BIOLOGY 1020 1 credit BioQuest: Foundations for College Success
This course provides an opportunity for new students to learn about the biology program, staff and resources available at UW-Platteville. Designed to help first-year biology students make a successful transition to college life, students will be given opportunities to develop skills to excel in and beyond college. Topics include: time management, learning styles, study and test-taking skills, responsibility and professionalism, the importance of biology-related experiences and jobs before graduation, use of electronic academic tools, curriculum requirements and registration issues, balance in life and effective communication.
Prerequisites: Biology major
Components: Lecture
Lecture hrs: 2 (8 week course)
When: Fall, Spring
BIOLOGY 1150 5 credits General Biology
The fundamental features of living organisms; cell and tissue structure, growth, basic physiological processes, reproduction and inheritance, classification, ecology and evolution. Not required nor counted toward a major or a minor in biology.
Components: Discussion, Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3 (includes 1 hour discussion and 2 hours lab)
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, Spring
GE: Natural Science
BIOLOGY 1350 5 credits General Botany
Structures and functions of principal groups of plants and plant like organisms; their ecological and phylogenetic relationships. Not required nor counted toward a major or a minor in biology.
Components: Discussion, Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3 (includes 1 hour discussion and 2 hours lab)
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, Spring
GE: Natural Science
BIOLOGY 1650 5 credits Unity of Life
This course is a dynamic exploration of Biology from the biochemical level through the individual organism. In this exploration students will investigate the interactions of the internal workings of the cell, the cells themselves, tissues and organ systems in the physiology of organisms from single celled bacteria through multi-cellular plants and animals.
Prerequisites: Biology or related major and/or students wanting an in-depth study of biology
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3 (includes 1 hour discussion and 2 hours lab)
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, Spring
GE: Natural Science ONLY when taken with the accompanying 5 credit BIOLOGY 1750 for a total of 5 Natural Science GE credits for the 2 courses
BIOLOGY 1750 5 credits Diversity of Life
In this course the ecological and evolutionary connections between all living organisms will be explored and the following questions will be addressed: 1) Why are there so many species and how did there get to be so many? 2) How does fitness unify and diversify life? 3) How do organisms reproduce? and 4) What is the biological future of life? Organismal through ecosystem level processes will be explored.
Prerequisites: Biology or related major
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3 (includes 1 hour discussion and 2 hours lab)
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, Spring
GE: Natural Science ONLY when taken with the accompanying 5 credit BIOLOGY 1650 for a total of 5 Natural Science GE credits for the 2 courses
BIOLOGY 2040 4 credits Cell Biology
Organization of cells and their components; analysis of light and electron microscopy of cytoplasmic and nuclear components of the cell and their relation to heredity, physiology, reproduction and development.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 and 1 semester of chemistry
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, Spring
BIOLOGY 2130 3 credits Plants and Society
A global exploration of plants and their uses by humans from historical, cultural, economic and botanical perspectives.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1150 or BIOLOGY 1350 or BIOLOGY 1650 or BIOLOGY 1750
Components: Lecture
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Spring, even years
GE: International Education
BIOLOGY 2140 4 credits Anatomy and Physiology I
Designed as a two-semester sequence, this course explores the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body from a systematic approach. In addition to introductory materials, this semester includes study of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Throughout the semester, systems will be analyzed at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and organ system levels.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall
GE: Natural Science
BIOLOGY 2240 4 credits Anatomy and Physiology II
Continued study of the structure and function of the human body including the sensory, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, urinary and reproductive systems. Applications to health and physical education.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 2140 (grade of C or better required)
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Spring
GE: Natural Science
BIOLOGY 2340 4 credits Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
As a one semester offering, this course is designed to cover the essentials of human anatomy and physiology. It will serve as a basic introduction to the study of the complex interdependence of structure and function from a systematic approach. All primary body systems will be addressed.
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, Spring
GE: Natural Science
BIOLOGY 2420 2 credits FBI: Fundamentals of Biological Investigations
This course illustrates the process of science from a biological perspective. Students will learn to design, execute, analyze and present biological research. Through a combination of readings, discussions, projects, lab exercises and field work students will experience the challenges and rewards of acquiring biological information.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1020, BIOLOGY 1650, BIOLOGY 1750, ENGLISH 1130, ENGLISH 1230
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 1
When: Fall, Spring
BIOLOGY 2450 4 credits Fungi, Algae and Bryophytes
This course covers the major groups of living algae, fungi, fungal-like protists and bryophytes. Although classic concepts of taxonomy, evolution, morphology and ecological and economic importances will be included in this diversity survey course, the material will be presented from a community ecology approach: which organisms would be located in a particular environment and why? Lectures will be standard lecture as well as discussion format. Labs will include a variety of essential techniques for studying these diverse organisms, such as microscopy, use of identification keys, field sampling, collection/processing and culturing.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1350 or both BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750 or equivalent: C: speech class: Recommended: BIOLOGY 3450.
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Fall, odd years
BIOLOGY 2640 4 credits Invertebrate Zoology
Systematic survey of the invertebrates. Both representative and diverse forms will be studied within each group. Includes animal microtechnique procedures.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Spring, even years
BIOLOGY 3030 3 credits Ornithology
Anatomy, physiology, life histories and environmental relationships of birds. Laboratory study and field trips.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1750 and BIOLOGY 2420
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Spring, odd years
BIOLOGY 3040 4 credits Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates
Comparative studies of organs and systems of Vertebrata; includes laboratory dissections of shark, necturus and cat.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 2140/2240 or BIOLOGY 2340 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 4
When: Fall, odd years
BIOLOGY 3120 2 credits Animal Tissue Culture
Preparation of equipment and environment; growth and maintenance; media considerations; various types of culture methods; applications.
Prerequisites: One college level biology and chemistry course or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 1
When: Spring
BIOLOGY 3140 4 credits Vertebrate Embryology
Lecture and laboratory study of amphibian, avian and mammalian embryology.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, odd years
BIOLOGY 3230 3 credits Mammalogy
A review of the mammalian fauna focusing on the major orders and families. Key morphological features, life history and zoogeographic patterns will be reviewed for major groups. Discussion of current conservation and management issues. Lab includes identification of native Wisconsin mammals and an introduction to standard field and lab techniques for the study of mammals.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1750, BIOLOGY 2420
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Fall
BIOLOGY 3240 4 credits Microbiology
Classification, morphology, physiology and genetics of microbes; relation of bacteria to viruses; survey of bacteria found in the environment and their control; principles of immunity and diseases.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 or BIOLOGY 1750 and CHEMSTRY 1140 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, Spring
BIOLOGY 3330 3 credits Genetics
This course explores what genes are, how they are expressed and how they are passed on from generation to generation. In addition, applications of genetics in relation to mutation, disease, gene therapy, criminalistics and genetic engineering are also explored.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 or consent of instructor
Components: Lecture
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, Spring
BIOLOGY 3340 4 credits Entomology
Structure, classification, life histories, behavior and economic aspects of insects. An insect collection is required. See instructor for insect collection by May 1.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 4
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Fall, odd years
BIOLOGY 3450 3 credits Ecology and Evolution
Ecology and evolution will be considered from the perspectives of individual organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems in an effort to illustrate the relationships between these concepts and the importance of how they both shape our world. Students will be introduced to the history, major principles, theories, dynamics and approaches of ecology and evolution.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750 or consent of instructor
Components: Lecture
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, Spring
BIOLOGY 3460 3 credits Ecological Methods and Research
This class supplements BIOLOGY 3450 Ecology and Evolution and further explores the major principles, techniques, and approaches in ecology. This course will explore ecology in the field and laboratory with the goal of enabling students to plan, execute and scrutinize ecological research and appreciate how science and research fit into ecology.
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: BIOLOGY 1650, BIOLOGY 1750, BIOLOGY 2420; C: BIOLOGY 3450 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Fall
BIOLOGY 3530 3 credits Biotechnology
Genetic elements that control gene expression. Procedures for creating and isolating cloned genes. Genetic engineering and uses of recombinant DNA.
Prerequisites: One college level biology and chemistry course or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Fall
BIOLOGY 3550 4 credits Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants
This broad course covers the structure or form (morphology) of the adult plant, its tissues, development and reproductive details, as well as the ecology, evolutionary history and taxonomy of the group in which it is classified. Focus will be given to all phyla of extant vascular plants and major groups of extinct vascular plants, presenting the organisms from an evolutionary perspective.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1350 or both BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, even years
BIOLOGY 3620 2 credits Immunology
The basic concepts of immunology. The normal and abnormal immune response.
Prerequisites: One college level biology and chemistry course
Components: Lecture
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Spring
BIOLOGY 3640 4 credits Plant Systematics
Principles and practice of plant systematics, including history, nomenclature, specimen collection and archival techniques, modern systematic methods and survey of major plant families. Field collection required.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750
Components: Lecture, Laboratory
Lab hrs: 4
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, even years
BIOLOGY 3650 4 credits Plant Communities of Wisconsin
This course provides an introduction to the major plant communities of Wisconsin and neighboring states. It emphasizes the identification, biogeographic distribution, interrelationships, conservation and management of the major regional plant communities as well as their key plant species. Two extended weekend field trips are required.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650/1750 Unity of Life/Diversity of Life or BIOLOGY 1350 General Botany, and BIOLOGY 3450 Ecology and Evolution or BIOLOGY 3460 Ecological Methods and Research or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Fall
BIOLOGY 3660 3 credits Animal Communities of Wisconsin
A survey of animals specific to, and characteristic of, Wisconsin’s major ecological communities. Key ecological relationships that link animals to each other, as well as to the plants that define their habitat will be reviewed. Emphasis on organism identification. Two extended weekend field trips are required.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1750
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Spring
BIOLOGY 3750 3 credits Freshwater Biology
Examination of the physical components and biological communities of lakes, streams and wetlands and the relationships between them. Integration of fieldwork, scientific literature and laboratory analyses.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1750, BIOLOGY 2420, CHEMSTRY 1050 or CHEMSTRY 1140 or consent of instructor. BIOLOGY 3450 Recommended.
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Fall, even years
BIOLOGY 4010 1 credit Workshop in Biology
Varying topics. Does not count toward major or minor in Biology or minor in Biotechnology.
Components: Lecture
BIOLOGY 4040 5 credits Molecular Biology
Detailed structural analysis of the biological molecules DNA, RNA and proteins in relation to cellular processes. Exploration of experimental approaches that explain the molecular basis for all life activities.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 2420, BIOLOGY 2040, BIOLOGY 3330 and one semester of Chemistry or consent of instructor
Components: Discussion, Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Spring
BIOLOGY 4130 3 credits Mammalian Endocrinology
The structural and functional classification of hormones, principles of hormone action and the regulation of body functions by the endocrine system with emphasis on homeostasis.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 or AGSCI 4110 and CHEMISTRY 1240 or consent of instructor
Components: Lecture
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Spring, odd years
BIOLOGY 4150 4 credits Forensic Botany
A survey of the structures of plants, fungi and algae that can be used as botanical evidence in criminal investigation. Discussion of current literature, legal issues and future trends. Laboratory includes microtechnique, sample collection and preservation techniques, and testing methods.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1350 or both BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750; Recommended: BIOLOGY 2450, BIOLOGY 3550 or BIOLOGY 3640
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Fall, odd years
BIOLOGY 4240 4 credits Advanced Physiology
In-depth study of physiologic processes from the molecular to organismic level. Approached from a topical format, emphasizing recent advancements.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 2140/2240 or BIOLOGY 2340 and BIOLOGY 2420 and CHEMSTRY 1240 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 3
When: Fall, even years
BIOLOGY 4340 4 credits Mammalian Histology
The organization of cells and their products to form tissues and organs; morphological and functional comparisons of tissue organization of representatives from the class Mammalia.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 4
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Spring, even years
BIOLOGY 4410 1 - 3 credits Topics in Biology
Presentations of biological topics.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750 or consent of instructor. Up to 2 credits can be counted toward a biology major.
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
When: variable semesters
BIOLOGY 4440 4 credits Human Gross Anatomy
There is nothing more fascinating than learning about the human body. Its structure, organization and physiology are of interest from a personal health and clinical standpoint. This course will provide the opportunity for advanced students to engage in an intense study of human gross anatomy. This course will have a significant lab component where students will apply concepts of anatomy and physiology to the prosected human cadaver.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 2140 and 2240 or BIOLOGY 2340 or consent of instructor
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 3
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Fall, odd years
BIOLOGY 4520 2 credits Biotechnology Seminar
Selected topics from among recent advances in biotechnology.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 3530 or consent of instructor
Components: Seminar
When: Spring
BIOLOGY 4530 3 credits Plant Pathology
This course covers the major aspects of plant disease including abiotic and biotic causes, disease and symptom recognition, how disease occurs and methods and techniques for prevention and control.
Prereqs/Coreqs: BIOLOGY 1350 or both BIOLOGY 1650 /BIOLOGY 1750 and at least one additional 2000+-level biology or plant-related course or consent of instructor
Corequisite: Junior standing
Components: Laboratory, Lecture
Lab hrs: 2
Lecture hrs: 2
When: Spring
BIOLOGY 4660 1 - 8 credits Biology Internship Experience
Enhancement of the educational experience through placement of a student with a cooperating agency, business, industry or institution. The nature of the assignment, type of experience, number of credits and evaluation procedure to be stipulated in a statement of agreement (learning contract) between the student and department. Does not count toward a major or a minor in Biology.
Components: Field Studies and/or internships
When: Variable semesters
BIOLOGY 4710 1 - 3 credits Selected Regional Habitats
Offers a first-hand introduction to the flora and fauna of selected unusual habitats in the form of an interim field trip. Up to 3 credits can be counted toward a biology major.
Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 1650 and BIOLOGY 1750 or consent of instructor
Components: Field Studies
When: Variable semesters
BIOLOGY 4920 1 - 3 credits Independent Research in Biology
Individual specialized study.
Prerequisites: Approval of the biology department chairperson and faculty advisor before registration. Up to 2 credits can be counted toward a Biology major. Junior or senior standing.
Components: Independent Research
When: Variable semesters
BIOLOGY 4970 1 credit Senior Thesis
This course provides students a unique, “capstone” opportunity to conduct research in collaboration with their peers and integrate knowledge from the different areas of biology. With assistance from a faculty coordinator, students from all areas of biology will work together to complete their individual independent research projects. Students will produce a manuscript-quality report and make a formal presentation on their research.
Prerequisites: Biology major with senior standing; BIOLOGY 4920
Components: Independent Research
When: Variable semesters
BIOLOGY 4990 1 credit From Atoms to Ecosystems: The Study of Life
This course is an exciting opportunity for students to integrate knowledge from the different areas of biology and associated disciplines to an interrelated whole, the study of life. In this endeavor, students will be applying their knowledge to current scientific and bioethical issues in biology. Students will also explore and reflect on what it means to be a biologist.
Prerequisites: Biology major with senior standing
Components: Lecture
When: Fall, Spring