Graduate Biological Sciences (BSCI)

The minimum prerequisite for 50000-69999 level courses is graduate standing. The minimum prerequisite for courses 70000 and higher is doctoral standing. Additional prerequisites may apply and are listed in this catalog.

50020 Biology of Aging (3)
Aging in cells, plants and animals, including humans; maintaining human health during aging; current theories of aging. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 20020 and CHEM 10050 and 10052.

50142/70142 Bioenergetics (3)
Lecture and discussion of respiration and photosynthesis, their origin, development and control in living systems. Concepts are introduced from fundamental principles. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 40430.

50143/70143 Eukaryotic Cell Biology (3)
Current survey of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, including recent advances in research technology. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 40430.

50146/70146 Developmental Mechanisms (3)
Fundamental concepts and paradigms of development as exemplified by major model organisms, with main focus on modern molecular and genetic understanding of developmental mechanisms. 

50150/70150 Molecular Mechanisms of Disease: Cancer (3)
Explores the current understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease processes, including new technologies and modern strategies in the forefront of future biomedical research. Emphasis on a review of primary literature.

50158/70158 Molecular Biology (3)
Molecular genetics, DNA and RNA structure, chromosomes, DNA replication, recombination, genetic transcription and translation, gene expression, current concepts and technologies. Prerequisite: BSCI 30156.

50159/70159 Molecular Biology Laboratory (2)
Experience in research methods for studying cellular and molecular processes in plant and animal systems. Laboratory 6 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 30140; BSCI 40143 or 40158; CHEM 20481 or 30481; CHEM 30475. Special fee: $50 per semester (subject to change).

50160/70160 Marine Biology (3)
Natural history and ecology of marine organisms, with emphasis on life in coastal habitats. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 30560.

50162/70162 Soil Biology (3)
The ecology and physiology of organisms that live in soil, including microbes, plants and animals. The physical and chemical aspects of soil are introduced to understand how organisms in soils impact nutrient cycles and ecosystem development.

50163/70163 Organic Evolution (3)
Discussion of the history of evolutionary theory, the evidence of evolution, the evolutionary forces and the products of those forces. Prerequisite: BSCI 30156 plus 4 hours of biology.

50164/70164 Molecular Systematics and Phylogenetics (4)
Modern methods used in systematics, DNA sequencing, DNA fingerprinting, phylogenetic analysis and interpretation of character evolution. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 40163.

50165/70165 History of Biology (2)
Historical development of biology from antiquity to the present. Lecture 2 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181 and 10182.

50170/70170 Stream Biology (3)
Identification, biology and ecology of stream-inhabiting organisms. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181 and 10182.

50174/70174 Immunology (3)
Survey of the mammalian host responses to self and nonself with emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which innate and acquired immunity result. Experimental design and data analyses are related to current methodologies
used to study immunology. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 30171 and CHEM 10060, 10061 and 10062.

50193/70193 Variable Title Workshop in Biological Sciences (1-6)
Topics to be offered will meet specific needs in the biological sciences. S/U grading. Prerequisite: special approval.

50195/70195 Special Topics in Biology (1-3)
IP permissible. Prerequisite: Special approval of instructor.

50196/70196 Individual Investigation (1-3)
IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

50269/70269 Biology of the Algae (4)
Morphology, ecology and systematics of freshwater and marine algae. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181, 10182, plus 10 hours of biology. Special fee: $28 per semester.

50272/70272 Plant Anatomy (4)
Development and structure of cells, tissues and tissue systems of seed plants. Both vegetative and reproductive structures of angiosperms will be emphasized. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181 and 10182.

50275/70275 Systematic Botany (4)
Biosystematics, angiosperm phylogeny, survey of some major families of dicotyledons. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181 and 10182.

50277/70277 Morphology of Lower Plants (4)
Nonvascular plants, emphasizing structure, reproduction, evolution, fossil history, economic, ecological and medical importance. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181and 10182.

50360/70360 Ichthyology (4)
Basic biology, natural history, behavior and ecology of the fishes. Three hour lecture and three hour lab weekly.

50363/70363 Microbial Ecology (3)
Microbial interactions with their biotic and abiotic environment; control of distribution and physiological activities; emphasis on bacteria in aquatic systems. Prerequisite: BSCI 30171 and 30360.

50364/70364 Limnology (4)
Field and laboratory study of the principles of aquatic ecology. Recitation 1 hour, lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 30360. Special fee: $40 per semester.

50367/70367 Limnological Techniques (2)
Analysis and significance of ecologically important variables and constituents of surface waters. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 4 weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 5/70364.

50368/70368 Wetland Ecology and Management (4)
Lecture, laboratory and field study of the principles of wetland ecology including adaptations of the biota to environmental conditions, comparison among different wetland habitat types and habitat management. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
weekly. Special fee $10 per credit hour (subject to change).

50369/70369 Lake Management (3)
Lecture/discussion related to management of lakes and reservoirs, emphasizing eutrophication problems. Current literature and problem-solving techniques emphasized. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 5/70364.

50372/70372 Populations, Communities and Ecosystems (4)
Integrated investigation of population, community and ecosystem ecology from historical and current perspectives. Community and ecosystem views of nutrient dynamics and biodiversity provide a framework for consideration of food
web patterns, energy flow, and ecosystem stability and function. Prerequisite: BSCI 30360 or 40163.

50374/70374 Conservation Biology (4)
Provides a critical analysis of the factors that threaten biological diversity in the biosphere and the consequences on biological processes and quality of life. Lecture 4 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 30360.

50376/70376 Topical Field Biology and Conservation (5)
Introduction to major issues in tropical ecology and conservation including the threats to the biological diversity of tropical ecosystems resulting from human activities. Students learn how to apply modern field-observation techniques to generate and test

50432/70432 Endocrinology (3)
Principles of endocrine regulation of physiological and metabolic processes. Morphological and functional interrelationships between systems. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 40430.

50433/70433 Mammalian Physiology I (3)
The internal environment, metabolism and energy balance, temperature regulation, nervous system and special senses. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 40430; 9 hours mathematics; 20 hours chemistry.

50434/70434 Mammalian Physiology II (3)
Physiology of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and digestive systems. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 40430; 9 hours mathematics; 20 hours chemistry.

50435/70435 Reproductive Physiology of Mammals (3)
Current concepts of reproductive processes based on studies with laboratory and domestic animals and man. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 40430 and 40432.

50439/70439 Environmental Physiology (4)
Effects of heat, cold, oxygen, carbon dioxide, pressure, radiant energy, salt and water variations, and other environmental factors on organisms. Lecture 4 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181 and 10182; CHEM 10060 and 10061 and 10062.

50444/70444 Mammalian Physiology Lab I (1)
Laboratory experimentation emphasizing physiological principles covered in BSCI 5/70433. Corequisite: BSCI 5/70433. Special fee: $40 per semester.

50445/70445 Mammalian Physiology Lab II (1)
Laboratory experimentation emphasizing physiological principles covered in BSCI 5/70434. Corequisite: BSCI 5/70434. Special fee: $40 per semester.

50515/70515 Animal Behavior (3)
Explores the evolution of various animal behaviors, the functions they might serve, and the interplay among the social, ecological and physiological mechanisms that regulate their occurrence.

50517/70517 Histology (3)
Study of the microscopic and submicroscopic structure of the mammalian body in relation to function. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181 and 10182; and 4 hours of biology.

50525/70525 Wildlife Resources (3)
Ecological parameters are discussed relative to the preservation and management of wild animal populations. Aesthetic, economic and environmental values are discussed. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181 and 10182; and 4 hours of biology.

50556/70556 Vertebrate Zoology (4)
Field approach to identification and natural history of all Ohio vertebrates except birds. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory and field 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181 and 10182; and 4 hours of biology.

60080 Experimental Methods in Biology (2)
The development of hypotheses, principles of experimental design, and methods of gathering and evaluating data. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

60100/70100 Radiation Safety (1)
A rigorous basis for the detection and safe handling of unsealed radioisotopic material in research and the effects of radiation on human health is presented. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

60103/70103 Biological Statistics (3)
Principles of experimental design and statistical analysis, and how to choose and interpret statistical tests using biological data sets.

60144/70144 Selected Readings in Eukaryotic Cell Biology (1)
Directed readings in cell and molecular biology from the primary and review literature will be presented and discussed by the students. Corequisite: BSCI 5/70143.

60191/70191 Seminar in Biology (1)
Departmental seminar required of all graduate students. S/U grading; IP permissible.

60194/70194 College Teaching in Biology (1)
Training and experience in college teaching of biology. Maximum of 2 hours applicable toward degree. Repeat registration permitted. Required in all degree programs. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

60198 Research, Thesis and Dissertation Research (1-15)
Research or individual investigation for master’s-level graduate students. Credits earned may be applied toward degree requirements if department approves. Repeat registration permitted. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval

60199 Thesis I (2-6)
Thesis students must register for a minimum of 6 hours, 2 to 6 hours in a single semester, distributed over several semesters if desired. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

60299 Thesis II (2)
Thesis students must continue registration each semester until all degree requirements are met. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: BSCI 60199

60265/70265 Plant Metabolism (3)
An advanced study of absorption, transpiration, translocation, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen metabolism and other biochemical processes in plant cells. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 30267.

60266/70266 Plant Growth and Development  (3)
An advanced study of the phytohormones, light, temperature, gravity, etc., and their effect on dormancy, germination, tropisms, cellular expansion, flowering and senescence. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 30267.

60291/70291 Seminar in Botany (1)
Seminar on botanical topics. May be repeated for credit. Credits earned may be applied toward degree if department approves. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

60365/80365 Experimental Limnology (3)
Methods and selected literature in experimental aquatic ecology will be reviewed. An experiment will be designed and carried out. Lecture-recitation 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 5/70364.

60367/80367 Dynamics of Aquatic Communities (3)
Interpretation and simulation of the structure and dynamics of algal communities within lakes and streams. Discussion of the structure and dynamic interrelationships of the components of aquatic ecosystems. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
weekly. Prerequisite: BSCI 4/5/70269.

60370/70370 Ecological Genetics (2)
Dynamics of genes in diploid populations and consequent interactions with and effects on components of the ecosystem, with examples. Prerequisite: BSCI 30156, 30360, 40162.

60371/70371 Evolutionary Ecology (2)
An application of the theory of natural selection to the evolution of population and community phenomena. Prerequisite: BSCI 30360.

60391/70391 Seminar in Ecology (1)
Seminar on topics in animal and plant ecology. May be repeated for credit. Credits earned may be applied to degree if department approves. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

60431/70431 Neuroendocrinology (2)
Role of the central nervous system in the regulation of hormonal and vegetative functions; structure function relationships between brain and pituitary with modern views of neuroendocrine regulation. Methods for study of neuroendocrine relationships will be discussed. Prerequisite: BSCI 5/70432.

60438/70438 Comparative Physiology (4)
Comparative physiology of regulatory mechanisms (biochemistry, nervous, hormonal, etc.); such areas as neurophysiology, sensory adaptations, biological rhythms, circulatory systems, movement and locomotion, buoyancy. Prerequisite: BSCI 10181 and 10182; CHEM 10060 and 60061 and 60062 and 60063.

60440/70440 Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology (3)
Analysis of current hypotheses concerning the mechanisms by which hormones control cellular metabolism and gene expression. Prerequisite: BSCI 4/5/70432.

60446 Advanced Human Physiology (3)
Physiological mechanisms of human health and disease with and emphasis on integrative physiology. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: approval of department.

60461/70461 Neurochemistry (2)
Basic biochemistry of the mammalian nervous system, including myelin structure and metabolism, stimulus-secretion coupling, neurotransmitter and eicosanoid metabolism, energy utilization and the biochemistry of nervous disorders. Prerequisite: CHEM 5/70247.

60462/80462 Neurobiology: Systems and Behavior (3)
Provides broad coverage of the parts of the central nervous systems and how they integrate sensory information, drive motor function and regulate behavior.    

60491/70491 Seminar in Physiology (1)
May be repeated for credit. Credits may be applied toward degree if department approves. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

60495/70495 Special Topics in Physiology (2 or 3)
Study of problems of current importance. Content dependent on student requirements and on developments in field. IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

60580/70580 Advanced Entomology (3)
Advanced studies in taxonomy, ecology, biology, physiology, morphology and control of insects. Prerequisite: BSCI 30580.

80150 Biological Instrumentation (2)
Biological instrumentation and techniques. By arrangement. IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

80198 Research (1-15)
Research or individual investigation for doctoral students who have not yet passed candidacy examination. Repeat registration permitted. S/U grading; IP permissible.

80199 Dissertation I (15)
Doctoral dissertation, for which registration in at least two semesters is required, first of which will be semester in which dissertation work is begun and continuing until the completion of 30 hours. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

80240 Advanced Topics in Botany (2)
Lectures and/or laboratories in advanced areas of botany. By arrangement. IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

80241 Advanced Topics in Botany (3)
Lectures and/or laboratories in advanced areas of botany. By arrangement. IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

80299 Dissertation II (1 or 15)
Continuing registration of doctoral students who have completed the initial 30 hours of dissertation and continuing until all degree requirements are met. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: BSCI 80199.

80310 Advanced Topics in Ecology (2)
Lectures and/or laboratories in advanced areas in ecology. IP permissible. By arrangement. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

80311 Advanced Topics in Ecology (3)
Lectures and/or laboratories in advanced areas in ecology. IP permissible. By arrangement. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

80430 Advanced Topics in Physiology (2)
Analysis and solution of problems in contemporary physiology. By arrangement. IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

80431 Advanced Topics in Physiology (3)
Analysis and solution of problems in contemporary physiology. By arrangement. IP permissible. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.