WCSU 2021-2022 Graduate Catalog : MACRICOSTAS SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Biology

BIO 500 Graduate Seminar    3 SH

This course will include a combination of guest speakers, student presentations, and roundtable discussions on current topics and papers in the biological sciences. In addition, lectures and assignments will deal with techniques of scientific-literature research, scientific writing, and paper presentations. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of the instructor.

BIO 505 Biological Diversity Stewardship Seminar  1 SH

This hybrid course introduces students to the theory and scientific practice of organismal stewardship and conservation. Through the activities of this course students will be introduced to global professional organizations and scholarly resources associated with managing biodiversity, and how these resources support local priorities.  Students will learn how practitioners use empirical evidence to establish stewardship priorities and how stewardship validates sustainable practices. Students will produce a stewardship management plan for an organism of choice and an annotated bibliography that reviews their proposed topic. Prerequisites: Admission into the MS in Integrative Biological Diversity

BIO 506 Applied Stewardship  2 SH

This course provides students in the MS in Integrative Biological Diversity the opportunity to implement the management proposal developed in the Biological Diversity Stewardship Seminar. Students will contribute to the monitoring and conservation priority of an organism of interest 6 hours per week for 14 weeks minimum, with faculty oversight and mentorship. The Applied Stewardship cohort will engage in as many as 3 on-line learning community Chat Room sessions throughout the semester. Prerequisites:Admission into MS in Integrative Biological Diversity Program and completion of Biological Diversity Stewardship Seminar with a grade of B or better is a prerequisite for registration.

BIO 504 Limnology
    3 SH

This is a study of the fundamental properties and dynamics of lakes through the interrelated aspects of physical, geological, chemical and biological processes. This course involves studies of the evolution and eutrophication of lakes under natural and altered conditions of modern environments. Prerequisite: bachelor’s degree in biology or permission of instructor.

BIO 516 Current Techniques in Cell and Molecular Biology    3 SH

Current techniques in cell and tissue culture, molecular genetics, immunology, and biochemistry are covered in this course. Through laboratory work, assigned readings, lectures, and discussions, students will become familiar with both the techniques and the theoretical framework on which these techniques are based. Prerequisite: Admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of instructor.

BIO 522 Ecosystems and Environmental Concerns
    3 SH

This course covers major ecosystems and biomes, their ecological challenges, and consideration of our collective future. Course equivalent at SCSU ENV 532.

BIO 527 Analytical Technology / Instrumentation
    6 SH

This course will examine laboratory and field techniques useful in designing field studies and quantifying environmental conditions. Students will participate in the design of a field study and collect sediment and water samples for analysis. In addition, this course will cover fundamental principles of instrumental chemical analysis and practical applications of molecular spectroscopy and atomic spectroscopy. These two instruments are widely used in environmental problem solving. Lectures will cover the basic concepts of good laboratory practices, field study sampling techniques, chemical analysis and the fundamental principles of the analytical techniques to be used. In the laboratory, students will gain hands-on experience both by performing a series of required basic chemical determinations and by undertaking a special project. Students will prepare written reports describing the methods, the theory underlying those methods, results, and figures of merit. Course equivalent at SCSU ENV 539.

BIO 530 Population Genetics    3 SH

This course will consider the theoretical, experimental, and empirical foundations of population genetics. Topics covered will include models of natural selection and genetic drift; the neutral theory of molecular evolution; migration and population subdivision; speciation; and applications to medicine, pest control, and conservation biology. Prerequisite: Genetics or equivalent; Calculus I recommended.

BIO 531 Molecular Evolution    3 SH

This course will consider the theoretical and empirical aspects of the evolution of DNA and protein molecules.  Methods of inferring evolutionary processes and relationships among populations and among species based on DNA and protein sequences will be examined, along with methods of drawing and evaluating phylogenetic trees based on molecular data. The course will consist of a combination of lectures, computer exercises, laboratory experiments, and student presentations. Prerequisites: BIO 312 and BIO 325 or permission of instructor.  Some background in probability is recommended.

BIO 535 Advanced Molecular Biology    4 SH

This is an advanced course that examines the current status of gene cloning and mapping, genome analysis, and human genetic diseases. The laboratory will introduce students to techniques used in genome manipulation and analysis. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of the instructor. A background in cell biology or genetics is recommended.

BIO 536 Molecular Oncology    3 SH

This advanced course examines the molecular mechanisms of cellular-growth control, carcinogenesis, cancer genetics and immunology, and current treatment technologies. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of the instructor. A background in cell biology or genetics is recommended.

BIO 537 Molecular Endocrinology    3 SH

This advanced course examines molecular mechanisms of hormone synthesis and structure, hormonal control of gene expression and cellular pathways, and aberrant hormone effects. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of the instructor. A background in cell biology, genetics, or human physiology is recommended.

BIO 538 Molecular Mechanisms of Animal Development    3 SH

This advanced course examines the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying cell adhesion, cell-to-cell communication and signaling pathways, apoptosis, patterns and body axis formation, limb morphogenesis, and sex determination in animals. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of the instructor. A background in cell biology, genetics, or developmental biology is recommended.

BIO 539 Molecular Biology of Procaryotes    3 SH

This advanced lecture course examines the molecular mechanisms underlying procaryotic biology. Emphasis will be on pathogenic bacteria. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of instructor. A background in microbiology, genetics, or molecular biology is recommended.

BIO 540 Aquatic Vascular Plants    4 SH

The course will introduce students to the aquatic and wetland plant flora (ferns, fern allies, flowering plants) of the Northeast. The lecture will focus on conceptual issues of the biology, ecology and evolution of aquatic plants. The laboratory will be devoted largely to field collection and identification of aquatic and wetland plants. Prerequisite: an introductory course in plant taxonomy or equivalent background.

BIO 542 Long Island Sound    3 SH

This course presents a survey of the regional coastal environment, its physical characteristics, habitats and natural ecosystems, economic uses and development pressures. In particular, this course will examine the value people place on coastal resources, the ecological, physical and social problems caused by human habitation of the coast and various approaches designed to manage coastal resources. Special emphasis will be placed on examining Long Island Sound coastal environments. Course equivalent at SCSU ENV 552.

BIO 543 Stream Ecology    4 SH

This course will cover the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of streams and rivers, including an integrated study of the environmental factors affecting the composition and distribution of biota. The role of streams and their biota in ecosystem processes will be emphasized. The laboratory will provide experience in field and lab techniques used in the study of streams. Prerequisite: A course in ecology or permission of the instructor.

BIO 544 Readings and Research in Environmental Concerns    3 SH

A large body of literature has developed during the last 100 years or so, the majority of it focusing on nature, environmental concerns, and human relationships. This literature includes essays, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and research articles. Environmental literature has often been responsible for promoting a societal response. Such works as Rachael Carson’s Silent Spring, Henry David Thoreau’s, Walden Pond, Aldo Leopold’s, Sand County Almanac, and Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire have often been cited as impetus for change. In this course students will be responsible for reading and critiquing a variety of environmental writings. Although it is impossible to do a comprehensive study of environmental literature in one semester, this course will provide students with a broad range of reading experiences, discussion and reflection of readings, as well as the opportunity to identify an author and present that author’s work to the class. Course equivalent at SCSU ENV 534.

BIO 545 Advanced Systematic Biology    3 SH

The course will focus on conceptual aspects of systematic biology. Emphasis will include phylogenetic reconstruction, species concepts, speciation, the dynamic nature of species, and evolutionary factors such as hybridization, gene flow, and species extinction. Students will apply conceptual issues to particular groups of interest. Prerequisite: an introductory course in taxonomy/systematic biology or equivalent.

BIO 550 Environmental Design    3 SH

Developing practical and effective solutions to pressing environmental problems requires intentional and proactive design. Sustainability is a nexus of environment, community, and economy, and design must incorporate all three for success. In this course we will examine and develop several types of environmental designs using the SCSU campus as a case study, and we’ll explore processes of design and innovation. Course equivalent at SCSU ENV 540.

BIO 551 Soil Ecology    3 SH

This course examines the dynamics of microbes and the fauna that feed upon them within the physical and chemical environment of the soil. The role of soils and their biota in ecosystem processes will be emphasized. Prerequisite: a course in ecology or permission of the instructor.

BIO 552 Microbial Ecology     3 SH

This course will study the relationship between microorganisms and their environment and their interactions with each other and with other species. We will examine microbial-species diversity and metabolic versatility with an evolutionary perspective.  The approach will include experimental design and data analysis and ecosystem modeling as applied to microbial ecology. Prerequisite: BIO 215 or BIO 216 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

BIO 555 Environmental Physiology    3 SH

This course involves discussions of principles and current research on animal regulatory mechanisms and physiological adaptations for survival in changing environmental conditions. The effects of pollution and other chemical, physical, and biotic environmental stressors on animal functions are explored. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of instructor.

BIO 556 Herpetology    4 SH

The course will emphasize the biological diversity, ecology, behavior, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles and address the role these organisms play as indicators of change in ecology and human health. The course will address conservation laws for amphibians and reptiles, how these laws are being implemented, and their impact on the developing world during times of both economic prosperity and hardship. Saturday field trips are required. Prerequisite: a bachelor’s degree in biology or permission of instructor.

BIO 559 Energy Use and Global Climate Change    3 SH

Examination of the scientific, social, economic and political aspects of global climate change due to energy production using fossil-fuels. Course equivalent at SCSU ENV 559.

BIO 560 Behavioral Ecology    3 SH

This course offers an examination of the manner in which animals interact with their environment. Both theoretical principles and environmental problems will be studied. Topics include optimality theory, inclusive fitness, social behavior, selfishness and cooperation, mating, reproduction and species interactions. The course will be a combination of lectures and seminar presentations by students. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of the instructor.

BIO 565 Topics in Animal Behavior    3 SH

This course will introduce graduate students without previous background in the discipline to the critical concepts and topics involved in the study of the biological basis of animal behavior. Ecological and evolutionary approaches will be stressed. Student presentations will supplement lectures by the instructor. Prerequisite: admission to the M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences program or permission of the instructor.

BIO 592 Independent Thesis Research    1-6 SH

This course is designed for students fulfilling the thesis requirements for the degree of M.A. in Biological and Environmental Sciences. Individual conferences with the adviser are scheduled as needed. This vehicle may be repeated for up to six semester hours of total credit. Credit will be awarded upon submission of an approved thesis and thesis abstract. Prerequisite: submission of an approved thesis proposal and permission of the graduate coordinator.

BIO 598 Faculty-Developed Study

This experimental course is offered by the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department as a means of determining its value to the total department program or in response to a particular request from a group of students.

BIO 599 Student-Developed Study

This vehicle is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop his/her own learning experience. A student will design a project and secure a faculty sponsor. This vehicle may be utilized more than once. Prerequisite: written permission of faculty sponsor and department. Registration through the Office of Graduate Admissions is required.

BIO 600 Continuing Integrated Biological Diversity Thesis Research      3 SH

Continuing Integrated Biological Diversity thesis Research is designed to continue faculty mentoring and advisement in special cases where the thesis requires continuous and intensive laboratory research training that may go beyond 6 credits of Independent Thesis Research (Bio592). These credits cannot be substituted for the 30 S.H. required for the MS degree.