An introduction to the processes of evolution, the outcomes of evolution, and the field of ecology. Processes of evolution include understanding natural selection, genetic drift, molecular evolution and general evolutionary theory. Outcomes of evolution include speciation, hybridization, building phylogenetic trees, and using trees to understand the diversity of life, especially vertebrate evolution. Ecology topics include population growth and regulation, competition, predator/prey interctions, symbiosis, community structure and food webs, and energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems. Prerequisite: BIOL 100 [4]

Modern principles of heredity have been established through studies at the molecular, cellular and organismic levels. The course includes fundamental information on the structure of a gene, its expression and organization as deduced from analysis of viral and prokaryotic systems, the transmission of genetic material in eukaryotic systems,the interaction of genes in populations and the application of fundamental genetic principles to problems of human heredity. Prerequisite: BIOL 100, CHEM 101 or 123 and sophomore standing. Pre- or corequisite: CHEM 102 or 124. [4]

A laboratory course designed to illustrate fundamental genetic principles by experimentation. Such principles include the nature of genetic material, transfer of genetic information in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, organization and regulation of gene expression, Mendel's rules of heredity, linkage and crossing over, and genetic variation. Students will be expected to work independently, spending periods of time other than during the scheduled lab period collecting data. (Fall) Prerequisite: BIOL 100L. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 302. [2]

A modern treatment of cell structure and function with emphasis on the molecular architecture, biochemistry and regulatory mechanisms common to all cells. Topics include membrane structure, function and transport; molecular mechanisms of energy metabolism and its associated organelles; the structural and molecular basis for the expression of genetic information; the organelles involved in the regulation of cell shape and motility; selected cell functions, growth, reproduction and their control. This course is designed for students interested in the biological sciences, biochemistry and the allied health professions. (Spring & Fall) Prerequisites: BIOL 302, CHEM 102; CHEM 351 strongly recommended. [3]

A course of laboratory experiments supported by demonstrations and lectures designed to introduce the student to a wide range of techniques used in modern cell biology. Students learn both the techniques and their theoretical basis, gaining experience in the analysis and oral and written presentation of experimental data. Experiments utilizing spectrophotometry, polarography, chromatography, radioisotopic labelling, immuno-, cyto- and histochemistry, and several types of microscopy will be performed. This course is designed for students majoring in the biological sciences or biochemistry, or preparing for allied health professional schools. (Spring) Prerequisites: BIOL 100L, BIOL 302. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 303. [2]

A consideration of the basic physiology and development of plants. Topics include plant diversity, patterns of growth and development, the interaction between nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes, chloroplast development, photosynthesis, seed development, tissue differentiation, hormonal regulation, nitrogen fixation, tissue culture and plant tumors. (Fall) Prerequisite: BIOL 303. [3]

Basic plant biology will be explored through experiments, examination of live and preserved specimens, and lectures. Experiments will include photosynthesis, water relations, growth regulator effects, and interactions with bacteria. (Fall). Prerequisite: BIOL 303L; Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 304. [2]

Functional features of whole organisms and their component organs and organ systems will be studied. Emphasis will be on ways in which diverse organisms at various phylogenetic levels perform similar functions. Examples of topics include osmoregulation, gas exchange, control systems, sensors, effectors, brain and behavior. (Spring). Prerequisite: BIOL 303. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 112. [3]

A laboratory designed to study experimentally selected organismic functions discussed in BIOL 305. (Spring). Prerequisite: BIOL 303L. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 112. BIOL 305. [2]
Course on-line information: http://www.umbc.edu/bioclass/biol305l/

Individuals involved in contemporary scientific research have ethical responsibilities for their conduct. The goal of this course is to provide students considering a career in scientific research with aframework for establishing appropriate scientific integrity. A variety of relevant topics will be discussed, including fraud and misconduct, peer review, obligations and rights of students and mentors, ethical conduct in animal and human experimentation, ownership of data, reagents, intellectual property, authorship and conflict of interest. Note: Permission of course coordinator required. [1]

This course is designed for and required of those students seeking Departmental Honors in Biological Sciences. It is a series of weekly discussions designed to introduce undergraduate students to current biological research opportunities at UMBC in both the laboratory and the field. There will be a particular emphasis on the research areas currently being pursued by the Biological Sciences faculty. Each week a member of the faculty will lead a discussion of a specific re search area. Students will be assigned relevant readings prior to class and will be expected to participate in class discussion. The course is designed to prepare the student for an Honors re search project. Prerequisites: The student must meet eligibility requirements for the Honors Program in Biological Sciences, and receive permission to register from the Departmental Honors Program advisor. [3]

This course is designed for UMBC degree seeking students who are employed outside of the university as volunteers or for compensation, provided the following criteria are met: 1) the work must be performed at an institution, agency or company which is a participating employer in UMBC's Cooperative Education Program, and 2) the work performed by the student must have a significant learning component in the biological sciences as judged by the Biological Sciences Internship Coordinator in consultation with the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences. Pass/fail credit only, earned at the rate of one credit for every fifty hours of qualified work during an academic session (fall, spring or summer). A maximum of four credits of BIOL 398 is allowed. Corequisite: COOP 098/099. Prerequisites: 45 total credits earned including BIOL 100, 100L, and 9 credits of 300-level BIOL courses, and permission of the department. [1-4]

Independent studies carried out with the supervision of a faculty member (maximum 6 credits). (Fall and Spring). Note: This course is offered on a Pass/Fail basis only. Prerequisite: Consent of the supervising faculty member; upperclass standing. [1-3]