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Courses

The faculty has approval to offer the following courses in the academic years 1998-1999 and 1999-2000; however, all courses are not taught each semester or summer session. Students should consult the Course Schedule to determine which courses and topics will be offered during a particular semester or summer session. The Course Schedule may also reflect changes that have been made to the courses listed here since this catalog was printed.

A full explanation of course numbers is given in General Information. In brief, the first digit of a course number indicates the semester hour value of the course. The second and third digits indicate the rank of the course: if they are 01 through 19, the course is of lower-division rank; if 20 through 79, of upper-division rank; if 80 through 99, of graduate rank.

Division of Biological Sciences

Life sciences at the University are organized administratively into the Departments of Botany, Microbiology, and Zoology and the Division of Biological Sciences. The departments are autonomous but cooperate through the division on many matters of common interest, including the teaching of a number of introductory biology courses. These courses, listed under the heading "Biology: BIO" below, are offered by the division and taught by faculty members of the component departments. The Division of Biological Sciences administers degree plans leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Biology (with options in molecular biology; ecology, evolution, and conservation biology; and teaching), Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy. The degree programs offered by the division are interdisciplinary and therefore broader in scope than the departmental programs.

Unless otherwise stated in the description below, each class meets for three lecture hours a week for one semester.

Biology: BIO

Lower-Division Courses

301C. Topics in Biology.
Topics in biology that are especially relevant to current issues and problems in modern society. With consent of the department chairman, may be repeated for credit when the topics vary. May not be counted toward any undergraduate degree offered by the Division of Biological Sciences or the Department of Botany, Microbiology, or Zoology. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic and is given in the Course Schedule.

301L. Introductory Biology: Molecules to Organisms.
Designed for nonscience majors. Introduction to the structure and function of organisms from the molecular to the organ system level; an integrated approach to cell and molecular biology, genetics, development, and physiology of organisms. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Biology 301L and 302 may not both be counted; Biology 301L and 303 may not both be counted. May not be used to fulfill the introductory biology requirement for biology majors.

301M. Ecology, Evolution, and Society.
Designed for nonscience majors. Introduction to environmental adaptations, diversity of organisms, species interactions, organization and processes of communities, population growth and limitations, evolution and population genetics, origin of life, and human impact on the environment. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Biology 301M and 304 may not both be counted. May not be used to fulfill the introductory biology requirement for biology majors.

302. Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Introduction to structure and function at cellular and subcellular levels; an integrated study of cellular organization, morphology, and physiology; cellular metabolism; bacterial and viral genetics; molecular genetics, gene regulation, genetic engineering, immune processes; and molecular aspects of development. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Biology 301L and 302 may not both be counted. Prerequisite: One semester of college chemistry with a grade of at least C.

303. Structure and Function of Organisms.
Introduction to the anatomy, reproduction, physiology, development, behavior, and evolution of microbes, plants, and animals. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Biology 301L and 303 may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Biology 302 with a grade of at least C.

304. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Introduction to environmental adaptations, diversity of organisms, species interactions, organization and processes of communities, population growth and limitations; Mendelian, evolutionary, and population genetics, origin of life, and human impact on the environment. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Biology 301M and 304 may not both be counted.

205. Laboratory Experiments in Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Designed to give lower-division students training in laboratory techniques and experimental design and interpretation. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Biology 205, 309, 309H. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Biology 302 or consent of instructor.

206. Laboratory Experiments in Biology: Structure and Function of Organisms.
Studies of organizing principles of organismal biology, such as reproduction, development, homeostatic mechanisms, transport mechanisms, communication and effector systems, and adaptive biomechanics. Comparative study and an experimental rather than an observational context are emphasized. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Biology 303 or consent of instructor.

208. Field Biology.
Field projects, laboratory exercises, field trips, and computer simulation exercises to acquaint students with the principles and applications of ecology and some of the experimental and descriptive methods of ecological investigations. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Biology 304 or consent of instructor.

309H. Honors Laboratory Experiments in Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Training in laboratory techniques in cellular and molecular biology. The laboratory also emphasizes experimental design and data analysis. One lecture hour and six laboratory hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Biology 205, 309, 309H. Prerequisite: Biology 302 and Chemistry 301 with a grade of at least B in each and consent of instructor.

110C, 210C, 310C, 410C. Conference Course.
Supervised study of selected topics in biology, by individual arrangement with the division and instructor. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Some sections are offered on the pass/fail basis only; these are identified in the Course Schedule. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic and is given in the Course Schedule.

119S, 219S, 319S, 419S, 519S, 619S, 719S, 819S, 919S. Topics in Biology.
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Division of Biological Sciences. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

Upper-Division Courses

321. Aquatic Entomology.
The taxonomy of aquatic insects and their use in biomonitoring. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Biology 321 and 370C (Topic: Applied Aquatic Entomology) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Zoology 333, 440, or consent of instructor.

129S, 229S, 329S, 429S, 529S, 629S, 729S, 829S, 929S. Topics in Biology.
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Division of Biological Sciences. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

331. Laboratory Studies in Molecular Biology.
Same as Botany 331. Laboratory methods and approaches in molecular biology, including recombinant DNA cloning, DNA and RNA purifications, gel analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. One lecture hour and six laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Biology 302 and one of the following: Botany 323K, 328, 367K, Chemistry 339K, Zoology 320, or the equivalent; or consent of instructor.

148, 348. Training Cruise(s): Research in Biological Oceanography.
Biology 148 and 348 are same as Marine Science 148 and 348 (Topic 1: Research in Biological Oceanography). One or more cruises of one to several days each to collect physical, chemical, oceanographic, and biological data relevant to biological processes in the sea. Preparatory instruction and postcruise sample processing and analysis. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Biology 302 and either 303 or 304, Chemistry 302, and consent of instructor.

170C, 270C, 370C, 470C. Conference Course.
Supervised study of selected topics in biology, by individual arrangement with the division and instructor. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Some sections are offered on the pass/fail basis only; these are identified in the Course Schedule. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic and is given in the Course Schedule.

Department of Botany

Unless otherwise stated in the description below, each class meets for three lecture hours a week for one semester.

Botany: BOT

Lower-Division Courses

305. An Introduction to the Sensory Physiology of Plants.
Exploration of the ways plants sense information about their environment and adapt their growth accordingly; similarities between plant and animal sensory physiology. May not be counted by majors in the biological sciences.

306. Understanding Plants and Their Propagation.
Lectures with demonstration materials to discuss growth and propagation of domestic plants within the framework of general botanical principles; practical suggestions for plant enthusiasts included. May not be counted by majors in the biological sciences.

308. Plants, Environment, and Human Affairs.
Biological aspects of environmental issues, including pollution, agriculture, and ecosystem management; emphasis on the underlying ecological principles. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. May not be counted toward the major requirement for any degree in the biological sciences.

110C. Conference Course.
Supervised study of selected topics in botany, by individual arrangement with department and instructor. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Some sections are offered on the pass/fail basis only; these are identified in the Course Schedule. Prerequisite: Written consent of instructor.

312L. Botany for Gardeners.
The structure, reproduction, propagation, and physiology of garden and house plants, with a view toward the understanding of their proper cultivation. May not be counted toward the major requirement for any biology or botany degree.

419. Native Plants.
Introduction to the flora of central Texas; involves plant identification, distribution, and consideration of edible and useful wild plants. Two lecture hours and six laboratory hours a week for one semester, including field trips.

119S, 219S, 319S, 419S, 519S, 619S, 719S, 819S, 919S. Topics in Botany.
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Department of Botany. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

Upper-Division Courses

320. General Botany: Structure, Physiology, and Reproduction of Seed Plants.
The principles of structure and functioning of higher plants; special attention to the dynamics of growth and development and reproduction. Prerequisite: At least five semester hours of biological science chosen from Biology 302, 303, 304, 205, and 206, six semester hours of chemistry, and concurrent enrollment in Botany 120C; or consent of instructor.

120C. General Botany Laboratory: Structure, Physiology, and Reproduction of Seed Plants
Observation of structure and reproduction in seed plants and employment of experimental techniques demonstrating physiological processes, especially of growth and development. Two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Botany 320 or consent of instructor.

321. General Botany: Survey of the Plant Kingdom.
Review of the groups of living and fossil plants, emphasizing their organization, reproduction, and evolution. Prerequisite: At least five semester hours of biological science chosen from Biology 302, 303, 304, 205, and 206, and concurrent enrollment in Botany 121C; or consent of instructor.

121C. General Botany Laboratory: Survey of the Plant Kingdom.
Demonstration of members of various plant groups, utilizing cultures and prepared materials, to emphasize organization, reproduction, and evolution. Two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Botany 321 or consent of instructor.

323K. Cell Biology.
Principles of eukaryotic cell structure and function; macromolecules, energetics, membranes, organelles, cytoskeleton, gene expression, signaling, division, differentiation, motility, and experimental methodologies. Only one of the following may be counted: Botany 323K, Zoology 320, 326L. Prerequisite: Six semester hours of biological science, including Biology 302 with a grade of at least C, and a grade point average in biological science of at least 2.00.

323L. Laboratory Studies in Cell Biology.
Research exercises involving light/electron microscopy, image processing, autoradiography, chromatography, fractionation, flow cytometry, spectroscopy, diffraction, antibody labeling, cell growth, kinetics. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; six semester hours of biological science, including Biology 302; credit or registration for Botany 323K or Zoology 320; and a grade point average in biological science of at least 2.00.

327. General Phycology.
A general survey of the algae and of their biology. Botany 327 and 385K may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Botany 321 and 121C, or consent of instructor; and concurrent enrollment in Botany 127K.

127K. Laboratory in General Phycology.
Survey of various algal groups, including direct observations of their biology, exposure to research techniques, and instruction in culture procedures. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Botany 327.

328. Introductory Plant Physiology.
General principles of the mineral nutrition, water relations, metabolic activities, growth and development of green plants. Prerequisite: For botany majors, concurrent enrollment in Botany 128K; for others, at least five semester hours of biological science chosen from Biology 302, 303, 304, 205, and 206, and six semester hours of chemistry; or consent of instructor.

128K. Laboratory Experiments in Plant Physiology.
Introduction to experimental techniques used in the study of the mineral nutrition, water relations, metabolic activities, growth and development of green plants. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Botany 328 or the equivalent.

129S, 229S, 329S, 429S, 529S, 629S, 729S, 829S, 929S. Topics in Botany.
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Department of Botany. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

331. Laboratory Studies in Molecular Biology.
Same as Biology 331. Laboratory methods and approaches in molecular biology, including recombinant DNA cloning, DNA and RNA purifications, gel analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. One lecture hour and six laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Biology 302 and one of the following: Botany 323K, 328, 367K, Chemistry 339K, Zoology 320, or the equivalent; or consent of instructor.

343M. Transmembrane Signaling Mechanisms.
Mechanisms by which hormones, light, and other stimuli trigger changes in plant and animal cell metabolism. Botany 343M and 383M may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and Chemistry 339K.

349. Environmental Pollution.
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing in the biological sciences and consent of instructor.

350M. Plant Molecular Biology.
Fundamentals of plant molecular biology, including structure and expression of the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes. Botany 350M and 390M may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Botany 323K, 328, or 367K or Zoology 320 or 325.

351. Economic Botany.
An in-depth analysis of the origin of domesticated plant species, the role in nature of plant products, and the ways natural products have been altered through artificial selection. Prerequisite: Biology 302 and 303, or six semester hours of biology.

352. Reproductive Biology of Flowering Plants.
Pollination biology, breeding systems, reproductive strategies, and fruit and seed dispersal from evolutionary and ecological vantage points. Prerequisite: Biology 304 or Zoology 325, and Biology 303 or Botany 320 or 321.

359. Global Environmental Change.
Global change as it affects terrestrial ecosystems, including feedback between ecosystems and the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases and global warming, ozone, biological invasions, and land-use change. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing, Biology 304, and Botany 320 or 321.

262. Plant Systematics.
Elementary principles of plant taxonomy as exemplified by families of flowering plants found seasonally around Austin. Two lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Six semester hours of upper-division coursework in natural science and concurrent enrollment in Botany 262C.

262C. Angiosperm Diversity Laboratory.
Practical experience in recognizing, identifying, and classifying families of flowering plants. Four laboratory hours a week for one semester.

362L. Plant Speciation.
Nature of species in higher plants, speciation phenomena in plants, natural hybridization, polyploidy, agamospermy, evolutionary mechanisms. Lectures, readings, discussions, demonstrations. Botany 362L and 382L may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Twelve semester hours of biological science, including Zoology 325, with a grade point average of at least 2.00.

367K. Plant Genetics.
Genes, gene systems, linkage systems, and genetic systems in higher plants. Botany 367K and 387K may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Twelve semester hours of biological science, including Zoology 325, with a grade point average of at least 2.00.

170C, 270C, 370C. Conference Course.
Supervised study of selected topics in botany, by individual arrangement with department and instructor. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Some sections are offered on the pass/fail basis only; these are identified in the Course Schedule. Prerequisite: Written consent of instructor.

370M. Evolution.
Genetic and ecological basis of evolutionary changes within populations and of evolutionary divergence in animals and plants. Botany 370M and 387L may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Zoology 325 or consent of instructor; nine semester hours chosen from the following: Biology 302, 303, 304, 205, 206, 208; and a grade point average of at least 2.00.

373K. Introduction to Plant Ecology.
Principles of the distribution and nature of vegetation. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing in biological science or geological sciences.

173L. Plant Ecology Laboratory.
Demonstrations and experiments stressing plant ecological principles, including laboratory and field exercises. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Botany 373K.

374. Plant Anatomy with Histological Techniques.
Tissue organization and cellular details of stems, roots, and leaves of seed plants, with emphasis on development and function. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing in biological science and concurrent enrollment in Botany 174K.

174K. Laboratory in Plant Anatomy and Histological Techniques.
Demonstration of cellular details and tissue systems of plant organs and instruction in the preparation of plant materials for histological examination. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Botany 374.

474L. Taxonomic Plant Anatomy.
An advanced course emphasizing those aspects of plant anatomy that are most reliable and useful for systematic purposes. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Botany 474L and 484L may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing in biological science; and Botany 374 and 174K or consent of instructor.

375C. Conservation Biology.
Application of ecology to the preservation of wild plant and animal species and to the preservation, management, and restoration of natural and seminatural ecosystems. Emphasis on scientific, biological aspects of issues such as endangered species, preserve design, forest management. Prerequisite: An upper-division course in ecology.

376C. Conservation Genetics.
Genetic attributes of rare plant and animal species, especially as they affect conservation; germ plasm resource conservation in wild and domesticated species. Botany 376C and 386C may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Zoology 325.

177, 277, 377. Botanical Research: Undergraduate.
Introduction to the problems and techniques of research in the various fields of plant science. Supervised individual research. May be repeated for credit. Up to three semester hours may be counted toward the major requirement for the Bachelor of Arts with a major in botany or toward the twenty-seven semester hours in botany required for the Bachelor of Science in Botany; additional hours may be counted as electives. Prerequisite: Six semester hours of upper-division botany or twelve semester hours of upper-division biological science, written consent of instructor, and a University grade point average of at least 3.00.

679H. Honors Tutorial Course.
Reading, under supervision, of significant works in botany, and discussion of these works with individual faculty members; or a laboratory research project in a specific field of botany under the supervision of one or more faculty members. Three conference hours a week for two semesters. Prerequisite: For 679HA, completion of twelve semester hours toward a major in botany or biology and consent of supervising instructor and the department's honors adviser; for 679HB, Botany 679HA and consent of supervising instructor and the department's honors adviser.

Contents  |  Next File  |  Previous File

Undergraduate catalog

Contents  |  Chapter 1  |  Chapter 2  |  Chapter 3  |  Chapter 4
Chapter 5  |  Chapter 6  |  Chapter 7  |  Chapter 8  |  Chapter 9
Chapter 10  |  Chapter 11  |  Chapter 12  |  Chapter 13
Texas Common Course Numbering System (Appendix A)
Appendix B

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