BIOL 100
The Biology of Human Reproduction
An introductory lecture course focusing on human reproduction to demonstrate some basic biological principles. Discussion of aspects of molecular, cellular, and organismic phenomena related to the development of human biological complexity and consideration of current research and its impact on the individual and on society. Lecture only. Primarily for non-science majors; credit not applicable to the biology major. 6 units. Also listed as Gender Studies 180.
BIOL 103
Biotechnology and Society
An examination of basic biological principles underlying current biotechnology in the fields of human genetics and genetic engineering. Discussion of methods of basic scientific research, the impact of technology on society, and ethical problems in human and agricultural genetics. Credit not applicable to biology major. Lecture only. 6 units.
BIOL 110
Integrative Biology: Principles
An introduction to the unified science of life. Emphasis on the experimental approach, to show the interrelationships of living things by examining their metabolism, growth and development, genetics, behavior, ecology, and evolution. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair required to register
BIOL 120
Integrative Biology: Autotrophs
An introduction to the development, physiology, and evolution of plants, drawing illustrations from organisms throughout the taxon. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 110; permission of the department chair required to register.
BIOL 140
Integrative Biology: Heterotrophs
An introduction to the biology of animals and heterotrophic microbes and protists, including studies of the phylogeny, morphology, physiology, development, behavior, and ecology of representatives of the major phyla. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 110; permission of the department chair required for registration
BIOL 200
Animal Behavior
A lecture and field-study course examining the principles and problems of animal behavior. Subjects include orientation, feeding, locomotion, communication, escape in time and space, biological rhythms, mate choice, and aspects of social behavior, examined from evolutionary, ontogenetic, physiological, ecological, and ethological perspectives. Lecture and laboratory. May be taken separately or as part of the Marine Biology Term. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 210. Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 210
Biodiversity
The influence of climate on global habitats is considered. Selected terrestrial life zones, including neotropic, paleotropic, montane, desert, cold temperate, and warm temperate, are analyzed and stresses produced by climate and habitat evaluated. Adaptive responses at the morphological and physiological levels are investigated and scientific principles are applied to contemporary ethical issues, including restoration and conservation ecology. Lecture only. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 211.
BIOL 220
Invertebrate Zoology
A comprehensive introduction to 95 percent of the million or so animal species, those without backbones. Emphasis on the evolution, behavior, and ecology of the major phyla and the role of invertebrates in contemporary research programs. Lecture only. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 222
Parsitology
Students will examine and compare life cycles of a variety of parasites, including those of medical and veterinary importance. Specific topics covered within the course will include parasite biochemistry, ecology, parasite evasion of the host immune system, host immune responses, and how parasites may alter host behavior. The laboratory component of the course will include both live and preserved specimens. 6 units. Prerequsite: BIOL 140
BIOL 230
General Ecology
An introduction to the interactions between organisms and the environment. Lectures and discussions will explore the role of physical, chemical, and biotic processes, including human activities, in determining the structure and function of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Topics will include resource availability, competition, predation, symbiosis, and natural and anthropogenic disturbances such as disease, biological invasions, pollution, and climate change. Lecture only. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 220
BIOL 231
Physiological Ecology
Biological stresses induced by environmental variables are described. Physiological and molecular responses associated with temperature extremes, drought, and nutrient and energy competition are discussed and investigated, using both field and laboratory experience. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 212. Prerequisite: BIOL 110
BIOL 235
Evolutionary Biology
A study of biological evolution, including natural selection, adaptation, the evolution of sex, speciation, extinction, and constraints on evolutionary change. Readings include classic and current literature. Two lectures and one discussion per week. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 213 Prerequisite: BIOL 120, BIOL 140, ANTH 140 or consent of instructor
BIOL 237
General Endocrinology
An examination of the endocrine system, a major regulator of an animal’s development, physiology, and behavior. Attention to both classic techniques and recent developments involving hormones and other chemical mediators such as neurohormones, neurotransmittors, pheromones, and chemical inductors. Lecture only. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 240
Morphogenesis of the Vertebrates
A modified “programmed self-instruction” course providing the materials and guidance necessary to gain an integrated concept of ontogenetic and evolutionary organogenesis. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 241
Cell Physiology
The structure and organization of the eukaryotic cell are described and employed to understand functional interrelationships at the organelle and molecular levels. Major processes considered include external environmental control mechanisms, developmental events, the regulation of energy exchange, and membrane function. Lecture only. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 110
BIOL 242
Comparative Physiology
A comparative study of the variety of solutions and adaptations diverse animals can make to similar problems — obtaining and transporting oxygen, maintaining water and salt balance, utilizing food, movement, and nervous and hormonal integration. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 245
Conservation Biology
This course explores the scientific concepts related to the conservation and restoration of the Earth’s biological diversity. Topics include patterns of species and ecosystem diversity, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, causes of extinction, assessing extinction risk, behavioral indicators, in-situ and ex-situ management strategies for endangered species, and ecosystem restoration. Lecture only. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 245. Prerequisite: BIOL 110 and one other course in the natural sciences
BIOL 250
The Vegetation of Wisconsin
The principles of plant-environment interrelationships are developed through extensive field study of Wisconsin vegetation. Emphasis is placed on the manner in which physical and biological factors influence competition, adaptation, and structure in major local habitats. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 214.
BIOL 260
Genetics
A lecture and laboratory study of the principles of inheritance, sex determination, and the concepts of historical and modern eugenics and genetic engineering. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 110 or ANTH 140, and sophomore standing
BIOL 280
Experimental Design and Analysis
An introduction to the design of sampling programs and experiments in biological studies, as well as methods of data analysis and interpretation. Course highlights the importance of considering possible statistical analyses when planning studies, including the role of descriptive, exploratory, and confirmatory statistics in data analysis and interpretation. Lecture only. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 120 or 140.
BIOL 300
Immunology
This course will cover the basic concepts of immunology, including differentiation of immune cells, antibody structure and diversity, antigen-antibody reactions, the major histocompatibility complex, the complement system, immune responses to pathogens, allergies and auto-immune diseases, and comparative immunology. The course will also examine recent advances in the field through current peer-reviewed publications. Lecture only. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 301
Molecular Systematics
An introduction to the current practices used to estimate evolutionary relationships among organisms using molecular information. Students will learn methods of constructing phylogenetic trees through the reading and in-class discussion of research articles, and practice with data sets and computer software. 3 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 120 or 140
BIOL 302
Biology of Mammals
Taxonomy, zoogeography, life history, ecology, anatomy of modern mammals, and their evolution from early pre-mammalian forms. Course format is three lectures per week; lectures will incorporate demonstrations, small group work, and discussions. Optional field trips will be organized throughout the term. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and sophomore standing
BIOL 326
Microbiology
A study of microbial life with an emphasis on prokaryotes. Microbial physiology is examined in the context of how unique characteristics allow microbes to exploit a vast diversity of environments, including the human body. Laboratory exercises introduce students to techniques used to safely study microorganisms. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 110 and CHEM 116 or concurrent enrollment
BIOL 330
Aquatic Ecology
The principles of the ecology of fresh waters, developed through discussions, laboratory, and field investigations of the functional relationships and productivity of biotic communities as they are affected by the dynamics of physical, chemical, and biotic parameters. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 310. Prerequisite: BIOL 120, 140, or 230
BIOL 340
Topics in Neuroscience
A study of the nervous system from the perspectives of psychology, biology, and/or biological anthropology. Topics vary year to year and may include glial cells, neural development, and the evolution of nervous systems, and neurotransmitter systems. Lecture only. May be repeated with consent of instructor. 6 units. Also listed as Psychology 580. Prerequisite: CHEM 116 or 119 and either BIOL 140 and one course in psychology, or PSYC 360 and one course in biology, or consent of instructor
BIOL 345
Terrestrial Field Ecology
A hands-on course intended to demonstrate basic ecological principles using local terrestrial ecosystems. Field research projects will introduce students to methods in hypothesis development, experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing and presentation. Research topics will include estimating population size, community structure, plant-animal interactions, and foraging behavior. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 345. Prerequisite: BIOL 120 or BIOL 140, and sophomore standing
BIOL 350
Islands and Isolation
This course examines islands and the situation of isolation across the fields of geology, evolutionary biology, and human geography. Topics include island formation, dynamics of isolated natural and human populations, and the historical importance of islands in the study of natural history. The course includes laboratories and field trips. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 350, Geology 350. Prerequisite: Any of the following: ANTH 120, ANTH 140, BIOL 235, BIOL 245, GEOL 210, GEOL 260, or permission of instructor
BIOL 354
Molecular Biology
An interdisciplinary examination of regulatory mechanisms leading to differential gene expression. Main topics include transcription, translation, gene and protein structure, and modern genomics. The application of current molecular techniques is emphasized throughout the course. Laboratory work is experimental in approach. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing, BIOL 110, and CHEM 115
BIOL 356
Bioinformatics
An overview of the recently emerged field of bioinformatics. Classes will include lectures and computer practicals. Topics covered will include genome projects, DNA and protein sequence analysis, multiple sequence alignments, searching biological databases, protein structure prediction, transciptomes and proteomes, and microarrays. Lecture only. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 380
Ecological Modeling
An introduction to the process of developing mathematical descriptions of the interactions between components of a population, community, or ecosystem, and the use of computer simulation as a tool for understanding ecology and natural resource management. Topics include population growth, predator-prey and competitor interactions, and mass balance in ecosystems. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 380. Prerequisite: BIOL 230, 245, 330, or 345
BIOL 434
Ecological Energetics
Field and laboratory experimental investigations of the transfer and transformation of energy or energy-containing materials between and within organisms and populations of aquatic ecosystems. Part of the Marine Biology Term. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 410. Prerequisite: BIOL 330, concurrent enrollment in BIOL 505 and 200 and consent of instructor
BIOL 444
Biochemistry
A study of biological processes at the molecular level. The course focuses principally on proteins — the workhorses of living systems — particularly their structure, function, and regulation as these relate to enzyme catalysis. A second focus is on biochemical transformations, the mechanisms whereby living systems transform simple chemicals into complex structures. Lectures and weekly laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Chemistry 340. Prerequisite: CHEM 252 or concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor
BIOL 453
Developmental Biology
An experimental approach to animal development with laboratory and lecture emphasis on the molecular and cellular level. Includes discussions of pattern formation, differentiation, cell interactions, gametogenesis, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. The course will conclude with an integration of these topics into the context of current ideas of the developmental mechanisms of evolutionary change. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 140; concurrent enrollment in or completion of one of the following: BIOL 241, 260, 444 (or CHEM 340), 351, or 354
BIOL 455
Advanced Biochemistry
An advanced course covering key areas of contemporary biochemistry. Topics include enzyme kinetics and the use of isotopes to establish enzyme mechanisms; protein structure, function, and folding; protein engineering; and recent advances in biochemical medicine. The course is divided between lecture and discussion, relying heavily on current biochemical literature. The course will conclude with integration of these subjects with ideas of the developmental mechanisms of evolutionary change. No laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Chemistry 440. Prerequisite: CHEM 340 or consent of instructor
BIOL 505
Coral Reef Environments
Examines the ecology of coral reef environments. Lecture, laboratory, and field components. Part of the Marine Biology Term. Lecture and laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 505. Prerequisite: BIOL 330 and concurrent enrollment in BIOL 200 and BIOL 434
BIOL 510
Modern Concepts of Embryogenesis
A broad-based study of recent advances in the field of developmental biology. Critical review of current literature on genetic, molecular, and functional studies elucidating the underlying mechanisms of embryogenesis. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 241, 351, 354, or 444
BIOL 520
Cancer Biology
An advanced seminar covering key areas of cancer biology, including epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and current treatments. Students will undertake critical review of current literature in these fields and will have input into course content. 6 units. Prerequisite: BIOL 241 or BIOL 260 or BIOL 354 or BIOL 444
BIOL 600
Recent Advances in Biology Seminar
A multidisciplinary lecture series on modern biological theory and research. Students attend seminars and prepare short summaries or “reaction papers” on topics covered. Biology faculty members and visiting scientists in biological and allied fields present seminars relating their research to the broader aspects of their disciplines. Topics discussed within any academic year provide a comprehensive exposure to the current frontiers of biological research. May be repeated for a maximum of three units. 1 unit, repeatable for up to 3 units.
BIOL 190, 390, 590, 690
Tutorial Studies in Biology
Individual investigations of problems in biology. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
BIOL 199, 399, 599, 699
Independent Study in Biology
Individual, in-depth investigation of a specific biological problem. Students contemplating an honors project should register for this course. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
Recent tutorial topics in biology
Wolf Biology
Human Anatomy
Biostatistics
Plant Identification
Cancer Biology
Human Genetics
Tropical Ecology
Marine Mammal Ecology
Electron Microscopy
Virology
Immunology