Student-oriented laboratory, field, and/or literature studies. Admission to the courses by application to the Biology faculty.

This designation is for courses offered as electives in the Undergraduate Honors Program, and may include both Honors-only courses and augmented Honors versions of courses that are offered elsewhere in the catalog. Courses have limited enrollment and content reflects Honors Program course outcomes around rigorous critical engagement, interdisciplinarity, effective communication, and meaningful collaboration. Pre-requisite: BIOL 234 or permission of instructor

A comprehensive overview of the theory of evolution including natural selection, genetic variation, evolution and population genetics, sexual selection, and evolution of certain traits. Laboratory studies include working with models of evolutionary processes and using artificial selection to observe microbial evolution. (Prerequisites: BIOL 234 or permission of instructor) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory

This course focuses on how biotic and abiotic factors influence ecological adaptation. Population, community, and ecosystem level processes that generate the observed patterns of plant and animal distribution and abundance are studied. Patterns of diversity, stability, dominance, biogeography, succession, and behavior are examined. Principles are demonstrated through use of case studies, models, and field experiments. (Prerequisites: BIOL234 and SCI 250; or permission of instructor) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours field/laboratory

An introduction to the structure, growth, development, and responses of flowering plants. (Prerequisites: BIOL 234; or permission of instructor)

A survey of vertebrate anatomy and physiology, placing vertebrate form and function within an evolutionary context. Beginning with fishes and ending with mammals, emphasis is placed on identification and description of key characteristics and evolutionary innovations of the vertebrate classes using a comparative approach. The laboratory involves making detailed comparisons among selected vertebrate types through observation, microscopy and dissection. (Prerequisites: BIOL233, CHE103; or permission of instructor) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory

Developmental biology presents a classical and molecular analysis of our current understanding of embryonic development. A comparative approach is employed to demonstrate significant patterns in embryological development. Although vertebrate development is emphasized, other organisms are explored as time permits. Students conduct directed as well as independent research projects to explore the role of environmental agents on early embryonic development. (Prerequisites: BIOL234; or permission of instructor) 3 hours of lecture, 3 hours laboratory

Introduction to the microbial world with detailed study of bacteria: classification, morphology, physiology, and genetics, and the role of pathogens in human disease. Laboratory stresses aseptic handling and recognition of microorganisms, identification of unknown bacteria, and independent investigation. (Prerequisites: BIOL234; or permission of instructor) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory

This course is intended to introduce students to the fundamental principles of physiological functions at the molecular and cellular levels, including the coordination of various tissues, organs and systems for the maintenance of homeostasis. (Prerequisites: BIOL234; or permission of instructor) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory

A four-credit hour course with a laboratory component. It is intended to familiarize students with the perspectives, theories, and methods of the biological study of behavior. This course examines animal behavior from both a mechanistic and a functional perspective. The course will equip students to understand the variety, function, and evolution of animal behavior across a variety of species. We will examine the development, underlying neurology and physiology, adaptive function, and application of behavior to understanding feeding, habitat selection, communication, reproduction, parenting, etc. Current research advances will be stressed, including use of mathematical, statistical, and computer modeling approaches. Primary literature will be a focus of the reading assignments, supplemented by text material as deemed necessary. Students will be exposed to methods for the design, analysis and interpretation of behavioral experiments. (Prerequisites: BIOL 234; or permission of instructo