Department Head: Dr. Lori Hensley, lhensley@jsu.edu
MS Program Coordinator: Dr. Michael Burns, mburns3@jsu.edu
The Department of Biology offers courses leading to the Master of Science (MS) with a major in Biology and supporting courses for the Master of Arts (MA) with a major in Integrated Studies. For students majoring in Secondary Education with a teaching field in Biology or General Science, supporting courses are offered for the Master of Science in Education (MSE) degree.
Biology
BY 402 Medical Microbiology (4)
BY 403 Immunology (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 373; BY 323 recommended.
Study of immunity and how the immune system responds to specific infectious and non-infectious agents; comparative immunology of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, immunological disorders, and application of immunological techniques; lecture and laboratory.
BY 406 Ornithology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332.
History, classification, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and distribution of birds; laboratory emphasis on field identification and ecology; lecture, laboratory, and field studies.
BY 409 Introduction to Forensic Botany (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 101 and BY 102.
An introduction to the role of plants in criminal investigations, law, and legal matters. The course deals with the study of plants and plant materials collected at scenes of criminal activities. Topics include a survey of basic botany science including plant structure and reproductive biology, plant anatomy, plant diversity, pollen studies, and genetics, with an emphasis on plants as evidence. Another aspect of the course includes simulations of cases and reading and understanding of case studies where forensic botany was applied.
BY 412 Plant Reproduction and Development (4)
BY 413 Animal Reproduction and Development (4)
BY 415 Biometrics (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 322, 332, or 373 and MS 204.
An introduction into statistics for biology majors. This course will introduce students to appropriate statistics for analyzing biological data including how to select random samples, use basic statistical packages, post-hoc statistical testing and the use of linear regression and will use real-world examples of statistics in ecological, toxicological, and physiological research; lecture and laboratory.
BY 417 Medical Parasitology (3)
Prerequisites for Undergraduate: BY 101, BY 102, BY 103, and BY 104. Prerequisites for Graduate: none. This course is designed to give a broad overview of general medical parasitology. Major groups of parasites are studies with an emphasis on those that afflict both domesticated and wild animals. This course provides an understanding of important parasitic diseases including their life cycles, vectors of transmission, distribution, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, prevention, and control.
BY 419 Medical Botany (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 101, BY 102, BY 103, and BY 104.
An introduction to the role of plants in human health and medicine, with an emphasis on their biologically active compounds. Includes a survey of traditional medicines around the world (e.g., Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine) and contemporary clinical methods at the forefront of medical research. Lecture and laboratory. This course is eligible for Faster Master's.
BY 420 Applied Medical Cannabis (3)
Prerequisite for Undergraduate: 8 hours of biology, CY105, and CY107. Prerequisite for Graduate: 8 hours of biology, CY105, and CY107; Graduate Standing. Comprehensive overview of medical cannabis. This upper-level course will explore the applications of phytocannabinoids for pain, seizure, psychiatric disorder, cancer, and many other medical indications. Important precautions, contraindications, and cannabis use disorders will be introduced as well as an overview of career opportunities in cannabis medicine.
BY 422 Biology of Cryptogams (4)
BY 427 Independent Studies in Biology (1)
Laboratory or field research investigation dealing with an aspect of biological sciences; biology sponsor required for topic approval and supervision. Grade: Pass/Fail
BY 434 Animal Systems Physiology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 373; CY 105, CY 106, CY 107, CY 108; CY 231, CY 232 and one semester of physics recommended.
Systematic survey of organ system physiology in vertebrates; systems analysis, biophysics, and bioengineering emphasized; lecture and laboratory. This course is eligible for Faster Master's.
BY 435 Landscape Ecology (4)
Prerequisites for Undergraduate: BY 322. Prerequisites for Graduate: BY 322, MS 204. Lecture, laboratory, and field study. Emphasis will be on the role of spatial heterogeneity in terrestrial systems; its detection and description, analysis of pattern formation, landscape dynamics and models, human interactions with heterogeneity, and the implications of heterogeneity of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Landscape ecology provides approaches to fundamental research questions in ecology, as well as new approaches to forest and resource management that consider ecosystem processes at larger spatial and temporal scales.
BY 438 Freshwater Biology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332.
Analysis of the unique ecology and biology of the freshwater environment; extensive field work; research project; lecture, laboratory, and field studies.
BY 442 General Entomology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332.
Lecture, laboratory, and field study of insects and other arthropods, with an emphasis on the taxonomy, morphology, physiology, and ecology of the insects. This course is eligible for Faster Master's.
BY 443 Medical Entomology (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332.
Arthropods of medical and veterinary importance, how they affect their hosts and transmit disease.
BY 445 Ecotoxicology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332, BY 373.
Recommended: BY 322. This course is a survey of ecotoxicology. The study of the integration of the major processes involved with transport, exposure and response of biological systems to xenobiotics, how toxicants mediate interactions between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments and, the impact and toxic effects of pollutants on diversity, growth and metabolism of living organisms, populations, communities, and the ecosystem; lecture, laboratory and field study.
BY 450 Molecular Biology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 322 or approval of instructor.
Study of the processes involved in the expression of biological information at the molecular level; lecture and laboratory. This course is eligible for Faster Master's.
BY 451 Plant Anatomy (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 373.
Study of the comparative structural organization of the vegetative and reproductive parts of seed plants, from cells to tissues to systems; lecture and laboratory.
BY 452 Plant Taxonomy (4)
BY 453 Dendrology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332.
Lecture, laboratory, and field study. The identification, taxonomy, ecological characteristics, distribution, and economic importance of trees native to North America and ornamentals.
BY 458 Herpetology (4)
BY 460 Icthyology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332.
An overview of the evolution, ecology, behavior, physiology, and conservations of fishes. Preparation and presentation of an original library or lab/field research project required. Lecture, laboratory, and field study.
BY 472 Virology (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 373.
This course focuses on the principles of viral infection and pathogenicity. Topics include the classification of viruses, virus entry, genome replication and assembly, emphasis placed on virus-host cell interactions and common features between viral families.
BY 473 Advanced Cell Biology (4)
BY 476 Invertebrate Zoology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332.
Systematics, ecology, physiology, and phylogenic relationships of invertebrate animals; lecture, laboratory, and field studies.
BY 477 Cell and Tissue Culture (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 101, BY 102, BY 103, BY 104, BY 373, CY 105-CY 108.
Recommended: BY 322, 412, 431 and CY 231. Cell and Tissue Culture is an advanced biology course dealing with in vitro manipulation of cells, organs, and tissues; both solid and suspension culture and their application to biotechnology. Lecture and laboratory. This course is eligible for Faster Master's.
BY 478 Endocrinology (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 373 and CY 231.
General introduction to vertebrate endocrine systems and the variety of chemical messengers involved in the regulation of physiological processes. Topics will include discussions of the history and methodologies of endocrinology, hormone synthesis, physiological effects of hormones, and the mechanisms of actions for various hormones.
BY 479 Plant Physiology (4)
BY 480 Advanced Topics in Biology I (1)
BY 481 Advanced Topics in Biology II (1)
BY 501 Graduate Student Success (1)
All Master's students in their first semester as graduate students in the department must take BY 501: Graduate Student Success. Students will achieve course objectives related to their overall adjustment to being a successful graduate student in Biology at JSU. Grades: Pass/Fail.
BY 502 Scientific Literacy and Communication (3)
This course is designed to give students experience in accurately and effectively interpreting scientific literature, rigorously assessing popular media reporting on scientific topics, and factually and constructively communicating scientific topics to varying audiences, both in an academic/learning environment and to the broader public.
BY 503 Special Problems in Biology (2)
Special topics approved by instructor after consideration of students background. Grades: Pass/Fail.
BY 504 Problems in Biology (1)
Special topics approved by instructor after consideration of students background. Grades: Pass/Fail.
BY 510 Introduction to Spatial Analysis (3)
BY 525 Physiological Adaptations (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 434 or its equivalent.
An in depth survey of selected topics in comparative physiology. Interactions between organisms and their environments will be examined with an emphasis on molecular and cellular adaptations. Phenotypic differences in adaptations will serve as a central theme for this course. The course is designed to expose students to the various topics through lecture, primary literature, and lab presentations/activities.
BY 533 Advanced Plant Biology (3)
Study of plant biology consisting of lectures, discussions, investigative laboratory exercises on the topics of Plant Classification, Plant Anatomy and Reproduction, Plant Growth, and Development, the Physiology and Biochemistry of Plants, Plants Genetics and Molecular Biology, Plants Interactions with their Environments, and the Impacts of Plants to our Society.
BY 535 Functional Vertebrate Anatomy (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 320 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
Lecture and demonstration. This course will emphasize the adaptations of vertebrate animals as revealed by morphology and will study the anatomy of vertebrates, as it relates to topics such as locomotion, reproduction, digestion, and physiology. In addition, molecular and morphological phylogeny of vertebrate groups using datasets will be studied.
BY 538 Population and Community Ecology (3)
This course addresses theoretical and applied issues at both the population and community levels. Topics include population and community structure/stability, trophic relations, population interactions, population and community dynamics, landscape ecology, and others. Discussion of primary literature will be a large part of this course. Lecture and lab.
BY 540 Invertebrate Relationships (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
An analysis of recently published research in the anatomy, morphology, phylogeny, and physiology of invertabrate animals. The major invertebrate phyla (including parasitic forms) will be emphasized; lecture, discussion, presentation, and lab exercises.
BY 542 Biodiversity: Kingdoms of Living Things (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332 or its equivalent.
Lectures and demonstrations. Biodiversity emphasizing systematic, phylogeny, structure, function, life cycles, ecology, and economics.
BY 546 Molecular Genetics (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 322 or its equivalent or permission of the instructor.
A survey of molecular genetics focusing on the analysis of genomes, genes, and chromosomes. Discussion of modern genetic analysis techniques will be integrated into these topics. Biotechnology topics will include nucleic acid isolation methods, PCR, gene expression analysis, gene cloning, expression systems, proteomics, DNA sequencing, and molecular phylogenetic analysis.
BY 562 Symbiotic Associations (3)
BY 563 General Toxicology (4)
Prerequisite(s): BY 373 and CY 106.
The study of basic toxicology and ecotoxicology, including how toxic substances are taken up in the organisms, distributed, biotransformed and excreted, how toxic substances react with biomolecules and downstream consequences for the organism, as well as knowledge about toxic substances, e.g. pharmaceuticals, metals, organic contaminants, and pesticides. The course aims to provide a holistic view of the topic by bridging human toxicology and ecotoxicology; lecture, laboratory and field study.
BY 570 Seminar in Developmental Biology (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor.
Presentation, discussion, and analysis of recently published research in developmental biology of cells, tissues, and organ systems in plants, animals, or microbes; independent library research required.
BY 571 Seminar in Organismal Biology (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Presentation, discussion, and analysis of recently published research focusing on specific groups of organisms; independent library research required.
BY 572 Seminar in Ecology (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Presentation, discussion, and analysis of recently published research in plant, animal, or microbial ecology; independent library research required.
BY 573 Seminar in Cell Biology (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Presentation, discussion, and analysis of recently published research in cellular biology; independent library research required.
BY 574 Seminar in Evolutionary Biology (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Presentation, discussion, and analysis of recently published research in evolutionary biology; independent library research required.
BY 575 Seminar in Genetics (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Presentation, discussion, and analysis of recently published research in plant, animal, or microbial genetics; independent library research required.
BY 576 Seminar in Physiology (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Presentation, discussion, and analysis of recently published research in plant, animal, or microbial physiology; independent library research required.
BY 577 Seminar in Systematics (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Presentation, discussion, and analysis of recently published research in systematic biology; independent library research required.
BY 594 Biology Research Methods (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Introduction to diverse research methods and literature in the biological sciences. Includes topics such as, but not limited to, techniques in environmental analysis, microscopy, protein and nucleic acid analysis, biometry and population dynamics, and physiology.
BY 595 Research Project (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 594, completion of at least 20 hours of graduate study in biology, and approval of instructor.
(3) (3). Completion of an acceptable original research paper; non-thesis option only. May be duplicated for credit for a total of 6 semester hours. (Grade: Pass/Fail).
BY 596 Research I (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of Application for Thesis Option and approval of instructor.
(1) (1). Original field and/or laboratory research in the biological sciences; thesis option only. May be duplicated for credit for a total of 2 semester hours. (Grade: Pass/Fail).
BY 597 Research II (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of Application for Thesis Option and approval of instructor.
(2) (2). Original field and/or laboratory research in the biological sciences; thesis option only. May be duplicated for credit for a total of 4 semester hours. (Grade: Pass/Fail).
BY 598 Research (3)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of Application for Thesis Option, BY 594 and approval of instructor.
(3) (3). Master's thesis research. May be duplicated for credit for a total of 6 semester hours. (Grade: Pass/Fail).
BY 599 Thesis (3)
Prerequisite(s): Dean's Approval and Approval of Application for Thesis Option.
See "Thesis Option and Procedures." May be duplicated for credit for a total of 6 semester hours. Grade: Pass/Fail.
Marine Biology
MBY 411 Marine Ecology (4)
Prerequisites for Undergraduate: BY 101, 102, 103, 104, one year of general chemistry, and one semester of general physics. Prerequisites for Graduate: Graduate standing in biology; marine invertebrate zoology or marine biology (one semester of physics recommended). Bioenergetics, community structure, population dynamics, predation, competition, and speciation in marine ecosystems will be studied; lecture and laboratory work will be included, although considerable time will be spent in field work; individual species will be studied as they relate to ecological principles which they exemplify, thus providing both a taxonomic and ecologic background.
MBY 412 Coastal Orinthology (4)
Prerequisites for Undergraduate: BY 101, 102, 103, and 104. Prerequisite for Graduate: Graduate standing in biology. Study of coastal and pelagic birds with emphasis on ecology, taxonomy, and distribution; identification, population dynamics, and behavior of coastal birds; lecture, laboratory, and overnight trips to offshore islands.
MBY 413 Marine Aquaculture (2)
Prerequisite(s): BY 101, BY 102, BY 103, and BY 104.
This course will introduce students to techniques in marine aquaculture with emphasis in the areas of nutrition and feeding, reproductive biology, production techniques, water quality requirements, processing, marketing, and economics of commercially important marine aquaculture species. This course is also designed to assist students in developing their problem solving and communication skills.
MBY 415 Marine Botany (4)
Prerequisites for Undergraduate: BY 101, 102, 103, and 104. Prerequisite for Graduate: Graduate standing in biology. General study of coastal and marine flora with emphasis on taxonomy, morphology, physiology, ecology, and distribution; community structure in various ecosystems will be studied; students will have an opportunity to examine pelagic, marshland, estuarine, beach, sand dune, and inlet niches.
MBY 420 Coral Reef Ecology (4)
Examines the ecology and evolution of coral reef communities, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps with exploration of such issues as the degradation of reef-building corals by macroalgae, hurricanes, coral bleaching, diseases of corals and sea urchins, over-fishing and pollution. Students will participate in lectures and field exercises in the vicinity of Dauphin Island, and will take a one-week field trip to Andros Island, Bahamas.
MBY 421 Special Topics: Marine Conservation Biology (4)
Intended to develop a student's understanding of conservation biology by building upon the foundations of ecology; lectures and field exercises; requires students to develop a topical term paper and give a presentation.
MBY 423 Marsh Ecology (4)
Prerequisite for Undergraduate: Advanced undergraduate standing. Prerequisite for Graduate: Graduate standing in biology. Study of floral and faunal elements of various marine marsh communities; interaction of physical and biological factors will be emphasized; structured to provide field experience in addition to lecture material; trips will be scheduled to acquaint students with regional examples of marsh types.
MBY 427 Marine Technical Methods I (2)
Prerequisite for Undergraduate: Advanced undergraduate standing. Prerequisite for Graduate: Graduate standing in biology. Introduction to instruments and procedures normally utilized aboard a marine research vessel; includes physical, biological, chemical, and geological parameter measurements and sample collections; basic positioning and communication procedures included.
MBY 428 Marine Technical Methods II (2)
Prerequisite for Undergraduate: Advanced undergraduate standing. Prerequisite for Graduate: Graduate standing in biology. Introduction to the laboratory methodology associated with the usual chemical parameters of nutrient analysis; laboratory approach will be pursued; shipboard and other specific skills will be developed.
MBY 460 Dolphins and Whales (2)
Prerequisites for Undergraduate: BY 320 and MBY 486. Prerequisite for Graduate: None. Designed to enable students to make rapid, accurate, and thoughtful use of a customized reference file and laboratory and field notes to respond to questions about the classification, anatomy, and ecology of marine mammals; lecture and laboratory. (Not open to students with credit in MBY 481.)
MBY 461 Marine Behavioral Ecology (4)
Prerequisite for Undergraduate: BY 332. Recommended: MS 204. Prerequisite for Graduate: None. Examines how animal behavior is influenced by and interacts with its environment, and the ecological and evolutionary significance of these behaviors in a marine setting; lectures, laboratory, and field exercises (some overnight).
MBY 462 Marine Protozoology (3,4)
MBY 463 Marine Fish Diseases (3,4)
Prerequisite for Undergraduate: BY 323. Prerequisite for Graduate: None. Introduction to marine animal diseases, specifically finfish and shellfish; practical microbiological techniques for isolation and identification of diseases; lecture, laboratory, and field trips.
MBY 464 Introduction to Neurobiology (4,5)
for Undergraduate. (5). for Graduate. Prerequisite for Undergraduate: Advanced undergraduate standing. Prerequisite for Graduate: None. Introduction to the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of marine invertebrates and vertebrates; Neuroism computer package used to help illustrate the basic principles and to allow a detailed exploration of neurophysiology and neutral networks; lecture and laboratory.
MBY 486 Marine Vertebrate Zoology (4)
Prerequisites for Undergraduate: BY 101, 102, 103, and 104. Prerequisite for Graduate: Graduate standing in biology. Study of marine fish, reptiles, and mammals, with a comprehensive treatment of their systematics, zoogeography, and ecology; lectures will encompass subject matter on a non-regional basis; field and laboratory work will stress the vertebrate fauna of the northern Gulf of Mexico; students will have the opportunity to assemble a collection of vertebrate species.
MBY 487 Marine Invertebrate Zoology (4)
Prerequisites for Undergraduate: BY 101, 102, 103, and 104. Prerequisite for Graduate: Graduate standing in biology. Examination of the systematics, ecology, physiology, and phylogenetic relationships of locally occurring marine invertebrate taxa; lecture, laboratory, and field work required; students have an opportunity to acquire collections of local fauna.
MBY 501 Field Marine Science-Florida (2)
Prerequisite(s): MBY 309.
This course will consist of a 10-day field exercise in representative tropical sites in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Lecture, field exercises, research exercises.
MBY 502 Field Marine Science-Maine (2)
Prerequisite(s): MBY 309.
Consists of a 12-day field exercise in coastal Maine with emphasis on rocky intertidal, kelp bed and eelgrass habitats; lecture, field exercises, research exercises.
MBY 505 Fisheries Techniques (3)
Prerequisite(s): An ichthyology course or MBY 486 or an introductory course in fisheries; introductory statistics recommended.
Detailed, semi-quantitative introduction to current biological and technological methodologies for studying fishes and aquatic habitats, with an emphasis on study design and integration across sub-disciples.
MBY 515 Marine Resource Management (2)
Designed to acquaint students to the management of marine resources, development of legislation, evolution of policy, legal processes, and impacts on human resources; lecture and discussion sessions.
MBY 530 Marine Microbial Ecology (3)
General survey of the types of micro-organisms found in the marine environment; emphasis will be on the interaction of micro-organisms with each other and with their environment; lecture and discussion sessions.
MBY 540 Marine Biology for Teachers (6)
Prerequisite(s): One year of general biology and graduate standing in biology.
General survey of marine plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, the communities they form and the physical and chemical factors which influence their lives; second component will cover materials and methods of instruction on marine topics.
MBY 542 Marine Plankton (3)
Prerequisite(s): MBY 566.
Familiarizes students with the taxonomic breadth of phytoplankton, bacterioplankton, and zooplankton in estuaries, coastal seas, and open oceans; lecture and discussion sessions.
MBY 554 Marine Biogeography and Paleobiology (3)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332 or MBY 411.
Broad overview of the time course of evolutionary changes in the structure and function of marine ecosystems, and will consider the interacting roles of both historical and current factors as they influence the distribution and abundance of marine organisms; lecture and discussion sessions.
MBY 555 Marine Biogeochemical Processes (2)
Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in biology and a background that includes inorganic and organic chemistry, geology, marine ecology or oceanography. Interaction between biological, chemical, and geological processes in the marine environment; examination of the cycling of major elements, how these cycles differ between different marine ecosystems and how these processes serve to regulate ecosystem functioning.
Interaction between biological, chemical, and geological processes in the marine environment; examination of the cycling of major elements, how these cycles differ between different marine ecosystems and how these processes serve to regulate ecosystem functioning.
MBY 558 Advanced Marine Ecology (2)
MBY 559 Benthic Ecology (2)
Prerequisite(s): BY 332 or MBY 411G. Evolutionary history and the ecology of marine benthic communities from the earliest fossils to the present; topics include predation, competition, adult/larval interactions, dispersal mechanisms, productivity, materials cycling, and the relative importance of grazing and detritus in different ecosystems.
MBY 564 Marine Zoogeography (4)
Prerequisite(s): 12 semester hours of biology.
Study of physical, chemical, and biological factors influencing distribution of marine organisms; importance of continents; open oceans, and species competition on animal distribution; special attention to zoogeographical patterns in the Gulf of Mexico, western North Atlantic, and Caribbean regions.
MBY 566 Biological Oceanography (3)
Focuses on patterns and processes that are of consequence to the interaction of organisms and the sea and encompasses both pelagic and benthic environments; lecture, laboratory, and discussions.
MBY 567 Fisheries Oceanography (2)
Examination of the relationships between fish and life history, recruitment dynamics and harvest potential, and local-, meso-, and global-scale oceanographic processes; lecture and discussion sessions.
MBY 572 Coastal Ecosystems Dynamics (2)
Prerequisite(s): MBY 566 recommended.
Investigation of the basic principles of ecosystem structure and function; course divided into two parts: an instructional phase of learning basics of ecosystem modeling, and a student-led investigation of the structure and function of a variety of coastal ecosystems.
MBY 591 Directed Research (2)
Prerequisite(s): Special arrangement and approval of the instructor.
Research in any subject areas of marine science currently offered at the Sea Lab.