Special Topics Course Descriptions – Fall 2016
Please note that for ALL BIOL 4110 and 4301 classes, an advisor will have to enter a permit. If you have the
appropriate pre-req as listed below, just let us know you need a permit, if not, please seek instructor permission.
BIOL 4110-020 Evolutionary Developmental Biology (EVO-DVO) CRN# 14280
Comparison of humans and flies in terms of: (1) Conserved genetic pathways, (2) Developmental mechanisms,
(3) Sensory physiology, and (4) Anatomical engineering. We will compare and contrast (1) how development
occurs, (2) how sense organs transduce information, and (3) how anatomy works in humans versus flies. We will
study these phenomena from the standpoint of molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. Coverage of topics will
depend on enrollment. Grade will be based on literature research, term paper, & talk. Each student is required to
give a Powerpoint presentation. (Prerequisite: BIOL 3416 or Instructor permission)
BIOL 4301-011 Environmental Endocrinology CRN# 14689
Topics to include: Environmental estrogens; Hormones and life history events; Testing and regulation;
Pharmaceuticals; Human and wildlife health; Hormone Evolution (Prerequisites: BIOL 1403 and CHEM 1307)
BIOL 4301-014 Environmental Radiation Studies CRN# 14691
This course will focus on the properties of radioactive elements, radiation dosimetry, biological effects of radiation,
how nuclear reactors operate, and how nuclear accidents occur and affect the environment. Recent events in
Japan will be discussed as well as the Chernobyl accident, Chelyabinsk, Iraq, 3-mile Island, and North Korea.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1401 or 1402 or 1403 plus CHEM 1307
BIOL 4301-015 Professional Internship CRN# 14695
Hours TBA (requires a minimum 100 hours per semester)
This internship will provide college students with a wide range of skills and experience preferred for many entrylevel positions in the diverse fields of wildlife, conservation and animal care. The intern will gain experience
identifying various wildlife species, caring for and feeding birds, mammals and reptiles, entering records into the
database, fielding phone calls about wildlife issues, greeting the public, admitting new animals, fundraising and
educating the community with environmental education programs.
Contact Gail Barnes at 806-799-2142. Once approved, Gail will notify Pam Hellman and Dr. Densmore and a permit
for the class will be entered.
BIOL 4301-022 Conservation Biology
CRN# 14699
This course focuses on the principles of conservation biology and their ecological and evolutionary foundations.
Through a seminar series comprised of lectures, readings, discussion sessions and practical activities the course
explores the fundamental goals of conservation biology: describing the diversity of the living world; understanding
the effects of human activities on species, communities and ecosystems; and developing practical interdisciplinary
approaches to protecting and restoring biological diversity Prerequisites: BIOL 1403 and 1404; BIOL 3309
Principles of Ecology recommended
BIOL 4301-026 Biofilms
CRN# 14703
Biofilms are a complex community of microorganisms encased within an exopolysaccharide matrix attached to a
solid surface or to each other. Biofilms have been associated with many infections and are notoriously difficult to
treat. Biofilms are also associated with blockage of pipelines and water systems. This course will examine the
concept of biofilms and their importance in industrial, agricultural and medical fields. In addition to learning about
biofilms; this course will examine other interesting aspects involving microbiology including the benefits of
microorganisms to society such as bioremediation, industrial fermentation and the use of probiotics. This class will
apply as a Microbiology elective
(Prerequisite: MBIO 3401)
BIOL 4301-D76 Environmental Plant Physiology CRN# 32040
Distance Education A course designed to apply basic physiological processes to stress responses in plants.
(Prerequisites: BIOL 1403 and 1404)
BIOL 4301-S13 Teaching the Nature of Science CRN# 26136 (A service learning course)
Class time will be spent exploring what the Nature of Science is, how it differs from & influences scientific inquiry,
and how both of those elements work together to generate the body of scientific knowledge. However, this will
not be a course heavy in science philosophy or history. Rather, it will be a hands-on service-learning course
designed to get STEM undergraduates into the community in 3rd - 5th grade classes to teach them fun, effective
ways to learn about the Nature of Science (NOS). Part of our class time will be spent developing activities that
explicitly teach the NOS. For eight weeks, in lieu of class time, STEM students will use a combination of activities
already developed and those developed creatively by their own team to take into the class room to get those kids
engaged, motivated, and excited about what science is about.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing in any Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics Major or by consent
of Instructor.