Biological Sciences

Faculty

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Chair

Lasse Lindahl

Professors

Charles J. Bieberich
Thomas Cronin
Phillip J. Farabaugh
Phyllis R. Robinson
Suzanne O. Rosenberg
Phillip S. Sokolove
Richard E. Wolf, Jr.

Associate Professors

Daphne Blumberg
Rachel Brewster
Mauricio M. Bustos
Nessly C. Craig
David M. Eisenmann
Jeffery W. Leips
Tamra Mendelson
Stephen M. Miller
Michael C. O'Neill
Kevin Omland
Harold J. Schreier

Assistant Professors

Ivan Erill
Maricel Kann
Weihong Lin
Bernard Lohr
Hua Lu
Michelle Starz-Gaiano

Senior Research Scientist

Janice Zengel

Senior Lecturers

Steven Caruso
Esther Fleischmann
Bryan MacKay
James W. Sandoz
Julia B. Wolf

Lecturers/Instructors

Lark Claassen
Reagan Lake
Sarah Leupen
Cynthia Wagner

Professor Emeritus

Brian Bradley
Robert Burchard
Frank Hanson
Paul Lovett
Thomas F. Roth

Associate Professor Emeritus

Richard Gethmann
John Kloetzel
Austin Platt

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Courses in this program are listed under BIOL.

The Department of Biological Sciences Web site is www.umbc.edu/biosci, and should be checked to learn the most current courses, major requirements, seminars, and research opportunities available to students

The department's undergraduate curriculum provides a comprehensive and current overview of biology. The required core of courses is complemented by a series of laboratories and supplemented with a variety of electives in areas representing the scholarly interests of a diverse faculty. Students also have the opportunity to engage in independent research in the lab, the field, the library or off-campus or working one-on-one with a faculty mentor.

Because the Department recently revised its various majors, there are currently six possible majors that are available to students depending on when they officially declared Biology as their academic major (Three “Old” – B.S., B.A., and Minor---, and three “New” – B.S., B.A., and Minor). If the declaration was done prior to the Fall 2010 semester, then any one of the six majors can be selected, although it is possible to later change irreversibly from an “Old” to a “New” major. Students declaring a Biology major beginning with the Fall 2010 semester only have the option of the “New” majors.

The new majors have been designed to meet the needs of different groups of students. The new BIOL B.A. is less research intensive and involves fewer laboratory classes. It is especially appropriate for students planning professional training (dental, medical, pharmacy, veterinary). The BIOL B.A. would also be appropriate for students planning training in an allied health field (nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, etc.). Because the BIOL B.A. requires significantly fewer credits, it is also more appropriate for students whose career plans do not fit into any of these categories. For example, a student may wish to combine training in Biological Sciences and Visual Art to prepare for a career in scientific illustration. The new BIOL B.S. is an experimental major and is designed for those students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. or Masters in the sciences or students planning a career as a research technician in academia or business. The older majors required more credits and more specified biology and chemistry courses. Since not all of the courses required for the “Old” majors will continue to be offered, there are approved substitutions that are possible upon petition to the Department’s Undergraduate Committee.

For students seeking a specialized grouping of biological sciences courses with others that do not qualify as a minor, UMBC’s Interdisciplinary Studies Program offers an alternative route.

In addition to these undergraduate major programs, the biological sciences curriculum offers courses of cultural value as part of a liberal education, some intended specifically for non-science majors.

Finally, the Department has a number of courses designed for students pursuing the pre-allied health fields (such as nursing or physical therapy).

Career and Academic Paths

An undergraduate degree in biological sciences from UMBC provides students with an excellent background for employment in industry or government; for a career in secondary education; for graduate studies in the areas of biology, biochemistry or molecular biology and for professional schools in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. Most graduate and professional schools require a minimum of two years of chemistry. Therefore, students choosing the Old B.A. or either the New B.S. or B.A. options may need to supplement their undergraduate training with the additional semesters of organic chemistry (both lecture and lab). For specific requirements, students should consult either the graduate catalog of the institution they are interested in attending or the appropriate pre-professional studies section of the UMBC Undergraduate catalog. UMBC biology graduates have been employed by such industrial companies as American Cyanamid, Fischer Scientific, Merck, Martek and BD Biosciences, and by various government agencies such as NIH, NCI, EPA, USDA, FDA and the National Aquarium. Biological sciences graduates have been accepted by graduate programs in such schools as the University of Pennsylvania; The Johns Hopkins University; University of California, San Diego; Case Western Reserve; Rochester; Stanford, University of Virginia; Duke; University of Maryland, Baltimore and University of Maryland, College Park. Graduates also have been accepted by more than 60 professional schools, including University of Maryland, Baltimore; The Johns Hopkins University; University of Virginia; Harvard; Duke; Columbia; University of Pennsylvania; Penn State, Pittsburgh; University of California, San Francisco; Howard; Uniformed Services; George Washington; Georgetown; Jefferson; Medical College of Pennsylvania; Medical College of Virginia; Stanford, SUNY; and Meharry.

Academic Advising

First-time students with freshman standing and select upper-class students will be advised by the department's full-time academic advisors. Subsequently, they will be assigned to one of the full-time faculty for advising. Students are required to see their advisors at least once each semester, usually during the Pre-registration period. Academic progress is monitored through graduation. There is additional specific advising for pre-Allied Health students in the UMBC Advising Center, and for pre-Professional students in the office of the Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS). These supplement, but do not replace the academic major advisors.

Major Programs

“Old” (Pre-Fall 2010) Biology Bachelor of Science (BIOL B.S.) curriculum consists of 69-71 credits distributed as follows:

A. Biology [35-39]

BIOL 100 Concepts of Biology
BIOL 100L Concepts of Biology Laboratory
BIOL 301 Ecology and Evolution
BIOL 302 Molecular and General Genetics
BIOL 302L Molecular and General Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 303 Cell Biology
BIOL 303L Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 304 Plant Biology
BIOL 305 Comparative Animal Physiology

B. Chemistry [14-19]

CHEM 101* Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 102 Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 102L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 351 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 351L Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 352* Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 352L* Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

* Students may take a second, four-credit, 400-level BIOL elective as a substitute for the combined requirement of Organic Chemistry II lecture and lab. (BIOL 495, 497H, 499 and 499H are not acceptable.)

C. Physics [8]

PHYS 111 Basic Physics I
PHYS 112 Basic Physics II

D. Mathematics [8]

MATH 151 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
STAT 350 Statistics With Applications in the Biological Sciences

“Old” Biology Bachelor of Arts (BIOL B.A.)

The B.A. curriculum consists of at least 54-55 credits in natural sciences and mathematics, coupled with sufficient credits in another (non-contiguous) area of concentration to earn a minor in that area. The experimental sciences of chemistry and physics are defined here as contiguous areas; minors in these areas are not applicable toward the requirements for a B.A. in Biological Sciences. Any other university minor program published as such in the UMBC Undergraduate Catalog will be acceptable toward the non-contiguous minor requirement. Certain approved programs of professional certification (currently education or administrative sciences) can be substituted for the minor requirement. A list of acceptable minors and professional certificate programs can be obtained from the biological sciences department.

The natural sciences and mathematics will be distributed as follows:

A. Biology [31-32]

BIOL 100 Concepts of Biology
BIOL 100L Concepts of Biology Laboratory
BIOL 301 Ecology and Evolution
BIOL 302 Molecular and General Genetics
BIOL 302L Molecular and General Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 303 Cell Biology
BIOL 303L Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 304 Plant Biology
BIOL 305 Comparative Animal Physiology
BIOL 304L Plant Biology Laboratory

BIOL 305L Comparative Animal Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 4XX Three-four credits of BIOL electives at the 400 level ; (EXCEPT BIOL 422L, 495, 497H, 499 and 499H), taken in residence at UMBC.

B. Chemistry [14-19]

CHEM 101 Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 102 Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 102L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 351 Organic Chemistry I

C. Physics [8]

PHYS 111 Basic Physics I
PHYS 112 Basic Physics II

D. Mathematics [4]

STAT 350 Statistics With Applications in the Biological Sciences

STAT 351 Applied Statistics for Business and Economics

“Old” B.S. and B.A. Requirements

A majority of the required biology courses must be completed in residence at UMBC. In fulfilling the “old” major requirements in the biological sciences, a student must obtain a grade of “C”; or higher in all required biology (BIOL XXX) courses and in CHEM 352 and 352L, if they are used to fulfill major requirements for the B.S. In addition, an overall “C”; average or better in all required science/math courses must be achieved for graduation with a degree in Biological Sciences. A course taken on a P/F basis will not count toward either of the “old” majors. In addition, for the purpose of satisfying the requirements for the B.S. in Biological Sciences, students will be allowed only two attempts to earn a grade of “C”; or better in all required biology (BIOL XXX) courses. Students who have not earned a grade of “C”; or better (including a grade of &”W”;) after two attempts will no longer be eligible for the B.S. in Biological Sciences, and must either enter the B.A. in Biological Sciences, or change their major. Under certain circumstances and after petitioning, students may be able to graduate with a grade of “D”; in a single biology course, provided that they have an overall “C”; average in all required biology (BIOL XXX) courses upon approval of the Undergraduate Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences.

Prerequisites and corequisites for all BIOL courses will be enforced. Prerequisites in all biology courses must be satisfied with a grade of “C”; or better. It is recommended that students begin their chemistry and math courses as soon as possible, since these courses can be pre-requisites for many biology courses.

“New” Biology Bachelor of Science (BIOL B.S.) curriculum consists of 70-77 credits distributed as follows:

A. Biology

BIOL 141 Foundations of Biology: Cells, Energy & Organisms
BIOL 142 Foundations of Biology: Ecology & Evolution
BIOL 302 Molecular & General Genetics
BIOL 303 Cell Biology
BIOL 300L Experimental Biology Laboratory
Column A elective * (see Chart below)
Column A or B elective*
Column B elective*
Column B BIOL 4XX elective*


BIOL 275 BIOL 304 BIOL 305 BIOL 313 BIOL 430 BIOL 442	All BIOL 4XX courses (except 422L,430,442, 495,497H,499,499H, 499S	All BIOL 3XXL Lab Courses (except 300L) BIOL 499 (2 sem) Plus BIOL 499S or BIOL 497H	MATH 152 or 221 STAT 414 STAT420 STAT 454 CMSC 104 CMSC 201
	CHEM 352&352L (must take both) GES406 GES 408 GES 413 STAT 414 STAT 419 STAT 420 STAT 452 STAT 454

Notes:

1) At least one course taken to satisfy the Column B requirements must be a qualifying BIOL 4XX course

2) All BIOL 4XX elective classes must be taken in residence at UMBC

3) For one Column B course students can substitute CHEM 352 and CHEM 352L (must take both)

4) Students using a MATH or STAT class as a Column B course may NOT use that same course to fulfill the MATH/STAT elective requirement

5) At least half of the required BIOL course credits must be completed in residence at UMBC

B. Chemistry

CHEM 101- Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 102 - Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 102L - Introductory Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 351L – Organic Chemistry Lab I

C. Physics and Math

PHYS 111 – Basic Physics I OR PHYS 121 – Introductory Physics I
PHYS 112 – Basic Physics II OR PHYS 122 – Introductory Physics II
MATH 151 – Calculus & Analytical Geometry I
STAT 350 – Stats w/Applications in Bio Sci
MATH/STAT/CMSC elective (see previous Table)

Notes:

1) BIOL 422L, 495, 497H, 499, 499H may not be taken for elective credit for major requirements.

2) All BIOL 4XX elective classes must be taken in residence at UMBC.

3) At least half of the required BIOL course credits must be completed in residence at UMBC.

4) Students must have a “C” or better in ALL courses applied to their major requirements.

“New” Biology Bachelor of Arts (BIOL B.A.) curriculum consists of 56-57 credits distributed as follows:

A. Biology Core

BIOL 141 Foundations of Biology: Cells, Energy & Organisms
BIOL 142 Foundations of Biology: Ecology & Evolution
BIOL 302 Molecular & General Genetics
BIOL 303 Cell Biology
BIOL 300L Experimental Biology Laboratory

B. Biology Electives

Elective #1 – one needed from the following list:

BIOL 275 - Microbiology
BIOL 251 & BIOL252 Human Anatomy & Physiology (must take both)
BIOL 304 – Plant Biology
BIOL 305 – Animal Physiology
BIOL 295 – Introduction to Bioinformatics
BIOL 430 - Biochemistry
BIOL 442 – Developmental Biology
Approved BIOL 4XX - (see note 1)
GES 406 – Aquatic Ecology
GES 408 – Field Ecology
GES 413 – Seminar in Biogeography

Elective #2 --Any one BIOL 4XX (except BIOL 430 [Biochemistry] and 442 [Developmental Biology])

Laboratory Elective --- any one BIOL 3XXL (except 300L)

C. Chemistry

CHEM 101- Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 102 - Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 102L - Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry I

D. Physics and Math

PHYS 111 – Basic Physics I (or PHYS 121)
PHYS 112 – Basic Physics II (or PHYS 122)
MATH 151 – Calculus & Analytical Geometry I OR MATH 155 – Elementary Calculus I
STAT 350 – Statistics w/Applications in Biological Sciences

Notes:

1) BIOL 422L, 495, 497H, 499, 499H may not be taken for elective credit for major requirements.

2) All BIOL 4XX elective classes must be taken in residence at UMBC.

3) At least half of the required BIOL course credits must be completed in residence at UMBC.

4) Students must have a “C” or better in ALL courses applied to their major requirements.

Minor Program

“Old” Biology Minor Program

The minor in biological sciences shall consist of 19 credits distributed as follows:

BIOL 100 Concepts of Biology

BIOL 100L Concepts of Biology Laboratory
BIOL 301 Ecology and Evolution
BIOL 302* Molecular and General Genetics
BIOL 302* Molecular and General Genetics

*CHEM 101 or 123 is a prerequisite, and CHEM 102 or 124 is a co-requisite for BIOL 302

In addition, the minor requires at least six credits of BIOL electives to include at least one two- to four-credit course at the 300 or 400 level. A majority of courses offered toward the minor must be completed in residence at UMBC. A minimum of nine credits of upper-level BIOL courses is required. At least two of the courses applied to the minor cannot be included as part of the courses satisfying the requirements of any other major. BIOL 398, 399, 422L, 495, 497H, 499, and 499H may not be used to fulfill requirements for the minor. A grade of "C" or better must be earned in all courses and prerequisites applied toward the minor. A course taken on a P/F basis will not count toward the minor.

“New” Biology Minor curriculum consists of 18-20 credits distributed as follows:

BIOL 141 – Foundations of Biology: Cells, Energy & Organisms
BIOL 142 – Foundations of Biology: Ecology and Evolution
BIOL 302 – Molecular and General Genetics
BIOL 303 – Cell Biology
BIOL Elective (3XX or 4XX)

Notes:

1. This minor may not be taken with a major in Biological Sciences or Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

because of complete overlap in requirements.

2. At least two of the courses used to fulfill BIOL minor requirements must not be used in the fulfillment of

the coursework of another major, minor or certificate.

3. A majority of the required BIOL credits must be completed in residence at UMBC.

4. BIOL 422L, 495, 497H, 499, 499H may not be used for the elective credit.

5. BIOL300L may be used to satisfy the BIOL elective requirement.

6. A grade of C or better must be earned in all prerequisite and required courses applied to the minor. A course taken on a P/F basis will not count toward the minor.

Honors Program

After satisfying certain requirements, students become eligible for the departmental honors program.
This program, in addition to the regular B.S. or B.A. requirements, includes the following nine credits of coursework:

BIOL 499H Honors Independent Research (two semesters for a minimum total of six credits)
And
BIOL 497H Honors Capstone [3] (one semester)

Biological sciences majors who have completed the following requirements will be eligible to enter the departmental honors program. The following courses, or acceptable equivalents thereof, will have been completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.5: the Biology Core Courses (or their equivalent - see "New" B.A.), CHEM 101, 102, 102L, 351, MATH 15/155 and STAT 350. Additionally, the student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major and 3.25 overall.

Eligible students should apply to the departmental Honors Committee. Forms are available in the biological sciences department.

M.S. in Applied Molecular Biology

Students interested in the one year master’s degree program in Applied Molecular Biology (AMB) will be considered for admission to the program on a competitive basis. Students can use up to two courses from their undergraduate degree and, in so doing, save money and reduce their graduate course work. Students should consult with the director of the Applied Molecular Biology Program for advisement as to which courses will be appropriate for both degrees. Application for admission should be submitted in the final semester of the senior year. For more information, see the AMB Web site http://www.umbc.edu/biosci/grad/amb.php

Part-Time Possibilities for Biology majors

Evening courses are not usually offered. However, many --but not all -- of the courses that can be used for the Biology majors are routinely offered in the summer. Thus the majors may be partially completed on a part-time basis, but will still require a significant amount of coursework during the regular daytime fall and spring semesters.

Special Opportunities

Talented upper-class undergraduates committed to performing quality independent research are encouraged to apply for a variety of biological research opportunities offered by UMBC’s outstanding faculty. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, student research assistants work on their own lab research projects and help their mentors with important research. These unique, intensive experiences allow students to sharpen their critical thinking skills, learn how to write and read scientific papers, and expand their scientific understanding of biological concepts. Undergraduate lab experience increasingly is becoming a prerequisite for science-based employment or acceptance to graduate, professional or medical school. Graduates of the biological sciences program who do not enter science will find that long-term lab experiences show dedication and analytical competence-qualities that any potential employer is likely to find attractive.

Biological Sciences Tutorial Center

Biological sciences students are invited to use the facilities of the Biological Sciences Tutorial Center, located in room 011 of the Biological Sciences Building. The center has twelve computer workstations for student use and two work stations for faculty. The center is open for students to study in groups and to access course Web pages and other information on the Web. Tutors are available for all of the Biology core courses.

Student Organizations

Biology Council of Majors (BIO/COM)

All biological sciences, bioinformatics and computational biology, and biochemistry and molecular biology majors are welcome to join the Biology Council of Majors (BIO/COM). This very active student organization strives to “promote the achievement of the professional ambitions of its members and to serve as a means of social contact among them.” There are also on-campus clubs for students pursuing various health-related professions