2016-2017 Undergraduate General Catalog


300

BIOL 303 Biological Physics

This course will introduce a series of physical principles, based on statistical mechanics, which can be used to examine biological questions, specifically questions involving how cells function. Calculus will be used without apology.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 222 or 202; CHEM 116 or 120

Cross Listed Courses

PHYS 303

BIOL 309 Tropical Ecology of Guatemala, Belize and Spanish Immersion

In Guatemala we will live humbly and simply with host families in a small village. Mornings are spent at a Spanish language school, studying one-on-one with native instructors. Afternoons include excursions to forest reserves and Mayan ruins including Tikal. In Belize, we will stay at a field station on a small island. We study a variety of marine habitats including coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal lagoons. Students will conduct scientific research projects involving data collection. The course will involve some fairly rigorous physical activity as well as some potentially challenging living conditions. Grading: A-F

Credits

4

BIOL 331 Introduction to Immunology

This course is an introduction to the innate and specific aspects of the immune system with emphasis on cell-mediated and humoral mechanisms of immune function. Current methodologies in immunology research will be discussed. Students will become familiar with how the immune system functions within the context of disease, including auto-immune disorders, AIDS, and cancer.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 234

BIOL 332 Cell Signaling

During this course, students will explore the emerging understanding of the complicated, yet effective mechanisms that the cell uses to elicit a response from an extracellular signal. Students will also investigate what happens when these events are disrupted, either by mutation of genes/proteins involved in these processes or environmental molecular analogs of signaling ligands. Students will master the general mechanisms of how cells regulate their activity and how these pathways are being elucidated by critically analyzing current experimental strategies in the primary literature. 

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 234

BIOL 334 Vertebrate Embryology (W)

A study of vertebrate morphogenetic processes. Emphasis is placed on study of a generalized vertebrate structure pattern and examination of some of the morphological specializations built upon this basic plan. Laboratory emphasizes chick development and anatomy of the Ammocoetes larva, the dogfish and the pig. Development - evolution interactions are explored throughout the course. Special lab activities support work in this area.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 121

BIOL 336 Ornithology

This course includes the study of the classification, evolution, distribution, identification, life histories and morphological, ecological, and behavioral adaptations of birds. The laboratory portion is designed to allow students to learn about the internal and external structure of birds and to learn to identify the various families and species of birds. Emphasis is placed on identification of the species of South Dakota and the Great Plains.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 121

BIOL 342W Plant Function and Structure

A study of the role and mechanism of the major processes of vascular plants from a functional and structural approach. The integration of plant growth, reproduction, and physiology are stressed. Agricultural and environmental implications are emphasized.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 121

BIOL 344 General Microbiology

This course will familiarize students with the biology of microorganisms, with a primary focus on prokaryotic microbes and viruses. Topics will include bacterial cell biology, metabolism, and genetics, as well as ecology of microbes and their interactions with humans and the environment. Emphasis will be given to mechanisms of virulence, human resistance to infectious disease and the immune response to microbes. The laboratory portion of the course enforces lecture topics. Activities focus on basic techniques and concepts used in the microbiology laboratory and application of these techniques to student projects. Topics covered in this course take into account curriculum recommendations from the American Society of Microbiology.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 234

BIOL 346W Developmental Biology

Analysis of developmental processes including gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, morphogenetic movements, growth, and developmental regulation. Major emphasis is placed upon the nature and control of cell differentiation. Laboratory work emphasizes experimental studies on living materials.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 234

BIOL 348 Principles of Ecology

Ecology is the study of interrelations between plants, animals and the abiotic environment. This field-oriented course will focus on the major ecosystems of South Dakota including the study of human impacts on these ecosystems. In addition to extensive field trips to area prairies and forests, the course includes a three-day trip to the Black Hills and the Badlands (required). The trip will involve camping and hiking in these spectacular ecosystems of western South Dakota.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 121

BIOL 350W Aquatic Ecology

The ecology of lakes and rivers. We will focus on management issues facing area lakes and streams, together with the underlying biological, chemical, and physical factors that regulate freshwater ecosystems. The course includes extensive field work on lakes and streams, culminating in a weekend trip (required) to the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on Lake Okoboji in NW Iowa. During this trip, students will conduct field projects involving experimental design, data collection, and class presentation of results.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 121

BIOL 352W Terrestrial Plant Ecology

An analysis of the factors that determine plant distribution. Initially this course will focus on the observation and identification of local plants, plant types, and communities. Later we will expand our discussion to major vegetation types in North America. Through field trips, laboratory experiments and lectures this course will stress various aspects of community, population, and physiological ecology. Specific topics will include competition and succession, population demography, and productivity.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 121

BIOL 354W Biological Chemistry

A study of the chemistry of cellular constituents, enzymes and catalysis, metabolism, and the control of metabolic processes with particular emphasis upon the dynamic aspects of cellular metabolism. The laboratory will consist of selected projects such as the purification and characterization of an enzyme. Counts towards the experimental requirement for major only when the laboratory portion is also taken.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 234; CHEM 145 or 201

BIOL 358 Molecular Biology

This course involves a detailed study of the molecular nature of genes, their regulation, expression, and manipulation. Emphasis will be placed on experimental analysis in understanding the genetic systems. In addition, the role of molecular genetics in the area of biotechnology will be considered. The laboratory will emphasize modern molecular methods in recombinant DNA work and related areas.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 234; CHEM 145 or 201

BIOL 360 Evolution

Evolution is the central, unifying theory of the biological sciences. This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the core principles of modern evolutionary biology. Lecture and laboratory activities will together establish the logic that underlies evolutionary theory, and focus on key historical and modern research studies to explain and illustrate these theories while establishing links to other areas in the life sciences. We will examine major events in the history of life on Earth, and the mechanisms of evolutionary change: mutation, natural selection, migration, genetic drift, and stochastic events.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 233

BIOL 364W Pharmacology

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the process that generates the drugs we take, from the laboratory bench to the medicine cabinet. This course will foster an understanding of drug development, methods of drug delivery and metabolism, mechanisms of drug action, and basic cellular physiology in order to identify how drugs elicit their medicinal properties. Students will also get a chance to examine the ethical and social dimensions of modern-day drug development and application.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 234; CHEM 145 or 201

BIOL 366 Advanced Human Physiology

This course is a study of the function, integration, and coordination of the organ systems of the human body. The systems and topics covered include the nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems; as well as muscle, renal physiology, digestion, and reproduction. Emphasis will be given on integrating all systems in disease and diagnosis. The laboratory component includes student designed projects and discussions about current topics in human physiology. This course is intended for junior and senior biology majors.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 234

BIOL 392 Directed Research

Biology majors may be involved in a research project being conducted by the supervising faculty member. Students will meet regularly with the faculty member, read relevant research articles and perform experiments to collect and analyze data.

Credits

1- 4

BIOL 395 Internship

Internships permit students to obtain credit for practical experience in biology and related fields. The level and amount of credit for such experiences will be determined individually in consultation with the department chairperson. Cannot be applied toward the 36 hours required for the major.

Credits

1- 6

BIOL 397 Topics:

Special topics in Biology.

Credits

4

BIOL 399 Independent Study

Intended to provide experience in research or special techniques in biology on an individual basis. This course designation may not be used to replace a 300-level elective.

Credits

1- 5

Prerequisites

Permission of the Instructor