BIMS531: Marine Invertebrates: Amoeboid and Sporozoan Protozoa

An in-depth study of the systematics, ecology, morphology, development, physiology and economic importance of the amoeboid and sporozoan protozoa. Systematics and ecology will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on those forms native to New Jersey. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 1 sh.

BIMS532: Marine Invertebrates: Ciliated Protozoa

An in-depth study of the systematics, ecology, morphology, development, physiology and economic importance of the ciliated protozoans. Systematics and ecology will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on those forms native to New Jersey. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 1 sh.

BIMS533: Marine Invertebrates: Flagellated Protozoa and Porifera

An in-depth study of the systematics, ecology, morphology, development, physiology and economic importance of the flagellated protozoans and sponges. Systematics and ecology will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on those forms native to New Jersey. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 2 sh.

BIMS534: Marine Invertebrates: Coelenterata and Ctenophora

An in-depth study of the systematics, ecology, morphology, development, physiology and economic importance of the coelenterates and ctenophores. Systematics and ecology will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on those forms native to New Jersey. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 1 sh.

BIMS535: Marine Invertebrates: The Worm Phyla

An in-depth study of the systematics, ecology, morphology, development, physiology and economic importance of selected groups of marine worms with emphasis on the polychaetes. Systematics and ecology will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on those forms native to New Jersey. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 1 sh.

BIMS536: Marine Invertebrates: Mollusca

An in-depth study of the systematics, ecology, morphology, development, physiology and economic importance of selected groups of marine molluscs. Systematics and ecology will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on those forms native to New Jersey. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 1 sh.

BIMS537: Marine Invertebrates: Arthropoda

An in-depth study of the systematics, ecology, morphology, development, physiology and economic importance of selected groups of marine arthropods. Systematics and ecology will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on those forms native to New Jersey. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 1 sh.

BIMS538: Marine Invertebrates: Bryozoa, Echinodermata and Protochordata

An in-depth study of the systematics, ecology, morphology, development, physiology and economic importance of selected groups of marine bryozoans, echinoderms and protochordates. Systematics and ecology will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on those forms native to New Jersey. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 1 sh.

BIMS544: Marine Ichthyoplankton

A graduate-level field and laboratory course designed to familiarize the student with the study of marine fish eggs and larvae. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 2 sh.

BIMS551: Advanced Marine Botany I: Euglenophyta, Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta

A detailed consideration of the functional morphology and evolution of the marine algae. Analysis of ecological and physiological adaptations of the euglenoids; green and brown algae. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 2 sh.

BIMS572: Marine Procaryota: Cyanobacteria/Cyanophyceae

An in-depth study of the morphology, cytology, ecology and taxonomy of marine bacteria and blue-green algae. Emphasis will be placed on organisms found in New Jersey waters. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 3 sh.

BIMS573: Marine Dinoflagellates and Diatoms

An in-depth study of the morphology, cytology, taxonomy and ecology of marine diatoms and dinoflagellates. Emphasis will be placed on organisms found in New Jersey waters. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 2 sh.

BIMS592: Bacteriological Techniques in Marine Sampling

Standard methods of bacteriological water analysis, including MPN and membrane filtration. Special problems related to sampling and analysis of marine sediments, surface and sub-surface marine waters. NJ Marine Sciences Consortium. Cross listed with Biology, BICL 505. 2 sh.

BIOL500: Introductory Molecular Cell Biology

This course will focus on an introduction to the science and methods of cell and molecular biology. 1.5 sh.

Prerequisites: Permission of graduate advisor.

BIOL501: Biology of Human Sexuality

The course is designed to introduce the student in the graduate program in human sexuality and family life education to human anatomy and physiology, human genetics, endocrinology of the reproductive system and human developmental biology. These fields of knowledge are necessary in order to adequately understand and teach others about human sexuality, as well as to adequately counsel those who require assistance. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Open only to graduate students in the College of Education and Human Services.

BIOL510: Biology Pedagogy for Secondary Teachers

Seminar and research course designed for study of methods and practices being used in teaching of secondary school biology. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: 24 semester hours in biology.

BIOL512: Topics in Modern Genetics

Seminar course. Selected topics from current development in genetic research, including chromosome and gene fine structure, extra chromosomal genetic elements, genetic engineering, and aspects of biomedical genetic research. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6.0 credits as long as the topic is different. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Undergraduate course in genetics.

BIOL513: Instrumentation and Techniques for Biological Science

This course is designed to acquaint students with modern analytical and research techniques in biology, including manometry, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, chromatography, microbial batch growth and assay techniques, immunotechniques and evaluation of experimental design and data. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: 24 semester hours in biology.

BIOL514: Graduate Seminar in Biology

Through a series of seminars delivered by faculty and guests, students will survey a broad range of topics in modern biology, and be introduced to the variety of specializations represented within the department. Emphasis shall be placed on recent advances in diverse areas of biology. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Graduate biology majors only.

BIOL516: Biogeography

Distribution of plants and animals of the world on continents and continental and oceanic islands and in various climatic zones. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Field course in biology.

BIOL518: Strategies for Teaching College Biology

Biology Teaching Assistants and upper-level undergraduates with interests in teaching will interact with experienced teachers, but more importantly will gain access to a forum for discussing their experiences and concerns with other prospective biology teachers. Students will discuss contemporary articles on science teaching at the college level. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: B.S. in Biology and departmental approval.

BIOL520: Plant Physiology

Investigation of physiology of plants. Plant growth, development and reproduction as well as the new advances in plant physiology. Water relations of plants, mineral nutrition, physiological significance of soil and soil moisture, photosynthesis, respiration, plant biosynthesis and dynamics of growth. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

BIOL521: Field Studies of Flowering Plants

The taxonomy, evolutionary trends and ecological adaptations of the gymnosperms and angiosperms. A variety of habitats will be visited and analyzed. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Botany and field course in biology.

BIOL522: Plant Pathology

Causes, symptoms, and control of plant diseases. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Botany and microbiology.

BIOL523: Mycology

Identification, and classification of fungi. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Botany and microbiology.

BIOL529: Advanced Herpetology

Biology of the extant ectothermic tetrapods (amphibians and non-avian reptiles), including field identification, systematics, anatomy, physiology, behavior, reproduction, and ecology.. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 113.

BIOL531: Medical Parasitology

To study the phenomenon of parasitism as applied to man and his domestic animals. Areas of emphasis include specific adaptations for parasitism and transmission, effects on the host, epidemiology and control. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Zoology.

BIOL532: Advanced Entomology

Examination of insects as model systems for biological inquiry. Topics include an integrative treatment of insect molecular biology, genetics, physiology, behavior, evolution and ecology. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Matriculation in M.S. Biology program or permission of instructor.

BIOL533: Advanced Cell Biology

Detailed analysis of cellular structure and function. Topics to be covered include the role of subcellular organelles in maintaining cell viability, analysis of cytoskeletal components, structure and function of the plasma membrane and cellular defects that lead to cancer and other disease states. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Matriculation in the biology master's program or permission of professor.

BIOL540: Mammalian Physiology

A broad survey of the physiology of mammalian systems aimed at graduate students who lack an upper-level background in physiology at the undergraduate level. The principles of homeostatis mechanisms as they apply to various organ systems will be stressed. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, but not open to students who have completed undergraduate upper division Mammalian/Human Physiology classes.

BIOL542: Advanced Endocrinology

A study of the physiology of the mammalian endocrine system with emphasis on hormonal control of homeostasis. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Endocrinology and cell biology.

BIOL543: Advances in Immunology

To study in detail selected topics in immunology. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Immunology.

BIOL544: Comparative Animal Physiology

The physiological mechanisms involved in the varied responses of both vertebrates and invertebrates to critical fluctuations of their physico-chemical environment. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Cell biology and zoology.

BIOL545: Experimental Endocrinology

A seminar and laboratory course in endocrinology in which the various endocrine glands will be surgically removed or chemically destroyed and the morphologic and physiologic effects measured and observed. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Endocrinology.

BIOL546: Topics in Physiology

To give the student an in-depth understanding of three specific areas of human physiology. The areas selected are those in which there is a rapidly expanding body of knowledge. The areas covered will be kidney physiology in health and disease; neurotransmitters and modulation in the central nervous system; homeostatic processes in the myocardium and blood vessel walls in health and disease. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6.0 credits as long as the topic is different. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Course in physiology.

BIOL547: Molecular Biology I

Central concepts at the cellular level will be emphasized. Contemporary viewpoints in the areas of biomolecules, energy yielding and energy requiring processes and transfer of genetic information. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Cell biology, and one year organic chemistry.

BIOL548: Molecular Biology II

Central concepts at the cellular level will be emphasized. Contemporary viewpoints in the areas of biomolecules, energy yielding and energy requiring processes and transfer of genetic information. The laboratory will deal with up-to-date investigative procedures via selected experiments. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 547.

BIOL549: Topics in Developmental Biology

Seminar in the regulation of developmental events, including both classical morphogenesis and recent advances using techniques of cell and molecular biology. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6.0 credits as long as the topic is different. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Genetics and developmental embryology.

BIOL550: Topics in Microbiology

Coverage of selected topics such as the microbial genetics, antibiotic action, bacteriophage, virus, cancer and microbial metabolism. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications of modern research in specific areas. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6.0 credits as long as the topic is different. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Microbiology.

BIOL551: Intermediary Metabolism I

Discussion of interrelationships of catabolic and anabolic paths. Primary emphasis is placed on the metabolism of nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and proteins. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Biochemistry and cell biology.

BIOL552: Biology of Lipids

Biological cycles, unity and diversity in metabolic paths, metabolic evolution, metabolic control mechanisms and other special topics. Primary emphasis is placed on the metabolism of lipids. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Cell biology and organic chemistry.

BIOL553: Microbial Ecology

Exploration of the essential role of microorganisms in the ecosystem. Lecture, field trips and laboratory will demonstrate the ubiquitous and highly adaptive evolution of microorganisms, their interrelationships and their profound influence on the biosphere. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Microbiology.

BIOL554: Microbial Physiology

A study of microorganisms in terms of their morphology and metabolism. The significance of metabolic diversity and secondary metabolic products of various microorganisms will be explored through lecture topics. The economic significance of microbial metabolism in relation to industry and pathogenic diseases will be emphasized. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Microbiology.

BIOL555: Medical Genetics

A detailed study and analysis of human genetics, inborn genetic diseases, genomics, gene therapy, and the Human Genome Project. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: A genetics course or permission of instructor.

BIOL556: Molecular Biology of Proteins

Study of the molecular biology of biomolecules, including proteins. The course will examine how changes in the three dimensional structure of biomolecules affect their biological function. Protein engineering, enzyme catalysis, and site-directed mutagenesis will be discussed. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Admission into the graduate biology program or permission of department.

BIOL557: Virology

This course will develop the fundamental principles of modern virology and examine the connection between viruses and disease. It will examine the molecular biology of virus replication, infection, gene expression, the structure of virus particles and genomes, pathogenesis, classification of viruses, and contemporary viral research. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of a Cell & Molecular Biology course or permission of instructor.

BIOL558: Microbial Genetics

Microbial Genetics provides students with an understanding of the basis for genetic processes in microorganisms and the implication for higher organisms. The focus of the course will be on prokaryotes, particularily E.coli, and viruses, primarily bacteriophages. Current developments in microbial genetics, such as bioinformatics and genomics, will be presented. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 350, Microbiology.

BIOL560: Molecular Genetics

A course that will focus on biological research problems that are being addressed in eucaryotic systems from a molecular genetics viewpoint. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 547 with a grade of "B" or better.

BIOL565: Advanced Plant Molecular Genetics

This course will focus on plant molecular biology and genetics and how plant systems differ from other eucaryotic systems at a cellular level. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 547, minimum grade of B.

BIOL570: Ecology

Basic ecological principles and concepts. Habitat approach to field exercises in fresh water and terrestrial ecology. Intra and interspecific relationships with all living members of the ecosystem, problems in plant and animal biology. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Botany and zoology.

BIOL571: Physiological Plant Ecology

The effects of soil, light, and water on plant growth, as well as, toxic effects of metals and salinity are measured using growth chamber and greenhouse facilities. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Botany and one course in field biology.

BIOL572: Wetland Ecology

Important biotic, chemical and physical parameters of New Jersey's estuaries. Evolution and successional trends of estuarine communities. Ecology of individual communities studied by field trips to Delaware Bay shore and to some Atlantic coast bays, marshes and offshore barrier islands. Also offered at the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Botany, and zoology, and field biology.

BIOL573: Shoreline Ecology

Community structure, trophic dynamics, species diversity and distribution of bottom dwelling organisms in relationship to their environment; lectures, laboratory work and field investigations of the marine benthos. Also offered at NJ Marine Sciences Consortium. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Botany, and zoology, and field biology.

BIOL574: Behavioral Ecology

This seminar course explains the ecological consequences of animal behavior, viewed within the context of how behavior evolves and how populations adapt to their environments. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Field biology and zoology.

BIOL576: Biology of Extreme Habitats

The course will describe the adaptations that allow the survival of plants and animals, as well as microorganisms, in a variety of extreme habitats. Some of these habitats include: deserts, arctic, grassland, estuaries. 3 sh.

BIOL579: Physiological Ecology of Animals

A variety of different animals, ranging from protists to mammals, will be examined and compared to demonstrate the physiological adaptations they have evolved to successfully survive and reproduce. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Biology or permission of instructor.

BIOL580: Evolutionary Mechanisms

This course will provide students the opportunity to read primary resource material and interpret the findings of the data. This course will also teach students how to read, critique and present scientific data to a peer group. Students will analyze, discuss and present primary research articles with respect to scientific content, accuracy of the data and significance of the experiments. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Matriculation in the biology master's program or permission of the instructor.

BIOL586: Selected Avanced Topics in Biology

This course is designed to provide advanced biology graduate students with a literature intensive exploration of current developments and specialized content in the biological sciences. Topics will cover specific research areas in ecology, physiology, molecular biology, embryology and bioinformatics. This course is designed to fulfill elective requirements of the biology masters degree. This course may be repeated once for a maximum of 8.0 credits. 3 - 4 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 520 or BIOL 540 or BIOL 547 or BIOL 570.

BIOL592: Graduate Colloquium

Students in this course will read primary resource material and interpret the data. This course will also teach students how to read, critique and present scientific data to a peer group. Students will analyze, discuss and present primary research articles with respect to scientific content, accuracy of the data and significance of the experiments. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: Matriculation in the biology master's program or permission of the professor.

BIOL593: Molecular Ecology

Detailed survey of the application of molecular methods to address ecological, behavioral, and conservation questions. Topics to be covered include the principles of most common molecular techniques used in molecular ecology, and application of those molecular techniques to phylogeography, behavioral ecology, population genetics, conservation genetics, and adaptive variation. Students will develop and present independent research proposal. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 547 or instructor's permission.

BIOL594: Signal Transduction

This course will cover various aspects of cellular signaling from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. Topics will include specific signal transduction systems, methods for studying these systems and the results of these signaling events on cell division, cell differentiation and cell function. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 547 or permission of instructor.

BIOL595: Conservation Biology: The Preservation of Biological Diversity

This course addresses concerns about the loss of biological diversity and genetic resources through species extinctions. Students will learn about the importance of maintaining biological diversity, the problems involved in monitoring and protecting sensitive and crucial habitat, the impact of human societies on biodiversity, the alternatives to the destruction of habitat/species, the prospects of restoration, and the policies needed to prevent the loss of biological diversity. Students will also learn about population processes that are directly related to species survival. This course is cross listed with CNFS 595. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Botany, and zoology, and field biology.

BIOL596: Selected Techniques in Biology Science Education

A laboratory course that trains teachers in manipulatives suitable for secondary biology education. Students will be introduced to a variety of physiological, ecological, molecular biological techniques applicable for implementation in secondary school classrooms. May be repeated three more times for a total of six semester hours. 1.5 sh.

Prerequisites: Biology teaching certification or approval of instructor.

BIOL597: Research in Biological Literature

To allow the student to investigate and evaluate a specific topic in biology under the supervision of a faculty member and to develop the student's skills in presenting current research in both the written and oral modes. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

BIOL598: Selected Techniques in Molecular Biology

A laboratory course that trains students in advanced techniques in molecular biology. Students will learn how to perform a specific technique as well as learning the theory behind the technique. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 6.0 credits. 1.5 sh.

Prerequisites: Undergraduate or graduate molecular biology courses or equivalent and permission of instructor.

BIOL599: Introduction to Biological Research

A research experience in which students will be exposed to current biologic techniques by working with scientific investigators in industry, or within the department. Students will work on projects involving research techniques, data collection and the analysis and interpretation of the data. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

BIOL601: Advanced Biological Science Education Pedagogy

This course aims for the development of an understanding of the pedagogy of inquiry-based learning and of the processes of scientific investigation and reasoning, as well as other factors influencing effective teaching (e.g. equity issues, assessment methods, and communication skills). Modeling of the inquiry-based approach will be applied to a range of scientific concepts, focusing on biological concepts such as natural selection, meiosis and Mendelian genetics, and photosynthesis. As these concepts are explored, relevant science education literature will be examined in order to understand the nature of student conceptions as well as broader issues of constructivist and situated learning and implications of philosophy and sociology of science for science education. 3 sh.

BIOL698: Master's Thesis

Independent research project done under faculty advisement. Students must follow the MSU Thesis Guidelines, which may be obtained from the Graduate School. Students should take BIOL 699 if they don't complete BIOL 698 within the semester. 4 - 6 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

CHEM531: Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry

Modern theories of organic chemistry with emphasis on electronic theory and reaction mechanisms. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 12.0 credits as long as the topic is different. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: CHEM 430 (Advanced Organic Chemistry).

CHEM532: Organic Synthesis

Detailed study of the art, methods, and the philosophy of organic synthesis beginning with a review of classical and modern synthetic methods, followed by the planning theory of synthesis and culminating in a study of elegant syntheses in the literature. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: CHEM 430 (Advanced Organic Chemistry).

CHEM570: Selected Topics in Advanced Biochemistry

A detailed treatment of selected topics in biochemistry. Special emphasis upon recent developments. Protein structure, enzymology, metabolism, nucleic acid chemistry are examples of topics. This course may be repeated for credit indefinitely as long as the topic is different each time. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: CHEM 370 or instructor's permission.

GEOS502: The Dynamic Earth

Origin, evolution and history of the earth. Internal and external processes by which minerals and rocks form and are modified. Interpretation of rock features and structures and significance of the fossil record. Plate tectonics, geomorphology, oceanography, and meteorology. The course is conducted at a more rigorous level than introductory, undergraduate courses. Research project and field trips are required. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Not open to graduates of a geology or geoscience program.

GEOS525: Environmental Geoscience

In-depth study of the relationships between man and the physical environment of atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Particular attention to problems of mineral resource and fossil-fuel depletion; pollution of air, water and soils and waste disposal and recycling, simple computer modeling of environmental situations. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: For majors in the College of Science and Mathematics.

GEOS530: Paleoecology

Distribution and association of fossils as interpreted from the evidence presented in the geologic record. Detailed paleoecological field study made of selected faunal assemblages. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Biology major, or Geoscience major, or Environmental Studies major with a concentration in Environmental Science.

GEOS560: Advanced Marine Geology

Development and evolution of the ocean basins; marine sedimentation; shoreline development and classification; submarine topography; mineral resources of the sea. Laboratory analysis of marine sediments and fossil assemblages. Required field trips. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: For majors in the College of Science and Mathematics.

GEOS573: Nuclear Geophysics

Principles and application of nuclear physics to study of earth, including: natural radiation, origin and occurence of isotopes; use of isotopes in prospecting, geochronology and space geology; paleotemperature determinations; activation analysis; mining and use of radioactive elements; nuclear energy. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Geoscience major.

GEOS575: Geochemistry

Chemical laws and principles applied to the earth, chemical composition of the earth, distribution and relative abundance of the elements. Radioactive materials, atmospheric precipitation of geochemicals, the geochemistry of polluted water (including solid and liquid wastes) study of meteorites. Required field trips. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: For majors in the College of Science and Mathematics.