Areas of Study and Degrees
Biology
M.S.
Quantitative Biology
Ph.D.
Mathematical Sciences
Ph.D.

Master's Degree Plans
Thesis and Non-Thesis

Acting Chair
John D. Bacon
337 Life Science, 817-272-2871

Graduate Advisor
Daniel Formanowicz
349 Life Science, 817-272-2422

Graduate Faculty
Professors
Arnott, Bacon, Campbell,Chrzanowski, Hellier, McMahon, Robinson, Smatresk, Stewart, Whitmore

Associate Professors
Formanowicz, Neill

Assistant Professors
Bernard, Burleson, Chippindale, Grover, Payne, Phillips, Smith

Professor Emeritus
Pyburn

Objective

The program leading to the degree of Master of Science in biology is designated to provide graduate education which will prepare students for vocations in industry, government, and teaching, and to pursue further graduate education leading to the doctorate. The doctoral program is designed to train students to apply sophisticated quantitative techniques to solving basic and applied problems in biology. Students in this program will attain substantially greater quantitative skills than in traditional doctoral programs in the biological sciences, providing them with a competitive advantage in business, industry, government, and academia.

Admission

Master of Science
In addition to the general regulations and admission requirements stated elsewhere in this catalog, the student must present to the department a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination. International students whose native language is not English must have a minimum TSE score of 40.

Doctor of Philosophy
In addition to the general regulations and admission requirements stated elsewhere in this catalog, the student must have a combined score of not less than 1200 on the quantitative and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Exam. International students whose native language is not English must have a minimum TSE score of 40.

Degree Requirements

Supporting work outside the student's major area may be taken in botany, chemistry, geology, mathematics, microbiology, physics, and zoology. Approved courses in civil engineering, philosophy, psychology, and sociology may also be taken in support of the student's program. Subject to written approval by the Graduate Advisor and within the limitations stated in the General Graduate School Regulations, a student may take up to nine hours of coursework from among courses listed under Biology at the 3000 or 4000 levels.

Master of Science
Non-thesis and thesis options are offered. The non-thesis option is designed to meet the needs of practicing teachers or those intending to enter the teaching profession. Students enrolled in the non-thesis option are required to complete 36 hours, including 24 hours of formal coursework in biology plus two hours of 5101, 5391, and sufficient additional hours to complete course requirements. Students enrolled in the thesis option are required to complete 30 hours, including 18 hours of formal coursework, two hours of 5101, 5698, and sufficient additional hours to complete degree requirements.

Doctor of Philosophy
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Quantitative Biology requires distinguished attainment both in scholarship and in research. In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of a planned course of study, the ultimate basis for conferring the degree must be the demonstrated ability to do independent and creative work and the exhibition of a profound grasp of the subject matter within the field.

Animal Behavior Option: Study in the area of animal behavior is offered jointly by biology and psychology graduate programs. See Psychology section of the catalog.

Mathematics: Students will be expected to have (or complete during their first year of residence) a strong quantitative background including formal courses in differential and integral calculus, differential equations (or equivalent skills), and computer programming.
Foreign Language: Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language or in computer skills above that required for entry into the program.

Course Requirements: A total of 60 hours of coursework should normally be completed including 18 hours of required courses, 12 hours of electives, and 30 hours of seminar and research courses. All students in the program are required to take BIOL 5314 (Biometry), BIOL 5361 (Advanced Biometry), and BIOL 5362 (Experimental Design and Analysis). Students must take nine hours from among the following courses in quantitative biology: BIOL 5306 (Bioenergetics), BIOL 5316 (Advanced Evolutionary Biology), BIOL 5337 (Behavioral Ecology), BIOL 5365 (Image Analysis), BIOL 5333 (Biological Modeling), BIOL 5363 (Quantitative Approaches to Physiology), BIOL 5367 (Theoretical Systematics), or BIOL 5364 (Population Genetics). Twelve hours of electives may be selected by students under supervision of their dissertation committee from among courses listed below in the department's course offerings that are designated by an asterisk (*) at the end of the course description. Finally, 30 hours of seminars and research, including 9 hours of dissertation in the final semester (BIOL 6999), are required from among the following courses: BIOL 5101, 5200, 5291, 5391, 5193-5693, 5398, 5698, or 5998, or BIOL 6191, 6291, 6391, 6491, 6591,
or 6691 (can be repeated for credit).

The grade of R (research in progress) is a permanent grade; it cannot be changed by completing course requirements in a later semester. To receive credit for an R-graded course, the student must continue to enroll in the course until a passing grade is received.
An incomplete grade (the grade of X) cannot be given in a course that is graded R, nor can the grade of R be given in a course that is graded X. To receive credit for a course in which the student earned an X, the student must complete the course requirements no later than mid-semester of the next semester (excluding summer). A grade of X cannot be changed by enrolling again in the course in which an X was earned. An incomplete grade that is not removed by the specified deadline will be automatically converted to an F. (See the Graduate School calendar for specific deadlines.)
Three-hour thesis courses and three- and six-hour dissertation courses are graded R/F/W only (except social work thesis courses). The grade of P (required for degree completion for students enrolled in thesis or dissertation programs) can be earned only in six- or nine-hour thesis courses and nine-hour dissertation courses. In the course listings below, R-graded courses are designated either "Graded P/F/R" or "Graded R." Occasionally, the valid grades for a course change. Students should consult the appropriate Graduate Advisor or instructor for valid grade information for particular courses. (See also the sections titled "R" Grade, Credit for Research, Internship, Thesis or Dissertation Courses and Incomplete Grade in this catalog.)

Biology (BIOL)

5101. SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY (1-0). Seminar on significant biological research. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of faculty.*

5102. PRESENTATION METHODS (1-0). Introduction on preparation of scientific talks and poster presentations, including graphics, biological illustration, banner making, preparation of graphics slides and scientific photography.

5103. COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (1-0). An introduction to the software applications needed to collect and analyze data, prepare scientific papers and present research findings. Both Macintosh and PC platform applications will be reviewed.

5104. GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING (1-0). Methods of preparation of research proposals to granting agencies, including: use of library research facilities; standard proposal formats; elements of successful proposals; survey of funding agencies in the biological sciences.

5105. RESEARCH SEMINAR I (1-0). Once during a student's first semester for attending a seminar series of talks by Biology Department faculty and graduate students.

5106. RESEARCH SEMINAR II (1-0). For attending a seminar series of talks by Biology Department faculty and graduate students. Students enrolling in Research Seminar II will be required to present a seminar on the results of their graduate research.
5302. MICROBIAL GENETICS (3-0). Consideration of the nature, expression and regulation of the genetic processes in micro-organisms. Prerequisites: BIOL 2451 and 3315 or consent of instructor.*
5303. MOLECULAR GENETICS (3-0). Study of molecular genetics with emphasis on eucaryotic systems including DNA structure and chromosome arrangement: molecular evolution, and gene regulation and expression. Prerequisites: BIOL 3315 or instructor's permission.
5304. VIROLOGY (3-0). The nature, reproduction and host-cell interactions of viruses and virus-like agents or animals. Emphasizes molecular aspects of viral replication and the molecular basis of pathogenesis. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.
5305. TECHNIQUES IN MICROBIAL AND MOLECULAR GENETICS (1-5). Laboratory based techniques course focusing on current methods in microbial and molecular genetics. Prerequisites: BIOL 4302 or equivalent and instructor's permission. $30 lab fee. $15 equipment fee.
5306. BIOENERGETICS (3-0). The use of quantitative analysis of energy resource partitioning to study the evolution of adaptational strategy at the cellular, individual and population levels, including quantitative analysis of physiological processes and life history adaptations in terms of energetic efficiency. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
5309. HISTORY OF BIOLOGY (3-0). Trends of thought in the biological sciences with emphasis on notable contributors. Philosophical systems dealing with biological concepts in western civilization are stressed. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
5310. SELECTED TOPICS IN BIOLOGY (3-0). Topics may vary depending on the needs and interests of the students. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of the student's thesis committee and the current course instructor.*
5311. EVOLUTION (3-0). Study of the origin of living systems and the mechanism of their evolution. Prerequisite: BIOL 3315 or equivalent.*
5313. IMMUNITY TO PARASITES (3-0). Immune responses of invertebrates and vertebrates to protozoan and metazoan parasites. Emphasis on mechanisms by which parasites modify immunological responsiveness of hosts. Prerequisite: BIOL 3312.
5314. BIOMETRY (3-0). An examination of statistical methods and procedures in relation to the design of biological experiments and the analysis of their results. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

5315. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY (3-0). An investigation of the effects of interspecific interactions on the distribution and abundance of organisms. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.*

5316. ADVANCED EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (3-0). An analysis of existing biological phenomena with regard to their selective advance in biological systems. Prerequisite: BIOL 5311 or consent of instructor.

5320. BIOGEOGRAPHY (3-0). The role of natural and artificial transport, population pressure and limiting agencies are examined in the light of the patterns of distribution of living organisms. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.*

5333. BIOLOGICAL MODELING (3-0). Representation of biological processes with linear and nonlinear differential and difference equations, using examples from physiology, population biology, and ecology. Topics include graphical analysis, simulation, stochastic processes, chaos, and fractals. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.*

5337. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY (3-0). Introduction to predictive modeling techniques used in studying behavior and ecology of animals. Includes optimization, dynamic optimization, utility theory, and game theory. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.*

5338. ENDOCRINOLOGY (3-0). An exploration of the vertebrate endocrine system with emphasis on cellular origin of hormones, hormone roles in physiological regulation and hormonal mechanisms of cellular action. Prerequisites: Biology 3301 or 3442 or instructor's permission.

5339. PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY (3-0). Survey of the physiological adaptations of animals to their environments. Emphasizes physiological variation and acclimation and the evolution of physiological processes. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.*

5340. BIOCHEMICAL ADAPTATIONS (3-0). Exploration of the fundamental ways biochemical functions of living systems are adaptively modified to permit exploration and colonization of diverse environments. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.*

5341. NEUROBIOLOGY (3-0). The structure and function of animal nervous systems will be reviewed, with emphasis on bioelectricity, synaptic transmission, sensory systems, and motor systems. Additional topics will include sensory-motor integration, cellular and network oscillators, neuronal plasticity, and adaptive features of nervous systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 3301, 3442 or consent of instructor.*

5342. ICHTHYOLOGY (2-3). Classification, anatomy, physiology and natural history of fishes. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. $10 lab fee.*

5343. REPTILE BIOLOGY (2-3). Diversity, systematics, distribution and behavior of major groups of reptiles. Laboratory includes museum techniques, identification and anatomical study. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. $10 lab fee, $10 microscope fee.*

5344. AMPHIBIAN BIOLOGY (2-3). Diversity, systematics and behavior of major groups of amphibians. Laboratory includes museum techniques, identification and anatomical study. Prerequisites: instructor's permission. $15 lab fee, $10 microscope fee.

5345. ORNITHOLOGY (2-3). Anatomy, physiology, identification, population dynamics and ethology of birds. Laboratory includes field identification, preparation of specimens, and field study techniques. A weekend field trip is required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. $20 lab fee.*

5348. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY (2-3). Examines major environmental problems that affect biological systems with an emphasis on problem solving. Includes a survey of potential employment opportunities for biologists in environment related fields. A weekend field trip is required. Prerequisite: instructor's permission. $20 lab fee.

5353. SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (1-4). Principles and operation of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Training in the use of the JEOL JSM SEM. Specimen preparation for SEM included in the lectures and laboratory. Open to non-biologists. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. $30 lab fee. $25 course specific fee.*

5354. LIMNOLOGY (3-0). The study of biotic and abiotic components of inland waters. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.

5355. AQUATIC BIOLOGY (2-3). Ecological relationships in aquatic ecosystems with emphasis on those of freshwater; laboratory concerned with the pond, stream, and reservoir habitats of the Southwest. Prerequisite: BIOL 4347 or consent of instructor. $30 lab fee. $15 course specific fee.*

5361. ADVANCED BIOMETRY (3-0). Introduction to various computerized statistical application packages. Topics include multiple regression analysis, path analysis, partial correlation, residual analysis, and various techniques useful for data analysis. Prerequisite: BIOL 5314 or consent of instructor.

5362. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN (3-0). Various analysis of variance models will be explored including hierarchic models, multiway factorial models, Latin square designs, split plots designs, and incomplate block designs. Nonparametric methodologies and analysis of covariance techniques will also be presented. Prerequisite: BIOL 5314 or consent of the instructor.

5363. QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES TO PHYSIOLOGY (2-3). Advanced methodologies for the analysis of physiological systems. Quantitative aspects of transport, respiration, electrophysiology, and cardiovascular physiology. Laboratory will emphasize practical measurement methodologies and principles of physiological measurement and instrumentation. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. $30 lab fee.

5364. POPULATION GENETICS (3-0). The genetics of evolution with emphasis on measuring, predicting, and modeling genetic change in populations. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

5365. IMAGE ANALYSIS (2-3). Quantitative methods used in the analysis of microscopical and other types of biological images. Images studied will be obtained from light and electron micrographs, energy dispersive electron analysis maps and normal, aerial, and laboratory photography. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. $25 lab fee. $30 course specific fee.

5367. THEORETICAL SYSTEMATICS (3-0). Overview of diversity and evolutionary relationships of living organisms. Emphasizes quantitative methods for phylogeny reconstruction, and interpretation and application of molecular data. Prerequisites: BIOL 3315 and BIOL 3339 or equivalents, or instructor's permission.

5291, 5391. INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS IN BIOLOGY. Individual research projects supervised by a staff member. Prerequisite: consent of staff.

5410. BIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES (1-4). Students will study the basic laboratory and field research techniques utilized in a wide variety of biological research areas. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. $15 lab fee.*

5420. BIOLOGY ROTATIONS (1-4). Students study biological research techniques in detail in the laboratories of three different Biology Department faculty members. Faculty laboratories involved will vary each time that it is offered. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
$15 lab fee. $10 course specific fee.*

5442. EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY (3-3). Experimental study of physiological regulation, including: energy metabolism; responses to temperature; water and solute balance; oxygen transport; and acid-base regulation. Topics discussed in relation to current literature. Students required to complete a research project under instructor's supervision. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. $30 lab fee. $10 course specific fee.*

5449. PARASITOLOGY (3-3). Lecture deals with ecology of parasites, morphologic and physiologic adaptations to parasitic way of life, host adaptations to parasitism, and effects of parasites on hosts. Laboratory deals with clinical and veterinary parasitology, animal dissections, diagnosis of parasitic infections, and identification of parasites. Prerequisite: 16 hours of laboratory biology. $30 lab fee. $15 course specific fee.*

5193-5693. RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY. Conference course in which the student undertakes intensive investigation of topics under the supervision of a staff member. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Graded P/F/R.

5398, 5698, 5998. THESIS. 5398 graded R/F only; 5698 and 5998 graded P/F/R. Prerequisite: consent of faculty.

6191-6691. ADVANCED RESEARCH. Faculty supervised individual research. May be repeated for credit.

6399-6999. DISSERTATION. 6399 and 6699 graded R/F only; 6999 graded P/F/R. Prerequisite: admission to candidacy for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Quantitative Biology.