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DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
GRADUATE DEPARTMENT
UNDERGRADUATE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE MAJOR
FSU-TEACH Program in Science Teaching
UNDERGRADUATECOMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY PROGRAM
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IN NEUROSCIENCE
GRADUATE INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM IN NEUROSCIENCE

Undergraduate Department of Biological Science

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Website: https://www.bio.fsu.edu

Chair: Thomas A. Houpt; Associate Chair (Graduate Studies): Nora Underwood; Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies): Steven Marks; Associate Chair (Academic Programs): Karen M. McGinnis; Professors: Bass, Chase, DuVal, Erickson, D. Fadool, J. Fadool, Feng, Houpt, Hughes, Inouye, Levitan, Mast, Miller, Rokyta, Stagg, Steppan, Stroupe, Tang, Taylor, Travis, Trexler, Underwood, Yu, Zhu; Associate Professors: Burgess, Cui, Dennis, Feng, Jones, Lemmon, Lenhert, Lester, Lyons, McGinnis, Rassweiler, Wulff; Assistant Professors: Brown, Cortez, Francis, Okamoto, Storace, Thoms, Vincis, Yin; Professors Emeriti: Abele, Anderson, Bates, Caspar, DeBusk, deKloet, Elam, Ellington, Epstein, Fajer, Gaffney, Heard, Herrnkind, Homann, James, L. Keller, T . Keller, Livingston, Mariscal, Meredith, Outlaw, Quadagno, Reeves, Roberts, Roeder, Roux, Tschinkel

The Department of Biological Science offers an undergraduate major in biological science that includes programs of study in most contemporary areas of biology. Specific academic concentrations within the major include cell and molecular biology; ecology, evolution, and environmental biology; marine biology; physiology and neuroscience; invertebrate and vertebrate zoology; plant sciences; and pre-professional health sciences. The requirements for the baccalaureate degree in biological science include most prerequisite courses necessary for admission to medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, osteopathic, chiropractic, and other allied health professional schools. In addition, students interested in marine science may complete the program in marine biology and living resources ecology as part of the major in biological science.

The department offers a combined BS/MS degree pathway designed for academically gifted students who wish to pursue an accelerated program culminating in a BS degree in biological science and an MS degree in biological science. This program allows up to twelve semester hours of coursework to be dually counted toward both the BS and MS degrees.

The department also offers a major in computational biology in conjunction with the Computer Science and Scientific Computing departments. This interdisciplinary major provides a top-notch educational program for students interested in the areas of computational biology and bioinformatics. The program seeks to achieve two goals: (1) to develop an understanding of the issues associated with developing biologically meaningful computational models, and (2) to give students the broad-based education that is needed to create a set of models directed toward solving a practical biomedical problem.

The department offers a second interdisciplinary major, cell and molecular neuroscience, in conjunction with the Program in Neuroscience and the Department of Psychology. The major offers focused study of the brain, emphasizing the cellular and molecular processes that underlie the development, anatomy, physiology, and behavioral functions of the brain. The unique multidisciplinary breadth of the cell and molecular neuroscience major prepares students for a variety of STEM-related careers in scientific research and/or education, all health professions, and biomedical engineering.

Course Repeat Policy in Biological Science

According to FSU academic regulations, students will not be allowed additional credit for a course repeated in which the student originally made a “C–” or better unless the course is specifically designated as repeatable to allow additional credit. Students will not be allowed to take non-repeatable coursework in the department of biological science if they have already earned a passing grade of “C–” at FSU or as transfer credit unless they petition for permission from the department.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

  • Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information

  • Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications

  • Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology

  • Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications

  • Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively

  • Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement. Undergraduate majors in biological science and in biology/FSU-Teach satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in BSC 2010L.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Biological Science

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Biology. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/332/276.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

Requirements for Majors in the Department of Biological Science

Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the “College of Arts and Sciences” chapter of this General Bulletin.

  1. Prerequisites for Upper-Division Biological Science Courses:
    Registration in all 3000- and 4000-level biological science courses is allowed only after meeting the following criteria:

    1. Satisfactory completion (“C–” or better) of BSC 2010/L (Biological Science I with lab) and BSC 2011/L (Biological Science II with lab)

    2. Satisfactory completion (“C–” or better) of CHM 1045/L and CHM 1046/L or CHM 1050/L and CHM 1051/L (General Chemistry I and II with labs)

    3. A minimum combined 2.0 GPA in all biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, programming, and statistics courses, and their prerequisites, that are applicable to the major, from any institution attended.

  2. Formal Admission:

    1. All State Common Program Prerequisites listed as Term 1–4 Milestones must be completed with a “C” range (C–, C, or C+) grade or better. Students earning less than the necessary grade in any of these courses will be required to retake those courses until the standard is met. Note: retaking a course may delay graduation and incur increased fee liability (i.e., repeat course surcharge and excess credit surcharge).

    2. Registration in all 3000- and 4000-level biological science courses is allowed only after meeting the following criteria:

      1. Satisfactory completion (“C–” or better) of BSC 2010/L (Biological Science I with Lab) and BSC 2011/L (Biological Science II with Lab), and

      2. Satisfactory completion (“C–” or better) of CHM 1045/L and CHM 1046/L or CHM 1050/L and CHM 1051/L (General Chemistry I and II with Labs)

  3. Academic Performance Required for Retention and Graduation:

    1. All courses applicable to the major, including biological science, chemistry, mathematics, physics, programming, and statistics must be completed with a grade of “C–” or better.

    2. Designation, continuation, and graduation with a major from the department of Biological Science requires a minimum combined 2.0 GPA in all courses, excluding the Term 1–4 State Common Program Prerequisites milestone courses, including biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, programming, and statistics.

    3. A student who has received more than one unsatisfactory grade (U, F, D–, D, or D+) in courses required for the major, excluding the Term 1–4 State Common Program Prerequisites milestone courses, taken after enrolling at FSU, will be required to change to a major outside of the department of Biological Science.

    4. A student with a major in the department of Biological Science who applies for readmission to the college must meet the biological science degree requirements of the catalog in force on the date of their original admission.

  4. Second Majors:

    1. A student cannot receive more than one BS or BA degree from the Department of Biological Science. For example, a student cannot double major in biological science and cell and molecular neuroscience or computational biology (biology), due to substantial course overlap between the two majors. Additionally, the following majors are not approved for double majors with Biological Science given the potential for extensive course and/or content overlap: Computational Biology (computer science), and behavioral neuroscience.

  5. Co-op and Transient Study:
    Florida State University biological science majors who intend to take courses for the major (biological science, chemistry, mathematics, physics, programming, statistics) at other institutions must receive approval from the Department of Biological Science Academic Advising Office prior to enrollment. This policy applies to courses taken as part of the FAMU–FSU and TCC–FSU co-op programs, as well as courses taken elsewhere.

Graduate Study

The Department of Biological Science offers work leading to the Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Click the any Graduate link above for more information.

Requirements for a Minor in Biological Science

A minimum of twelve semester hours of biological science courses approved for major credit, including BSC 2010/L and BSC 2011/L plus at least four credit hours of additional upper division biological science course work. No more than one credit hours of S/U graded course work can be counted toward the minor. A minimum of four semester hours of the twelve semester hours must be taken at Florida State University. Grades below “C–” will not be accepted for minor credit.

Definition of Prefixes

BCH—Biochemistry (Biophysics)

BOT—Botany

BSC—Biological Sciences

IDS—Interdisciplinary Studies

ISC—Interdisciplinary Sciences

MCB—Microbiology

PCB—Process Biology (Cell/Molecular/Ecology/Genetics/Physiology)

PSB—Psychobiology

ZOO—Zoology

Undergraduate Courses

Courses Not for Major or Minor Credit

BSC 1005. General Biology for Nonmajors (3).  This course applies the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world including but not limited to cells, organisms, genetics, evolution, ecology, and behavior.

BSC 1005L. General Biology Laboratory for Nonmajors (1).  This course applies the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world including but not limited to cells, organisms, genetics, evolution, ecology, and behavior. This course will emphasize the development of multiple aspects of science proficiency for all students: knowing, using, and interpreting scientific explanations of the natural world; generating and evaluating scientific evidence and explanations; understanding the nature and development of scientific knowledge; and participating productively in the practices and discourses of science. Specifically, this course includes multiple investigations of the core concepts in biology that engage students in the practices of scientific inquiry. Biological systems will be analyzed through experimentation, dissection, observation, and modeling.

BSC 2085. Anatomy and Physiology I (3).  This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence in which students examine human anatomy and physiology through a systems approach based on the interaction between form and function, from the microscopic components of cells and tissues to the organismal level. Emphasis is placed on histology and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

BSC 2085L. Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory (1). Corequisite: BSC 2085. This course is the first of a two-semester human anatomy/physiology sequence emphasizing the cell, stimulus-response concept, and the skeletal-muscular and first half of the nervous systems. This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence in which students examine human anatomy and physiology through a systems approach based on the interaction between form and function, from the microscopic components of cells and tissues to the organismal level. Emphasis is placed on histology and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

BSC 2086. Anatomy and Physiology II (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2085 or instructor permission. This course is a continuation of a two-semester human anatomy/physiology   sequence beginning with the second half of the nervous system, then continuing with endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems. Also included are fluid-electrolyte balance and immunity.

BSC 2086L. Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory (1). Prerequisites: BSC 2085 and BSC 2085L. Corequisite: BSC 2086. This course is a continuation of a two-semester human anatomy/physiology sequence beginning with the second half of the nervous system, then continuing with endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems. This course also covers fluid-electrolyte balance and immunity.

IDS 2134. Evolution, Medicine, and Evidence (3).  This course introduces the study of evolution as it applies to the practice of medicine. Students investigate what constitutes scientific evidence, how to use evidence, the evidence concerning biological evolution, and the implications of evolution for the practice of medicine.

IDS 2135. Genetics in Society (3).  This course is intended to help students understand the science behind major issues that are likely to evolve into increasingly important moral, political, and public policy decisions in their lifetime. Topics are discussed such as: choosing the sex or genetic composition of children, human cloning, rebuilding defective organs and tissues from stem cells, and altering genetic constitution.

IDS 2278. Ocean Sustainability (3).  This course provides an overview of the major sustainability and conservation issues in coastal and marine systems worldwide, including the science, management, and policy dimensions of ocean conservation. The course reviews the major challenges impacting marine ecosystems; describes the causes of these problems and the main threats facing the ocean; and evaluates an array of solutions.

IDS 2470. The Ecology of Food (3).  This course explores the basic ecology of agriculture and fisheries and considers how conventional and alternative food-production practices generate and solve ecological problems. The course focuses on several major current issues (e.g. genetically modified organisms, pollinator declines, organic agriculture, and fisheries), and for each students learn the science behind the issue and the social forces shaping the problem. Students also learn through discussions of scientific and popular writings, lectures, hands-on and written projects, oral presentations, local speakers and field trips.

IDS 3700. Broken Clocks and Disrupted Sleep: Impacts of Technology (3).  This course explores the impact of changing technology on circadian rhythms and sleep patterns and the consequences to human health. The course is suitable for all majors.

ISC 2937r. Natural Science Honors Seminar (3).  May be repeated to a maximum of nine credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

ISC 4420. Introduction to Bioinformatics (4).  This course provides a quantitative framework for understanding how the genomic sequence and its variations affect the phenotype. The course is designed for biologists and biochemists seeking to improve quantitative data interpretation skills, and for mathematicians, computer scientists and other quantitative scientists seeking to learn more about computational biology. Lab exercises are designed to reinforce the classroom learning.

MCB 2004. Microbiology for Health Services (3). Corequisite: MCB 2004L. This course covers microbiology for students planning careers in the health services, with emphasis on infectious disease, food microbiology, and public health.

MCB 2004L. Microbiology for the Health Services Laboratory (1). Corequisite: MCB 2004. This course covers microbiological techniques including the isolation, typing, and identification of bacteria, properties of pathogenic bacteria, and food microbiology.

Courses for Major Credit

Note: All 3000- and 4000-level biological science courses, except BSC 3938 and BSC 3930, have the following minimum prerequisites: BSC 2010/L, 2011/L; CHM 1045/L and 1046/L. Additional prerequisites, if any, are included in the course listing.

BOTANY

BOT 3015. Plant Biology (2). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L. This course is an introduction to evolutionary relationships, natural history, ecological adaptations, and physiology of plants, fungi, autotrophic protista, and prokaryotes.

BOT 3015L. Plant Biology Laboratory (1). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L. Pre/Corequisites: BSC 3016. This course introduces evolutionary relationships, natural history, ecological adaptations, and the physiology of plants, fungi, autotrophic protista, and prokaryotes.

BOT 3143C. Field Botany (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L. This course is an introduction to plant taxonomy with emphasis on laboratory and field study. Orientation to principles of identification, classification, and rules of botanical nomenclature.

BOT 4394. Plant Molecular Biology (3). Prerequisites: BOT 3015, BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L. Pre- or Corequisite: PCB 3063. This course explores molecular biology and biotechnology of plant growth and development.

BOT 4503. Plant Physiology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, and CHM 1045L. This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of plant physiology. Plant physiology is the study of plant processes, structure and function.  Physiology describes the mechanisms used by living organisms to solve problems they encounter as they grow and develop.  Plants are unique, as sessile, photoautotrophic organisms, and diverse.  As such, plants provide the opportunity to study many interesting physiological topics and mechanisms.

BOT 4503L. Plant Physiology Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite: BOT 4503. This laboratory course uses a research approach to introduce students to basic physiological principles in plants. Students also participate in discovery based experiments with plants.

BOT 4802. Plants and Society (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010L, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045L, and CHM 1046L. The course provides an overview of the many types of interactions between plants and people (e.g., plants as sources of food, clothing, fiber, medicine, stimulants, poisons) with a focus on aspects of plant development, structure, function, evolution, ecology, domestication, and genetic engineering.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

BSC 2010. Biological Science I (3).  In this course, students will apply the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world. This course will cover molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, metabolism, and replication.

BSC 2010L. Biological Science I Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite: BSC 2010. In this course, students will apply the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world. This course will cover molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, metabolism, and replication. This course introduces basic chemistry, energetics, metabolism, and cellular organization; molecular genetics and information flow; animal and plant function.

BSC 2011. Biological Science II (3). BSC 2011 Prerequisite: BSC 2010 (C- or better) This course is the second part of a two-semester introductory biology course designed for those interested in pursuing a career in life sciences. This course provides an overview of the processes underlying animal embryonic development, inheritance genetics, evolution and ecology. The diversity of knowledge gained in this course will aid understanding in more advanced biology classes.

BSC 2011L. Biological Science II Lab (1). BSC 2011L Prerequisites: BSC 2010 (C- or better) and BSC 2010L (C- or better); Pre/Corequisite: BSC 2011 (C- or better) This course focuses on reproduction and development, transmission (Mendelian) genetics, population biology, ecology, and evolution.

BSC 3016. Eukaryotic Diversity (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course provides an overview of the diversity of eukaryotic organisms (protists, plants, fungi and animals), the evolutionary origin of this diversity, and its societal relevance. Comparisons of exemplar organisms are used to illustrate broad themes in the anatomy, physiology, behavior, life cycles, and ecologies of all eukaryotes.

BSC 3052. Conservation Biology (3). Prerequisite: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L. This course focuses on the history of the conservation movement, the research on populations of animals and plants that is relevant to man's impact upon the environment, pollution in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, endangered species, government regulation, and sustainable development.

BSC 3312. Marine Biology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L. This course explores marine geology, chemistry of the oceans, oceanic circulation, oceanographic techniques, the marine environment and marine life.

BSC 3402L. Experimental Biology Laboratory (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course is designed to teach students about the process of biological research. Each section of the course is organized around a particular biological concept. The focus in this course is two-fold. First, students are provided with basic background in the field of study. This is done through lab work and lecture. Students are provided with documents to help them with their work. Second, and more important, is the development of skills in biological research. The skills are developed in laboratory and lecture exercises as well as outside of class assignments, culminating in an independent research project, which they present both orally and in writing. This course meets the University's Oral Communication Competency Requirement, and the Upper Division Writing Requirement. Developing oral and written communication skills are major components of this course.

BSC 3930. Seminar in Biological Frontiers (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L. This course is a weekly seminar covering topics in biological research. Not repeatable for credit toward major requirements.

BSC 3938. Careers in the Biological Sciences (1). (S/U grade only.)  This course is intended for biology sciences majors at any point in their undergraduate career but is most beneficial to those in their first three years. Career options in biology-related fields (including health professions) and the preparation they require are presented for students planning to immediately enter the job market or to continue their academic careers upon graduation. Not repeatable for credit toward major requirements.

BSC 4424. Nanotechnology (3).  This course provides an introduction to interdisciplinary nanotechnology. Students are provided with the basic understanding of the relevant aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and business to follow a typical lecture at an interdisciplinary nanotechnology conference and/or work in a small nanotechnology start-up company. Specific nanotechnologies, both real and imagined, are discussed in the context of scientific papers, patent literature, and popular media. Examples of topics include lithography, synthetic nanomaterials, and bionanotechnology. Emphasis is placed on industrial implications in computing and communications, medicine, materials, and other topics of interest to the interdisciplinary students.

BSC 4473C. Introduction to Scientific Diving (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, open water dive certified by national organization, clear diving medical record, and ability to pass swimming evaluation. This course is designed for scientists or scientists-in-training who plan to use SCUBA diving as a tool for underwater research. Skills covered include dive planning, emergency management, underwater navigation, survey techniques, and instrument deployment and recovery.

BSC 4821C. Biogeography (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course emphasizes ecological and evolutionary biogeography, the physical processes and organismal characteristics that determine distributions, and the analytical methods used to describe distributions and test processes. Geographic data sets are analyzed in lab sessions to search for patterns and test hypotheses with the scientific method.

BSC 4900r. Directed Individual Study (1-4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 21010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L; combined 3.0 GPA in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and statistics courses as well as instructor permission and adviser permission. This course is a supervised study of a special topic or research participation in the area of the faculty member's research. Graduate students may not register for this course. A maximum of six semester hours may be applied to biological science major credit. May be repeated within the same semester to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

BSC 4901. Directed Individual Study II (0-4). Pre- or corequisite: BSC 4900. In this course, students communicate the results of their research in writing or through an oral presentation.

BSC 4910. Directed Independent Study (0). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L. Pre- or corequisite: BSC 4900. In this course, students communicate the results of their research in writing or through an oral presentation.

BSC 4931r. Senior Tutorial in Biological Science (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: BSC 2010, BSC 21010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, Senior standing. This course focuses on selected topics in contemporary biological science; maximum enrollment of five students in each tutorial. May be repeated to a maximum of two hours.

BSC 4933Lr. Selected Topics in Biological Science Lab (1-4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, junior or senior standing. May be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours.

BSC 4933r. Selected Topics in Biological Science (1-4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, junior or senior standing. May be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours.

BSC 4941r. Internship in Biological Science I (1-4). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, junior or senior standing, a 3.0 or greater GPA in biology, and permission of the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies. This internship course is designed for majors in the department of Biological Science who wish to gain real world experience in their field of interest through on-the-job practice and have this experience reflected on their transcript. Students work under the supervision of an approved professional in the field of biological science with oversight by the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours, but only four hours may count towards the major.

BSC 4942. Internship in Biological Science II (0-4). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: BSC 4941. This internship course is designed for majors in the department of Biological Science who wish to gain real world experience in their field of interest through on-the-job practice and have this experience reflected on their transcript. Students work under the supervision of an approved professional in the field of biological science with oversight by the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies.

BSC 4943r. Computational Biology Practicum (2). Prerequisites: Computational Biology major and instructor permission. This course entails a research thesis project to be completed under the guidance of a faculty committee. This committee is comprised of a research advisor and two other professors. Upon completion of the research thesis project, students seek final approval from their committee through a written and oral defense.

BSC 4945. Undergraduate Supervised Teaching (1). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L; senior standing and instructor permission. In this course, students as Laboratory Assistants in BSC1005L or as Tutors in BSC2010 or BSC2011, or BSC1005.  Students also receive training in interactive teaching techniques and use this training to lead classroom discussions and interactive exam review sessions.

BSC 4970r. Honors in the Major Research (1-6). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L; as well as admission to the department's honors-in-the-major program. In this course, students accepted into the Honors in the Major program complete an original research or creative project in their major area of study. This course must be repeated at least twice to complete a minimum of six credit hours total but may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credit hours in total.

MICROBIOLOGY

MCB 4403. Prokaryotic Biology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, CHM 2210, and PCB 3063. Corequisite: MCB 4403L. This course covers structural and functional characteristics of microorganisms, with emphasis on prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and viruses. Topics include prokaryotic cell structure and function, physiology and genetics of prokaryotes and viruses, physiological and molecular aspects of microorganisms and human disease, and biotechnological applications of microbial physiology (environmental, food, and industrial microbiology).

MCB 4403L. Prokaryotic Biology Laboratory (2). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, This course covers laboratory methods for growth, handling, and study of prokaryotes and other types of microorganisms. Topics include: aseptic technique and isolation of pure cultures; microscopic methods; effects of environment on growth; viruses; physiological characterization methods; and methods related to medical, environmental, and food microbiology.

MCB 4502. Virology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2011, BSC, 2011L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course covers general virology including virus structure and replication cycles. Students review major families of the bacterial (bacteriophage) plant and animal viruses, with emphasis placed on human viruses and infectious diseases. Students also discuss subviral particles, prions and viroids.

PROCESS BIOLOGY

PCB 3043. General Ecology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course focuses on topics such as population biology; population growth; community processes, succession, nutrient cycling, and energy flow; species interactions; ecological efficiency; and biogeographical ecology.

PCB 3043L. Lab for Ecology (2). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L. Pre/Corequisites: PCB 3043. In this course, topics covered include quantifying populations and population growth; species interactions such as competition, predation, and mutualisms; documenting community patterns across gradients; adaptation and traits of species; habitat use, movement and species ranges; natural history of local habitats.

PCB 3063. General Genetics (3). PCB 3063 Prerequisites (C- or better): BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L This course is an introduction to the principles of transmission and molecular genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and significance of these principles to other aspects of biological science.

PCB 3134. Cell Structure and Function (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course focuses on topics such as: cellular chemistry and physiology, morphology, and function of cellular organelles; and cellular motility, growth, division, communication, and regulation.

PCB 3743. Vertebrate Physiology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course studies physiological systems of vertebrates with emphasis on mammals. Mechanisms underlying physiological processes and the physico-chemical principles upon which they depend are also studied.

PCB 4022C. Intensive Modern Molecular Biology (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, PCB 3063, PCB 4024. This course teaches modern molecular biology methods in a cohesive single project. Working with a single gene, students design overexpressing clones to be transfected into human cells. Additionally, using CRISPR gene editing, students knock that gene out of cells. RNA is isolated from each experiment and full transcriptomes are sequenced and analyzed.

PCB 4024. Molecular Biology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L; PCB 3063 and PCB 3134 recommended. This course studies the molecular basis of cellular function with emphasis on the activities of DNA, RNA, and the regulation of gene expression.

PCB 4024L. Molecular Biology Laboratory (1). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. Corequisite: PCB 4024. Course Description not on file

PCB 4109. The Genetic Basis of Cancer (3). Prerequisites: BSC2010; BSC2010L; BSC2011; BSC2011L; CHM1045; CHM1045L; CHM 1046; CHM 1046L; PCB 3063. This course introduces students to a range of cancer related topics from the cancer related mutations and signaling pathways to the cutting-edge research that offers attractive development for new anti-cancer drugs and therapeutic strategies. From tumor inducing viruses to multi-steps of tumorigensis, students learn the history of cancer and how it has shaped contemporary research.

PCB 4233. Immunology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L; also CHM 2210, PCB 3063, PCB 3134, or instructor permission. This course analyzes the tissues, cells, and molecules of the immune system and their relationships to disease and transplantation.

PCB 4233L. Laboratory in Immunology (1). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, CHM 2210, PCB 3063, PCB 3134. Corequisites: PCB 4233. This course analyzes the tissues, cells, and molecules of the immune system and their relationships to disease and transplantation.

PCB 4244. Biology of Aging (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, PCB 3063. This course provides an introduction to multi-disciplinary questions and approaches in the biology of aging. Both ultimate (evolutionary) and proximate (molecular, physiological) mechanisms are discussed, and the interrelationship between these kinds of explanations are explored. The course emphasizes learning to read and evaluate the primary research literature focused on biological studies of age.

PCB 4253. Developmental Biology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, and PCB 3063. This course discusses a number of topics, including fertilization, early embryonic events, organogenesis, differentiation, morphogenesis, cytoplasmic localization, determination, and differential gene expression.

PCB 4253L. Developmental Biology Laboratory (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, and PCB 3063. Corequisite: PCB 4253. This lab combines lecture and laboratory experiments regarding sea urchin fertilization, frog and chick early development, gene expression, cell-cell interactions, and metamorphosis.

PCB 4402. Ecology of Infectious Disease (1). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2011, and MAC 2311. This course explores how concepts and tools of basic ecology can and have been used to understand the dynamics of infectious disease, and contribute to our ability to predict, prevent, and control disease outbreaks. Students consider diseases of humans and their domesticated plants and animals, as well as the role of disease in natural systems. Students are also expected to read extensively in the primary literature, and to contribute to regular class activities and discussions as well as research and present information on specialized topics such as the role of conservation corridors in the spread of disease, possible responses to pandemics and bioterrorism, and identification of sources of emerging diseases.

PCB 4674. Evolution (3). PCB 4674 Prerequisites: PCB 3063 (C- or better) and senior status (90 credit hours earned) This course places emphasis on the processes of evolution: origin of life, theories of evolution, sources of variation, natural selection, population systems, isolating mechanisms, evolution above the species level.

PCB 4701. Human Physiology (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L. Pre/Corequisites: PCB 3063 or PCB 3134. This course covers the human nervous system, special sensory organ systems, the central nervous system, the muscle and skeletal systems, the heart and circulatory system, the respiratory system, the urinary and digestive systems, the endocrine system, and reproduction. Cellular mechanisms underlying the homeostatic regulation of each organ system are studied in the context of clinical impacts based upon diseases. For example, Muscular Dystrophy, diabetes mellitus, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, renal failure, pulmonary disease,  Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, metabolic disorders, or infertility.

PCB 4843. Fundamentals of Neuroscience (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L; PCB 3134 or PCB 3743 or PCB 4701. This course emphasizes cellular and molecular approaches to neuroscience and brain function and emphasizes simple model systems including invertebrates.

ZOOLOGY

ZOO 3141L. Animal Diversity Laboratory (3). Prerequisite: BSC3016. This introductory zoology laboratory course provides an overview of the diversity of animal form and function through comparisons of exemplar organisms representing the major animal phyla. Students are expected to dissect preserved specimens and to make detailed observations of both live (invertebrate) and preserved animals. Students develop critical zoological laboratory skills in dissection, the correct use of both compound and dissecting microscopes, the ability to carefully observe and draw specimens and images from microscope slides, and the application of their knowledge on laboratory practicals. Outside assignments allow students to recognize the diversity among our local fauna. The knowledge and skills gained from this course provide a solid foundation for more specialized studies in animal biology.

ZOO 3205. Advanced Invertebrate Zoology (2). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, BSC 3312, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, and ZOO 3141L. Corequisites: ZOO 3205L. This course focuses on the structure, function, behavior, and evolution of the invertebrate phyla, especially those taxa living in the sea.

ZOO 3205L. Advanced Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory (2). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, BSC 3312, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, and ZOO 3141L. Corequisites: ZOO 3205. This laboratory deals with the structure, function, behavior and ecology of the invertebrate phyla, especially those taxa living in the sea.

ZOO 3713C. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course emphasizes form and function and origin and evolution of structure.

ZOO 4343C. Biology of the Lower Vertebrates (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course explores the systematics, ecology, and evolution of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.

ZOO 4353C. Biology of Higher Vertebrates (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course covers the systematics, ecology, and evolution of birds and mammals.

ZOO 4407. Biology of Sharks and Rays (4). Prerequisite: BSC 2011. This is an immersion course geared towards students wishing to pursue research involving sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras. Course content covers diversity of elasmobranch fishes, along with their evolution, form, function, physiology, and behavior. There is a strong field component, introducing students to species of elasmobranchs that inhabit the varied habitats of northern Gulf of Mexico.

ZOO 4454C. Biology of Fishes (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course provides an overview of the systematics, morphology, ecology, behavior, physiology, and life history of the most diverse group of vertebrates on earth, the fishes. It includes conservation and management issues and laboratory exercises balanced with field trips to different northwest Florida habitats, including freshwater springs, salt marshes, seagrass beds, and offshore reefs.

ZOO 4513. Animal Behavior (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, and CHM 1046L. This course discusses modern perspectives of the behaviors of animals.

ZOO 4753C. Histology (4). Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L, BSC 2011, BSC 2011L, CHM 1045, CHM 1045L, CHM 1046, CHM 1046L, PCB 3134. This course explores the microscopic anatomy and functions of the cells, tissues, and glands composing the organs and systems of humans.