A broad overview of contemporary biological science. Major areas include the biochemistry of energy transformation: cell structure and function, Mendelian, molecular and population genetics, development and differentiation; plant and animal physiology; animal behavior, evolution and ecology. (Fall and Spring) Note: This course is designed for students who have taken one year each of high school biology and chemistry. BIOL 100 is a prerequisite for all biology courses at the 200 level or higher. [4]

This course requires permission of the Honors College. [4]

The laboratory exercises are designed to parallel and reinforce the concepts presented in BIOL 100, providing the student experience with essential laboratory equipment and techniques. Concepts covered include biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, plant physiology, population biology and animal development. (Fall and Spring). Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 100. [2]

This interdisciplinary course aims to illustrate the sheer breadth of disciplines across which a dialog can occur about science and religion, to introduce historical examples of dialog that challenge dogma from extremists of all persuasions who preach oversimplified "either/or" conflict, and to understand the origin, construction, and impact of science and religion on society.

Through directed readings, class discussions and student presentations, this seminar will focus on understanding various aspects of modern biotechnology with an emphasis on its scientific basis. Some of these issues include: cloning, genetic engineering of plants and animals, DNA analysis as a means of determining parentage or involvement in criminal events, development of new medicines and vaccines, the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, the human and other species' genome project, the origin and genealogy of human groups, etc.

This course is designed to introduce the non-science student to science and its methods and provide a basic understanding of some body functions and dysfunctions. Topics include genes and DNA, cells and cancer, immune system and HIV, metabolism and nutrition, muscles and exercise, nervous system and drugs, etc. Recommended: High school biology and chemistry. [3]

A major killer disease in Western countries will be examined from the biological perspective. This course will evaluate current epidemiologic, clinical and experimental research and assess the relative importance of environmental and genetic factors as they relate to the causes and prevention of this disease. Particular emphasis will be given to unraveling the links between dietary and nutritional factors and this "disease of affluence." Note: Formerly listed as BIOL 103D. (Fall) Prerequisite: Some background in the natural sciences, preferably one year in both high school biology and chemistry. Not open to BIOL and BIOCHEM majors. [3]

This course will develop, from a biological perspective, the nature of heart disease and the complex connections between environmental factors and this life-threatening illness. We specifically will consider the current, often conflicting, evidence that links dietar y factors with the onset of the disease. Note: This course is not open to students who have taken BIOL 233 or its equivalent, or to BIOL and BIOCHEM majors. Formerly listed as BIOL 103E. (Fall.) [3]

This is a lab driven course designed to fulfill the university graduation requirement of a science lab. Topics covered will include basic biological concepts such as the nature of DNA, heredity, human genetics, and the precess of mutation, as well as modern issues such as forensic analysis of DNA and blood, the biology behind cancer and genetic diseases, and others as determined by current events and student interest. The course includes a 75-minute lecture and 180 minute lab. This course is intended for students not majoring in natural/physical sciences, and satisfies the GFR graduation requirement for laboratory-based science course. Prerequisites: None. [3]

A course designed for non-biology majors. Topics will include the fundamental rules of heredity, gene structure and function, human genetic diseases and genetic engineering. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of the new genetic technology to the human condition. Note: Students who have taken BIOL 302 or its equivalent may only take this course as P/F. Recommended: High school biology and chemistry. [3]

A genetics laboratory course for non-science majors. Projects are designed to demonstrate basic principles of inheritance, gene action and structure, and DNA structure and function. Special emphasis will be placed on human heredity. Co-requisite: BIOL 123. Note: This course, in combination with BIOL 123, meets the university GFR requirement for a science course with a laboratory component. [1]

Basic principles of normal human nutrition. Topics include digestion, absorption, transport, storage and metabolic functions of the major nutrients: caloric requirements and energy balance; role of hormones in metabolic regulation; interrelationship of nutrients; dietary standards; nutrient composition of foods and selection of an adequate diet; nutritional consequences of fasting and starvation. This course meets the nutrition requirement for the Nursing and the Dental Hygiene Programs at UMAB. (Spring). Prerequisites: BIOL 251 and CHEM 124. [3]

The first semester of a two-semester lecture course covering the structure and function of the organs of the human body. An integrated approach permits concurrent presentation of the anatomy and physiology of each organ system. (Fall) Prerequisites: BIOL 100 and CHEM 124 or 351. Corequisite: BIOL 251L or permission of the instructor. [3]

Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 251. The laboratory includes dissections, work with skeletons. models of body parts. and experimental studies of physiological processes. Required for most Allied Health programs. Prerequisites: BIOL 100L and CHEM 124L or 351L. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 251 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. [1]

Continuation of BIOL 251. (Spring) Prerequisite: BIOL 251. Corequisite: BIOL 252L or permission of instructor. [3]

Continuation of BIOL 251L. Prerequisite: BIOL 251L. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 252 or permission of instructor. [1]

Introductory course describing the fundamental properties of microorganisms and viruses and their relationships to other life forms. Topics include the structure and function of bacteria, mode of action of antibiotics, genetics of bacteria, and the role of bacteria in disease. The structure, replication and pathology of viruses are discussed, including the response of hosts to viral infection and the fundamental concepts of the immune response. (Spring). Prerequisite: BIOL 100. Recommended: CHEM 101 or CHEM 123. Note: Junior and senior Biological Sciences majors electing this course must obtain permission from the instructor to register. [3]

This laboratory course consists of a series of exercises designed to familiarize the student with microbiological techniques. Experiments are performed in basic bacteriology. applied bacteriology, virology and immunology. Students will be expected to work independently. spending brief periods of time other than during the scheduled lab period collecting data. (Spring) Prerequisite: BIOL 100L. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 275. [2]

An introduction to the processes of evolution, the outcomes of evolution, and the field of ecology. Processes of evolution include understanding natural selection, genetic drift, molecular evolution and general evolutionary theory. Outcomes of evolution include speciation, hybridization, building phylogenetic trees, and using trees to understand the diversity of life, especially vertebrate evolution. Ecology topics include population growth and regulation, competition, predator/prey interctions, symbiosis, community structure and food webs, and energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems. Prerequisite: BIOL 100 [4]

Modern principles of heredity have been established through studies at the molecular, cellular and organismic levels. The course includes fundamental information on the structure of a gene, its expression and organization as deduced from analysis of viral and prokaryotic systems, the transmission of genetic material in eukaryotic systems,the interaction of genes in populations and the application of fundamental genetic principles to problems of human heredity. Prerequisite: BIOL 100, CHEM 101 or 123 and sophomore standing. Pre- or corequisite: CHEM 102 or 124. [4]

A laboratory course designed to illustrate fundamental genetic principles by experimentation. Such principles include the nature of genetic material, transfer of genetic information in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, organization and regulation of gene expression, Mendel's rules of heredity, linkage and crossing over, and genetic variation. Students will be expected to work independently, spending periods of time other than during the scheduled lab period collecting data. (Fall) Prerequisite: BIOL 100L. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 302. [2]

A modern treatment of cell structure and function with emphasis on the molecular architecture, biochemistry and regulatory mechanisms common to all cells. Topics include membrane structure, function and transport; molecular mechanisms of energy metabolism and its associated organelles; the structural and molecular basis for the expression of genetic information; the organelles involved in the regulation of cell shape and motility; selected cell functions, growth, reproduction and their control. This course is designed for students interested in the biological sciences, biochemistry and the allied health professions. (Spring & Fall) Prerequisites: BIOL 302, CHEM 102; CHEM 351 strongly recommended. [3]

A course of laboratory experiments supported by demonstrations and lectures designed to introduce the student to a wide range of techniques used in modern cell biology. Students learn both the techniques and their theoretical basis, gaining experience in the analysis and oral and written presentation of experimental data. Experiments utilizing spectrophotometry, polarography, chromatography, radioisotopic labelling, immuno-, cyto- and histochemistry, and several types of microscopy will be performed. This course is designed for students majoring in the biological sciences or biochemistry, or preparing for allied health professional schools. (Spring) Prerequisites: BIOL 100L, BIOL 302. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 303. [2]

A consideration of the basic physiology and development of plants. Topics include plant diversity, patterns of growth and development, the interaction between nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes, chloroplast development, photosynthesis, seed development, tissue differentiation, hormonal regulation, nitrogen fixation, tissue culture and plant tumors. (Fall) Prerequisite: BIOL 303. [3]

Basic plant biology will be explored through experiments, examination of live and preserved specimens, and lectures. Experiments will include photosynthesis, water relations, growth regulator effects, and interactions with bacteria. (Fall). Prerequisite: BIOL 303L; Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 304. [2]

Functional features of whole organisms and their component organs and organ systems will be studied. Emphasis will be on ways in which diverse organisms at various phylogenetic levels perform similar functions. Examples of topics include osmoregulation, gas exchange, control systems, sensors, effectors, brain and behavior. (Spring). Prerequisite: BIOL 303. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 112. [3]

A laboratory designed to study experimentally selected organismic functions discussed in BIOL 305. (Spring). Prerequisite: BIOL 303L. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 112. BIOL 305. [2]
Course on-line information: http://www.umbc.edu/bioclass/biol305l/

Individuals involved in contemporary scientific research have ethical responsibilities for their conduct. The goal of this course is to provide students considering a career in scientific research with aframework for establishing appropriate scientific integrity. A variety of relevant topics will be discussed, including fraud and misconduct, peer review, obligations and rights of students and mentors, ethical conduct in animal and human experimentation, ownership of data, reagents, intellectual property, authorship and conflict of interest. Note: Permission of course coordinator required. [1]

This course is designed for and required of those students seeking Departmental Honors in Biological Sciences. It is a series of weekly discussions designed to introduce undergraduate students to current biological research opportunities at UMBC in both the laboratory and the field. There will be a particular emphasis on the research areas currently being pursued by the Biological Sciences faculty. Each week a member of the faculty will lead a discussion of a specific re search area. Students will be assigned relevant readings prior to class and will be expected to participate in class discussion. The course is designed to prepare the student for an Honors re search project. Prerequisites: The student must meet eligibility requirements for the Honors Program in Biological Sciences, and receive permission to register from the Departmental Honors Program advisor. [3]

This course is designed for UMBC degree seeking students who are employed outside of the university as volunteers or for compensation, provided the following criteria are met: 1) the work must be performed at an institution, agency or company which is a participating employer in UMBC's Cooperative Education Program, and 2) the work performed by the student must have a significant learning component in the biological sciences as judged by the Biological Sciences Internship Coordinator in consultation with the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences. Pass/fail credit only, earned at the rate of one credit for every fifty hours of qualified work during an academic session (fall, spring or summer). A maximum of four credits of BIOL 398 is allowed. Corequisite: COOP 098/099. Prerequisites: 45 total credits earned including BIOL 100, 100L, and 9 credits of 300-level BIOL courses, and permission of the department. [1-4]

Independent studies carried out with the supervision of a faculty member (maximum 6 credits). (Fall and Spring). Note: This course is offered on a Pass/Fail basis only. Prerequisite: Consent of the supervising faculty member; upperclass standing. [1-3]

This course takes a comparative approach to the study of how various selective pressures have resulted in the evolution of specific solutions to physiological problems. These solutions are viewed within the context of the fundamental limitations to biological evolution that are set by the physical and chemical properties of matter. The exact topic will change from semester to semester. Representative topics might include vision, temperature regulation and thermal tolerance, renal physiology, or cognitive neurophysiology. Most of the material covered will be from original research reports that will be evaluated critically by each student. Prerequisites: BIOL-305, PHYS-112, and MATH-151. [4]

The combined approaches of bacterial genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry are applied to the study of bacterial physiological processes. An emphasis is placed on examining adaptation strategies used by bacteria upon encountering alterations in environment. Topics include mechanisms of transcriptional and postranslational control, regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, biosynthesis, energy transduction, signal transduction systems and bacterial development. Prerequisites: BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 or consent of instructor. BIOL 430 or CHEM 437 is recommended. [4]

Genetics and molecular biology of lower and higher eukaryotes and their viruses. The course will focus on the maintenance and expression of genetic material as it relates to cell growth and development. It will cover current topics in the molecular genetics of several lower and higher eukaryotes at an advanced level, including mechanisms of genetic control which operate at the level of DNA replication, transcription and translation. Topics to include the molecular basis of phenomena such as gene amplification, global control of transcription initiation, protein sorting and secretion, control of yeast mating type as a model for development, the origin of antigen diversity, oncogenesis, pattern formation in Drosophila, sex determination in mammals. Prerequisites: BIOL 302 and BIOL 303, or consent of instructor. [4]
Course on-line information: http://thunder.biosci.umbc.edu/classes/biol414/spring2008/

The approaches of molecular biology and modern cell biology as applied to the study of both normal and diseased human states. Where appropriate, the analysis of other model mammalian experimental systems may be included. The course will involve the critical reading and discussion of the relevant research literature, and the preparation of one or more papers on specific issues or topics. The precise topics covered in any one semester will depend on the interest of the faculty and students, and with current developments in the field. Possible topics include: the molecular and cellular basis for human diseases, human molecular genetics, the human genome and proteomic project, human genetic therapy, and human evolution. Note: May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Prerequisites: BIOL 302 and 303 or permission of the instructor. [4]

Contemporary problems of structure and function at the cellular level through a critical examination of the current literature. The course includes both lecture material, with an emphasis on the experimental basis of current knowledge, and presentations by students of oral and written reports on selected topics. The area covered in any semester varies according to recent developments in the field and according to the interests of the students and faculty. The list of available areas includes: structure and function of biomembranes, composition, structure and replication of chromosomes; assembly, growth and reproduction of cytoplasmic organelles; cellular growth and division; regulation of cellular function; nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions; cytoskeletal structure and assembly. (Fall and spring) Prerequisite: BIOL 303. Note: May be repeated for credit with different topic. [4]

Theory and practice of the study of biological materials with the high resolution of the electron microscope. Specimens will be prepared for examination by a variety of modern procedures. These include: tissue and cell fixation, embedding for ultrathin sectioning; carbon film preparation, mounting of particulate materials and macromolecules; positive and negative staining; metal shadowing in the vacuum evaporator; critical point drying. An introduction to scanning electron microscopy will be provided. The photographic darkroom procedures required for the production of finished electron micrographs are included. Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and/or permission of instructor. Note: This course will not meet the 400-level requirement for the major in Biological Sciences. Lab fee required. [4]

This course pursues in depth the rapidly expanding areas of cellular, humoral, and tumor immunology. Following a brief overview of the immune system's response to exogenous antigen, the course concentrates on such topics as: antibody production and structure, lymphocyte sub-populations, cell-cell interactions, cell-mediated immune responses, cell surface alloantigens, histocompatibility immunogenetics, transplantation. and tumor immunology. The exact content of the course varies from year to year depending on the status of research in the field. (Fall) Prerequisites: BIOL 302 and 303; BIOL 430 or CHEM 437 is recommended. [4]

This course will focus on the molecular biology of eukaryotic cells and will include such topics as the sequence organization of DNA and genes, chromosome structure, messenger RNA synthesis and processing, messenger RNA translation, and the regulation of the expression of genetic information. Prerequisites: BIOL 302, 303, or consent of the instructor. [4]

This course is designed as an introduction for biology and biochemistry students to the use of applications software in the analysis of DNA. RNA, and protein sequence data. Topics will include operating systems, telecommunications with off-campus databases, specific software packages for general and analytical treatment of DNA, RNA, and protein sequence data. Some elementary programming will be included. Pre requisites: BIOL 302 and BIOL 303.[4]

An introductory course describing the essential principles of biochemistry. Topics include the structure and characterization of biological macromolecules, the energetics and thermodynamics of coupled biological reactions, and enzymology. The most important metabolic pathways are described, emphasizing their cellular compartmentalization, integration and control. Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and CHEM 352. [4]

Application of the combined approaches of microbial genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry to the study of fundamental biological processes are demonstrated. The research literature is used to describe the current state of knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of microbial gene expression and the genetic biochemistry of chromosome structure, DNA replication, repair and recombination. Prerequisites: BIOL 302, 303 or consent of instructor. BIOL 430 or CHEM 437 is recommended. [4]
Course on-line information: http://userpages.umbc.edu/~wolf/biol434/

A lecture course which considers the two major aspects of animal development: 1) the means by which, starting with a fertilized egg, progeny cells progressively differentiate from their precursors and one another to produce the ultimate diversity of the multicellular organism; and 2) the processes by which this increasingly complex population of cells is synthesized into a single integrated organism. (Fall). Prerequisites: BIOL 302 and BIOL 303. [3]

Designed to emphasize cellular, molecular and biochemical aspects of basic developmental questions, this course introduces the student to modern approaches to determination, differentiation and morphogenesis. Experimental design and analysis of data are emphasized. Possible topics include: molecular and cellular aspects of gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenesis and continuous development in the adult; mechanisms of intra- and intercellular communication; pattern formation and positional information. Developmental model systems using unicellular organisms are considered. Prerequisite: BIOL 442. Note: May be repeated for credit with different topic. [4]

This course will examine some of the methods by which the reception of signals from the environment leads to the changes in gene and protein activity in responding cells which constitute a biological response. Signal transduction in the context of developmental biology and neurobiology will be the main areas of study. Six to eight topics will be covered in detail. The design and interpretation of scientific experiments will be emphasized through critical reading, analysis and presentation of original articles from the primary literature. The use of genetic, molecular and biochemical techniques to address questions in the field of signal transduction will be examined. Prerequisites: BIOL 302 and 303. [4]

Nervous system function at the cellular level. Ionic mechanisms underlying electrical activity in nerve cells; the physiology of synapses; transduction and integration of sensory information; activity in populations of neurons: the specification of neuronal connections; and trophic and plastic properties of nerve cells. Prerequisite: BIOL 305 or consent of instructor. [4]

Studies of important adaptation behavioral patterns and their physiological bases. The course begins with some basic principles of the study of animal behavior followed by special topics such as sexual behavior, feeding, prey capture, and predator evasion, etc. Prerequisites: BIOL 305 or consent of instructor. [4]

This course will focus in depth on visual systems of animals and humans. Coverage will span the range of modern research from the biochemistry and physiology of the photoreceptors to the ecology, evolution, and functional optimization of visual systems. Topics included: visual pigments, biochemical basis of phototransduction, visual processing and organization of visual centers of the brain, eyes, optical arrays, and visual evolution and ecology. Prerequisites: BIOL 305; BIOL 451 is recommended. [4]

Following a brief review of some important principles and techniques in molecular biology, this course pursues. in depth. such topics as the cloning and characterization of chloroplast, mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in plants; interactions of the nuclear and chloroplast gene products; genetic engineering of the nitrogen fixation genes, DNA plant viruses, and the Agrobacterium Ti plasmid. The course content reflects the status of research in this rapidly developing area. Prerequisite: BIOL 304. [4]

A study of the physiological specializations demanded by marine/estuarine environments, including the following topics: Physiological mechanisms for coping with stresses imposed by extremes of temperature, salinity. aerial exposure, and low oxygen concentrations; sensory physiology including visual, chemical, and mechanical modalities; exogenous and endogenous rhythms related to tidal or diel cycles; and bioluminescence. The course includes one or more trips to field laboratories. Prerequisite: BIOL 305. [4]

A course in probability and advanced biostatistics. Topics will include the elementary mathematical techniques used in biology and medicine, the relationships among probability distributions used in standard statistical tests, univariate linear and non-linear analyses, correlation matrices and multivariate analyses, path analysis, cluster analysis, discriminant and principal component analyses. Students will present examples of the analyses from the literature. The class will solve problems and each student will analyze a set of experimental data. Prerequisites: STAT 350 and BIOL 301. [4]

The emphasis in this course is the study in natural populations of characters whose variation is controlled by multiple genes. The foundations in Mendelian and population genetics are described, followed by a comprehensive treatment of the field of quantitative genetics and then by a discussion of the place of quantitative genetics in behavioral genetics, physiological ecology, and in population biology in general. Prerequisites: STAT 350 and BIOL 301. [4]

This course provides an understanding of the structure and functions of lotic ecosystems and how these systems operate in terms of energetics, interactions among component species, and the physical and chemical properties of undisturbed and disturbed watersheds. Special attention will be given to the relationships between biodiversity, species substitutability and ecosystem processing as they relate to the conservation and protection of rivers, streams and non-tidal wetlands. Prerequisite: BIOL 301, CHEM 102 and junior standing. [4]

The biological characteristics of the bacteria are considered. Bacterial physiology and ecology, structure-function relationships, and host-parasite interactions are emphasized. Prerequisite: BIOL 303 or consent of instructor. [4]

Infectious agents, the bacteria and viruses, accounted for 57% of the deaths in the US in 1900 and less than 4% in 1990. The discovery and application of antibiotics and other chemotherapeutic agents are largely responsible for this dramatic reversal. In this course, the origin of selected chemotherapeutic agents, their detailed mode of action and the basis for emergence of resistant microbial populations will be discussed. Similarly, the action of selected drugs used in chemotherapy which attempts to control cancer cell growth will be outlined. The principle of "rational drug design" and radical "new" methods of attacking microbial populations will be explored. Prerequisite: BIOL 302, BIOL 303, CHEM 351. [4]

This is a combined lecture and hands-on computing course comprising four major sections that study the applications of evolutionary theory to the exploration and analysis of phenotypic and biological sequence data. We will begin by building a sound conceptual basis for the theory of evolution, including an introduction to population genetics. Real biological sequence data then will be introduced and used to illustrate and extend this theory. From here, the focus will shift to some major branches of current evolutionary research, introducing recent published work for each topic. Finally, we will stage a series of student-led debates that require application of the science that has been learned to current socio-political areas of controversy. Prerequisite: BIOL 301 and 302. [4]

Life science at the whole genome level represents a rapidly expanding new paradigm that defines a new field, genome science. BIOL486 provides students with the requisites for understanding genome science and includes experimental basics of functional genomics and analytical basics of bioinformatics. Biomedical and agricultural research are developing the potential of genome science, in both the public and private sectors. Important questions that have been unapproachable are now thought to be within reach. For example, students in BIOL 486 will learn how genome science may provide tools to unravel the arcane genetics of complex diseases and traits. Information sources will include textbook(s), the primary literature, and computer methods. [4]

A "capstone" seminar course for students in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program. Students will be introduced to examples of the integrated uses of the various disciplines that together comprise bioinformatics and computational biology. Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor; junior standing. [2-4]

Students who are pursuing departmental honors will write and submit a scholarly paper reporting on the outcome of their senior research project. Prerequisite: Approval of the Departmental Honors Program advisor. [2]

Original laboratory or field research appropriate to upperclass students, conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. This course does not fulfill the 400-level course requirement for the major in the Biological Sciences. (Fall and Spring). Note: This course is offered on P/F basis only. Prerequisites: Consent of the supervising faculty member; upperclass standing. [1-4]

Original laboratory or field research for students in the Biological Sciences Honors Program to be conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Note: This course does not fulfill the 400-level course requirement for the major in biological sciences. This course of fered on a P/F basis only. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Biological Sciences Honors Program and permission of the supervising faculty member. [1-6]