Apply Today

SFA Home / Bulletin / College of Sciences and Mathematics

Department of Biology

Dennis A. Gravatt, Chair

Science 101
(936) 468-3601
Fax: (936) 468-2056
www.sfasu.edu/biology

Faculty

Professors
D. Brent Burt, William W. Gibson, James Van Kley, Robert Wiggers

Associate Professors
Dennis A. Gravatt, Robert S. Stewart, Josephine Taylor, Stephen C. Wagner

Assistant Professors
Michael L. Collyer, Matthew Kwiatkowski, J. Kevin Langford, Neal F. McCord, Donald B. Pratt

Lecturer
Nancy Mathis

Program Coordinator
Dennis A. Gravatt

Lab Coordinators
Cortney R. Charba, Ronald Havner, Gene Sullivan

Areas of Study & Degrees
B.S. Biology

Objectives

The Department of Biology has a three-fold purpose: (1) to give students familiarity with the methods of science and the facts of biology needed by an educated person in the modern world; (2) to provide opportunity for a broad foundation in biology for future professional work or study; and (3) to give basic training in several specialized fields to students who need training in biology in connection with major work in other departments.

Student Organizations

Biology Club
Botany Interest Group
Tri-Beta
Pre-Dental Club
Pre-Professional Club

Definition of the Major

Students wishing to choose a major in biology should consult the chair of the department early in their university career. Since the department includes a number of biological fields in zoology and botany, no single curriculum can be listed for all majors. All students majoring in biology are required to take 31-34 hours from a “core” curriculum that includes BIO 130, 131, 133, 341, 370, 470 as well as four courses (one each) from the following disciplines: Botany, Field Biology, Physiology and Zoology. See below for a detailed explanation under the heading “Biology Major Requirements.” Each student is strongly encouraged to work closely with a departmental adviser to design the program best suited to the interests and goals of the student.

Biology courses may be selected so as to emphasize one of several fields: anatomy and physiology, aquatic biology, botany, general biology, genetics, invertebrate zoology, microbiology, wildlife science or zoology. An emphasis must be selected by all biology majors. The list of “Recommended Courses” within each emphasis is not “etched in stone.” Other courses may be substituted with the approval of one’s adviser. Concentrations in various pre-professional programs also are available. These emphases are described in more detail in the bulletin under the heading of “Pre-Professional Programs.”

A minimum of 40 semester hours of biology, including the core curriculum, (with 15 hours in advanced courses) is required for a B.S. degree with a major in biology. A biology major also must satisfy all the requirements for the B.S. degree for the College of Sciences and Mathematics outlined earlier in the bulletin.

Students who major in biology must complete the following requirements: ENG 273; six semester hours from MTH 133, 138, 139, 220, 233, 234; eight semester hours from CHE 133, 134; six to eight semester hours from CHE 231, 331, 332, GOL 131, 132, PHY 131, 132. Biology majors contemplating graduate work are advised to complete MTH 233, CHE 331 and 332 and PHY 131 and 132.

Each student also is required to complete a minor of 18 to 24 semester hours in a single discipline. At least six hours in the minor must be in advanced level courses at SFA. Biology majors may choose a -sciences minor consisting of CHE 133, 134; eight hours from GOL 131, 132 or PHY 131, 132; plus six advanced hours from CHE, GOL, or PHY. Biology majors contemplating graduate work are advised to elect a minor in a selected science or in mathematics.

Definition of the Minor

A biology minor may be earned by taking 18-24 hours of biology, with a maximum of eight hours of Principles of Biology (100 level) and a minimum of six hours in advanced residence courses. The following courses may not be used to complete a minor: BIO 121, BIO 123, BIO 210 and BIO 301. A maximum of three hours of BIO “300” may be applied toward the minor.

Certification for High School Life Sciences Teaching

Requirements for certification are listed in the Educator Certification section of this bulletin. A summary of the biology course requirements for certification is listed below under the emphasis “Educator Certification.”

Biology Major Requirements: B.S. Degree

Core Requirements (31-34 hours)*:

130(three), 131(four), 133(four), 341(four), 370(three), 470(one)
Botany, three to four hours from 225, 251, 401, 404, 424, 435
Field Biology, three to four hours from: 312, 313, 433, 435, 436, 437, 438, 450,
Physiology, three to four hours from: 327, 404, 406
Zoology, three to four hours from: 241, 327, 343, 406, 430, 433, 436, 437, 438, 439, 445, 449, 450

*A particular biology course can be used to fill only one of the core requirements. However core courses also may be applied to an emphasis. Consult your adviser for assistance in selecting courses pertinent to your emphasis.

Emphases*

Students are encouraged to select one of the emphases listed below. Consult your adviser for assistance in selecting courses pertinent to your emphasis. Remember, a minimum of 40 semester hours (of biology courses) is required to major in biology.

Emphasis Recommended Courses
Anatomy-Physiology 241,327or406,309,402,410, 431,445, 449
Aquatic Biology 303, 343 ,430,438,450
Botany 251,401,404,424,435
General Biology 241,251,309, plus one advanced course each from botany and zoology
Genetics 309, 402,410,431,445
Invertebrate Zoology 309, 343 or 353, 430, 439, 450
Microbiology 309, 312, 402, 408, 410, 415, 420, 424, 431
Wildlife Science 241, 313, 435, and two from: 433, 436, 437, 438
Zoology 241, 343 or 353, 430, 433, 436, 437, 438, 439, 449

Teacher Certification

(A 36 hour program):
Note: Refer to the Educator Certification portion of this bulletin in the College of Education section for specific professional teacher education coursework requirements.

*Most emphases include recommended courses that also are listed in the “Core Requirements” and may be applied in both places.

Freshman Year

*Upon approval of the adviser, certain courses required for the B.S. degree outlined for the College of Sciences and Mathematics earlier in this bulletin may be substituted for one or more of the courses shown above.

The Graduate Major and Minor

The biology department offers a graduate program for students who plan to work toward the master’s degree. For detailed information concerning the graduate major and minor programs in the biology department, refer to the Graduate Bulletin.

General Course Prerequisites:

A minimum grade of C is required in all courses that are prerequisites to a biology course. Students must have completed all required developmental courses with Cs or better in order to enroll in BIO 130, 131, 133, 238, 239.

Courses in Biology (BIO)

121. Concepts of Biology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture per week, two hours laboratory per week. Concepts-oriented course for the non-science major. Study of the origin of life, the cell, growth and reproduction, genetics and evolution. May not be used to meet graduation requirements by students majoring in the College of Sciences and Mathematics or for certification of high school teachers in biology. Required lab fee.
123. Human Biology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture per week, two hours laboratory per week. Biological principles for non-science majors. Study of the evolution of man, organ systems and the human organism. May not be used to meet graduation requirements of students majoring in the College of Sciences and Mathematics or for certification of high school teachers in biology. Required lab fee.
130. Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. An introductory cell biology course. Topics include the structure of the cell and cell components, both eukaryotic and prokaryotic. The processes of DNA replication and gene expression including protein processing and routing. Photosynthesis, respiration, and chemotrophy as means of energy production. The cell cycle and its regulation.
131. Principles of Botany (BIOL 1411) – Four semester hours, three hours lecture per week, two hours lab per week. Fundamental principles of plant life, including seed plants, ferns, mosses and lower forms. Required lab fee.
133. Principles of Zoology (BIOL 1413) – Four semester hours, three hours lecture per week, two hours lab per week. Fundamental principles of animal life, including invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Required lab fee.
220. Medical Terminology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. Covers the highly specialized and specific medical terms used in the health care professions, providing explanations of terms, clinical procedures, and abbreviations. Prerequisites: Two semesters of biology.
225. Local Flora – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Field and laboratory studies of common local ferns, conifers and wildflowers. Recommended for biology and non-biology majors. Required field trips. Required travel fee. Required lab fee.
238. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 2401) – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, including sense organs. Not open to students who have received credit for BIO 327. Not recommended for biology majors or minors. Suggested prerequisite BIO 133 or equivalent. Required lab fee.
239. Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIOL 2402) – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Structure and function of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive systems. Not open to students who have received credit for BIO 327. Not recommended for biology majors or minors. Prerequisite: Successful completion of BIO 238. Required lab fee.
241. Comparative Vertebrate Zoology (BIOL 2428) – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, six hours lab per week. Anatomical study of the vertebrates, with major emphasis on comparisons of organ systems. Vertebrate relationships, origins and adaptations. Representative forms in the laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 133 or equivalent. Required lab fee.
250. Economic Botany – Three semester hours, three lecture hours per week. Fundamental concepts and processes involving plants; examination of the diversity of plants and their role in the biosphere. The relationship and importance of plants to humans. Recommended for biology and non-biology majors.
251. Plant Kingdom – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Comparative study of the members of the plant kingdom. Prerequisite: BIO 131 or equivalent. Required lab fee.
275. Special Problems – Individual study and/or laboratory research conducted under the supervision of a biology faculty member. Variable credit one to three hours. May be repeated for a maximum of three credit hours toward a degree plan.
300. Contemporary Biology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. Survey of biological principles and their application to the contemporary newsworthy problems as they apply to the biological future of man. Variable topics, such as recent advances of medicine, the population explosion, world food problems, environmental pollution, genetic engineering, epidemics and natural disasters. Maximum of six hours for biology major.
301. Planetary and Space Life Sciences – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, two hours laboratory per week. Designed for Interdisciplinary Studies EC-4 or grades 4-8 degree programs for teacher certification, this concept-based course concentrates on Earth as a life-support system for its inhabitants and is taught from the perspective that the students are part of the living, changing Earth. This course may not be used to meet graduation requirements by students majoring/minoring in the College of Sciences and Mathematics.
302. Cancer Biology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture. Survey of topics relevant to the biology of cancer, including cancer epidemiology, viral development, the role of DNA damage in cancer, events leading to metastasis, and methods of treating cancer, including the development of targeted therapies. Prerequisites: BIO 130, 131, or 133 or permission of the instructor.
303. Pollution of the Aquatic Environment – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. An introduction to the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems, including cultural eutrophication, thermal pollution, impact of the nuisance invasive species, radioactive contamination, acid rain, and toxic wastes.
304. Marine Biology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. This course introduces all main aspects of Marine Environment including property of seawater, ocean currents, classification of marine environments, structure and functioning of aquatic communities, as well as, impact of the habitiat destruction and nusiance invasive species on the biodiversity and productivity of marine ecosystems. Prerequisites: BIO 131 and 133.
308. Pre-nursing Microbiology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, four hours laboratory per week. Nursing majors will study the nature of micro-organisms and their ability to interact with humans. Students also will learn current techniques used to identify, culture, and control microorganisms. Does not meet degree requirements for biology major. Prerequisites: one semester of biology and one semester of chemistry. Required lab fee.
309. Microbiology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, four hours lab per week. Morphology, physiology, genetics and classification of micro-organisms, with relationship to man. Prerequisite: One semester of biology and one of chemistry. Required lab fee. Required travel fee.
312. Mycology – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Structure, classification and identification of fungi including those of economic importance. Prerequisite: Two semesters of biology. Required lab fee.
313. General Ecology – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Principles of ecology, with special reference to populations and their ecosystems, distribution, biotic communities and environmental relationships. Required field trips. Prerequisite: Two semesters of biology. Required travel fee. Required lab fee.
327. Human Physiology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. Functions of the major systems of the body. Not open to students who have received credit for BIO 238. Suggested prerequisites: BIO 130 and BIO 131 or 133. Offered in spring only.
341. Genetics – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Principles of heredity and variation and their application to plants, lower animals and man. Not open to students who have received credit in BIO 320. Prerequisite: Two semesters of biology and one semester of chemistry. Required lab fee.
343. General Entomology – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Basic principles of insect life. Anatomy, physiology, life cycles, classification, ecology and control methods. Prerequisite: Two semesters of biology. Required lab fee.
345. Vertebrate Embryology – Four semester hours, two hours lecture, six hours lab per week. Animal development. Laboratory studies of the frog, chick, and pig embryos, with reference to human development. Prerequisite: BIO 241. Required lab fee.
353. Economic Entomology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Study of destructive and beneficial insects. Emphasis on recognition and control Prerequisites: 12 semester hours of biology or agriculture. Required lab fee.
370. Evolution – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. Basic principles, mechanism and patterns of evolution, including a historical survey of related ideas. Recommended prerequisite: BIO 341 or equivalent.
401. Plant Anatomy – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Anatomy of seed plants. Prerequisite: Three semesters of biology. Required lab fee.
402. Cellular Biology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. Structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics include architecture of the cell and function of cellular components, mechanisms of gene expression, the cytoskeleton, interactions between the cell and the extra-cellular matrix, regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and division, and mechanisms of cellular transport. Prerequisites: BIO 341 and six hours of general chemistry.
404. Plant Physiology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Survey of the principal physiological processes of higher plants including water relations, respiration, photosynthesis, and mineral nutrition. Required lab fee. Recommended prerequisites: BIO 130, 131 and CHE 133, 134.
406. Comparative Animal Physiology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. A comparative study of physiological principles common to all animals, with an emphasis of vertebrates. Physical and chemical processes, detailed consideration of organ systems, and an integrative, evolutionary approach to understanding how animals meet the demands placed upon them. Required lab fee.
407. Behavioral Ecology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. The study of how animal behaviors influence survival and reproduction of individuals in different ecological settings. The course will examine the ecological context in which behaviors evolve. The course willl consist of lectures and class discussions of assigned readings of important behavioral studies.
408. Pathogenic Bacteriology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Basic survey of medically important bacteria. Includes mechanisms of pathogenesis, collection and transport of specimens, initial specimen processing, and identification of isolates by classical, automated and molecular techniques. Prerequisite: BIO 309. Required lab fee.
410. Fundamentals of Immunology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Basic survey of the immune system with focus on the human and mouse models. Covers the origin and differentiation of the hematopoietic system, antibody structure and function, basic serologic techniques such as ELISA, fluorescence microscopy, agglutination, precipitation and gel diffusion. Prerequisites: BIO 309 and BIO 341. Required lab fee.
411. Phylogenetics – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. Examination of the methods used to reconstruct and evaluate the strength of evolutionary trees (phylogenies). The methods used to test evolutionary hypotheses using these evolutionary trees also will be examined. Additionally, the course will examine the logic and assumptions associated with each methodological approach. Outside readings as well as participation in class discussions will be required. Prerequisite: BIO 130, 131, 133, 341, 370 or permission of instructor.
412. Field Biology – six semester hours, five-week summer session. Quantitative studies of ecological communities. Analysis of biodiversity and ecological relationships through participation in field research projects. Possible topics include population, community ecosystem, evolutionary and/or behavioral ecology. A maximum of six credits of 412 or 414 may be applied to the biology major. An additional six credits may be used toward advanced electives. Transportation expenses will be required. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: 18 hours of biology.
414. Field Course in Applied Ecological Methods – Six semester hours, five week summer session. Research projects will involve methods and instrumentation for documenting ecological patterns. Students will learn to collect and analyze data using the newest and/or most widely accepted tools available. A maximum of 6 credits of 412 or 414 may be applied to the Biology major. An additional six credits may be used towards advanced electives. Transportation expenses will be required. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: 18 hours of biology.
415. Principles of Electron Microscopy – Four semester hours, two hours lecture, six hours lab per week. Introduction to the biological applications of transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Prerequisite: eight semester hours of biology or upper-level science and permission of instructor. Required lab fee.
420. Virology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Basic study of viruses with laboratory. Covers viral structure, genome organization, replication strategies, and medical implications of infection. Laboratory includes bacteriophages, animal and plant viral propagation, basic tissue culture, PCR for viral detection and fluorescence and electron microscopy for viral identification. Prerequisites: BIO 309 and BIO 341. Required lab fee.
424. Plant Pathology – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Principles of plant pathology. Survey of fungal, bacterial and viral diseases of plants. Prerequisite: Three semesters of biology, forestry or horticulture. Required lab fee.
430. Invertebrate Natural History – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Animals without backbones. Laboratory emphasis on recognition. Brief treatment of insects and parasites. Prerequisite: 11 hours of biology. Required lab fee.
431. Molecular Biology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. Structure, function and organization of DNA, DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Mechanisms of gene expression and regulation. Applications of biotechnology. Prerequisites: BIO 341 and two semesters of chemistry.
433. Ornithology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Classification, distribution, ecology and evolution of birds. Emphasis on identification of local species in lab. Field trips required. Prerequisites: Three semesters of biology. Travel fee required. Lab fee required. Requires concurrent enrollment in lab.
435. Plant Systematics – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Diversity of plants, their identification, naming, classification and evolution. Required field trips. Prerequisite: Three semesters of biology. Required travel fee. Required lab fee.
436. Mammalogy – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Classification, evolution, natural history and distribution of mammals. Emphasis on natural history and identification of regional species in lab. Field trips required. Requires outside readings and/or research projects. Prerequisites: Three semesters of biology. Recommended prerequisites:BIO 313, BIO 370. Travel fee required. Lab fee required. Requires concurrent enrollment in lab.
437. Herpetology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Classification, distribution, ecology and evolution of amphibians and reptiles. Emphasis on natural history and identification of regional species in lab. Field trips required. Requires outside readings, papers and/or research projects. Prerequisites: Three semesters of biology. Recommended prerequisites: BIO 313, BIO 370. Travel fee required. Lab fee required. Requires concurrent enrollment in lab.
438. Ichthyology – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Classification, evolution, natural history, and distribution of freshwater fishes. Required field trips. Prerequisite: Four semesters of biology. Required travel fee. Required lab fee.
439. Parasitology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Basic survey of parasites primarily from the human pathogen perspective. Includes identification and pathogenesis of protozoan, nematode and cestode parasites. Coverage of taxonomic identification of preserved and fresh clinical samples in lab. Prerequisite: BIO 133. Required lab fee.
442. Molecular Genetics of Human Disease – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. A detailed survey of genetic disease mechanisms involving case studies of specific genetic disorders. An examination of specific genes and the effects of mutations upon protein structure and chemistry, and upon the physiology of those effected. Prerequisite: BIO 341.
445. Developmental Biology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. Fundamental mechanisms of embryonic development. Molecular, cellular and tissue interactions that direct development of vertebrate and invertebrate embryos. Prerequisite BIO 241.
449. Histology – Four semester hours, two hours lecture, six hours lab per week. Microscopic structure of vertebrate tissues and cells, with consideration of their origin and their function in the adult body. Prerequisite: Bio 241. Offered in fall only. Required lab fee.
450. Limnology – Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Study of the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the freshwater environment. Required field trips. Prerequisite: Four semesters of biology. Required travel fee. Required lab fee.
470. Seminar in Biology – One semester hour, one hour lecture per week. For undergraduate credit only. Student participation in general and specific topics in biology; separate section for life sciences teacher certification. May be repeated once on a different topic for credit. Prerequisites: 20 hours in biology.
471. Special Topics in Biology – Three semester hours, three hours lecture per week. For undergraduate credit only. Special studies in the biological sciences. May be repeated in a different topic. Prerequisite: Four semesters of biology.
472. Special Topics in Biology – Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hous lab per week. Special studies in the biological sciences. May be repeated in a different topic. Prerequisite: Four semesters of biology. Laboratory must be taken concurrently with the lecture.
475. Special Problems – Three semester hours. For undergraduate credit only. Independent investigations by students guided through individual conferences with the professor willing to work with them. May be repeated for additional credit. Prerequisites: 18 hours of biology with minimum B average and approval of the department chair.

 

Top of page

Become a Student Academics & Research Students Alumni & Friends Faculty & Staff Arts & Athletics A-Z List