BIOL - Biology

Freshman students majoring in Biology must complete the Biology Pre-Test Assessment during their first semester at UMHB.

This is the laboratory corequisite for BIOL 1305. Laboratory fee.

Lab corequisite component of Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology. Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory corequisite for BIOL 1350. Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory corequisite for BIOL 1360. Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory corequisite for BIOL 1365. Laboratory fee.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Study of some basic principles common to all living things such as cellular composition, energetics, inheritance and genetic principles, diversity of life, ecology. This course is intended for students requiring a lab science (may not be used as a credit towards a Biology major or minor) and students must take BIOL 1105 Living World lab as a corequisite.

This course explores the biological stories of food. Students consider the organisms we eat, the people who produce food, the environmental costs of food, and opportunities for sustainable food production. This course may not be counted towards a Biology major or minor.

Science-fiction has extended our awareness of the natural world but often real biology is more amazing than fiction. Science-fiction works will be utilized to initiate critical thinking amongst students about the biological sciences. Students will learn biology from the molecular to the organismal level and use science-fiction as the vehicle to improve their scientific writing. This course may not be counted towards a Biology major or minor.

Study of the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the hierarchy of body structure and organization and basic biological chemistry. The course is intended for students requiring a lab science but cannot be used as credit towards a biology major or minor. Corequisite: BIOL 1140

This course will explore foundational concepts and processes in biology, including biomolecules, cell structure of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, cell division, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, genetics, and plant processes. Corequisite: BIOL 1150

This course will explore foundational concepts and processes in biology, including biodiversity, evolution, animal systems, and ecology. Prerequisite: BIOL 1350/1150. Corequisite: BIOL 1160.

An introduction to the microbes living in, on, and around us. Microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites will be explored throughout the course. Emphasis will be on microbial characteristics, diversity, and the effects microbes have on us and our environment. This course is intended for students with non-science majors requiring a lab science course. Corequisite: BIOL 1165.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Faculty-supervised experience in assisting with laboratory studies. May be repeated subject to availability of assignments. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson.

This is the corequisite lab for BIOL 2320. Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory corequisite for BIOL 2340. Students must also register for BIOL 2140P, the laboratory practicals. Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory corequisite for BIOL 2341. Students must also register for BIOL 2141P, the laboratory practicals. Laboratory fee.

This course investigates biological experimentation. Topics include experimental design, the scientific process, scientific writing, the philosophy of science, bioethics, critical thinking, usage of common laboratory equipment, and laboratory team work. Prerequisites: BIOL 1350/1150, Corequisite: BIOL 2171 for Biology majors

This is the corequisite laboratory component for BIOL 2170. Laboratory fee

This is the corequisite laboratory component for BIOL 2380. Laboratory fee.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Endangered Species will use examples from the field of conservation biology to demonstrate the role of science and the limits of science in addressing the complex issues involved in the efforts to preserve threatened and endangered species. Because the practical application of this multidisciplinary field relies on both scientific evidence and social and political will, it is an excellent focal point to begin discussing the roles of science and scientific methods in public and private decision-making and the limits of science in understanding the world. This course will fulfill the Scientific Inquiry requirement of the core curriculum.

This course is designed to give students practical experience in inquiry-based science teaching and learning by integrating science content knowledge and teaching skills. Corequisite: BIOL 2120

Students will explore the relationship between environment, form and physiology. Recommended for Biology majors not in the Pre-Med/Dent or Pre-Allied Health.

Study of the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous. Students must also register for BIOL 2140 and BIOL 2140P (lab and lab practicals)

A continuation of BIOL 2340. Systems covered include the endocrine, reproductive, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and excretory. Prerequisites: a grade of ‘C’ or higher in BIOL 2340 and BIOL 2140. Students must also register for BIOL 2141 and BIOL 2141P (lab and lab practicals)

An introduction to the morphology and physiology of micro-organisms with emphasis on bacteria, the principles of immunology, laboratory methods, and practical applications. Prerequisites: BIOL 1350/1150 or BIOL 2340/2140. Corequisite: BIOL 2180.  Lab fee.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Consists of an extended field trip to different ecological regions of the United States or Mexico with an emphasis on the geology, climate, flora, fauna, and culture of the area visited. Participants will be responsible for maintenance of expedition equipment and may collect and identify geological and biological specimens where appropriate. Course is intended for students requiring a lab science but cannot be used as credit towards a Biology major or minor. Enrollment will be limited and will require permission of the instructor. Expenses will be shared by participants. May be repeated for credit. Laboratory fee.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Faculty-supervised experience in assisting with laboratory studies. May be repeated subject to availability of assignments. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson.

This is the corequisite lab course for Biology majors taking BIOL 3310. Prerequisites: BIOL 2170 and BIOL 2171.  Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory corequisite for BIOL 3335. Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory corequisite for BIOL 3360. Laboratory fee.

This course is designed to study the fundamental concepts of human physiology-including neural, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and sensory systems- using hands-on experiments and computer simulations. Students' EKGs, blood pressure, respiratory volume and reflexes will be measured and analyzed. This course is for students wishing to pursue PT and OT professional programs. Prerequisites: BIOL 2341 and BIOL 2141, and permission of instructor. Laboratory fee.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee. 

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee. 

A study of the physical bases and principles of inheritance and variation in plants and animals, with an emphasis on the genetics of man. Prerequisites: BIOL 1350/1150 and BIOL1360/1160. Corequisite: BIOL 3110 for Biology majors.

A variety of plant-derived pharmaceuticals and toxins are considered. Students explore the discovery, purification, and molecular mechanisms of plant-derived drugs. Reading primary scientific literature and writing in an appropriate style are emphasized in the course. Prerequisites: BIOL 2170, 2171, and BIOL 3310 or permission of the instructor.

A general study of birds and their structure, food relationship, nesting habits, seasonal distribution, migration, economic importance, and conservation, with field observation and special reference to Texas birds. Weekend field trip required. Prerequisites: BIOL 1360/1160 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BIOL 3135

A study of the mechanisms involved in the immune response. Emphasis on the structure and function of the components of the immune system, including humoral and cellular activity, complement, and hypersensitivity. Prerequisites: BIOL 2380/2180 and 3310 with a C or higher in each course.

A study of flowering plants of Central Texas, emphasizing techniques of identification and classification, with herbarium and field work. Ethical collecting and documentation of biological specimens, and primary scientific literature and writing in appropriate style are also emphasized. Weekend field trip may be required. Prerequisites: BIOL 2170/2171. Corequisite: BIOL 3160.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the function & regulation of the human body and physiological integration of the organ systems to maintain homeostasis. Course content will include neural & hormonal homeostatic control mechanisms, as well as study of the circulatory, cardiovascular, skeletal,muscular, respiratory, and endocrine organ systems. Principles of cellular physiology will be emphasized throughout the semester. This course is for students wishing to pursue PT and OT professional programs. Prerequisites: BIOL 2341 and BIOL 2141 and permission of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in the Human Physiology Laboratory course (BIOL 3175).

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Faculty-supervised experience in assisting with laboratory studies. May be repeated subject to availability of assignments. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson.

The Surgical Scholars Program includes discussions with and shadowing of surgeons, as well as other activities designed to provides students additional preparation for career choices and medical school. Enrollment is by application only. Background check and drug screening are required. Prerequisite: Meet minimum application requirements and approval of the Associate Dean for Natural Sciences. Course fees.

Students majoring in Biology must complete the biology achievement examination prior to graduation. This exam should be taken during the senior year. Examination fee.

This is the laboratory component for BIOL 4300. Laboratory fee.

This is the corequisite laboratory for BIOL 4305. Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory component for BIOL 4315. Laboratory fee.

This is the corequisite laboratory for BIOL 4320. Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory component for BIOL 4345. Laboratory fee.

This is the laboratory for BIOL 4367. Laboratory Fee.

This is the corequisite lab for BIOL 4370 required for Biology majors. Prerequisites: MATH 2303 and a minimum "C" in BIOL 3310/3110. Laboratory fee.

Students will evaluate published primary biological literature and present selected publications orally. Faculty will select specific research topics for exploration, and these topics may vary by semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: BIOL 2170 and BIOL 3310

This course will introduce students to bioinformatics research. Students will survey bioinformatics research literature, present primary research articles, perform individual research in bioinformatics, and report their research findings. Focus will be on application of bioinformatics tools to biological data. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: BIOL 3310, MATH 1430, and CISC 1305. Or approval of the instructor.

An introduction to research representing individual work of senior level.  Conferences and laboratory work to be specified according to the subject at the discretion of the instructor.  Prerequisite:  12 hours of Biology, 6 of which must be advanced level, and permission of the instructor. Laboratory fee.

Requirements may include classroom study, fieldwork, or a weekend field trip. Expenses for field trip will be shared by participants. Prerequisite: BIOL 3310 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

This is a Writing Emphasis course that prepares students for authentic writing in Biology through the production of a formal research proposal that requires an extensive search of scientific literature and documentation of appropriate sources. Students will also produce personalized documents typically included in a professional portfolio. Prerequisite: Senior classification and a minimum “C” standing in each of BIOL 2170, 2171, 3110, 3310, and grade of C or better in ENGL 1321 and ENGL 1322.

Requirements include a literature search, oral presentation, and discussion on a relevant topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Senior classification and permission of the instructor.

Requirements include a literature search, oral presentation, and discussion on a relevant topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Senior classification and permission of the instructor.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Identification, life histories, distribution, and adaptations of vertebrate animals. Extensive field work and one weekend trip. Prerequisites: BIOL 1360/1160 and one of the following: BIOL 2330 or BIOL 2340/2140. Laboratory fee. Fall only.

A study of the structure, function, reproduction and biochemistry of eukaryotic cells and their organelles. Prerequisites: BIOL 3310 and CHEM 1420. Corequisite: BIOL 4105.

An introduction to the cell behavior and molecular pathways that control embryonic development. Several representative organisms-- invertebrate, vertebrate, and plant-- will be utilized along with an introduction to recent advances and techniques in developmental biology. Those techniques will be applied in the laboratory to study such organisms as sea urchins, chickens, and Arabidopsis. Prerequisites: BIOL 2170/2171 and BIOL 3310.

A general study of the biotic and abiotic components of estuarine and marine systems, with emphasis on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Weekend field trip required. Prerequisites BIOL 1360/1160 and either BIOL 2330 or BIOL 2340/2140. Corequisite: BIOL 4120
 

This course explores the processes of transformation and tumor formation, focusing on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, tumor pathology and metastasis. Topics include: molecular and cellular basis of cancer, including viral and cellular oncogenes, tumor suppression mechanics, cellular immortality, genomic integrity, angiogenesis, metastasis, and traditional and developing theories. Open to upper-division students only. Prerequisite: BIOL 3310.

This course serves to provide a diverse knowledge in the fields of public health and ethics as it contributes to its global application within the international realms of healthcare, health diplomacy, law and foreign policy. Students will gain competencies in critical evaluation of global health cases, policy briefs and peer reviewed publications addressing ethical issues as they pertain to the multidisciplinary interaction among the areas of public health, health-related research, human rights, social justice, international law, health diplomacy, and foreign policy. In the process, students will be taught to demonstrate moral character, as well as social, cultural, and political awareness through their ability to form public health recommendations that enable global health programs to become established in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions around the world.  Prerequisite: BIOL 3310/3110.

This course examines the various approaches to reproduction used by plants and animals. Topics include asexual and sexual reproduction, modes of sex determination, mating strategies, selection and parental care. Students must be biology majors or minors having completed BIOL 3310.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the alterations in brain structure and chemistry as a result of different types of addiction. The course will cover the brain mechanisms underlying motivated behaviors and the dysfunction that can lead to addictive behaviors. Addiction will be studied at different levels from how drugs affect neurons to how drugs impact society. Much of the course relates the important mood-elevating effects of drugs to their biological actions. The course will also look into addictive behaviors that do not appear to have a pharmacological underpinning, such as internet addictions and gambling. Prerequisite: BIOL 3310 and BIOL 3110.

An introduction to the taxonomy, ecology, morphology and behavior of amphibians and reptiles. Weekend field trip may be required. Prerequisite: BIOL 1360/1160 and one of the following: BIOL 2330, 2340/2140 or 2370/2175.

A study of the foundations and principles of regenerative medicine. Major emphasis will be on understanding stem cell research relating to stem cell types, sources, characteristics, modifications, and applications for therapy. Prerequisites: BIOL 2170 and BIOL 3310.

Students explore plant structure and function, including genes and genomes, biotechnology, cell biology, metabolism, diversity, and development. Plant interactions with other organisms, including plant-derived pharmaceuticals, are considered. Prerequisites: BIOL 2170, 2171, and 3310 or permission of the instructor.

A study of the interrelationships between organisms and their environment. Emphasis on environmental characteristics, population dynamics, community structure, modes of reproduction and foraging and inter- & intra-specific relationships. Prerequisites: MATH 2303 and a minimum “C” in BIOL 3310/3110. Biology majors are required to take BIOL 4170 concurrently.

This course will introduce students to the key concepts of bioinformatics. Major emphasis will be on the integration of biological and computational sciences and the many tools of bioinformatics that can be applied to analysis of biological data. Prerequisites: BIOL 3310, MATH 1430, and CISC 1305. Or approval of the instructor.

A study of the isolation, identification, control, morphology, physiology, and immunogenicity of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic parasites.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.

Consists of an extended field trip to different ecological regions of the United States or Mexico with an emphasis on the geology, climate, flora, fauna, and culture of the area visited. Participants will be responsible for maintenance of expedition equipment and may collect and identify geological and biological specimens where appropriate. Natural History Expedition is not intended to be a substitute for those academic courses required of a major or for the teaching field in Biology. Enrollment will be limited and will require permission of the instructor. Expenses will be shared by participants. May be repeated for credit. Laboratory fee.

Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Laboratory fee.