Dedman College
(2010 Undergraduate Catalog)
Biological Sciences
www.smu.edu/biology
Professor William Orr,
Department Chair
Professors: Christine Buchanan, Richard Jones, Paul Ludden, William Orr, Larry Ruben, John Ubelaker, Steven Vik.
Associate Professors: Robert Harrod, Pia Vogel.
Assistant Professors: Johannes Bauer, James Waddle.
Lecturers: Eva Oberdorster, John Wise.
Adjunct Associate Professor: Teresa Strecker.
Emeritus Professors: Venita Allison, John McCarthy, Franklin Sogandares-Bernal.
Requirements for the B.S. Degree. This degree program is designed for students who plan careers in the biological sciences or further study in graduate or professional schools. A candidate for the B.S. degree must complete a minimum of 10 courses in biological sciences, including BIOL 1401, 1402 and eight additional courses that: 1) total at least 26 advanced hours, 2) include BIOL 3304 and 3350, 3) include at least one course at the 4000 or 5000 level, and 4) include at least two courses with laboratories. The B.S. degree requires 16 hours of chemistry, including Organic Chemistry I and II with labs; eight hours of general physics; MATH 1337; and one additional course chosen from MATH 1338, or STAT 2331 or 5371. Although statistics is used extensively in biological research, preprofessional students should be aware that certain medical schools require a full year of calculus.
Requirements for the B.S.-M.S Degree. This degree program is designed for students with a strong interest in a research career. It is a five-year plan that results in both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Admission into the program is by petition and occurs during the spring term of the second year. A research mentor must be identified and a minimum 3.2 GPA in science courses is required. The Department Graduate Committee will evaluate interested applicants. Tuition support is provided in the fifth year, and stipend support is provided for summer research and throughout the fifth year. Students in the program must be engaged in research year round and will enroll in BIOL 2101, 2102 in the third year. All of the B.S. degree requirements must be completed and include the following courses: BIOL 3304, 3350, 3398, 3399, 5304, 5310, 5311, 5110. The requirements for the M.S. degree will be met in years four and five. During year four, students will complete BIOL 6121, 6122, 6310, 6322. During year five, students will typically complete BIOL 6123, 6124; two additional graduate courses; and sufficient research credits to total 15 hours in each term of the fifth year. To remain in the program, students will maintain a 3.0 GPA in science courses and exhibit satisfactory progress in their lab work.
The Departmental Distinction Program. A biological sciences major with sufficiently high academic standing may graduate with departmental distinction by successfully completing a special program of study that includes independent reading and research and a senior thesis under the direction of a member of the departmental faculty. To graduate with departmental distinction, a student must be working toward a B.S. degree and must submit an application to the Undergraduate Studies Committee of the department for this designation during the first term of the junior year. At the time of the application, the student must have completed at least 14 hours of biological sciences, including at least six advanced hours, with a GPA in these courses of at least 3.5 and an overall GPA of at least 3.5. For students who have transferred to SMU, two grade-point averages will be calculated, that for all work attempted, and that for work completed through enrollment at SMU. Admission to the program will be based on the lower of the two averages. With departmental approval, the student will enroll for BIOL 4398 in the second term of the junior year. Upon completion of this course with a grade of
B+ or better, the student will enroll during the senior year for BIOL 4399 in which a research project will be carried out and a senior thesis written and presented to the faculty. Performance in these courses and maintenance of a 3.5 GPA for all biological sciences courses attempted will determine if the B.S. degree will be awarded “with departmental distinction.”
Requirements for the B.A. Degree. This degree program is designed for students who wish to couple training in the biological sciences with a broad liberal arts program. Students who are preparing for medical or dental school should consult with the premed adviser about additional science requirements. A candidate for the B.A. degree must complete a minimum of eight courses in biological sciences, including BIOL 1401, 1402 and six courses that: 1) total at least 18 advanced hours, 2) include BIOL 3304 and 3350, 3) include at least one course at the 4000 or 5000 level, and 4) include at least two courses with laboratories. The B.A. degree also requires 12 hours of chemistry, including Organic Chemistry I with lab.
Requirements for the B.A. Degree With Teacher Certification. Students interested in the B.A. degree program with teacher certification in secondary education should confer with the Teacher Certification representative in the department to plan a specific program of study.
Requirements for the Minor. Students majoring in other departments may obtain a minor in biological sciences by completing BIOL 1401, 1402 and at least nine advanced hours, which must include BIOL 3304, 3350 and an advanced laboratory course. Each advanced course must be completed through enrollment at SMU. CHEM 1303, 1304, 1113, 1114 also are required for the minor. A student may not earn minors in both biology and the natural sciences.
The courses outlined in this section are designed to satisfy the curricular requirements of nonscience students. BIOL 1303 is not open to students who have earned prior credit in BIOL 1401, and BIOL 1305, 1308, 1310 are not open to students who have earned prior credit in BIOL 1402. Nonscience majors should note that BIOL 1401, 1402 may also be taken to satisfy distribution requirements.
1303. Essentials of Biology. An introduction to the major concepts of biological thought for the nonscience major. Includes one laboratory session each week.
1305. Our Natural Environment. An introduction to major environments and their resident populations. Offered in summer session at Fort Burgwin, SMU-in-Taos, New Mexico. Includes equivalent of one laboratory session each week.
1308. Plant Biology. An introduction to the economic, social and industrial aspects of plant substances and material. Offered in summer session at Fort Burgwin, SMU-in-Taos, New Mexico. Includes equivalent of one laboratory session each week.
1310. Aquatic Biology. An introduction to the biology of lakes and streams of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Lectures and labs will be conducted at Fort Burgwin, SMU-in-Taos, New Mexico.
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Students who wish to earn the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology are encouraged to complete BIOL 1401, 1402 and CHEM 1303, 1304 (with labs) in their freshman year. However, with the approval of an academic adviser, a student may postpone BIOL 1401, 1402 for one or two terms. The introductory biology courses are the minimum prerequisite for all advanced biology courses. The general chemistry courses are a prerequisite for most advanced biology courses.
1401, 1402. Introductory Biology. An introduction to the study of living organisms. First term: cell structure, metabolism and genetics; second term: ecology, evolution, diversity and physiology. 3 lecture hours and one 3-hour laboratory each week. This 2-term offering is a prerequisite for all advanced courses in biological sciences.
3222. Molecular Genetics Laboratory. Students will gain experience in investigative methods used in modern medical research, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, forensic science, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIOL 3304.
3303. Evolution. A study of the principles of biological evolution. Includes natural selection, adaptation, molecular evolution, the formation of new species, the fossil record, biogeography and principles of classification. 3 lecture hours each week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1402 and
C- or better in BIOL 3304.
3304. Genetics. An introduction to the structure, function and transmission of the hereditary material. 3 lecture hours each week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1401 and CHEM 1304.
3306. Physiology. Homeostatic control mechanisms in vertebrates. 3 lecture hours each week.
Prerequisites: C- or better in both BIOL 3304 and 3350.
3307 (GEOL 3307). Ecology. Basic principles and concepts of ecology with emphasis on population and community interactions. 3 lecture hours each week.
3342. Plant Kingdom. A survey of the plant kingdom emphasizing life histories and developmental morphology. 2 lecture hours and one 3-hour laboratory each week.
3350. Cell Biology. The structure and function of cells. 3 lecture hours each week.
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 1304.
3354. Parasitology. Comparative study of protozoa and helminthic parasitic organisms and their role in diseases. 2 lecture hours and one 3-hour laboratory each week.
3357. Biology of Invertebrates. A general survey of the invertebrates with emphasis on identification of local species, morphological adaptations, systematics and ecology. 2 lecture hours and one 3-hour laboratory each week.
3365. Cancer Biology. Emphasis on the molecular features of oncogenesis and human cancers, including carcinogenesis, metastasis and roles of genetic mutations and chromosomal aberrations during neoplasia.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIOL 3350.
3380. Molecular Mechanisms of Disease. Emphasis on current advances in the understanding of disease processes at the molecular level.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIOL 3350.
3403. Microbiology. The biology of microorganisms, with an emphasis on diversity, disease and the environment. 3 lecture hours and one 3-hour laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIOL 3304.
Recommended preparation: CHEM 3371, 3117.
4132. Senior Seminar. Discussion of current problems of biological interest. 1 hour each week.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, major in biology.
4160. Toxicology Laboratory. Modern biochemical and molecular techniques will be used to assess the impact of environmental contaminants on liver biomarkers in fish. One 3-hour laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIOL 3350.
Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 4360.
4331. Developmental Biology. Developmental processes in animals. 3 lecture hours each week.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIOL 3304.
4360. Environmental and Human Toxicology. Introduction to environmental toxicology, focusing on the fate and transport, biotransformation, and biochemical and physiological impacts of pollutants on humans and wildlife. 3 lecture hours each week. Recommended preparation: CHEM 3371, 3372.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIOL 3350.
4370. Biotechnology and Nanotechnology. Introduction to current techniques and emerging applications of biotechnology and nanobiotechnology in medicine, agriculture, forensic and aquatic sciences, and bioremediation.
Prerequisites: CHEM 3371 and
C- or better in BIOL 3304.
5102. Structural Biology Seminar. This seminar course includes readings and discussions of the period 1933–1963 when structural molecular biology emerged. Readings include both original research articles and historical reviews.
Prerequisite: BIOL/CHEM 5310 or consent of instructor.
5110 (CHEM 5110). Biological Chemistry Laboratory. One 3-hour laboratory period each week.
Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 5310.
5166 (GEOL 5166). Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory. A laboratory course to accompany BIOL/GEOL 5366. Exercises include basic anatomy, dissections and examinations of fossil skeletons.
Corequisite: BIOL 5366 (GEOL 5366).
5304. Molecular Biology: Control and Expression of Genetic Information. DNA structure and replication, control of transcription and translation, and techniques in molecular genetics and recombinant DNA technology.
Prerequisites: CHEM 3372 and
C- or better in BIOL 3304.
5305. Genomics and Bioinformatics. Impact of completely sequenced genomes on current experimental and computational approaches to biomedical research. Introduction to the technology, biology and software exploited by molecular biology, genealogy and medical diagnostic labs.
Prerequisites: C- or better in BIOL 3304 and junior standing.
5310 (CHEM 5310). Biological Chemistry: Macromolecular Structure and Function. Introduction to the structure and function of macromolecules of biological importance. Emphasis on nucleic acid and protein structure, enzyme kinetics, carbohydrate and lipid chemistry. 3 lecture hours each week.
Prerequisites: CHEM 3371, 3372. The accompanying laboratory (BIOL 5110) is strongly recommended for biology majors.
5311 (CHEM 5311). Biological Chemistry: Metabolism. Introduction to the pathways and regulatory events in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and nucleotides. 3 lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: CHEM 3371, 3372.
5312 (CHEM 5312). Physical Biochemistry. Physical chemistry of macromolecules and biological membranes, with an emphasis on the thermodynamics of solutions.
Prerequisites: MATH 1338 and CHEM 3372, 5310. (CHEM 5381 or CHEM 5383 is recommended.)
5325. General and Molecular Virology. Emphasis on the molecular aspects of viral replication and pathogenesis, including the roles of viruses in emerging human infectious diseases, cancer and bioterrorism.
Prerequisites: C- or better in BIOL 3304 and junior standing.
5358. Ecology of Parasitism. The biotic and abiotic factors influencing parasite communities. Emphasis on the free-living stages of parasites. 2 lecture hours and one 3-hour laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3354.
5366 (GEOL 5366). Vertebrate Anatomy and Origins. An introduction to vertebrate anatomy with emphasis on structure and function. Additionally, the course examines processes that have affected the diversity of vertebrate organisms, including origination, biogeography and adaptation.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1401, 1402 or GEOL 1308. The accompanying laboratory is a corequisite for biology majors and strongly recommended for all other students.
Corequisite: BIOL 5166.
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2101. Introductory Research I. A minimum of five hours per week doing supervised laboratory research. This course is offered on a pass/fail basis only.
Prerequisites: At least sophomore standing, BIOL 1401, 1402 and consent of the instructor.
2102. Introductory Research II. A minimum of five hours per week doing supervised laboratory research. This course is offered on a pass/fail basis only.
Prerequisites: BIOL 2101 and consent of the instructor.
3395. Internship in Biology. Biological research at an institution other than SMU. Credit does not apply toward the degree requirement for two laboratory courses. A student cannot have previously completed BIOL 3398.
3398. Undergraduate Research I. A minimum of 9 hours per week doing research in the laboratory of a faculty member. Credit for this course does not apply toward the degree requirement for two laboratory courses nor can a student have previously completed BIOL 3395.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, and approval by the faculty sponsor and the Undergraduate Studies Committee of the department.
3399. Undergraduate Research II. This course is offered on a pass/fail basis only and cannot be applied toward the requirements for the major in biological sciences.
Prerequisites: BIOL 3398, and approval by the faculty sponsor and the Undergraduate Studies Committee of the department.
4398. Honors Research I. For students in the departmental distinction program.
Prerequisite: Admission to the departmental distinction program.
4399. Honors Research II. For students in the departmental distinction program.
Prerequisite: Admission to the departmental distinction program.
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3343. Field Botany. Identification of vascular plants with emphasis on ecological indicators. Lectures and laboratories conducted at Fort Burgwin, New Mexico.
3347. Systematic Botany. An introduction to the history, nomenclature, family characteristics, identification and biosystematics of the flowering plants. Lectures and laboratories conducted at Fort Burgwin, New Mexico.
5359. Host-Parasite Relationships. Analysis of host-parasite relations from an evolutionary and ecological viewpoint. Lectures and laboratories conducted at Fort Burgwin, New Mexico.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3354.
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3100, 3200, 3300. Special Topics Abroad. Courses offered in SMU-approved international programs. May be repeated for credit under different subtitle. A maximum of 6 credit-hours may be applied toward the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology. May not be applied toward the minor in biology.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
3308. Biology of Marine Mammals. A comparative study of marine mammal anatomy, morphology, physiology, life history and behavior, and adaptation to marine existence. Includes study of the effect of human activities on marine mammals, with special reference to Northern European waters. (SMU-in-Copenhagen only)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1401, 1402.
3309. Marine Biology of European Coastal Waters. Special emphasis on animals and plants living in European coastal waters. Chemical and physical parameters and their effect on community structure, morphology, anatomy and physiology. Functions as well as survival strategies and adaptations of the most important organisms. (SMU-in-Copenhagen only)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1401, 1402; CHEM 1303, 1113.
3310. Ecology and Human Impact in the North and Baltic Seas. Marine ecosystems and communities, their distribution and function in the North and Baltic seas. Problems related to human activities, e.g., fisheries, habitat deterioration, eutrophication and pollution. Ecosystem approach, sustainability and precautionary principle in management. (SMU-in-Copenhagen only)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1401, 1402; CHEM 1303, 1113.
3311. Tropical Ecology and Sustainable Development. Examines the ecological impact of human activity, especially agriculture, in a tropical country. Topics include water pollution, waste management and climate change. (SMU-in-Costa Rica only)
Prerequisites: BIOL 3307 and at least one college-level course in Spanish.
3312. Wildlife Ecology. Ecological principles of the East Africa savanna ecosystem. Examines factors underlying distributions, population biology and behavioral ecology, along with competition and predation, using African examples. (SMU-in-Kenya only)
Prerequisite: BIOL 3307.
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