

BIO 678 Behavioral Ecology

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology course and statistics course. Fundamental principles of animal behavior with an emphasis on the study of the ecological and evolutionary processes that influence behavior. May be taught concurrently with BIO 578. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 578 and BIO 678.

BIO 679 Conservation Biology

Recommended Prerequisite: genetics course and ecology course. An in-depth examination of the science of conservation from a biological perspective, with an examination of ethical and legal aspects of conservation. May be taught concurrently with BIO 579. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 579 and BIO 679.

BIO 680 Vertebrate Anatomy and Evolution

Vertebrate gross anatomy. Phylogeny and present status of organ systems in vertebrates. May be taught concurrently with BIO 380. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 380 and BIO 680.

BIO 685 Marine Conservation

An overview of current issues related to the conservation and management of marine organisms, with emphasis on marine species and habitats exploited or endangered by human actions. BIO 485 may be taught concurrently with BIO 685. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 685 and 485.

BIO 686 Fish Ecology

Recommended Prerequisite: ecology course and ichthyology course. The biology of fishes in relation to environmental conditions at the individual, population, and community levels. May be taught concurrently with BIO 584. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 584 and BIO 686.

BIO 687 Marine Invertebrate Zoology

Prerequisite: 16 hours in biology; and concurrent enrollment in BIO 688. A concentrated study of the free-living marine and estuarine invertebrates of Mississippi Sound and adjacent bayous, salt marshes, barrier islands, and the nearshore continental shelf of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Course emphasizes structure, classification, phylogenetic relationships, larval development, functional processes, and ecological aspects of Gulf of Mexico invertebrates and their natural assemblages. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students may be asked to conduct independent, short-term research projects during the course. Must be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with BIO 587. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 587 and BIO 687.

BIO 688 Marine Invertebrate Zoology Lab

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIO 687. Laboratory portion of BIO 687. May be taught concurrently with BIO 588. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 588 and BIO 688.

BIO 689 Game Management

Recommended Prerequisite: wildlife management course. Management of game birds and mammals for recreational utilization. May be taught concurrently with BIO 589. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 589 and BIO 689.

BIO 697 Topics in Biology

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. A variable content course to provide for the offering of selected topics in biology on a one time or first-time basis. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. May be taught concurrently with BIO 597. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 597 and BIO 697.

BIO 710 Topics in Microbial Physiology

Topics of interest in microbial physiology will be discussed. These may include, cell structure, energy production, fermentation, nitrogen metabolism, protein and nucleic acid syntheses, regulation of gene expression, and dynamics of cell growth. Lecture will supplement discussion sessions.

BIO 712 Advanced Immunology

Recommended Prerequisite: immunology course. Cellular aspects of the immune system.

BIO 725 Advanced Limnology

Recommended Prerequisite: limnology course. Advanced concepts of biological, chemical and physical limnology. Recent symposia, reviews, and primary literature are discussed. Prerequisite: BIO 562. Advanced concepts of biological, chemical and physical limnology. Recent symposia, reviews, and primary literature are discussed.

BIO 726 Advanced Limnology Methods

Recommended Prerequisite: limnology course. Research and practical application of modern limnological methods are taught.

BIO 728 Recent Advances in Biology

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Selected topics in biology to be discussed using original literature as the focal point. Variable content course. May be repeated when topic varies.

BIO 730 Advanced Topics in Biology

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Individual study in biology; may include literature, field and/or laboratory work. May be repeated.

BIO 734 Advanced Plant Taxonomy

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Philosophy and principles of modern taxonomic procedures.

BIO 755 Advanced Developmental Biology

Recommended Prerequisite: cell biology course. An in-depth study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the development of vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant systems. Lectures will emphasize fertilization, morphogenesis, differentiation, induction, regeneration, and neoplasia. Laboratory exercises will emphasize techniques utilized by developmental biologists. Review of current literature and poster presentations will be required. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 355 and BIO 755.

BIO 760 Topics in Teaching Biology

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Biological concepts, information, practical experiences, and use of resource materials in the elementary and secondary classroom. Variable content course. May be repeated when topic varies.

BIO 767 Advanced Vertebrate Zoology

Evolutionary relationships of living and extinct vertebrates; analysis of geographic distribution and adaptive radiation. Includes field/lab experiences to be arranged.

BIO 790 Degree Paper

Prerequisite: permission of advisor. Extensive paper on selected topics. Exclusively satisfies requirements for non-thesis option, which also requires one BIO 690 paper to be presented orally to the department. May be repeated to total of 4 hours. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

BIO 794 Scientific Writing

Organization and methods in scientific writing. Included are discussion of literature searching, scientific methodology, experimental design, proposal writing, figure preparation, editing and oral presentation. Recommended for graduate students in biology, preferably during the first year of graduate study.

BIO 796 Science Internship

Completion of an internship project (80 hrs/credit hour) at a discipline-related business, nonprofit organization, or government agency, approved and supervised by both the departmental and internship advisors. Includes a formal report in the appropriate professional format, and an oral presentation at an approved venue. Graded Pass/Not Pass only. No more than 6 hours may count toward a masters degree.

BIO 798 Research

Prerequisite: permission of advisor. Supervised research in special biology areas. May be repeated, but no more than 6 hours may be counted as credit towards the M.S. degree. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

BIO 799 Thesis

Prerequisite: permission of advisor. Independent study connected with preparation of thesis. May be repeated, but no more than 6 hours may be counted as credit towards the MS degree. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.