Biology Courses

BIOL 111 Concepts of Biology 4 cr.
This course is designed to accommodate one semester of the general education requirement for non-science majors at Minot State University. The course will focus on a comprehensive survey of modern biology with an emphasis on enhancing the science literacy of the college educated student. Topics will include, but not limited to: cell biology, genetics, evolution by natural selection, systematics, and the impact of human activity on the biosphere. Where appropriate, topics will be illustrated with examples of the human animal and at all times the course will reflect the five strands of a general education course. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.

BIOL 103 Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Science 1cr.
Designed to aquaint first year medical technology students with the depth and breadth fo this field. Students visit medical technology departments at local hospitals. The course is presented by the eduction coordinators at local hospitals. Lecture 1 hour.

BIOL 115 Human Structure and Function 4 cr.
Structure and function of the human body. Anatomy and physiology of major body systems is emphasized. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours.

BIOL 142 General Microbiology 4 cr.
A survey of microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, microbial interaction with humans, and the impact of microorganisms on the environment. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.

BIOL 150 General Biology I: Introduction to Cellular Biology 4 cr.
Introduction to fundamental concepts of biology at the level of the cell including: bioenergetics, cell structure, physiology principles, genetic function and inheritance. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.

BIOL 151 General Biology II: Introduction to Zoology 4 cr.
The biology of animals is covered beginning with an emphasis on the underlying cellular structure and physiology and expanding towards larger whole organism features that are difficult to predict from cell biology. The general patterns of animal life are covered. In an effort to connect the general principles offered in this course to one's daily life (e.g., cellular respiration, excretion, muscle structure and function), an emphasis is placed on mammalian systems. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.

BIOL 154 Introduction to Botany 4 cr.
Introduction to the biology of plants emphasizing evolution and diversity, plant anatomy and development, water and mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, and plant ecology. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours

BIOL 215 Genetics 4 cr.
Introduction to principles of genetics including: inheritance, DNA and chromosomes, gene regulation, evolution, and genetic engineering. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 150

BIOL 220 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 cr.
Structure and function of the human body dealing with the chemical, cellular, and tissue levels of organization and integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.

BIOL 221 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 cr.
Structure and function of the human body dealing with the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, endocrine, reproductive, and urinary systems; special senses and metabolism, fluid and electrolyte, and acid-base balance; metabolism and energetics. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 220.

BIOL 250 Cellular Biology 4 cr.
An advanced cell biology designed for biology majors with an emphasis on biological chemistry, membrane structure and transport, cellular energy metabolism, protein synthesis and modification, subcellular organelle structure and function, and the cell biology of the nucleus. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 150.

BIOL 301 Evolution 4 cr.
This course details the processes that influence evolutionary change. An emphasis is placed on the methodology for (1) inferring phylogenetic relationships (i.e., history), (2) determining the relative influences of natural selection and genetic drift, and (3) exploring the conditions that lead to various modes of speciation. Topics covered include population genetics, speciation, microevolution vs. macroevolution, punctuated equilibrium, life history theory, and modes of selection. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154, 215.

BIOL 310 Pharmaceutical Ethnobotany 4 cr.
Historical and present use of native American and introduced plants. The focus is on medicinal plants, their authentication, their active principles, and their current application in medicine. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. .

BIOL 325 Entomology 4 cr.
Classification, taxonomy, morphology, identification, life histories, interrelationships, and economic importance of insects. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 330 Biogeography 4 cr.
This course will describe the spatial patterns in the distribution of species and will examine how abiotic and biotic factors are hypothesized to result in these patterns. Lecture, 3 hours; recitation, 1 hour. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 335 Comparative Anatomy 4 cr.
Comparative study of organ systems of a series of vertebrates. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154, PHYS 203.

BIOL 340 Systematic Zoology 4 cr.
Evolution, classification, taxonomy, and identification of invertebrates and vertebrates. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 346 Developmental Biology 4 cr.
Principles of development as shown in representative plant and animal forms. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 347 General Ecology 4 cr.
Plants and animals in their environment. An ecosystem approach is used. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 349 Plant Physiology 4 cr.
Physiological processes of plants with special emphasis on nutrition, metabolism, growth and development. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 350 Freshwater Biology 4 cr.
Biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of inland waters including origins, interrelationships and the effect of civilization. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 360 Morphology of Vascular Plants 4 cr.
Structure and development of vascular plants with special emphasis on evolutionary trends. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 401 Population Genetics 4 cr.
This course explores the mechanics of evolution from the viewpoint of allelic frequencies. It begins with the basic theory of Hardy Weinberg equilibrium and expands that theory to embrace linkage disequilibrium, selection in single-locus and multilocus systems, genetic drift, and the effects of mutation rates, population size, and migration on the genetic structure of populations. Exposure is given to classic ideas (e.g., shifting balance theory and runaway sexual selection) and to applications of theory (e.g., breeding designs, conservation genetics). Lecture, 3 hours; recitation 1 hr. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154, 215.

BIOL 402 Bioinformatics 4 cr.
Computational methods for study of biological sequence data in comparative biology and evolution.  Analysis of genome content and organization.  Techniques for searching sequence databases, pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic methods, and methods for pattern recognition and functional inference from sequence data. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.  Prerequisites BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 404 Plant Molecular Ecology 4 cr. Plants are sessile organisms confined to their specific environment. This course covers plant interactions with their biotic (pollinators, herbivores, pathogens, other plants) and abiotic environment (light, nutrients, pollutants) at the cellular and molecular level. Plant signal transduction, gene expression, and metabolic processes are examined in this ecological context. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory, 3 hours.  

BIOL 420 Co-op Practicum 4-8 cr.
A cooperative program with industry, state, and federal agencies for an in-depth study of a specialized aspect of biology. Students spend approximately 25 clock hours per semester hour for the practicum. Prerequisites: 2 years of biology and consent of biology coordinator.

BIOL 430 Pre-Veterinary Practicum 3 cr.
This program is designed to give MSU students a hands-on experience in veterinary medicine. This program is organized in association with the Minot Veterinary Clinic. It is supervised by Dr. Russell Behm of the Minot Veterinary Clinic and is coordinated by a MSU biology professor. The students spend about 80 hours per semester for the practicum. Prerequisite: 2 years of biology.

BIOL 440 Pre-Med Practicum 3 cr.
This program is designed to give MSU students a basic understanding of the hospital and its functions. Students spend approximately 90 hours per semester in the various departments and the family practice clinic. Students are supervised by the physicians involved in the program while the program is coordinated by a biology professor on campus. Prerequisite: BIOL 221.

BIOL 448 Systematic Botany 4 cr.
Classification and taxonomy of seed plants with emphasis on local flora. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 450 Parasitology 4 cr.
Morphology, taxonomy, and life histories of the endemic, exotic, and zoonotic parasites of the animal kingdom. Diseases caused by parasites are also presented. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 221.

BIOL 455 Hematology 4 cr.
Study of the blood and hematologic disorders including anemia, leukemia, and other blood dyscrasias. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 221.

BIOL 458 Anatomy of Seed Plants 4 cr.
Development of cells, tissues, and organs in seed plants. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.

BIOL 465 Herpetology 4cr.
Herpetology is the study of reptiles (exclusive of birds) and amphibians; this includes extant groups (e.g. frogs) and extinct groups (e.g. dinosaurs). This course begins with the phylogeny, history, and taxonomy of "herps" (i.e. reptiles and amphibians) and progresses to coverage of physiology, ecology, and behavior.

BIOL 465 Immunology 4 cr.
Principles and techniques of immunology and serology. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 142, CHEM 240.

BIOL 470 Histology 4 cr.
Comprehensive study of tissues and organs. Mammalian tissues are emphasized. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 4 hours.

BIOL 475 Clinical Microbiology 4 cr.
Isolation, identification and clinical application of pathogenic microorganisms. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 142.

BIOL 480 Molecular Biology 4 cr.
This course covers a variety of topics concerning the macromolecules of living cells, focusing on nucleic acids and proteins. Major areas of study include: DNA replication and transcription, protein synthesis (translation), and comparison of processes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The latter part of the course will focus on mechanisms of gene expression, the molecular genetics of cancer, and applied molecular biology. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154, 215, 250.

BIOL 497 Directed Research 1-8 cr.
The faculty of the Department of Biology consider research a valuable component of the curriculum. The content and extent of research projects are determined by the student and a faculty sponsor. The research may be in the lab or field and is intended to help the student develop a greater appreciation of the scientific process. While publication is not a requirement, all projects have a goal of producing publishable results. A successful experience in research can be an asset for graduate studies and many careers in biology. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, 151, 154.