Biology
BIOL 100X (4 Credits) Spring
Human Biology (3+3) n
Introduction to scientific methodology and biological principles with a focus on humans as biological organisms. Topics include organization of the human body, human genetics, human development, and the relationship between our bodies and health. Includes lecture, discussion, lab and projects. Offered through distance education each spring. Offered at the Northwest campus as demand warrants. Note: Intended for non-science majors, and those seeking preliminary instruction before beginning study in health-related areas.
BIOL 102 (3 Credits) Summer, As Demand Warrants
High Latitude Biology (3+0) n
Major themes in modern biological sciences, using experiences and examples in Alaska and circumpolar regions. Exploration of one of six themes in sufficient detail to become aware of the knowledge frontier dividing the known from the undiscovered. Research term paper required.
BIOL 103X (4 Credits) Fall, Spring
Biology and Society (3+3) n
Fundamental principles of biology; emphasis on their application to humans in the modern world. Lectures, laboratory demonstrations, experiments, and discussions of contemporary biological topics. For non-science majors; cannot be used as a biology elective by biological science majors. Laboratory fee: $50.00. (Offered every Fall at the Northwest Campus.)
BIOL 104 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
BIOL 104X (4 Credits) Fall, Spring
Natural History of Alaska (3+0 or 3+3) n
The physical environment peculiar to the North and important in determining the biological setting; major ecosystem concepts to develop an appreciation for land use and wildlife management problems in both terrestrial and aquatic situations. May not be used as biology elective credit for a major in biological science. BIOL 104X (4 credits) fulfills the Natural Science Core requirement. BIOL 104 (3 credits) is also available via Independent Learning. BIOL 104X laboratory fee: $50.00.
BIOL 105X (4 Credits) Fall
BIOL 106X (4 Credits) Spring
Fundamentals of Biology I and II (3+3) n
Principles of biology for the science major. First semester: ecology, genetics, evolution, plant structure and function. Second semester: chemistry of life, introduction to cell structure and function, molecular biology, animal structure and function. Laboratory fee: $50.00. Students for whom this course is required for their major will be given preference when space is limited. (Prerequisites: High school algebra or equivalent and placement in ENGL 111X. Recommended: High school biology and chemistry, or permission of instructor. Note: BIOL 105X for BIOL 106X.)
BIOL 111X (4 Credits) Fall
BIOL 112X (4 Credits) Spring
Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (3+3) n
Integrated view of human structure and function for students in pre-professional allied health programs, biology, physical education, psychology and art. BIOL 111X covers cells, tissues and organs, skeletal and muscle systems, the nervous system, and integument. BIOL 112X examines circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. (Prerequisites: BIOL 111X for BIOL 112X. Recommended: High school biology, high school algebra, CHEM 105X-106X or CHEM 103X-104X, ENGL 111X.)
BIOL 126 (2 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Biology of Northern Birds (1+3) n
Introduction to modern biology (taxonomy, ecology, evolutionary theory, behavior, etc.) for non-majors, using familiar vertebrates in the context of their adaptations to northern environments. Laboratories stress comparative studies, measurements, and how observations are recorded and shared among scientists. (Prerequisites: High school algebra and one year of high school science or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 135 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
The Third Kingdom: Mushrooms and other Fungi (3+0) n
Introduction to fungi of the world with an emphasis on Alaska Arctic, Subarctic and Subantarctic environs. Designed to encourage more in-depth study, but is designed primarily for traditionally non-science orientations. Form, function, symbiosis, taxa, social, industrial and technological applications are emphasized.
BIOL 150 (3 Credits) Independent Learning Only
Introduction to Marine Biology
Survey of marine organisms, evolution of marine life, habitats and communities of ocean zones, productivity, and marine resources. For non-science majors; may not be used as biology elective credit for a major in biological science.
BIOL 179 (2 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Ornithology Field Research (0+6) n
Field practicum (apprenticeship) in research techniques on the biology of birds, and natural history interpretations, for non-majors. (Prerequisites: BIOL 126 [may be taken concurrently] or permission instructor.)
BIOL 181 (2 Credits) Fall
Principles and Principals of Evolutionary Theory (2+0)
An introduction, by tracing its historical development, to the theory of organic evolution. Readings on Cuvier, Lamarck, Darwin, Crick and others. Research paper required. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.)
BIOL 233 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Biology of the Non-Vascular Plants (2+3)
Structure, function, comparative development, taxonomy, phylogeny and life histories of non-vascular cryptogams (blue greens, algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, liverworts and horn worts). (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X/106X. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 239 (4 Credits) Fall
Introduction to Plant Biology (3+3) n
Plant biology including plant form and function (morphology, physiology and development), ecology (including interactions with herbivores, pollinators and microbes), conservation, evolution, and economic botany. Emphasis on vascular plants (particularly angiosperms) but includes comparisons with nonvascular plants. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X.)
BIOL 240 (4 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Beginnings in Microbiology (3+3)
Fundamentals of microbiology. Survey of the microbial world, interactions between microbes and host, microbial human diseases, the environmental and economic impact of microorganisms. Provides background in basic and applied microbiology with emphasis on the role microorganisms play in human health and life. (Prerequisites: High school graduate or GED. Note: May not be used as a biology elective for a major in biological sciences.)
BIOL 271 (4 Credits) Fall
Principles of Ecology (3+3) n
Basic principles in physiological, ecosystem, population and community ecology. Environmental factors and their influence on plants and animals. Structure, growth, and regulation of populations. The ecosystem concept, biogeochemical cycles, and the structure and function of major terrestrial biomes. Laboratory fee: $50.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X.)
BIOL 277 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Introduction to Conservation Biology (3+0)
(Cross-listed with NRM 277)
Introduction to the basic ecological, genetic, management, legal, and historical developments in conservation biology and focused efforts to manage biological diversity resources, with a status review of important habitats and endangered species. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
BIOL 300W (3 Credits) Fall
Research Ethics (3+0)
(Cross-listed with CHEM 300W)
Introduction to the ethical values seen in scientific research and medicine. Presents important theories of values and ethics. Examines dilemmas of doctors, scientists and research administrators. Topics include: authorship, data alteration, animal and human experimentation, and whistle blowers. (Prerequisite: Junior standing.)
BIOL 303 (4 Credits) Fall
Principles of Metabolism and Biochemistry (3+3)
Introduction to metabolism at the molecular level. Topics include structure and function of proteins, allostery and feedback, biological regulation and the major pathways of carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Presented in an evolutionary and ecological context. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, CHEM 105X, 106X.)
BIOL 305 (5 Credits) Alternate Fall
Invertebrate Zoology (3+6) n
Classification, structure, function, evolution, and life histories of invertebrate animals. Laboratory fee: $125.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, and 271. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 310 (4 Credits) Fall
Animal Physiology (3+3) n
Animal function, including respiration, digestion, circulation, nerve and muscle function, hormones, and reproduction. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, CHEM 105X, 106X.)
BIOL 317 (4 Credits) Spring
Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (2+6) n
Anatomy, phylogeny and evolution of the vertebrates. Laboratory fee: $50.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X.)
BIOL 328O (3 Credits) Spring
Biology of Marine Organisms (3+0) n
Marine organisms: ocean as a habitat, distribution, classification, functional morphology, and general biology of the major biological groups; man ad the oceans. (Prerequisite: Upper division standing in a biologically oriented major.)
BIOL 331 (4 Credits) Spring
Systematic Botany (2+6) n
Classification of flowering plants with emphasis on Alaskan flora; taxonomic principles, classical and experimental methods of research. Preregistration is required to insure that each student will prepare a plant collection. (Prerequisite: BIOL 239 or permission of instructor. BIOL 362 recommended.)
BIOL 334W (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Structure and Function in Vascular Plants (3+3) n
Morphology, anatomy and physiology of vascular plants, stressing the interrelationships between development, anatomy, growth, water relations, photosynthesis, transport and metabolism. (Prerequisite: BIOL 239. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 342 (4 Credits) Spring
Microbiology (3+3) n
Morphology and physiology of microorganisms. The role of these organisms in the environment and their relationship to humans. Concepts of immunology. Laboratory stresses aseptic techniques for handling microorganisms. Laboratory fee: $50.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, CHEM 105X.)
BIOL 362 (4 Credits) Spring
Principles of Genetics (3+3) n
Principles of inheritance; physicochemical properties of genetic systems. Laboratory fee: $50.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X.)
BIOL 380W,O (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Marine Fishes of Alaska (2+3)
(Cross-listed with FISH 380W,O)
Taxonomy, recognition, distribution, life history and ecological relationships of marine fishes of Alaska will be studied. Life history traits that make species susceptible to commercial exploitation, changes in climate, ocean circulation or pollution will be emphasized. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X and 106X. Next offered: 2002 - 03.)
BIOL 384 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Freshwater Fishes of Alaska (2+3)
(Cross-listed with FISH 384)
Life histories of Alaskan freshwater fish emphasizing species sought by fishermen. Reproduction, age, growth, migration, food, interrelationships and habitat requirements. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X and 106X or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
BIOL 406 (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Entomology (3+3) n
Biology of insects and related arthropods, with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution. Lab emphasizes identification. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, 271. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
BIOL 407 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Aquatic Entomology (2+3)
Ecology, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology and evolution of aquatic insects. Laboratories emphasize identification and field/laboratory techniques. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X and 271, or permission of instructor; BIOL 473 recommended. Next offered: 2002-03.)
BIOL 417 (3 credits) Alternate Spring
Neurobiology (3+0) n
(Stacked with BIOL 617)
Organization and function of the vertebrate nervous system from the subcellular to the organismal levels. Neural bases of sensations, of specific behaviors, and of homeostasis. Applications of basic neurobiological research to pathological conditions. Examples taken mostly from the recent vertebrate literature. (Prerequisite: BIOL 310 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
BIOL 418W (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Developmental Biology (3+3) n
(Cross-listed with CHEM 418W)
Morphological and molecular aspects of the development of multicellular organisms, with emphasis on the regulation of morphogenesis. Laboratory involves team-based research focusing on fundamental aspects of vertebrate embryo development. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, 310 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
BIOL 422 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Physiological Ecology of Overwintering (2+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 623)
Investigation of the physiological and behavioral responses of animals and plants to winter in northern environments. Analysis of the biologically relevant environmental changes that accompany winter, and comparison of alternative strategies that organisms use to cope with winter including: photoperiodism, acclimatization, arctic endurance, migration, hibernation, supercooling and freeze tolerance. Includes principles of thermoregulation, conductance and fattening. Includes field studies of overwintering of insects and amphibians. (Prerequisites: BIOL 310 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2002-03.)
BIOL 425 (3 Credits) Fall
Mammalogy (2+3) n
Variety of mammals, their behavior, life histories, identification, phylogeny and systematics, morphology, distribution, and zoogeography. (Prerequisites: BIOL 317 or permission of instructor and junior standing or above.)
BIOL 426W,O/2 (3 Credits) Spring
Ornithology (2+3) n
Evolution, anatomy, physiology, distribution, migration, breeding biology of birds, their classification and identification. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X-106X or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 427W,O (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Ichthyology (3+3) n
(Cross-listed with FISH 427W,O)
Major groups of fishes, emphasizing fishes of northwestern North America. Classification structure, evolution, general biology, and importance to man. (Prerequisites: BIOL 317 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
BIOL 441W,O/2 (3 Credits) Fall
Animal Behavior (2+3) n
Genetic and physiological bases of behavior, evolutionary and ecological principles of individual and social behavior, sociobiology, and techniques of behavioral observation and analysis. (Prerequisites: BIOL 310, 271; or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 442W,O/2 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Advanced Microbiology (2+6) n
(Stacked with BIOL 642)
Diversity of microorganisms. Morphology, physiology and systematics of microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Emphasis on organisms of environmental or medical interest. Laboratory fee: $50.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 342, CHEM 321 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2002-03.)
BIOL 443 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Microbial Ecology (3+0) n
Interactions of microorganisms with their environment, emphasizing microbial responses to the environment, microbial processes such as nutrient cycling and pollutant biodegradation, and microbial interactions with each other, with plants, and with animals. (Prerequisite: BIOL 342 or BIOL 271 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 444 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Reproductive Biology (3+0)
Comparative physiology, endocrinology, behavior and ecology of reproduction in mammals and birds. Hormonal control of reproductive function and behavior; seasonal rhythms, energetics, and life histories of reproduction. Although primarily comparative, aspects of human reproductive function and health covered. (Prerequisite: BIOL 111X, 112X, or 310. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 445 (4 Credits) Spring
Molecular Evolution (3+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 645 and CHEM 645 and cross-listed with CHEM 445)
Structure, function and evolution of hereditary molecules (nucleic acids). Laboratory fee: $100.00. (Prerequisite: BIOL 362.)
BIOL 450W,O (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Women and Science (3+0)
The historical contributions and participation of women in science with an emphasis on the biological sciences. Discussion of the factors affecting female participation in the sciences and how participation of women in science affects the manner in which science is done. (Prerequisite: Junior standing in the natural sciences or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
BIOL 453O/2 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Molecular Biology (3+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 653 and CHEM 653 and cross-listed with CHEM 453O/2)
Provides in-depth coverage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene function, including the applications of recombinant DNA technology to the biological sciences. (Prerequisite: BIOL 362 or CHEM 321 or BIOL 303, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 458 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Vertebrate Endocrinology (3+0) n
(Cross-listed with WLF 458)
Introduction to the mechanisms of action and the roles of the main hormonal systems that operate in vertebrates. Hormone effects at the organ, tissue, and (sub)cellular levels. Hormonal control of homeostatis and of specific behaviors. Examples to be taken mostly from recent comparative studies. (Prerequisite: BIOL 310 or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 461 (4 Credits) Spring
Cell Biology (3+3) n
(Stacked with BIOL 661 and CHEM 661 and cross-listed with CHEM 461)
Principles of structure and function of eucaryotic cells. Molecular and cellular aspects of internal organization of cells and their integration in a multicellular community including cytoskeleton, energetics, vesicular traffic, signaling, cell division cycle, DNA replication and transcription, protein translation, adhesion, cancer and cell death. Laboratory involves team-based research to address fundamental aspects of cell biology. (Prerequisites: BIOL 362 or concurrent enrollment, CHEM 321 or concurrent enrollment, or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 465 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Immunology (3+0)
Adaptive immune response including its components and activation from cells to molecules, clonal selection, antigen recognition, and discrimination between foreign and self. Concepts applied on the level of intact organisms addressing allergies, autoimmunity, transplantation, tumors and disease (AIDS). (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X; 106X and 310, or BIOL 111X and 112X; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2002-03.)
BIOL 467 (3 Credits) Alternate Summer, As Demand Warrants
Ecosystems of Alaska (2+3) n
Focus on the application of ecological principles to field research. Emphasis on the integration of ecology with climatology, geology and hydrology to understand the functioning of ecosystems at local and regional scales. One week of intensive lecture and library research followed by 10 days of field research in the major ecosystems of Alaska. (Prerequisites: An undergraduate course in ecology, geology, hydrology or climatology and permission of instructor.)
BIOL 471 (3 Credits) Spring
Population Ecology (2+3) n
Biology of populations of plants and animals, including population structure, natality, mortality, population growth, regulation of population size, population interactions in competition, herbivory, predation, and parasitism. (Prerequisite: a calculus course, BIOL 271 for biology majors; WLF 201 for wildlife majors; either course for others.)
BIOL 472 (3 Credits) Fall
Community Ecology (3+0) n
Structure of plant and animal communities and their organization. Structuring forces of competition, predation, herbivory, mutualisms, and the flow of energy and nutrients. Latitudinal gradients in species richness and biogeography. (Prerequisite: BIOL 271.)
BIOL 473W (4 Credits) Fall
Limnology (2+3+2)
The ecology of inland waters emphasizing lakes and rivers. Lecture provides graphically-oriented view of concepts. Workshops provide role-playing exercises for integrating social, economic and ecological aspects of managing freshwater systems. Laboratory involves team-based original research from proposal to manuscript. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, 271, CHEM 105X, 106X.)
BIOL 474 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Plant Ecology (3+3) n
Principles and contemporary topics in plant ecology. Autecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology and evolutionary ecology. (Prerequisites: BIOL 239, BIOL 271, STAT 200. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 475 (2 Credits) Alternate Fall
Vegetation Description and Analysis (1+3)
Methods of vegetation science including sampling, classification, gradient analysis, ordination, field description, and mapping. Field trips to the plant communities of interior Alaska. (Prerequisites: BIOL 474 or other general ecology course, permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 476 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Ecosystem Ecology (3+0) n
Focus on the biological and physical principles that govern the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Emphasis on how plants, animals and microorganisms control the movement of water, carbon and nutrients through ecosystems. Discussion of how changes in these processes have altered global cycles of carbon, water and nutrients and the sustainability of the world's ecosystems. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271 or 239 or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 480 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Water Pollution Biology (3+0)
(Stacked with BIOL 685)
Water quality standards: criteria and use classifications. Effects of man-caused environmental stresses on the composition and dynamics of aquatic communities. Changes in transfers of matter and energy. Biological indices including diversity. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271 and 473 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 481 (4 Credits) Spring
Principles of Evolution (3+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 681)
Patterns and processes of evolutionary change are used to explore the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Basic models of population genetics, quantitative genetics, development, phylogenetics and systematics are used to build a conceptual framework for study of living systems. Laboratory fee: $50.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271, BIOL 362, STAT 200, junior standing or permission of instructor. STAT 200 may be taken concurrently.)
BIOL 483 (3 Credits) Spring
Stream Ecology (3+0)
The ecology of streams and rivers focusing on the physical, chemical and biological processes. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X and 271. Recommended: CHEM 105X and 106X.)
BIOL 485 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Global Change Biology (3+0) n
(Cross-listed with WLF 485)
Contemporary science and policy concerns of global change that involve biological processes. Includes structural and functional responses and sensitivities of biological processes to environmental changes (such as climate and human uses of land and biological resources); implications of biological responses to global change for conservation and management of biological resources; and the social and economic consequences of biological responses to global change. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271, CHEM 105X and CHEM 106X. Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 602 (3 Credits) Fall
Research Design (3+0)
(Cross-listed with WLF 602)
An introduction to the philosophy, performance and evaluation of hypothetical/deductive research in the natural sciences, with emphasis on hypothesis formulation and testing. Each student will develop a research proposal.
BIOL 611J (3 Credits) Juneau, As Demand Warrants
Fish Physiology (3+0)
Physiology of the living fishes. (Prerequisites: BIOL 310 [Juneau BIOL 310], BIOL 427.)
BIOL 614 (2 Credits) Alternate Spring
Grazing Ecology (2+0)
(Cross-listed with WLF 614)
The dynamics of herbivory, emphasizing the grazing process, and including mechanisms of feeding, feeding behavior, habitat and plant selection, physiological influences on feeding, plant and community level responses, plant defenses against herbivory and management of grazing systems. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or approval of instructor.)
BIOL 615 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Systematic and Comparative Biology (3+0)
Concepts of systematic biology which are basic to a rigorous and complete understanding of modern evolutionary theory. Systematics provides the historical framework that is critical to a variety of comparative analyses in biology. Recent innovations in phylogenetic analyses will be explored. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing in biology or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 617 (3 credits) Alternate Spring
Neurobiology (3+0)
(Stacked with BIOL 417)
Organization and function of the vertebrate nervous system from the subcellular to the organismal levels. Neural bases of sensations, of specific behaviors, and of homeostasis. Applications of basic neurobiological research to pathological conditions. Examples taken mostly from the recent vertebrate literature. (Prerequisite: BIOL 310 and graduate standing; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2003 - 04.)
BIOL 618 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Biogeography (3+0)
Spatial and temporal geography of plant and animal groups; emphasis on environmental and historical features controlling present patterns of distribution. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 620 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Techniques in Physiology and Nutrient Analysis (2+3)
(Cross-listed with WLF 620)
Techniques for analysis of energy, protein, lipid and carbohydrates in animal and plant tissues. Application of body condition and tracer methods to large and small animals. Students collect samples, perform analyses, calculate results and present a poster on their investigations. Laboratory fee: $50.00. (Prerequisites: WLF 460 or BIOL 303, graduate standing or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 622 (2 Credits) Alternate Spring
Readings in Conservation Biology (2+0)
(Cross-listed with WLF 622)
Critical reading and discussion of historical and contemporary literature concerning extinction patterns, population viability, and the preservation, design, and management of habitats for small populations. Stresses integration of principles into strategies for biological conservation. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; BIOL 471 or WLF 410; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2002-03.)
BIOL 623 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Physiological Ecology of Overwintering (2+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 422)
Investigation of the physiological and behavioral responses of animals and plants to winter in northern environments. Analysis of the biologically relevant environmental changes that accompany winter, and comparison of alternative strategies that organisms use to cope with winter including: photoperiodism, acclimatization, arctic endurance, migration, hibernation, supercooling and freeze tolerance. Includes principles of thermoregulation, conductance and fattening. Includes field studies of overwintering of insects and amphibians. (Prerequisites: BIOL 310 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2002-03.)
BIOL 627 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Chemical Ecology (3+0)
Current theory and experimentation in chemical ecology, with emphasis on chemical defenses of plants and animals. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 629 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Advanced Animal Behavior (3+0)
Adaptive nature of behavior in relation to the physical, biological, and social environment. Current problems and controversies in the study of behavior. (Prerequisites: BIOL 441 and graduate standing; or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 636 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Life History Evolution (2+0+3)
(Cross-listed with WLF 636)
Examination of theory and literature pertaining to life history evolution, including demography, basic quantitative genetics. Importance of trade-offs and population processes is discussed. Exposure to methods of estimation of life history parameters. All students will present a formal seminar. (Next offered: 2003-04.)
BIOL 642 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Advanced Microbiology (2+6)
(Stacked with BIOL 442W,O/2)
Diversity of microorganisms. Morphology, physiology, and systematics of microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Emphasis on organisms of environmental or medical interest. Laboratory fee: $50.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 342, CHEM 321 and graduate standing; or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 645 (4 Credits) Spring
Molecular Evolution (3+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 445 and CHEM 445 and cross-listed with CHEM 645)
Structure, function and evolution of hereditary molecules (nucleic acids). Laboratory fee: $100.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 362 and graduate standing; or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 650 (3 Credits) Fairbanks: Alternate Fall
Fish Ecology (2+3) Juneau: As Demand Warrants
(Cross-listed with FISH 650)
The ecology of fish is examined from the community aspect. Current literature on inter- and intraspecific relationships, influence of the environment on community structure, behavior and production is emphasized. (Prerequisites: BIOL 473 [Juneau BIOL 423] and FISH 400.)
BIOL 653 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Molecular Biology (3+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 453O/2 and CHEM 453O/2 and cross-listed with CHEM 653)
Provides in-depth coverage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene function, including the applications of recombinant DNA technology to the biological sciences. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; BIOL 303 or BIOL 362 or CHEM 321; or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 655 (2 Credits) Fall
Principles of Humane Animal Care and Use (2+0)
(Cross-listed with WLF 655)
Humane care and use of animals in laboratory or field research settings. Promotes a sensitivity and concern for the needs of the research animal to ensure that optimal care is provided. Topics include ethics, legislation, role of the IACUC, animal handling, animal research hazards, wildlife capture and marking techniques, anesthesia, and principles of aseptic surgery. Fulfills the formal training required by the Animal Welfare Regulations and Public Health Services Policy for individuals working with live vertebrates in a research or teaching environment. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 661 (4 Credits) Spring
Cell Biology (3+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 461 and CHEM 461 and cross-listed with CHEM 661)
Principles of structure and function of eucaryotic cells. Molecular and cellular aspects of internal organization of cells and their integration in a multicellular community including cytoskeleton, energetics, vesicular traffic, signaling, cell division cycle, DNA replication and transcription, protein translation, adhesion, cancer and cell death. Laboratory involves team-based research to address fundamental aspects of cell biology. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; BIOL 362 or concurrent enrollment; CHEM 321 or concurrent enrollment; or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 671 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Modeling Biological Systems (2+3)
Modeling biological systems on the principles and techniques of modeling the dynamics of biological systems. Addresses modeling issues in biological research projects. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; BIOL 271 or WLF 201; MATH 200X and STAT 200; or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 672 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Ecosystem Processes (2+0+2)
A comparative approach to the structural and functional components of terrestrial ecosystems, emphasizing primary and secondary production and the dynamics of nutrient cycling processes. Interactions between producers, consumers, and decomposition processes and effects on the efficiencies of nutrient and energy transfers. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 675 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Plant Physiological Ecology (2+3)
Physiological ecology of dormancy, germination, growth, photosynthesis, water relations and nutrition with an emphasis on northern and other stressful environments; relationship to community and ecosystem processes. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; BIOL 239, 334 and 474; or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 677 (3 Credits) Spring
Advanced Topics in Plant Ecology and Systematics (3+0)
One of four topics is covered each year: 1) Current issues and concepts in plant population and community ecology. 2) Reproductive ecology -- pollination, seed dispersal, breeding systems, and coevolution. 3) Plant families of the world. 4) Plant-animal interactions -- evolution and ecology. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing and BIOL 474; or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.)
BIOL 678 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Tropical Ecology Field Course (0+3+Arranged)
Intensive field study of the ecology of selected tropical habitats, with emphasis on ecological field methods, plant-animal interactions and ecological problems and processes unique to the tropics. Course consists of two week intensive field work between the fall and spring semesters, followed by weekly lecture/labs during the spring semester. Preregistration in the preceding fall semester is required. (Field trip cost borne by student.) (Prerequisites: BIOL 271, 239 and 331; graduate student standing or senior with permission of instructor.)
BIOL 680 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Data Analysis in Biology (2+3)
(Cross-listed with STAT 680 and WLF 680)
Biological applications of nonparametric statistics, including tests based on binomial and Poisson distributions, analysis of two-way and multiway contingency tables, and tests based on ranks; multivariate statistics, including principal component analysis, ordination techniques, cluster analysis, and discriminate analysis; and time-series analyses. Introduction to the use of the computer and use of statistical packages. Each student will analyze a data set appropriate to the student's research interests. (Prerequisites: STAT 200, 401 and either graduate standing in a biologically oriented field or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 681 (4 Credits) Spring
Principles of Evolution (3+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 481)
Patterns and processes of evolutionary change are used to explore the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Basic models of population genetics, quantitative genetics, development, phylogenetics and systematics are used to build a conceptual framework for study of living systems. Laboratory fee: $50. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing with courses in genetics, ecology and statistics; or permission of instructor.)
BIOL 682 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Physical-Chemical Limnology (3+0)
(Cross-listed with MSL 680)
A comprehensive course in physical and chemical limnology covering the basic processes and cycles in freshwater systems, including a consideration of arctic and subarctic lakes. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; MATH 200X or 272X; or permission of instructor. Recommended: Course in quantitative analysis.)
BIOL 683 (3 Credits) Alternate Years
Biological Aspects of Global Change in High Latitudes (3+0)
Focus on how regional and global environmental change impacts biological systems in high latitudes and how biological systems influence the regional and global functioning of the earth system. Presents and understanding of the consequences of biological complexity in high latitudes for functioning of the earth system and the consequences of these interactions for the management of biological resources. (Prerequisites: BIOL 271; Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: Spring 2002.)
BIOL 685 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Water Pollution Biology (3+0)
(Stacked with BIOL 480)
Water quality standards: criteria and use classifications. Effects of man-caused environmental stresses on the composition and dynamics of aquatic communities. Changes in transfers of matter and energy. Biological indices including diversity. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing; BIOL 271 and 473; or permission of instructor.)