Courses

Genetics 2450

This course is an introduction to the many areas of modern genetics and emphasizes the principles of genetics in each of 5 main areas, Transmission, Cytogenetics, Quantitative, Population, and Molecular Genetics. Students are expected to demonstrate excellence in conceptual and problem solving approaches for genetics questions drawn from each of those sub-disciplines.

Biosystematics 4369

Biological systematics is a multidisciplinary component of most biological disciplines. Course topics include: classification schemes, homology, homoplasy, the application of nomenclature, and phylogeny reconstruction. The course will also present relevant issues in conservation, biodiversity cataloguing, museum and collection management, and identification methods / dichotomous keys.

Herpetology 5434

A comprehensive course exploring the origin and evolution of amphibians and reptiles; their reproductive and physiological tactics; taxonomy/systematics; and population biology. While cosmopolitan in nature, laboratory emphasis will be placed on North American species, particularly those groups inhabiting Texas. Field trip participation is a required part of this course.

Phylogenetic Methods 5466

Reconstructing phylogenies is important in most fields of biology. Course emphasis is on practical data collection and management, analyses, and interpretation of results in compositions. Laboratory exercises will introduce phylogenetic and DNA analysis software, and WWW resources. Students will learn how to address questions in their own research using phylogenetic methodologies. Prerequisites: Genetics 2450 or equivalent

Independent Undergraduate / Graduate Research 4299/5390

The undergraduate course is available only to biology majors with at least a "B" average, and only with prior permission of the supervising professor. May be repeated once for credit. This course provides motivated students with the opportunity to pursue independent research with the supervising professor. Students learn to apply what they have learned in doing laboratory or field research in a topic of mutual interest.

Molecular Field Techniques 7402

This course emphasizes the application of molecular tools for use of identifying, quantifying, and interpreting biological diversity assessments in aquatic systems. Aquatic systems are highly structured and complex. The course provides a system wide perspective including both microorganismal identification and vertebrate model systems. The techniques include field assessment and sampling methods, laboratory techniques, and analytical interpretation.

Students achieve both awareness and expertise in the application of modern molecular laboratory analyses relevant to assessing diversity in aquatic systems. The course allows students to potentially integrate techniques or methods from this course into their own research program. The scope of the course is extremely broad, embracing microbiology, invertebrate, and vertebrate biological assessments. As a consequence the laboratory methods and techniques provided in any one semester will focus on those tools most likely to provide the greatest research enhancement to the doctoral research they conduct. Students will become familiar with the application of PCR toward understanding, interpreting, and monitoring biological diversity in aquatic systems. At the end of the course the student will understand both the laboratory methods and their applications in the field.

Advanced Phylogenetic Methods 7466

This course provides the advanced student with the specialized aspects of reconstructing phylogenies. The course emphasizes complex modeling and analyses for use in reconstructing evolutionary phylogenies. Students familiar with phylogenetic software (PAUP* and MacClade), DNA sequence analysis software (Sequencher and Clustal W), and WWW resources (GenBank, EMBL, and NCBI) will be expected to integrate their own research or novel datasets into the course. The goal is to provide students with the most advanced tools and technology available to address questions in their own research. This course builds on the introduction to methods provided in IO5466 or its equivalents at other institutions.

Prerequisites: BIO4369, BIO5466, BIO2450, or by instructor permission

Level:   Graduate
Credit:  4 hours (2 hour lectures and a 3 hour laboratory)