Biology Department Courses


BIOL 101 N – General Biology, 4 credits. E. An examination of the basic concepts of biology and the ways in which biologists ask and answer questions; practical applications of important biological discoveries and their relationships to public issues. Designed for non-majors. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 121 N – Cell Biology, 4 credits, E. This course provides an introduction to cell structure and function. Major topics include the scientific method of study, the biochemistry and organization of the cell, mechanisms by which energy is harvested and used by cells, how cells reproduce, and how information is stored and used within a cell. Offered as a lecture with four hours of laboratory per week. No prerequisites.
BIOL 122 N – Evolution and Diversity, 4 credits. E. An introduction to the major concept of biology-evolutionary theory. The diversity of life on earth, excluding the vertebrates of the animal kingdom, is then explored in light of this concept. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 121 – Cell Biology or permission of the instructor
BIOL 152, CHEM 152 – Vocation and the Health Professions, 1 credit. E. Intended for freshmen and sophomore students interested in various careers in the health professions. This course offers a balance of personal reflection and practical information. The concept of "vocation as calling" will be emphasized and students will be asked to reflect upon their reasons for choosing a particular career path. Practical information will include various career options in the health professions, undergraduate expectations, professional school admissions requirements, and non-traditional career paths.
BIOL 207 – Fundamental Microbiology, 4 credits. E1. This course is primarily designed for students in the nursing and nutrition and dietetics programs, however enrollment is open to any interested student. This course examines basic concepts in microbiology, with emphasis placed on bacteria. Three class periods and four hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 221 – Ecology, 4 credits. E1. Covers the basic principles of energy and nutrient movement through the ecosystems, the forces that structure ecosystems, and the interactions between organisms and the environment and each other. This course emphasizes quantitative skills. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity; co- or prerequisite: CHEM 127 – General Chemistry I
BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology, 4 credits. E2. A study of classical genetics, gene structure, and mechanisms of gene expression. This course is writing intensive. Model systems commonly used in molecular genetic research are used in labs. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology; co- or prerequisite: CHEM 128 – General Chemistry II OR CHEM 138 – Honors General Chemistry II
BIOL 235 – Introduction to Vaccinology Seminar, 1 credit. This course will introduce students to the field of vaccinology and aspects of the bioscience industry related to vaccine discovery, production, and testing. Students will learn about the history of vaccines; the production of vaccines in a regulated environment; and the benefits and concerns associated with vaccine use. Offered fall semesters on a rotating basis at NDSU, MSUM and Concordia. Prerequisites: one year of biology and one year of chemistry
BIOL 250 – Pre-May Seminar, 1 credit. D.
BIOL 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS.
BIOL 303 Z – Biomedical Ethics, 4 credits. E2. Examination of contemporary issues in biomedicine from the perspective of several disciplines, including biology, medicine, ethics, sociology and economics. The course satisfies the integration requirement for graduation, but does not count toward the biology major or minor. Prerequisite: four credits in biology
BIOL 305 – Ecology and Field Biology, 4 credits. S. An examination of the basic principles of ecology with extensive field investigation of numerous types of ecosystems. Offered only in summer sessions. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 306 – Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits. E2. This course, which focuses on the structure and functions of human organ systems and includes examination of human cadavers, is recommended for majors and minors in physical education and for students preparing for allied health professions. It is also open to biology majors and minors who do not take BIOL 411 – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 – General Biology or BIOL 121 – Cell Biology
BIOL 309 – Ornithology, 4 credits. E1. A study of the form and function of birds, their identification, life history and adaptations. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 311 – Entomology, 4 credits. E1. Introduction to insects and their ecology, their interaction with people via medical and veterinarian entomology, as well as forensic entomology, and the role insects have played in human history. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 313 – Plant Taxonomy, 4 credits. A1. Identification, nomenclature, and classification of vascular plants. Six hours of lecture and laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 324 – Invertebrate Zoology, 4 credits. A2. Comparative study of representative phyla of invertebrata, with emphasis placed on morphology, embryology, life cycles and evolutionary relationships. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 336 – Histology, 4 credits. E1. A microscopic study of tissues and organs of vertebrates, with special reference to humans. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Lab includes introduction to basic histotechnique and digital photomicroscopy. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 350 N – Animal Behavior, 4 credits. A2. A study of the physiological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of animal behavior. Labs focus on learning observation skills, terminology, and designing of animal behavior experiments. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology or prior approval of instructor
BIOL 352 – Immunology and Parasitology, 4 credits. E2. An in-depth study of the human immune system and its regulation. The mechanisms and actions of the humoral and cell-mediated immune systems are emphasized. A portion of the course is devoted to representative parasitic protozoa, helminthes and arthropods, with emphasis on host-parasite interactions. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
BIOL 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits. E.
BIOL 400, NEU 400 N – Neurobiology, 4 credits. Upper-level course that expands upon the basic neurobiology skills learned in NEU 109. Topics include neurotransmission, information processing, neurodevelopment, neuroregulation and psychoneuroimmunology. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology OR NEU 109 – Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 402 – Embryology, 4 credits. E2. Principles of animal development with an emphasis on the developmental anatomy of vertebrates. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 405 – General Ecology, 4 credits. E1. Discussion of the basic principles concerning the relationships between organisms and their environments. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 406 – Advanced Cell Biology, 4 credits. E1. The scientific study of the genetic mechanisms and internal organization of the cell, with an emphasis on cells in their social context and contemporary methods for investigating cells. Offered as a lecture/lab combo with two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology, BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology, CHEM 127 – General Chemistry I; co- or prerequisite: CHEM 128 OR CHEM 138 – General Chemistry II/Honors General Chemistry
BIOL 407 – Microbiology, 4 credits. E1. This course examines principles and techniques of microbiology, with emphasis placed on bacteria. The role of microorganisms in relation to humans is stressed. Three class periods and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 409 – Limnology, 4 credits. A1. The scientific study of physical, chemical and biological conditions in freshwater ecosystems. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 411 – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 credits E1. Together with BIOL 412, this course focuses on structures and functions of vertebrate organ systems, with primary emphasis on mammals. Included is study of skeletal, muscle, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, renal, digestive and reproductive systems, with emphasis on normal homeostatic mechanisms and pathophysiology. Laboratory study includes dissection of the human body, small animal surgery and selected physiological studies. Three lecture sessions and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology. Recommended: CHEM 341 – Organic Chemistry I
BIOL 412 N – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 credits E2. A continuation of BIOL 411. Three lecture sessions and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology, BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology, BIOL 411 – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 416 N – Advanced Topics in Genetics, 4 credits. A2. This course is intended to follow an introductory course in genetics. It is not a comprehensive course but will cover a variety of topics in depth, typically including cancer genetics, developmental genetics, genetics of complex traits, extranuclear inheritance, quantitative genetics and evolutionary genetics. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology, BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology and CHEM 128 – General Chemistry II OR CHEM 138 – Honors General Chemistry II
BIOL 435 – Advanced Vaccinology Seminar. 1 credit. This course will cover the various types of vaccines in production as well as the delivery methods, efficacy testing, and safety of vaccines. Students will learn about the mechanism of action for various vaccines; traditional verses modern vaccine production methods, the process of clinical trials and approval for new vaccines; and discuss ethical concerns related to vaccinology. Offered spring semesters on a rotating basis at NDSU, MSUM and Concordia. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and BIOL 235 – Introduction to Vaccinology Seminar
BIOL 480 – Independent Study, 2 to 4 credits. E. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
BIOL 490 – Directed Research, 2 to 4 credits. E. Individualized supervision of advanced research in a specific area of biology. Majors and minors may register by permission.
BIOL 497 – Research Seminar, 4 credits. E1. A directed-research course taught in the style of a graduate school seminar. Students propose, plan and conduct original research, read primary literature, evaluate data and prepare results for presentation. Research integrates multiple science disciplines and encourages development of independent and collaborative research skills. Additional techniques and related topics are discussed. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 – Ecology, BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology and CHEM 128 – General Chemistry II, and permission of instructor.