Biology (Biol)

www.biology.iastate.edu
Warren D. Dolphin, Program Coordinator

The biological sciences at Iowa State University are organized into 20 departments and programs. These can be grouped into the basic sciences, agricultural sciences, and veterinary sciences. Well over 200 faculty consider themselves life scientists and most teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Such a large faculty group provides many opportunities for students to learn from some of the national leaders in biological research and teaching and to participate in exciting, meaningful research projects that explore the frontiers in the life sciences. Few other universities have such a wealth of faculty expertise available to undergraduate students.

Biology is an interdepartmental undergraduate major. Students majoring in Biology are able to integrate knowledge from several life science disciplines into a coherent, broadly based undergraduate program of study. Students who wish to study specific areas of the basic biological sciences should declare majors in animal ecology, biochemistry, botany, entomology, genetics, microbiology, or zoology. Course requirements for these majors are listed elsewhere in this bulletin under the department’s name. Although requirements for biology and related majors differ significantly, the courses taken during the first two years are similar. In particular, all require freshman biology and chemistry, most require calculus and organic chemistry, and all require credits in general education courses. As a result and with proper planning, a student is able to transfer from one basic biological science major to another without serious consequences any time during the first two years. For detailed requirements, see the catalog entries under the particular majors.

The biology major is well suited for those who plan to teach biology, who wish to enter government or industrial employment in the health or environmental professions, or who prefer educational breadth as an end in itself. A bachelor’s degree in biology provides excellent preparation for graduate study in many biological disciplines and for entrance into various professional schools, such as human medicine, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. Students with particular interests can combine biology with a minor or a second major in another area, such as chemistry, environmental studies, a foreign language, journalism, mathematics, or other majors offered by the university.

Undergraduate Study

Of the courses taught by the biology program, Biol 109 is a general presentation of selected biological topics designed primarily for students not majoring in the basic biological sciences. Biol 123, also designed for the non-major, is intended to be an introduction to topics in environmental biology.

A unified biology core serves the various majors in the life sciences. This core consists of six integrated courses with labs that explore the basic principles of the biological sciences. The first year (Biol 201, 202) provides a broad introduction to the nature of life. The second year (Biol 301, 302) provides an integrated foundation in the principles of genetics, cell biology, and elementary biochemistry. The third year (Biol 312, 303) provides an ecological and evolutionary perspective.

A detailed description of the courses required in the biology major is available in 201 Bessey Hall or is available on the WWW at http://www.biology.iastate.edu. Biology majors take a minimum of 40 credits in the biological sciences, including the following courses: Biol 102, 201, 201L, 202, 202L, 301, 301L, 302, 302L, 303, and 312 plus 18 additional credits in approved life science courses numbered 300 or above. A partial listing of approved courses by department follows:

Animal Ecology

A Ecl 310               Vertebrate Biology I

A Ecl 311               Vertebrate Biology II

A Ecl 321               Fish Biology

A Ecl 325               Bird Study

A Ecl 350               Ecological Methods & Analyses

A Ecl 410               Aquatic Ecology

A Ecl 442               Aquaculture

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

BBMB 301             Survey of Biochemistry

BBMB 311             Biochem Lab or 411

BBMB 404             Biochemistry I

BBMB 405             Biochemistry II

BBMB 420             Physiological Chemistry

BBMB 451             Physical Biochemistry

BBMB 461             Biophysics

Biomedical Sciences

BMS 329  Physiology and Anatomy of Domestic Animals

BMS 415 Anatomy of Laboratory Animals

BMS 416 Avian Anatomy

Botany

Bot 304   Plants & People

Bot 306   Plant Taxonomy

Bot 320   Plant Physiology

Bot 321   Plant Physiology Lab

Bot 330   Environmental Systems

Bot 364   Biology of Aquatic Plants and Algae

Bot 401   Environmental Analysis of Watersheds: Biogeochemical Dynamics

Bot 404   Plant Anatomy

Bot 406   Principles of Mycology

Bot 484   Plant Ecology [S]

Entomology

Ent 370   Insect Biology

Ent 374   Insects and Our Health

Ent 375   Biological Control

Ent 376   Fundamentals of Entomology & Pest Management

Genetics

Gen 308  Biotechnology in Agriculture,

Food & Human Health

Gen 340  Human Genetics

Gen 410 Transmission Genetics

Gen 411 Molecular Genetics

Gen 460 Mathematical Genetics

Gen 462  Evolutionary Genetics

Microbiology

Micro 302 Biology of Microorganisms

Micro 201L Intro Microbiology Lab (201)

Micro 310 Fundamentals of Microbial Infection & Immunity

Micro 320 Fundamentals of Microbial Physiology & Genetics

Micro 402 Microbial Genetics

Micro 404 Microbial Physiology

Micro 408 Virology

Micro 420 Food Microbiology

Micro 475 Immunology

Micro 477 Bacterial-Plant Interactions

Zoology

Zool 304 Animal Behavior

Zool 311 Intro Parasitology

Zool 310 Brain & Behavior

Zool 320 Comparative Chordate Anatomy

Zool 322 Vertebrate Histology

Zool 355 Principles of Physiology

Zool 405 Invertebrate Biology

Zool 428 Cell Biology

Zool 433 Developmental Biology

Zool 454 Genetics and Comp Endocrinology

Zool 456 Neurobiology

Zool 459 Environmental Physiology

Iowa Lakeside Lab

Ia LL 301I Iowa Natural History

Ia LL 302I Plant-animal Interactions

Ia LL 312I Ecology

Ia LL 326I Ornithology

Ia LL 364I  Biology of Aquatic Plants

Ia LL 367I Plant Taxonomy

Ia LL 371I Field Entomology

Ia LL 403I Evolution

Ia LL 415I  Developmental Biology of Freshwater Invertebrates

Ia LL 419I  Vertebrate Ecology and Evolution

Ia LL 422I Prairie Ecology

Ia LL 490I Undergraduate Independent Study

Many courses from the departments of Agronomy, Animal Science, Horticulture and Plant Pathology may also be applied to the Biology major. The complete list of approved courses may be obtained in 201 Bessey Hall or viewed on the WWW at www.biology.iastate.edu

Courses beyond the core must be chosen from at least two departments so that the student’s program of study reflects breadth of preparation. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects by taking Biol 490 (Independent Study) in order to gain research experience prior to graduation. A grade of C– or better is required in all biological science courses applied to the major and the cumulative average in the major must be at least a C.

Supporting course requirements include: 16 credits in chemistry to include two semesters of general chemistry with labs and at least one semester of organic chemistry with lab; after demonstrating competence in algebra and trigonometry, two semesters of calculus or two semesters of statistics chosen from a list of approved courses available in 201 Bessey Hall; and a two-semester sequence in general physics.

Because biology is a major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students must fulfill the foreign language and general education requirements listed in this bulletin for that college.

English Proficiency Requirement. Students must earn a minimum of C in both English 104 and 105 or equivalent composition courses and in one advanced writing course numbered Engl 302 through 316, excluding 310.

In addition to courses offered on campus, courses in field and aquatic biology are offered at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Courses in marine biology are available at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Mississippi. Students may also attend summer biological field stations elsewhere and transfer credits back.

Biology majors seeking certification to teach biology in secondary schools must meet requirements of the College of Education as well as those of the biology program. In addition they must apply formally for admission to the teacher education program. See Index, Teacher Education Program, Teacher Licensure.

The program offers a minor in biology which may be earned by credit in Biol 201, 201L, 202, 202L, 301, and 6 credits in courses numbered 300 or above from a list included here. A minor or a double major in biology with a major in Animal Ecology, Agricultural Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Botany, Entomology, Genetics, Microbiology, or Zoology is not permitted. Likewise, a minor in another basic biological science with a major in biology is not permitted.

Graduate Study

Biology is only an undergraduate major. Persons interested in graduate study in the biological sciences should apply directly to one of the life science departments. Interdepart-mental graduate offerings in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB); genetics; molecular, cellular, and developmental biology (MCDB); neurobiology; plant physiology; toxicology; immunobiology; biomedical engineering; and water resources are also available. (See Index.)

A non-thesis master’s degree in interdisciplinary graduate studies (biological sciences) has been established particularly for teachers who wish to broaden and update their formal training in biology.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 374, 403I.

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students

Biol 102. Opportunities in Biology
(1-0) Cr. .5. F. Orientation to the scope of the biological sciences, and discussion of professional opportunities. Required of first year biology majors. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Biol 109. Introductory Biology
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Life considered at cellular, organism, and population levels. Function and diversity of the living world. Presentation of basic biological principles as well as topics and issues of current human interest. Non-majors only. Students may receive graduation credit for no more than one of the following: 109, 201.

Biol 123. Environmental Biology (Same as Env S 123.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. An introduction to the structure and function of natural systems at scales from the individual to the biosphere and the complex interactions between humans and their environment. Discussions of human population growth, biodiversity, sustainability, resource use, and pollution. Does not count toward credits required in Biology major.

Biol 201. Principles of Biology I
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: High school biology and chemistry or credit or enrollment in Chem 163 or 177. Introduction to the nature of life, including the cellular basis of life; the nature of heredity; evolution; diversity of microbial, plant, and animal life; and principles of ecology.

Biol 201L. Principles of Biology Laboratory
(0-3) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 201. Laboratory to accompany 201.

Biol 202. Principles of Biology II
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 201. Introduction to the nature of life, including the cellular basis of life; energy relationships; the nature of heredity; evolution; form and function of microbial, plant, and animal life.

Biol 202L. Principles of Biology Laboratory
(0-3) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: credit or enrollment in 202. Laboratory to accompany 202.

Biol 298. Cooperative Education
Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Sophomore classification and permission of the department cooperative education coordinator. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

Biol 301. Principles of Genetics (Same as Gen 301.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 201L and 202 L, credit or enrollment in organic chemistry. Introduction to the principles of transmission and molecular genetics of plants, animals, and bacteria. Recombination, structure and replication of DNA, gene expression, cloning, quantitative and population genetics. Students may receive graduation credit for no more than one of the following: 301 and 301L, Gen 260, Gen 301, Gen 320, and Agron 320.

Biol 301L. Genetics Laboratory (Same as Gen 301L.)
(0-3) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 301. Laboratory to accompany 301. Students may receive graduation credit for no more than one of the following: 301 and 301L, Gen 260, Gen 301, Gen 320, and Agron 320.

Biol 302. Principles of Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 301. Integration of elementary principles of metabolism, bioenergetics, cell structure and function to develop a molecular view of how the cell works.

Biol 302L. Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry Laboratory
(0-3) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 302. Laboratory to accompany 302.

Biol 303. Biological Evolution (Same as Bot 303, Zool 303.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 301. The mechanisms of evolution. Topics in microevolution: population genetics, natural selection, genetic variation, and adaptation. Macroevolution: speciation, extinction, phylogeny, and major evolutionary patterns.

Biol 312. Ecology (Same as A Ecl 312, Bot 312, EnSci 312.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. F.SS. Prereq: 201L and 202L. Fundamental concepts and principles of ecology dealing with organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems. Laboratory and field exercises examine ecological principles and methods as well as illustrate habitats.

Biol 312I. Ecology (Same as Ia LL 312I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Biol 374. Insects and Our Health (Same as Ent 374.)
See Entomology. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Biol 394. International Field Trips in Biology
Cr. 1 to 4 each time taken. Prereq: Two courses in the biological sciences and by approval of application. Extended field trips, usually during break periods, to international locations of interest to biologists. Inquire in 201 Bessey Hall for trip schedule.

A. Pre-trip Seminar. Cr. 1. Discussion of relevant biological and cultural topics during semester preceding trip.

B. Field trip. Cr. 1 to 3. Trip to international location under supervision of faculty member. Report required.

Biol 398. Cooperative Education
Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior classification and permission of the department cooperative education coordinator. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

Biol 403I. Evolution (Same as Ia LL 403I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Biol 433. Developmental Biology (Same as Zool 433.)
See Zoology and Genetics.

Biol 433L. Developmental Biology Laboratory (Same as Zool 433L.)
See Zoology and Genetics.

Biol 490. Independent Study
Cr. 1 to 6 each time taken. Prereq: 8 credits in biology and permission of instructor. See also 490 offerings in biological science departments. No more than 9 credits in Biol 490 may be counted toward graduation and of those only 6 credits may be applied to the major.

I. Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Cr. 1 to 4 each time taken.

R. Biological research. Cr. 1 to 6 each time taken. For students registering to work on an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member.

U. Laboratory teaching experience. Cr. 1 to 2. For students registering to be undergraduate laboratory assistants. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Biol 495. Undergraduate Seminar
Cr. 1. F. Prereq: 15 credits in biological science. Content varies from year to year and may include detailed discussion of special topics in biology, current issues in biology, or careers in biology.

Biol 498. Cooperative Education
Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Senior classification and permission of the department cooperative education coordinator. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

Courses Offered at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), Ocean Springs, Mississippi

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is affiliated with the University of Southern Mississippi. Iowa State students may register for the following University of Southern Mississippi courses and transfer them to their ISU degree programs. Written permission of the ISU coordinator for the GCRL, 201 Bessey, is required for this arrangement. Inquire at 201 Bessey for further information.

MAR 301. Marine Biology
Cr. 3. SS. Prereq: 8 semester hours of biological sciences. A general introduction to marine biology with emphasis on local fauna and flora.

MAR 301L. Marine Biology Lab
Cr. 2. SS. Lab to accompany 301.

MAR 457. Marine Science for Teachers
Cr. 2 or 4. SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Designed to acquaint teachers with marine and coastal environments.

MAR 457L. Marine Science for Teachers Lab
Cr. 1 or 2. Lab to accompany 457.