400

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.

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

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.

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 level biology elective.

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 level biology elective.

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 level biology elective.

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 level biology elective.

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 level biology elective.

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 level biology elective.