Department of Biological Sciences

The study of biology provides an understanding of living things in the world around us. Biologists examine life at the ecosystem, population, organismal, cellular, and molecular levels in their development of an understanding of the mechanisms involved, their evolution, and their interrelationships. The Biological Sciences Department offers the Bachelor of Science Degree in biology, biology education, and in medical technology.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
MAJOR IN BIOLOGY (310)

There are five areas of concentration within the biology program . The biology concentration offers a broad introduction to the field without specialization in a particular area. This area of concentration is designed for individuals with a wide interest in biology. Concentrations in zoology or botany focus on animal and plant biology, respectively. These field-oriented areas are also for individuals interested in wildlife management, ecology, the environment, and related fields. The cellular/molecular biology concentration provides introduction to these exciting areas of modern biology and their importance in many facets of biological and biomedical research. The professional concentration is for those interested in attending a professional school upon completion of their bachelors program. This includes prospective physicians and dentists, veterinarians, and those interested in research careers in the biomedical sciences. All areas of concentration prepare the student for entry into masters and doctoral graduate programs throughout the country.

Biology is also an appropriate major for those interested in allied health areas such as physic al therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant programs, etc. While these programs must be pursued elsewhere, Cameron University can provide the prerequisite course work.

General Education Requirements

Required Courses (all areas of concentration) . . . . . . . . 26 hours
BIOL 1364, BIOL 1474, BIOL 2124, BIOL 2144, BIOL 2154, BIOL 3014, BIOL 4902

Organismal Biology Concentration
Requisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 hours
BIOL 3044 and BIOL 3064

Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration
Requisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 hours
BIOL 3174 and BIOL 4174

Electives (all areas of concentration) . . . . . 12 hours
Biology electives to complete the major.

Biology Major
MATH 1613 or MATH 1715 (high school trigonometry course may substitute for MATH 1613)
PHYS 1115 or PHYS 2015
PHYS 1215 or PHYS 2025
CHEM 1364/1361, 1474/1471, 3314, 3324 (all areas of concentration)
CHEM 4403 and CHEM 4413 (Cell and Molecular Emphasis Only)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
MAJOR IN BIOLOGY EDUCATION (315)

General Education Requirements

This degree requires specific courses for general education. Please check with the department for these requirements.

Required Courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 hours
BIOL 1474, BIOL 2144, BIOL 2154, BIOL 2034, BIOL 2134, BIOL 2124, BIOL 3014, BIOL 3044, BIOL 4122, BIOL 4772, CHEM 1474/1471

Required Education Courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 hours EDUC 1800, EDUC 3003, SPED 3103, EDUC 3733, EDUC 3753*, EDUC 3673, EDUC 4653*, EDUC 4313*, EDUC 3612**, EDUC 4965**, EDUC 4975**
*Restricted to those students who have been admitted to Teacher Education. See the undergraduate education advisor for admission requirements.
**Courses taken during professional semester.

Biology Education candidates must achieve a grade of C or better in all major courses (required core courses and required education courses) in order to receive credit toward a degree. If a grade of D, F, or U is achieved, the course must be repeated.

Biology education candidates must demonstrate foreign language proficiency (listening and speaking) at the novice-high level as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages by passing a Department of English and Foreign Languages proficiency test or by taking a foreign language course.

Teacher Licensure/Certification

The student who completes the requirements for this degree passes the state tests for certification in Biology will be eligible to apply for a standard teaching license.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
MAJOR IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY (570)

Medical technologists work primarily in hospital laboratories (clinical chemistry, microbiology, blood banking, immunology, etc.). The bachelors program in medical technology consists of three academic years of course work at Cameron (see below) and a year of work under the direction of hospital personnel at any hospital approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.

General Education Requirements

Required Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 hours

Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 hours
BIOL 1474, BIOL 3014, BIOL 3094, BIOL 3154, BIOL 4004

Chemistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 hours
CHEM 1225 or CHEM 1474/1471, CHEM 2113, CHEM 2232, CHEM 3314, CHEM 3324

Medical Technology . . . . . . . 30 hours
MT 4117, MT 4125, MT 4236, MT 4246, MT 4325, MT 4351

Electives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 hours
Electives must be selected and advisor approved from BIOL, CHEM, MATH, and/or PHYSICS.

BIOLOGY COURSES (BIOL)

1004* GENERAL BIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
A life science laboratory course for non-science majors. Students should learn the principles of cell structure/function, genetics, evolution and organismal diversity, ecology, and the scientific method. Such principles will be applied in discussions of biotechnology, conservation of biodiversity and natural resources, human population growth, and global environmental changes. Not applicable to Biology major or minor or Medical Technology major. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours.

1114* GENERAL BOTANY, 4 hours credit
An introduction to the structure, life processes and reproduction of the seed-bearing plants and their relation to the environment. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Not applicable to Biology or Medical Technology major or minor.

1124* GENERAL ZOOLOGY, 4 hours credit
A survey and classification of the animal kingdom stressing the animals from the simple to the complex; to develop an appreciation of animal life as it relates to human understanding and welfare. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Not applicable to Biology or Medical Technology major or minor.

1364* PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I, 4 hours credit
An introduction to the physical, chemical and biological principles associated with life from the subcellular to ecosystem level. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.

1474* PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II, 4 hours credit
A continuation of BIOL 1364. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1364.

2012 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY, 2 hours credit
An introduction to the prefixes, roots, and suffixes used to construct medical terms. A systems approach will be used to survey the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body, followed by selected terms defining the pathology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment procedures of each system. Emphasis will be on learning to pronounce, spell, and define all terms. Lecture 2 hours.

2034* HUMAN ANATOMY, 4 hours credit
Introductory anatomy with emphasis on histology and human gross anatomy. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.

2044* BIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES, 4 hours credit
Theoretical and practical considerations of laboratory skills required for biological experimentation and medical technology. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1474.

2121-2 SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-2 hours credit
Selected topics in biology which may include lecture, laboratory and/or field trips. Will not satisfy General Education science requirements. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours.

2124* INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
A survey of the principles and techniques of microbiology with emphasis on disease prevention and health maintenance. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 1364 and CHEM 1361. Biology majors are expected to complete this course as part of their core requirements and following CHEM 1364/1361 and BIOL 1364 and BIOL 1374 as prerequisites. Will not satisfy General Education science requirements.

2134* HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Emphasis is on concepts and principles that serve as a foundation for understanding human physiology. Laboratory experiences demonstrate physiological mechanisms and serve as a basis for understanding clinical applications of physiology. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 1364 and CHEM 1361 and either BIOL 1364 and BIOL 1474 or BIOL 2034. Will not satisfy General Education science requirements.

2144* BOTANY, 4 hours credit
A survey of the plant kingdom stressing structure, function, life histories, and ecology. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1474.

2154* ZOOLOGY, 4 hours credit
A phylogenetic and comparative survey of the animal kingdom that treats evolutionary, ecological, zoogeographical and morphological aspects of each phylum. Emphasis is on classification as it reflects evolutionary adaptation. Economic impact of wild animals on society and natural resource conservation are considered. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1474.

2444* ENVIRONMENT AND MAN, 4 hours credit
The application of ecological concepts and principles to concerns such as human population growth, resource management, and pollution. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: one course in Biological Sciences. Will not satisfy General Education Requirements.

3004* PHYCOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Morphology, classification and ecology of the fresh water algae. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours and field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 2144.

3014* PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS, 4 hours credit
A general course in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of heredity. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 2144 or BIOL 2154 and CHEM 3314 or concurrent enrollment.

3024* ENTOMOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Structure, life history, and recognition of common insects. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours, field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 2154.

3034* DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
The development of the vertebrate body from gametogenesis through early organ formation. Primary emphasis on development of fish, frog, chick and pig. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 3014.

3044* EVOLUTION, 4 hours credit
Historical development of evolutionary concepts. Theories to account for speciation, evolutionary mechanisms and phylogenetic relationships. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 3014.

3054* PLANT TAXONOMY, 4 hours credit
Classification of flowering plants with emphasis on the flora of the area. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours, and field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 2144.

3064* ECOLOGY, 4 hours credit
General principles of biotic and abiotic interrelationships including sampling techniques, productivity, energy flow, interspecific association and biomes. Field trips arranged. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 2144 or BIOL 2154.

3074* NATURAL HISTORY OF THE VERTEBRATES, 4 hours credit
Ecology, taxonomy and life histories of vertebrates. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Field trips arranged. Prerequisite: BIOL 2154.

3084* ORNITHOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Identification, ecology, distribution and population dynamics of birds, with emphasis on locally occurring species. Family and ordinal characters are stressed. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Field trips arranged. Prerequisite: BIOL 2154.

3093* IMMUNOLOGY, 3 hours credit
Nature and mechanisms of natural and acquired resistance including humoral and cellular immunity. Characteristics of antigens and antibodies and of their interaction; transplantation reactions and hypersensitives. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 3014.

3104* COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY, 4 hours credit
Functional morphology and evolution of organ systems in representative chordates. This course emphasizes biomechanics and environmental adaptation, and fulfills the needs of preprofessionals and biology majors. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 2154.

3114* MAMMALOGY, 4 hours credit
Classification, life histories, and distribution of mammals. Methods of collection and preservation. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Field trips arranged. Prerequisite: BIOL 2154.

3124* HISTOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Structure of animals at tissue and organ levels with emphasis on recognition and function of mammalian tissues and organs. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1474. BIOL 3104 is recommended.

3134* INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Morphology, taxonomy, natural history, and evolutional relationships of the invertebrates. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 2154.

3154* PRINCIPLES OF MICROBIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
A comprehensive course emphasizing the biology, biochemistry, physiology and genetics of microorganisms, especially the bacteria. Laboratory deals with the distribution, cultivation and identification of microorganisms. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 2144 or BIOL 2154 and CHEM 3324 or concurrent enrollment.

3174* CELL BIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Structural and functional organization of cells in terms of their organelles, molecules, and control mechanisms. The cell cycle, cellular differentiation and cellular interactions are also considered. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 2144 or BIOL 2154 and CHEM 3314 or concurrent enrollment.

4004* PHYSIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Homeostatic mechanisms of human organ systems are emphasized, including some aspects of comparative physiology. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 3104 and CHEM 3324. CHEM 4403 is recommended.

4014* HERPETOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Taxonomy, distribution, natural history of amphibians and reptiles with emphasis on local forms. Techniques of collection and preservation. Field trips arranged. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 2154.

4024* ICHTHYOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Taxonomy, morphology and ecology of fishes, with emphasis on local forms. Techniques of collection and preservation. Field trips arranged. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 2154.

4054* VASCULAR PLANT MORPHOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Morphology, evolution and ecology of vascular plants. Field trips arranged. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 2144.

4064* ADVANCED ECOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Ecological principles as related to population dynamics, ecosystems, effects of radiation and pollution. Emphasis on production, energy flow, and cycling within ecosystems. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Field trips arranged. Prerequisite: BIOL 3064.

4084* ANIMAL BEHAVIOR, 4 hours credit
Behavioral adaptations of diverse animal species.  Emphasis is placed on the ecological, physiological, and evolutionary aspects of behavior.  Lecture 3 hours.  Prerequisite BIOL 2154.

4094* LIMNOLOGY, 4 hours credit
An introduction to the biological, chemical, and physical features of freshwater lakes, ponds, and streams, with emphasis on methods. Field trips arranged. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 2144 and BIOL 2154 and CHEM 1474 and CHEM 1471.

4104* HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF BIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
The development of biological science through the classical and modern periods. The use of the library as a research tool, and familiarization with library resources. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory-library 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 2144 and BIOL 2154.

4114* ADVANCED MICROBIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
This course will present a modern view of advanced topics in microbiology, such as advanced bacteriology, virology, and microbial genetics. The course is intended for biology majors. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 1015 (or 1364/1361) and 1225 (or 1474/1471), CHEM 3314, BIOL 2124 or BIOL 3154.

4121-4 SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-4 hours credit
Term paper and/or oral examination required. Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

4154* BIOMETRY, 4 hours credit
An introduction to the application of basic probability theory, descriptive statistics, and statistical inference, including estimation and hypothesis testing, to biological data. Analysis of variance and regression analysis of simple experimental designs are also considered. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 2144 and BIOL 2154.

4163* PRINCIPLES OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY, 3 hours credit
Functions, nutrition, metabolism, and development of higher plants, including water relations, photosynthesis, respiration and growth. Cross-listed as AGRN 4123. Prerequisite: AGRC 1214 or BIOL 2144.

4174* MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 4 hours credit
Emphasis is on the informational macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins) associated with life processes, including their synthesis, genetics, regulation, and mechanism of action. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 3014 and BIOL 3174 and CHEM 3324. CHEM 4413 recommended.

4772 TEACHING OF BIOLOGY, 2 hours credit
Methods and materials in secondary education. Lecture 2 hours. Taught during fall semester only. Teacher Certification students must be admitted to teacher education prior to enrollment in this course.

4881 BIOLOGY SEMINAR, 1 hour credit
A general seminar course for biology majors. May be repeated for a maximum of 2 credit hours. Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

4902* BIOLOGY CAPSTONE COURSE, 2 hours credit
Required of all biology majors for graduation. Course serves to integrate the biology curriculum, enhance critical analysis skills, promote leadership and an appreciation of ethical and philosophical considerations, and hone modern communication skills. Program assessment is also a component. Prerequisites: Senior standing in biology, BIOL 3014, and departmental permission.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY COURSES (MT)

4117 CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY, 7 hours credit
The theory and laboratory study of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi and parasites. Includes isolation, identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and medical significance. Departmental permission required. Lecture/laboratory.

4125 CLINICAL CHEMISTRY, 5 hours credit
The theory and laboratory methodology of analytical biochemistry, clinical microscopy, routine and special procedures and medical significance. Departmental permission required. Lecture/laboratory.

4236 CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY, 6 hours credit
Systematized study of disease and abnormal derivation, maturation and function, principles of homeostasis; methodology used in routine and special hematology studies; and correlation of hematological findings with physiological conditions. Departmental permission required. Lecture/ laboratory.

4246 CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY, 6 hours credit
The theory of immunologic responses and procedures used in serological determinations; the study of immunohematology, fundamentals of antigen-antibody reactions, blood groups and types, compatibility testing, blood components, and the laboratory methods used as they relate to the medical significance of immunology and infectious disease. Departmental permission required. Lecture/laboratory.

4325 CLINICAL CHEMISTRY II, 5 hours credit
The theory and laboratory methodology of analytical biochemistry, instrumentation, and lab mathematics, routine and special procedures and medical significance. Departmental permission required. Lecture/laboratory.

4351 TOPICS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, 1 hour credit
Principles and practices of the medical laboratory including basic management, special education methodology, and special projects in selected areas. Departmental permission required. Lecture/laboratory.

* Liberal arts and sciences course.