Courses

BI 111N: Ecology and Evolution
Introduction to the basic concepts of ecology and evolution and how they relate to the diversity, structure, and function of life on earth.

BI 112N: Cells and Genes
Introduction to the primary concepts of cell biology and the fundamentals of genetics as they relate to the diversity, structure, and function of organisms.

BI 114: Integrated Cells and Genes
Integrates topics across the biology-chemistry interface: concepts of cell biology, fundamentals of genetics related to diversity, structure, and function of organisms. Prerequisite: CH 121N with a grade of C- or better, concurrent enrollment CH 123.

BI 200: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
A phylogenetic perspective on the origin, evolution, and function of vertebrate anatomy and how vertebrate evolution is reflected in human anatomy. Prerequisites: (BI 111N, ES 270N or MS 102N) and (BI 112N or BI 211N)

BI 204: Microbiology
Biology of microorganisms; microbiological techniques, isolation and identification of unknown organisms. Prerequisite: (BI 111N, ES 270N or MS 102N) and (BI 112N or BI 211N)

BI 211: Cellular Processes
Non-laboratory course focused on cellular organization and function, including biological molecules, cellular respiration, mitosis, cytoskeleton, cell signaling, and fundamentals of genetics. Intended for Marine Science students. Prerequisites: MS 101N and MS 102N.

BI 212: Genetics and Molecular Biology
Mendelian and transcription genetics from historical perspective. Experimental approach emphasized. Small lab groups participate in experimental design, and develop research skills in both classical genetic systems and molecular biology. The prerequisites: BI112N/BI114 or BI211 with a grade of C- or better.

BI 221: Plant Biology
This course is devoted to the understanding of the origins of plant life and the evolution of form and function of the major plant groups. Prerequisite: BI 111N and BI 112N or equivalent.

BI 301: Principles of Ecology
General principles of evolutionary biology, and of population, community, and ecosystems ecology. Laboratory component includes field work in local terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Prerequisite: BI 212 and Junior or Senior standing.

BI 308: General and Molecular Physiology
Mammalian nervous, endocrine, muscle, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, immune, reproductive systems. Macro and molecular aspects. Prerequisites: BI 112N, BI 212, CH 122, and Junior or Senior standing.

BI 313: Endocrinology
Physiological and biological regulation of the endocrine systems of the human body. Focus on systemic and molecular aspects of hormone regulation. Prerequisite: BI 212

BI 314: Comparative Physiology
Physiological mechanisms of animals and general principles revealed through application of comparative methods. Creative project lab to develop research skills. Prerequisites: (BI 112N or BI 212) and CH 122.

BI 319: Animal Nutrition
Aspects of nutrition for domestic animals including dogs, cats, cattle, horses. Fundamentals of nutrition including vitamins and energetics. Also digestive anatomy and physiology and history of nutrition. Prerequisites: (BI 111N and BI 112N) or (MS 102N and BI 211).

BI 342: Field Botany
Study the plants of Florida with an emphasis on plant taxonomy, field botany techniques, and local ecosystems. This course will integrate lectures with practical activities and hands-on field trips to local natural areas. Prerequisites: BI 111N, ES 270N, or MS 102N.

BI 344: Cases in Neuropathology
This course will examine the current knowledge on molecular mechanisms of neuropathology found in 5 diseases/syndromes that are important in biomedicine today: Alzheimer’s, autism, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Patient cases will be used. Prerequisite: BI 212

BI 351: Plant Ecology
Relationship of plants with their biological, physical, and chemical environments. Includes understanding the coexistence of plants in communities, landscape dynamics, productivity, environmental stresses, and principles of restoration exology. Prerequisite: BI 212

BI 352: Behavioral Ecology
Application of ecological principles to the study of animal behavior. Field course in local terrestrial and marine environments. Prerequisites: Junior standing and (MS 102N and BI 211) or (BI 111N and BI 112N).

BI 362: Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles
Synthesis of fundamental concepts in biology through the study of amphibians and reptiles. Includes extensive field work and an independent research project. Prerequisites: BI 111N and BI 112N and either BI 200 or BI 222.

BI 371: Conservation Biology
Examine problems such as species decline and endangerment, invasion by non-native species, habitat destruction and fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, and potential solutions, such as endangered species management, habitat restoration, ecosystem management. Prerequisite: ES 270N or BI 111N or MS 102N and any statistics course.

BI 372: Parasitology
An ecological and evolutionary approach to parasitism. A broad survey of parasites of humans and animals, with emphasis on parasite life cycles and anatomy. Genetic, immunological, pathological and economic aspects of parasite-host relationships. Prerequisites: BI 212.

BI 373: Restoration Ecology
Focuses on understanding how natural processes recover from a variety of disturbances. Study of practices for restoring ecosystems. A multi-scale approach will be used with distinct emphasis on coastal wetlands. Prerequisites: ES 270N or the combination of (MS 288 or BI 111N) and (MS 289 or BI 112N).

BI 391: Internship

BI 397: Neuroscience
This course covers topics in neuroscience: whole body–basics of the central and peripheral nervous systems and molecular level–neurotransmission and biochemical regulation. Neurological function and dysfunction will also be considered. Prerequisite: BI 112N or BI 211, BI 212, and CH 122.

BI 405: Computational Tools in Biology
An integrated overview of molecular and computational methods to analyze large data sets in biology, ecology, and evolution. Prerequisite: BI 212 Genetics and Molecular Biology.

BI 406: Advanced Topics in Botany
Subjects investigated determined by student interest. Prerequisite: BI 221 or MS 288.

BI 412: Receptor Pharmacology
Investigate major classes of therapeutic drugs, cell surface receptors, and intracellular signaling pathways. Explore rationales and mechanisms underlying clinical pharmacotherapy for a variety of human diseases. Prerequisites: BI 112 or BI 211, BI 212, CH 122, and Junior or Senior standing.

BI 422: Advanced Molecular Topics
Selected topics and techniques from contemporary genetics and molecular biology research. Processing of clinical/environmental specimens, next-generation sequencing analysis, advanced probe-based imaging and microscopy. Prerequisite: BI 212.

BI 424: Developmental Biology
Molecular and morphological mechanisms underlying the development of body plans and organ systems in the embryos of marine and terrestrial species. Current scientific literature, modern experimental techniques, independent laboratory research projects. Prerequisites: BI 112N and BI 212.

BI 430: Independent Research: Biology
For students interested in pursuing careers in biology, intensive instruction in use of laboratory and/or field equipment. Various methodology approaches, current and historical, used in scientific investigation. Prerequisites: CH 222, BI 212, and instructor’s permission.

BI 498: Biology Senior Capstone
Synthesis across the major areas of biology via close reading of the scientific literature, discussions, writing of a scientific review paper, oral presentations and a comprehensive examination. Required for both BA and BS. Seniors only. Prerequisites BI 212.

BI 499: Independent Research – Thesis
Upon invitation, Seniors may design and carry out a creative research program, usually resulting in a written dissertation which is defended in the spring of the senior year.