Graduate Course Descriptions

Spring (4) Staff. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 or equivalent.
The course is designed to consider evolution as a process: Basic population genetic theory; sources of variation; natural selection; isolating mechanisms and speciation. Three lecture hours and one recitation hour.

502. Microbiology.
Fall (4) Forsyth. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 or equivalent.
Homologies are stressed in the study of life using the elementary systems of selected bacteria and other microorganisms. With the ultimate goal of an understanding of current research, the areas covered include classical and modern techniques, biochemistry, sexual and asexual genetics. Two class hours, eight laboratory hours.

504. Topics in Biology.
Fall and Spring (1-4) Staff.
Areas of special current research interest presented by resident and visiting faculty members as opportunity and demand arise. This course may be for credit. Hours to be arranged.

506. Cell Biology.
Fall and Spring (3) Wawersik, Shakes.
An introduction to the principles by which eukaryotic cells function with an emphasis on the molecular biology of cells and experimental approaches to their analysis. Three class hours.

507. Cell Biology Laboratory.
Fall (1) Shakes. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 506.
An introduction to the use of light and electron microscopy, histological procedures and biochemical techniques, including electrophoresis, centrifugation, respirometry and isotopes. Three laboratory hours.

510. Animal Behavior.
 Fall (3) Cristol. Prerequisite: BIOL 206. PSYC 201 or equivalent recommended.
The study of vertebrate and invertebrate behaviors as adapted traits under the influence of both genes and the environment. Animal behavior, including that of humans and endangered species, will be placed in an ecological and evolutionary context. Three class hours.

511. Animal Behavior Laboratory.
Spring (1) Cristol. Prerequisites or corequisites: BIOL 510 and any course in statistics. Offered in alternate years.
This lab is not required for students taking BIOL 510. Course designed to give students experience in designing and undertaking publication-quality research to solve real questions about animal behavior. Three laboratory hours, out-of-class data acquisition necessary.

512. Vascular Plant Systematics.
Fall (4) Case. Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or equivalent.
A study of the principles and research methods of vascular plant systematics, emphasizing classification, evolution, and comparative morphology of the major families of vascular plants. Three class hours, four laboratory hours.

514. Biochemistry.
Spring (3) Staff. Prerequisites: CHEM 305 or CHEM 308 or consent of instructor.
A study of the molecular basis of living processes. The chemistry of the important con-stituents of living matter; energy metabolism; enzyme kinetics; thermodynamics; biosynthesis; metabolic control. Three class hours.

515. General Endocrinology.
Spring (3) Bradley. Prerequisites: BIOL 206, CHEM 307.
The role of hormones in homeostasis, control of metabolic processes, and reproduction. This is an introductory course and is a prerequisite for Experimental Endocrinology. Three class hours.

516. Ornithology.
Fall (4) Cristol. Prerequisite: BIOL 206. BIOL 510, BIOL 413 recommended. Offered in alternate years.
Lectures, laboratory exercises, field experiments and birding trips will provide a comprehensive introduction to the ecology and evolution of birds. Phylogenetic relationships, behavior, conservation and identification of Virginia’s avian fauna will be stressed. Three class hours, three laboratory hours, several early morning field trips.

517. Population and Community Ecology.
Fall (4) Staff. Prerequisites: BIOL 206, 206 or equivalents.
Discussion of the structure and dynamics of ecological populations and biotic communities. Emphasis will be on environmental constraints and species interactions that control population growth and determine both diversity and similarities in community structure and function. Three class hours, three laboratory hours.

518. Functional Ecology.
(S) Spring (3) Sanderson. Prerequisite: BIOL 206. Offered in alternate years.
Concepts and approaches in physiological ecology, biomechanics, and ecological mor-phology. The course emphasizes critical thinking, discussion, and student presentations on journal articles from the primary literature. Hypothesis formulation and methods of data collection and analysis will be studied. Three class hours.

519. Plant Physiology.
Spring (4) Staff. Prerequisites: BIOL 205, CHEM 307, 308 recommended.
Mechanisms of absorption, translocation, synthesis and utilization of materials; the role of internal and external factors in plant growth. Selected laboratory experiments are used to illustrate physiological principles. A research problem is required. Three class hours. Four laboratory hours.

520. Genetic Analysis.
Fall (3) Kerscher. Prerequisites: BIOL 203, 204 or equivalents.
Discussion of classical and modern genetics. Topics will be drawn from the following: Mendelian inheritance, recombination and linkage, cytogenetics, model genetic systems, mutation analysis, mitochondrial and chloroplast genetics. Three class hours.

521. Genetic Analysis Laboratory.
Spring (1) Staff. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 420/520.
Designed to illustrate genetic principles through experimental work with living organisms, including Drosophila, flowering plants and fungi. Three laboratory hours.

522. Phycology.
Fall (4) Staff. Prerequisite: BIOL 205.
A study of eukaryotic algae emphasizing the local marine flora. Systematics, morphology, life histories, development, ecology and economic importance will be presented. The laboratory will offer opportunities for collection and identification of macrophytic marine forms and phytoplankton. Three class hours, three laboratory hours.

526. Aquatic Ecology.
Fall (4) Capelli. Prerequisites: BIOL 100 or BIOL 204.
Introduction to the ecology of natural water; discussion of the important physical and chemical characteristics of aquatic environments and the adaptations of organisms living in water; community structure and the important processes affecting it, including major aspects of water pollution. Emphasis is on freshwater communities but various aspects of marine ecology are discussed also. Three class hours, three laboratory hours.

528. General Entomology.
Fall (4) Fashing. Prerequisites: BIOL 100, or BIOL 203 and 204.
An introduction to the biology of insects designed to give the student an overview of entomology. Included are such topics as classification, morphology, physiology, behavior, ecology, and economic importance. Three class hours. Four laboratory hours.

531. Physiological Ecology of Plants.
Spring (3) Staff. Prerequisite: BIOL 205. Offered in alternate years.
Consideration of the effects of environment on the growth, physiology, and distribution of plants. The factors which determine the adaptability of plants to various habitats will be discussed. Three class hours.

532. Principles of Animal Physiology.
Fall and Spring (4,4) Bradley, Heideman. Prerequisites: BIOL 206, CHEM 307.
The function of the animal as a whole as indicated by the physiology and interrelationships of different organs and organ systems. The emphasis is on vertebrates, with comparative examples from selected invertebrates. Three class hours. Three laboratory hours.

533. Developmental Biology.
Fall (3) Saha. Prerequisite: BIOL 206.
An introduction to embryonic and postembryonic developmental processes in animals emphasizing cellular differentiation, the generation of form and shape, growth regulation, cellular recognition and communication, molecular control mechanisms of gene expression, developmental neurobiology, and cancer. Three class hours.

534. Developmental Biology Laboratory.
Fall (1) Staff. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 433/533.
An intensive examination of molecular techniques as applied to developmental processes; this semester-long laboratory will involve cloning and analyzing a developmentally significant gene. Four laboratory hours.

535. Colloquium in Developmental Biology.
Spring (1) Staff. Prerequisite: BIOL 433/533. Offered on demand.
A consideration of specific major areas, problems and current research efforts in developmental biology. Contents will vary from year to year. One class hour.

536. Advanced Cell Biology.
 Fall (3) Shakes. Prerequisite: BIOL 406/506.
An in-depth study of a specific topic in cell biology based on readings from the current primary literature. Topics will vary but may include the cytoskeleton or cell signaling. Three class hours.

538. Immunology Laboratory.
Spring (1) Zwollo. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 537.
An introduction to current techniques available to study immune responses in mice. In-cludes tissue culture of lymphocytes measuring antibody levels using ELISA techniques, and detection of proteins expressed during lymphocyte development using Western blot analyses.

542. Molecular Genetics.
Fall (3) Allison. Prerequisites: BIOL 203, 204.
This course gives a comprehensive introduction to molecular genetics emphasizing genome organization, DNA replication and repair, synthesis of RNA and proteins, regulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, epigenetics, RNA processing, molecular genetics of cancer, DNA biotechnology and human gene therapy. Three class hours.

543. Molecular Genetics Laboratory.
Fall (1) Allison. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 542
Experiments illustrating current techniques in molecular genetics, including basic cloning, transformation of bacteria with recombinant DNA, plasmid and genomic DNA purification, gel electrophoresis, restriction digests, DNA labeling, Southern transfer, PCR and green fluorescent protein expression in transfected mammalian cells. Three laboratory hours.

546. Nuclear Structure and Gene Activity.
Spring (3) Allison. Prerequisite: BIOL 442, or permission of instructor.
An in-depth advanced exploration of the structure of the nucleus and molecular mecha-nisms of eukaryotic gene regulation, based on readings from the current primary literature. Topics will include mechanisms regulating nuclear import and export of transcription factors and RNA, the role nuclear architecture plays in gene activity and RNA processing, and how failure to appropriately coordinate these processes leads to abnormal or diseased states. Three class hours.

580. Introduction to Graduate Studies.
Fall (3) Staff.
This is a graduate only course designed to expose new students to a range of techniques and skills that will facilitate their involvement in independent research and graduate studies in biology. Students will receive training in critically reviewing the primary literature, developing research questions, research design and data analysis, and oral and written presentations. Students will author both a grant and preliminary research proposal. This course is required of all biology graduate students.

610. Topics in Animal Behavior.
Spring (3) Cristol. Prerequisite: BIOL 206. PSYC 201 recommended.
The study of vertebrate and invertebrate behaviors as adapted traits under the influence of both genes and the environment. Students must also attend, complete assignments, and take exams for BIOL 510 but are not permitted to register for both classes. Course requires a comprehensive research paper based on library research. Three class hours in lecture plus one hour discussion section.

627. Wetland Ecosystems.
Fall (4) Chambers.
An investigation of the structure and function of wetland ecosystems, considering their formation and distribution at local, regional and continental scales. Interactions amongst biologic, geologic and hydrologic components in wetland development will be presented in lecture, lab and field exercises. Three class hours, three laboratory hours.

636. Topics in Advanced Cell Biology.
Spring (3) Shakes. Corequisite: BIOL 536.
Current literature in cell biology will be critically reviewed by class members, with stu-dents rotating as discussion leaders. Students must also attend and take exams in BIOL 536 but are not permitted to register for both classes. Four class hours.

637. Topics in Immunology.
Fall (3) Zwollo.
Discussions of research articles on topics related to the structure and function of the immune system. Students must also attend, complete assignments, and take exams for BIOL 437 (Immunology) but are not permitted to register for both classes. Four class hours.

639. Gene Regulation.
Spring (3) Zwollo. Prerequisites: either BIOL 442 or BIOL 437 or permission of instructor.
This course will give students experience in reading and critically analyzing articles from the primary literature. Topics will vary but will involve current research approaches in the field of gene regulation during development of the immune system. Can be taken independently of BIOL 437. Three class hours, one discussion hour.

646. Nuclear Structure and Gene Activity.
Fall (3) Allison. Prerequisite: BIOL 442 or permission of instructor.
Current literature on the structure of the nucleus and molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic gene regulation will be critically reviewed by class members, with students rotating as discussion leaders. Students must also attend, complete assignments, and take exams for BIOL 546 but are not permitted to register for both classes. Four class hours.

647. Neurophysiology.
Spring (4) Griffin. Prerequisites: BIOL 203, BIOL 206, or permission of instructor.
An exploration into the basic concepts related to the activity of the nervous system. The course will focus on electrical and chemical signaling within the nervous system and the ability to control and regulate other physiological systems. Three class hours, three laboratory hours, one discussion hour.

648. Evolutionary Biology.
Spring (3) Swaddle. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 or BIOL 206.
An introduction to the mechanisms and outcomes of evolution. Examples are drawn from many disciplines (e.g. genetics, behavior, and paleontology) to discuss how researchers study the evolution of organisms and develop evolutionary theory. Emphasis will be given to organismal processes. Three class hours.

649. Sexual Selection.
Spring (3) Swaddle. Prerequisites: BIOL 204 or BIOL 206. Offered in alternate years.
An advanced seminar course using the study of sexual selection as a framework to criti-cally examine the primary literature in organismal evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology. Emphasis is placed on student participation in evaluative discussions of published studies and the development of novel ideas for hypothesis testing.

650. Microbial Pathogenesis.

Fall (3) Forsyth. Prequisites: BIOL 440, or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
Class covers genetic, immunologic and evolutionary aspects of microbial virulence based on readings from the primary literature. Major bacterial and viral disease mechanisms will be examined.

651. Topics in Entomology.
Fall (4) Fashing. Corerequisite: BIOL 528.
Current literature in selected fields of entomology will be critically reviewed by class members, with students rotating as discussion leaders. Students must also attend lectures and take exams in BIOL 528 but are not permitted to register for both courses. Four class hours, four laboratory hours.

652. Cytogenetics.
Spring (4) Staff. Offered on demand.
Components of cells as related to genetics. Preparation and study of chromosomes with approximately equal time spent on plant and mammalian materials. Three class hours, three laboratory hours.

654. Biogeography.
Spring (3) Staff. Offered in alternate years.
Consideration of modern theories relating to the world-wide and local distribution of animals (especially vertebrates) and plants, both as species and as components of faunas, floras, and biotic communities. Three class hours.

659. Topics in Evolutionary Genetics.
Spring (4) Gilchrist. Prerequisites: BIOL 204 or equivalent.
Students must attend lectures, complete assignments, and take exams in BIOL 501, and will critically review current literature in population genetics and evolution. In extra meetings, students will rotate weekly as discussion leaders.  Students are not permitted to register for both courses. Four class hours and one recitation hour.

660. Topics in Functional Ecology.
Spring (3) Sanderson. Offered in alternate years.
Current literature in functional ecology will be critically reviewed by class members, with students rotating as discussion leaders. Students must also attend and take exams in BIOL 518 but are not permitted to register for both classes. Four class hours.

662. Concepts of Community Ecology.
Spring (3) Staff. Offered in alternate years.
Consideration of historical and modern concepts of the structure, function, development, and dynamic nature of natural communities and ecosystems, stressing examination of the original scientific literature on dominance and diversity, energy flow and mineral cycling, competitive interactions, ecological succession, and related topics. Three class hours.

663. Biological Microscopy.
Spring (4) Staff.
An introduction to optical and photographic principles and procedures that underlie light and electron microscopic image formation, with a major emphasis on transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Techniques of brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, differential interference contrast and fluorescence light microscopy will be presented along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and TEM. These methodologies will be applied to problems in biological research by means of several independent research projects. Four class hours, four laboratory hours.

664. Topics in Plant Conservation.
Spring, alternate years (2) Case. Prerequisites: BIOL 205, BIOL 417 (Population and Community Ecology).
This is primarily a discussion-based course that introduces key theoretical concepts in the discipline of plant conservation, and examines the current literature focusing on the conservation of population, species, and communities. Students will present papers in the discussion sessions. Two class hours.

665. Topics in Endocrinology.
Spring (4) Bradley.
Current literature in endocrinology critically reviewed by class members. Students will present papers and lead discussions. Students must also attend lectures and laboratories in BIOL 515 but are not permitted to register for both courses. Four class hours, four laboratory hours.

666. Behavioral Ecology.
Fall (3) Cristol. Prerequisite: BIOL 410 or 510. Offered in alternate years.
Advanced study of the processes by which animal behavior has evolved. Special attention will be given to reproduction, communication, foraging, aggression, cooperation and sociobiology. Three class hours.

667. Mechanisms of Bacterial Symbiosis.
Fall (3) Forsyth. Prerequisites: BIOL 440, or permission of instructor.
This course explores the molecular basis for bacterial diseases as well as the basis of bacterial host mutualistic relationships. Classic disease causing organisms and their mechanisms for host insult will be compared and contrasted with interactions with beneficial results for both participants. Three class hours.

668. Experimental Endocrinology.
Spring (varies) Bradley.
Detailed study of selected areas of endocrinology. Two class hours. Laboratory hours to be arranged.

673. Topics in Developmental Biology.
Spring (3) Saha.
Current literature in developmental biology critically reviewed by class members. Students will rotate weekly as discussion leaders. Students must also attend lectures in Biology 533 but are not permitted to register for both courses. Four class hours.

675. Topics in Neurobiology.
Fall (3) Saha.
Current literature in neurobiology critically reviewed by class members. Students will rotate weekly as discussion leaders. Students must also attend lectures in BIOL 545 but are not permitted to register for both courses. Four class hours.

676. The Autonomic Nervous Systems.
Fall (3) Griffin. Prerequisites: BIOL 445 or BIOL 447, or permission of instructor.
An in-depth look at the division of the central nervous system responsible for much of the basic regulation and drive responsible for survival. This course will focus on the functional anatomy and physiologic responses involved in this control. Three lecture hours, one discussion hour.

680. Advanced Topics in Biology.
Fall and Spring (1-4,1-4) Staff.
Areas of special current research interest presented by resident and visiting faculty mem-bers as opportunity and demand arise. (Hours to be arranged.) This course may be repeated for credit.

682. Graduate Colloquium.
Fall and Spring (1,1) Staff.
Presentations on and discussions of selected biological topics by graduate students. One class hour. This course may be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 4 credits.

690. Problems in Biology.
Fall and Spring (3,3) Staff. Consent of Departmental Graduate Committee.

695. Graduate Research
Fall and Spring (1-12) Staff.
An intensive program of independent research, conducted in consultation with a MS thesis advisor and committee. Students must consult with their thesis committee at least once per semester.  This course may be repeated for credit. Graded Pass/Fail. 

700. Thesis.
Fall and Spring (1-12) Staff. This course may be repeated for credit. Graded Pass/Fail.