Course Descriptions
BIOL - Biology
SCI 110, (406) 657-2341
* BIOL 101 Survey of Biology 3 cr. Includes discussion of the most important concepts in biology. Lectures cover cells (structure and physiology), genetics (cellular reproduction, genes, the nature of heredity and evolution), and the diversity of life (plants, animals, microorganisms and their ecological relationships). Academic Foundations course for non-science majors.
BIOL 104 Nutrition for Health Careers 2 cr. Introduces the importance of a nutritious diet in the maintenance and promotion of health. Emphasizes clinical aspects of human nutrition and appropriate uses of diet therapy in the clinical setting. Designed for students in health care pathways. Restricted to ASN/PN majors at MSUB COT.
* BIOL 115 Survey of Biology Lab (TN) 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 101. Includes laboratory exercises from different areas of Biology. Introduces students to experiments designed to examine major conceptual ideas in Biology such as cells, cell reproduction, metabolism, molecular genetics, evolution and diversity.
* BIOL 178 Principles of Biology 3 cr. Prerequisite: Current high school biology background or BIOL 101. Corequisite: BIOL 188. Emphasizes principles of biology related to the unity of life. Covers cell structure and function, cellular metabolism and mechanisms of energy trapping, cellular reproduction, genetics, evolution, and a brief introduction to ecology, classification and biological diversity.
BIOL 179 Biodiversity 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 178. Corequisite: BIOL 189. Emphasizes the diversity of life. Covers viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals. Focuses on eukaryotes.
* BIOL 188 Principles of Biology Lab (TN) 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 178. Includes laboratory exercises related to topics discussed in BIOL 178.
BIOL 189 Biodiversity Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 179. Includes laboratory exercises related to topics discussed in BIOL 179.
BIOL 202 Introduction to Environmental Ecology 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 178. Introduces interactions of organisms with each other and with their physical surroundings in the context of populations, communities, ecosystems, and landscapes. Emphasizes major global problems, energy resources, pollution, and sustaining biodiversity and ecological integrity.
BIOL 221 Human Nutrition 3 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or BIOL 241, and CHEM 104. Recommended: CHEM 106. Includes the principles of adequate diet in all facets of the life cycle. Involves the basic concepts of human nutrition, which include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, absorption, digestion, metabolism, and energy utilization as they relate to health and food consumption at different stages of the life cycle. This is primarily a course for health science majors.
BIOL 241 Human Physiology and Anatomy I 3 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 and CHEM 104 or equivalent; CHEM 106 recommended. Introduces basic physiological chemistry, followed by detailed study of the physiology of cells, tissues, bone, muscle, and the nervous system. This is primarily a course for health science majors.
BIOL 243 Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab 1 cr. Prerequisite: A major in the health sciences (such as nursing) or consent of the instructor. Includes detailed study of the anatomy of skeletal, muscle, and nervous systems. Involves examination of body parts at both the gross and microscopic levels.
BIOL 245 Human Physiology and Anatomy II 3 cr. Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 241, or consent of instructor. Corequisite: BIOL 246. Includes detailed study of sensory physiology, cardiovascular system, respiratory physiology, gastrointestinal system, renal physiology, endocrinology, and reproduction. Lab required.
BIOL 246 Human Physiology and Anatomy Lab II 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 245. Includes a study of physiology of the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems using the laboratory approach.
BIOL 251 Microbiology for the Health Sciences 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 241, or BIOL 213 & 216. Surveys the fundamental principles of microbiology, while emphasizing the relationship of microorganisms to infectious disease. Designed as an introductory course in microbiology for nurses and health-related majors. Lab optional.
BIOL 253 Human Genetics 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 101, BIOL 178, or SCIN 101 & 103. Introduces fundamental concepts and technological advances in human genetics. The course will provide students with an understanding of the genetic basis for human disease and the rational basis for the clinical management of these disorders by addressing what genes are and how they function and interact with each other and the environment.
BIOL 263 Introduction to Cell Biology 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 178, BIOL 188. Corequisite: BIOL 273. Covers the molecular basis of eukaryotic cell structure and function. Topics include nuclear structure and function, intracellular compartmentalization and protein storing, membrane structure and function, signal transduction pathways, mechanisms and regulation of the mitotic and meiotic cell cycles, and tissue formation and maintenance.
BIOL 273 Introduction to Cell Biology Lab 1 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 178, BIOL 188. Corequisite: BIOL 263. Complements the lecture material presented in the corequisite.
BIOL 261 Microbiology for the Health Sciences Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 251. The laboratory emphasizes techniques for the isolation, identification and control of microorganisms. The lab is intended for allied health science students requiring an introductory microbiology laboratory.
BIOL 292 Sophomore Seminar V 1-6 cr. Provides students with specific deficiencies the opportunity to take selected portions of the required Biology sequence. Lectures and laboratories to be attended, and credits to be earned are determined by biology faculty.
BIOL 296 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr. Provides university credit for a sophomore work experience in the area of Biology, supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).
BIOL 315 Plant Systematics 2 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 179 and BIOL 189. Corequisite: BIOL 325. Includes systems and methods of plant classifications as well as collection, identification and preservation of the local flora.
BIOL 320 Animal Development 3 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 263. Introduces the reproductive and developmental patterns in animals. Covers the embryonic and postembryonic developmental processes emphasizing cellular differentiation, the generation of form and shape, growth regulation, and developmental control mechanisms. The second half of the course emphasizes the genetic and molecular control of development, organized around our current understanding of commonly studied model organisms.
BIOL 325 Plant Systematics Lab 2 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 315. This laboratory complements the lecture material presented in the corequisite.
BIOL 330 Plant Development 3 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 263. Provides an in-depth exploration of reproductive and developmental patterns in plants. Covers embryonic and postembryonic developmental processes, emphasizing cellular differentiation, generation of form and shape, growth regulation, developmental control mechanisms, genetic and molecular control of development.
BIOL 331 Plant Development Lab 1 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 263. Corequisite: BIOL 330. Complements the lecture material presented in the corequisite with laboratory exercises emphasizing angiosperm development. Includes exercises on gametophyte development, embryology, and development of roots, leaves and stems.
BIOL 340 General Microbiology 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 263, BIOL 273, two years of Chemistry. Corequisite: BIOL 350. Introduces the anatomy, physiology, metabolism and genetics of bacteria and viruses. Surveys the roles of microorganisms in industrial and environmental microbiology as well as infectious disease.
BIOL 350 General Microbiology Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 340. Emphasizes fundamental techniques for the isolation, manipulation and identification of bacteria. An experimental approach is used to solving problems in microbiology.
BIOL 353 Genetics 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 263, BIOL 273. Corequisite: BIOL 354. Covers the basic principles of genetics from both the classical and molecular point of view. Topics include Mendelian and non-Mendelian concepts, chromosome theory of inheritance, linkage and gene mapping, structure and function of DNA, regulation of gene expression, mutations and fundamentals of population genetics.
BIOL 354 Genetics Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 353. Includes laboratory exercises related to topics in BIOL 353.
BIOL 355 Ecology and Evolution 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 179, BIOL 189. Corequisite: BIOL 356. Covers the concepts of evolution and ecology. Includes speciation, physiological, behavioral, population and community ecology as well as energetics and nutrient cycling.
BIOL 356 Ecology and Evolution Lab (WR) 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 355. Includes laboratory exercises related to topics in BIOL 355.
BIOL/CHEM 361 Biochemistry 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 178, CHEM 220 or CHEM 334. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM 371. Covers structure and function of biomolecules, biocatalysis, bioenergetics, as well as metabolism and its control.
BIOL 363 Molecular Biology 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 353, BIOL 354, BIOL 361, BIOL 371 and CHEM 334. Corequisite: BIOL 373. Covers the molecular basis of gene expression and inheritance in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Topics include transcription, RNA processing, translation, regulation of gene expression and DNA replication. Emphasis is placed on understanding the experimental underpinnings of molecular biology.
BIOL/CHEM 371 Biochemistry Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM 361. This laboratory complements the lecture material presented in the corequisite.
BIOL 373 Molecular Biology Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 363. This laboratory complements the lecture material presented in the corequisite.
BIOL 420 Morphology and Anatomy of Vascular Plants 3 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 273. Corequisite: BIOL 421. Covers the external form and internal structure of vascular plants. Includes major concepts in plant anatomy and morphology, and relates structural characteristics of plants to their associated functions in the natural environment. Lab required.
BIOL 421 Morphology and Anatomy of Vascular Plants Lab 1 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 273. Corequisite: BIOL 420. Complements lecture material presented in the corequisite through investigations of the external form and internal structure of vascular plants while also introducing techniques used for such investigations.
BIOL 424 Animal Physiology 3 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 263. Includes a description of physiological processes in the major animal phyla. This course considers nervous and endocrine integration, electrolyte and fluid balance, gas exchange, movement, and energetics.
BIOL 425 Hematology 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 241/243; BIOL 245/246. Corequisite: BIOL 426. Studies the function, biochemistry, cell biology, and pathology of blood and its constituents.
BIOL 426 Hematology Laboratory 1 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 241/243; BIOL 245/246. Corequisite: BIOL 425. Covers methods for examining white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Includes the examination of abnormal blood cells, hemostasis, and fluorescent antibody cell sorting analysis.
BIOL 427 Parasitology 2 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 263, BIOL 353. Studies the life cycles, biochemistry, molecular parasitology, pathogenesis, identification and treatment of the major parasitic groups, including parasitic protozoa, monogeneans, digeneneans, cestodes, nematodes, acanthocephalans, and parasitic arthropods.
BIOL 435 Summer Clinical Laboratory V 12-15 cr. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Studies clinical immunohematology, clinical chemistry theory, theory and practice of phlebotomy, clinical hemostasis, clinical microscopy and urinalysis, clinical body fluids, theory of modern transfusion techniques, and theory of clinical microbiology. This is the first part of the year-long professional training core. Clinical lab science fee applies.
BIOL 436 Professional Training I V 12-15 cr. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. Provides training at a clinical laboratory affiliate. Reviews clinical immunohematology, clinical chemistry theory, theory and practice of phlebotomy, clinical hemostasis, clinical microscopy and urinalysis, clinical body fluids, theory of modern transfusion techniques, and theory of clinical microbiology. Performs actual patient laboratory testing under the guidance of trained professionals. This is the second part of the year-long professional training core. Clinical lab science fee applies.
BIOL 437 Professional Training II V 12-15 cr. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. Provides training at a clinical laboratory affiliate. Covers financial and quality management information for the clinical laboratory, advanced immunohematology, clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, and clinical hematology. This is the third part of the year-long professional training core. Clinical lab science fee applies.
BIOL 443 Immunology 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 263, BIOL 353, BIOL 363 is recommended. Includes fundamentals of immuno-chemistry, cellular immunology, immunogenetics and clinical immunology. Lab required.
BIOL 452 Medical Microbiology 3 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 251 or BIOL 340. Includes a study of pathogenic microorganisms and the diseases they cause. Pathogenic mechanisms, host resistance, control and epidemiology of the major bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan diseases are discussed. Lab optional.
BIOL 456 Advanced Evolution and Ecology 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 355 and BIOL 356. Corequisite: BIOL 457. Examines advanced topics in evolutionary biology and ecology, focusing on critical discussion of theory and the literature. Content varies but topics may include mechanisms of evolutionary change, evolutionary genetics, sexual selection, evolutionary biogeography, coevolution, and evolutionary developmental biology among others.
BIOL 457 Advanced Evolution and Ecology Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 456. Includes discussion of primary literature and computer simulations related to topics in BIOL 456.
BIOL 458 Vertebrate Zoology 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 354, BIOL 355. Surveys the vertebrate classes, focusing on classification, morphology, physiology, ecology, behavior, and evolutionary history of each group.
BIOL 460 Vertebrate Zoology Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 458. Complements the lecture material presented in the corequisite, with an emphasis on identification of Montana vertebrates.
BIOL 462 Medical Microbiology Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 452. The laboratory emphasizes diagnostic methods and culturing techniques.
BIOL/CHEM 463 Advanced Biochemistry 3 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL/CHEM 361. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM 473. Provides students with an opportunity to study advanced topics in biochemistry. Serves as an extension of BIOL/CHEM 361 exposing students to advanced aspects of biomolecular structure and function as well as metabolism and its regulation.
BIOL 465 Plant Physiology 3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 354, BIOL 355. Examines the physiological basis of plant survival, including water movement, mineral nutrition, gas exchange, solute transport, photosynthesis and environmental plant physiology. Includes physiological aspects of plant growth and development, including hormones, morphogenesis, biological clocks and plant responses to temperature. Integrates plant physiology from biochemical and physiological perspectives.
BIOL/CHEM 473 Advanced Biochemistry Lab 1 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL/CHEM 361. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM 463. Exposes students to advanced research methodologies in biochemistry. Utilizes project-based labs to complement the lecture material in the corequisite.
BIOL 475 Plant Physiology Lab 1 cr. Corequisite: BIOL 465. Includes exercises related to lecture topics in BIOL 465, with emphasis on the physiology of selected plants in Montana. Examines physiological aspects of plant growth, development and survival by acquainting students with a variety of methods used to investigate physiological processes in plants.
BIOL 480 Topics in Human Biology V 1-2 cr. R-3 Prerequisite: Upper division status and consent of instructor. Provides advanced study of selected topics in human biology. Course content will vary and may include explorations of human reproductive biology, neurobiology, or microscopic anatomy.
BIOL 485 Bioinformatics 3 cr. Prerequisite: BIOL 353. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM 361. Introduces the field of bioinformatics through a combined lecture-computer laboratory format. Provides students with an overall view of genomics and proteomics through hands-on experience with biologically relevant databases, DNA sequence comparisons, structure analysis of macromolecules, phylogenetics, microarrays and proteomics.
BIOL 490 Biology Internship V 1-3 cr. Prerequisites: A grade of "A" or "B" in the course in which the internship will be done. Allows the student to earn credit for assisting in teaching biology laboratory classes.
BIOL 491 Independent Study V 1-3 cr. Prerequisites: Junior standing in Biology or consent of instructor. Provides advanced students an opportunity to explore material not covered by regular Biology courses. A contract describing the study must be completed at the time of enrollment.
BIOL 492 Seminar V 1-3 cr. Prerequisites: Junior standing in Biology or consent of instructor. Provides advanced students an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of Biology.
BIOL 493 Workshop V 1-3 cr. Prerequisites: Junior standing in Biology or consent of instructor. Provides an opportunity for experimental study in an area of Biology.
BIOL 495 Biological Research V 1- 6 cr. Prerequisites: Junior standing in Biology or consent of advisor. Involves intensive study of a specific problem related to biology. A contract describing the study must be completed at the time of enrollment.
BIOL 496 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr. Provides university credit for a work experience in the area of Biology, supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).
BIOL 497 Field Study V 1-3 cr. Prerequisites: BIOL 179 and BIOL 189 or consent of instructor. Provides an opportunity through summer field experience at the MSU Billings Biological Field Station or tour courses to study quantitatively and/or qualitatively the fauna and flora of ecosystems.
BIOL 498 Capstone Seminar (WR) 1 cr. Prerequisite: Senior standing in Biology Exit course that integrates and synthesizes knowledge and experience developed through the various courses in the biology program. Provides students opportunities to learn about current research in various scientific fields by attendance at seminars presented by science faculty and other guest speakers. Also provides a forum for students to present results of independent research projects and topics as assigned.
BIOL 499 Honors Thesis 1cr. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing in Biology and/or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 495. Involves intensive study of a specific problem related to biology requiring the writing and submission of a thesis to graduate with departmental honors. To graduate with honors, it is also necessary to have an overall GPA of 3.25 or better and a GPA of 3.5 or better in the major. A thesis proposal describing the study and a thesis review committee must be completed at the time of enrollment.
Graduate Level Courses
The following are graduate level courses. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for the course descriptions.
BIOL 591 Independent Study V 1-5 cr.
BIOL 596 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr.
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