Biological Sciences Courses

BSC 1309 - Human Biology: Structure and Function
Hours: 3
This course is designed to apply the principles of biology to man as a functional unit of our social organization.

BSC 1406 - Introductory Biology I
Hours: 4
BSC 1406 (BSC 101) - Introductory Biology I - Four semester hours (3 lec / 3 lab) This course is the first half of the Introductory Biology series. It is designed for the following majors: Broadfield Biology, Pre-Med, Pre-Allied Health, and Pre-Vet. Topics covered include biological evolution, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and microbiology. Note All courses carrying four semester hours have labs. Students must register for both lecture and lab sections

BSC 1407 - Introductory Biology II
Hours: 4
This course is designed for students in Agricultural Science, Plant and Soil Science, Animal Science, Wildlife and Conservation Science, and in Environmental Science. Students are introduced to animal cellular biology and physiology, animal diversity and classification, and the biogeography and ecology of animal populations. Topics covered include cellular metabolism, animal physiology and genetics, developmental biology and architectural patterns, evolution, and the diversity of animal life. Pre-requisites: a grade of C or better in BSC 1406.

BSC 1409 - Hum Bio: Struct/Funct
Hours: 4
(BIOL 1409) This course is designed to apply the principles of biology to man as a functional unit of our social organization.

BSC 1411 - Botany
Hours: 4
BSC 1411 (BSC 131) - US: Botany - Four semester hours (3 lec/ 2 lab) This course is designed for students majoring in Agricultural Science, Plant and Soil Science, Wildlife and Conservation Science, and in Environmental Science. Students are introduced to the structure and function of plants as well as their diversity and ecology. Topics covered include plant cellular and gross anatomy, plant physiology and biochemistry, genetics, evolution, classification, and biogeography.

BSC 1413 - Zoology
Hours: 4
BSC 1413 (BSC 132) - Zoology - Four semester hours 3/Lec, 2/Lab This course is designed for students in Agricultural Science, Plant and Soil Science, Animal Science, Wildlife and Conservation Science, and in Environmental Science. Students are introduced to animal cellular biology and physiology, animal diversity and classification, and the biogeography and ecology of animal populations. Topics covered include cellular metabolism, animal physiology and genetics, developmental biology and architectural patterns, evolution, and the diversity of animal life.

BSC 2401 - Hum Anatomy/Physiology I
Hours: 0-4
(BIOL 2401) Human Anatomy and Physiology. Four semester hours (3 lecture, 3 lab). (1) Study of the structure and functions of human organ systems.

BSC 2402 - Hum Anatomy/Physiology II
Hours: 4
(BIOL 2402) Human Anatomy and Physiology II. Four semester hours (3 lecture, 3 lab). (2) Study of the structure and function of human organ systems (continuation of BSc 251). Pre-requisite: BSC 2401

BSC 105 - Natural History of Texas
Hours: 4
The Natural History of Texas - (3 lecture, 2 lab) An introduction to the plants, invertebrates, and animals of Texas. Topics include the geography and climate of Texas and how these factors result in the various ecological regions of the state. In addition to describing the biodiversity of Texas, students will also be exposed to the on-going conservation and wildlife issues within the state of Texas. Laboratory exercises will involve identification and learning about local plants, invertebrates, and animals.

BSC 111 - Introduction to Biology
Hours: 1
Introduction to biological sciences and its relationship to other sciences. Explores careers and opportunities in biology and research methodology in the biological sciences. Required by anyone majoring in Biology, Environmental Science, Pre-Med and all other Pre-professional majors (excluding pre-vet) related to the life sciences.

BSC 201 - Biological Literature
Hours: 3
This course provides students with the fundamentals of scientific thinking and scientific writing. The course starts with a brief overview of the history and philosophy of science as it pertains to biology. Students will learn about empiricism, parsimony, and how to apply the scientific method to developing and testing hypotheses. Students will be taught how to write in scientific style; naming conventions, how to cite scientific names, how to avoid obfuscatory scrivenry, establishing flow, organizing a scientific document, how to write an abstract, how to present scientific data and statistics, how to cite figures and tables, how to cite scientific sources, how to avoid plagiarism, and how to find scientific information. Concepts of bioethics will be presented at the end of the semester.

BSC 256 - Medical Terminology
Hours: 3
Medical Technology. Three semester hours. (1) This course will study the basic structure of medical words. Included will be prefixes, suffixes, roots, combining forms, and plurals. Emphasis will be placed on pronunciation and spelling. This course cannot be used or substituted for any course in any degree program in Biological Sciences.

BSC 297 - Special Topics
Hours: 1-4

BSC 301 - Biological Literature
Hours: 3
This course provides students with the fundamentals of scientific thinking and scientific writing. The course starts with a brief overview of the history and philosophy of science as it pertains to biology. Students will learn about empiricism, parsimony, and how to apply the scientific method to developing and testing hypotheses. Students will be taught how to write in scientific style; naming conventions, how to cite scientific names, how to avoid obfuscatory scrivenry, establishing flow, organizing a scientific document, how to write an abstract, how to present scientific data and statistics, how to cite figures and tables, how to cite scientific sources, how to avoid plagiarism, and how to find scientific information. Concepts of bioethics will be presented at the end of the semester.

BSC 303 - Cell Biology
Hours: 4
Cell Biology - Four semester hours (3 lec/ 3 lab) This course is intended for biology and pre-professional majors with a solid understanding of general biology and general chemistry. This course covers the chemical nature of the cell. It deals with the variety of chemicals found in cells as well as the subcellular structures and components. It includes an extensive review of enzymes, cell membranes and transport, cell signalling, motility of cells and within cells, and extracellular adhesion and signals. The regulation, chemical synthesis, and transport of both RNA and proteins are also covered. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C is required in the following prerequisite courses: BSC 1406, BSC 1407, and CHEM 1311 or 1411, and CHEM 1412 or CHEM 1312.

BSC 304 - Genetics
Hours: 4
This course is intended for biology and pre-professional majors with a solid understanding of general biology and general chemistry. Cell Biology is very helpful, and may be taken concurrently. This course covers essentially DNA, studying it at the molecular, organismal, and population levels. Students will cover the mechanisms of inheritance, including Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance and genetic recombination in viruses through humans. At the molecular level, topics include the structure and organization of DNA, DNA replication, techniques of DNA analysis (including recombinant DNA and DNA sequencing), and transgenic organisms. The final section of the course covers an introduction to population genetics with a thorough treatment of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and evolution. Prerequisites: BSC 1406, BSC 1407, and CHEM 1311, with a minimum grade of C. Corequisites: BSC 303.

BSC 305 - General Physiology
Hours: 4
General Physiology - Four semester hours (3 lec/3 lab) This course is designed for majors with a well-rounded background in biology. It provides students with an understanding of basic physiological principles and the functional organization of living systems. Emphasis will be placed on human physiology and the integrated functions of organ systems. Students are expected to learn the basic principles and concepts of human physiology both at the molecular and cellular levels, to learn to reason scientifically, and to understand and describe the cooperative function of multiple organ systems in the human body Pre-requisite: BSC 201 and 303. Offered: FALL ONLY Note All courses carrying four semester hours have labs. Students must register for both lecture and lab sections

BSC 306 - Applied Microbiology
Hours: 4
This course is for biology undergraduate students designed to provide important key principles of microbial life. The important key principles will then be applied to real-life examples to better understand dynamics of microbial world as a part of global ecosystem. Although relatively simple and primitive, microorganisms are considered as the most successful form of life. They are virtually everywhere and they are in tight relationship with other forms of life on earth. Unlike macroorganisms (i.e. animals, plants, insects, etc), microorganisms carry out their life processes such as energy metabolism, growth, and reproduction independently from other cells. This unique feature makes microorganisms a great tool to study the nature of life. Prerequisites: BSC 303; a grade of "C" or more must be earned in the course.

BSC 307 - Ecology
Hours: 3
Ecology is the study of living things and their interaction with their environment. This class takes a hierarchical look at ecological processes from ecosystems to populations. Specific topics include the flow of energy and matter through global and local ecosystems, factors affecting production and biodiversity, zones of tolerance, ecological succession, ecotones and ecoclines, community ecology, niche theory, population models, and evolutionary arms races. Prerequisite:BSC 1407 or BSC 1413. BSC 201 or ENVS 303.

BSC 310 - Animal Behavior
Hours: 3
An introduction to the principles of animal behavior with an emphasis on Methods of Observation and the proximate and ultimate causes of behavior. Aspects of physiology and development of behavior, instinct and learning and modern cognitive ethology will be addressed. Prerequisite: BSC 1407 or BSC 1413, and BSC 301.

BSC 314 - Comparative Vertebrate Physiology
Hours: 3
The course is a comparative study of basic physiological principles and functional organization with emphasis on the functioning of organ systems in various vertebrate classes and their adaptation to the environment leading to an understanding of evolutionary relationships. The course evaluates i) the mechanisms by which animals perform their life-sustaining functions, ii) the ways in which diverse phylogenetic groups of animals both resemble each other and differ, iii) the ways in which physiology and ecology interact, and iv) the importance of all levels of organization, from genes to proteins and tissues to organs, for the full understanding of physiological systems. Crosslisted with: ANS 314.

BSC 315 - Ecological Genetics
Hours: 3
Ecological genetics is about how environmental and population-level processes affect the genetic structure of populations. The course begins with a basic overview Mendelian genetics followed by an in-depth study of population genetics and the intrinsic and extrinsic processes that influence the genetic composition of populations and metapopulations. Because the interaction between genes and the environment fundamentally affect the viability of populations, ecological genetics has broad relevance for understanding population stability and maintenance healthy populations. Prerequisites: Earned C or more in BSC 1406 or 1411 and BSC 1407 or BSC 1413. Crosslisted with: AG 315.

BSC 316 - Becoming a Wildlife Professional
Hours: 3
Working with wildlife can be a thrilling adventure steeped in the wonders of the natural world, but entering the field demands a strong personal commitment. Students will gain knowledge in the proper training and guidance needed to transform themselves into competitive applicants for wildlife jobs and forge successful careers. Student will learn about many entry-level jobs available for the next generation of wildlife biologists and conservationists. Over 100 diverse career options for aspiring wildlife workers will be presented, including work in biological field research, forestry, rehabilitation, ranching, photography, and refuge management. Students will learn the best ways to prepare for a vocation in the wildlife profession while obtaining pragmatic advice about applying for and obt

BSC 335 - Wildlife Management I
Hours: 3
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the many aspects of wildlife and conservation science. It will provide an introduction to the history of wildlife management and conservation, ecosystems and ecology, population modeling, animal behavior, food and cover, wildlife diseases, predators and predation, and hunting and trapping. Offered: FALL

BSC 336 - Wildlife Management II
Hours: 3
This course is designed to complement Wildlife Management I and provides an introduction to the many aspects of wildlife ecology and conservation science. Topics covered include water and soils, farmlands, rangelands, and forests, parks and refuges, urban wildlife management, and non-game and endangered species. Students are required to participate in field trips designed to give practical experience in wildlife management techniques. Offered: SPRING

BSC 337 - Field Methods in Wildlife and Conservation Science
Hours: 4
This course provides students with practical training in the methods used to collect quantitative data on plant and animal populations, animal movements and home ranges, habitat associations, and animal behavior. Field exercises are integrated with lecture material emphasizing study design, statistics, and data interpretation. Crosslisted with: AG 337.

BSC 338 - Wildlife Management Techniques
Hours: 3
This class will develop the principles and techniques for managing wildlife populations. Topics covered will include experimental design, hypothesis testing, scientific writing, techniques for capturing and marking wildlife, age and sex determination, parameter estimation (population size, density, survival, etc.), radio-telemetry, home range and resource selection. Students enrolled in this course must be willing to participate in a field-based classroom research project when and where feasible. Crosslisted with: AG 338.

BSC 339 - Becoming a Wildlife Professional
Hours: 3
Working with wildlife can be a thrilling adventure steeped in the wonders of the natural world, but entering the field demands a strong personal commitment. Students will gain knowledge in the proper training and guidance needed to transform themselves into competitive applicants for wildlife jobs and forge successful careers. Student will learn about many entry-level jobs available for the next generation of wildlife biologists and conservationists. Over 100 diverse career options for aspiring wildlife workers will be presented, including work in biological field research, forestry, rehabilitation, ranching, photography, and refuge management. Crosslisted with: AG 339.

BSC 371 - Science and Math Education Theory and Practice
Hours: 1
Learning theory and teaching practices for science learning assistants. Topics include questioning strategies, conceptual development, formative assessment, argumentation, metacognition, and nature of science. Crosslisted with: PHYS 371, CHEM 371, MATH 371.

BSC 397 - Special Topics
Hours: 1-4

BSC 401 - Senior Seminar
Hours: 1
Senior Seminar. One semester hour. Discussions and presentations of issues of current interest in the biological sciences and of related career opportunities. Prerequisites: BSC 304, 305, 306, 307, concurrent enrollment in one or more of these classes or permission of instructor. When Offered (Spring)

BSC 402 - Ornithology
Hours: 3
This course begins with an overview of current theories regarding the origins of birds and flight. This is followed by a brief survey the living orders and their biogeography. Other topics include the mechanics and adaptations for flight, avian physiology and anatomy, migration, communication and behavior, ecology, and avian conservation. Prerequisites: BSC 201. Offered SPRING, EVEN YEARS. Crosslisted with: AG 402.

BSC 404 - Vertebrate Biology
Hours: 3
This course takes a systematic approach to understanding vertebrate evolution, diversity and biology. It will follow the development of each vertebrate taxon through the fossil record from late Cambrian to the present. This is followed by discussions of vertebrate zoogeography, habitat and foraging, feeding modes, dispersal and migration, mating systems and parental care. Prerequisites: BSC 301. Offered: SPRING, ODD YEARS. Crosslisted with: AG 404.

BSC 405 - Wildlife Internship
Hours: 1-6
This course, intended for Wildlife and Conservation Science Majors, provides the opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in preparation for careers in wildlife management and wildlife or ecological research. Assignments will be at an approved work situation under supervision of a designated faculty member. Students who are majoring in the Wildlife and Conservation Science program are required to take 5 semester hours of BSC 405. Every 40 hours of hands-on experience at an approved internship qualified for 1sh of credit. Therefore, 200 hours of hands-on experience is required to make up the 6 semester hours required in the program. Crosslisted with: AG 405.

BSC 406 - Mammalogy
Hours: 3
Mammalogy - Three semester hours The objective of this course is to survey the phylogenetic relationships, diversity, biology, and ecology of mammals, including an understanding of the characterization of the orders and families of the extant mammals based on morphological traits, evolutionary Crosslisted with: AG 406.

BSC 410 - Behavioral Ecology
Hours: 3
Behavioral Ecology - Three semester hours This course examines the adaptive and evolutionary basis of animal behavior. It begins with an economic approach to behavior: optimality models and evolutionary stable strategies. This is followed by looking at predator-prey strategies, behavioral adaptations for competition, social behavior, aggression and fighting, sexual conflict and sexual selection, parental care and mating systems, alternate reproductive strategies, and altruism. Pre-requisite 301.

BSC 412 - Quantitative Biology
Hours: 3
The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the methods of statistical analysis applicable to biological research. Emphasis will be placed on the concepts and application of statistical thinking. Basic probability theory, parametric and non-parametric statistics including t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and other quantitative methods will be introduced. Prerequisites: MATH 1314.

BSC 414 - Evolutionary Biology
Hours: 3
Evolutionary Biology. Three semester hours. In-depth view of evolutionary theory including gene flow, genetic drift, mutation, molecular evolution, mechanisms of speciation, phylogenies, and the evolution of sex, and sexual selection. Pre-requisite: BSC 301.

BSC 415 - Upland Game Bird Ecology and Management
Hours: 3
Status, ecology, management, and conservation issues of North American upland game birds. Student will understand the role of upland game bird professionals. Develop knowledge of the status of North American upland game birds. Understand the basic principles of upland game bird ecology and management. Learn to apply knowledge to solve conservation problems. Crosslisted with: AG 415.

BSC 416 - Wildlife Population Biology
Hours: 3
This course outlines processes governing the abundance and distribution of animals and plants, and the consequences for natural resource management. Practical applications lie in wildlife management, sustainable harvesting of resources, pest control and conservation of endangered species. Topics will include mathematical models of population growth, population viability analysis, and metapopulations, dispersal, population harvesting, predation, population cycles, and competition. Prerequisites: MATH 142 or MATH 2312. Crosslisted with: AG 416.

BSC 417 - Geospatial Mapping
Hours: 3
Three semester hours. (3 lecture, 0 lab) The course will provide basic knowledge of the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including GIS theory and applications. The course will take a hands-on and problem solving approach to learning GIS and will cover basic GIS including map characteristics and projections, spatial data models, relational databases, and spatial analysis with a focus on natural resource research and management and environmental science. Prerequisites: BSC 1407 or BSC 1413. Crosslisted with: AG 417.

BSC 418 - Undergraduate Research
Hours: 1-3
Individual research project under the guidance of a biology faculty member. May be repeated for up to six (6) hours credit. Prerequisites: Consent of the faculty prior to registration.

BSC 419 - Gene Regulation
Hours: 3
This course will provide a rigorous knowledge in regulation of gene expression so that students will be ready for graduate level courses. Although this course will introduce students to prokaryotic gene transcription and gene regulation, the emphasis will be on the molecular biology of gene expression in eukaryotes. This course will familiarize the student with current technology and driving principles of the field of gene regulation. Crosslisted with: BSC 519.

BSC 420 - Immunology
Hours: 3
Immunology. Three semester hours. This course is designed for majors with a well-rounded background in biology. Therefore, this course provides students with an understanding of basic immunological principles and the functional organization of living systems. Emphasis will be placed on human physiology and the cooperative interplay between innate and acquired immunity. Students are expected to learn the basic principles and concepts of immunology both at the molecular and cellular levels, to learn to reason scientifically, and to understand and describe the function of immune systems in the human body. Prerequisites: BSC 301 and 305.

BSC 421 - Reproductive Physiology
Hours: 3
Reproductive Physiology. Three semester hours. A study of the development and function of the male and female reproductive systems of humans. Prerequisites: BSC 301 and 305.

BSC 422 - Comp Vertebrate Anatomy
Hours: 0-4
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. Four semester hours. (3 lecture, 4 lab) The lecture material in this course explore the evolution of vertebrate structure and design among vertebrate taxa. Emphasis is placed on the integument, skeletal, muscular, digestive, urogenital, respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. Laboratory dissections, using the dogfish and the cat as models, are used to complement the lecture material.

BSC 423 - Endocrinology
Hours: 3
Endocrinology. Three semester hours. This course is designed for undergraduate students with a solid background in biology and cell biology. Therefore, this course provides students with a greater understanding of molecular, developmental, and network mechanisms of endocrine function. After a basic introduction of endocrinology and basic mechanisms, emphasis and focus will be placed on individual tissues and their respective hormones including the pituitary, hypothalamus, neurohypophysial, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, adrenal, thyroid and reproductive systems. Students are expected to gain an in-depth understanding of basic principles and concepts of hormones, their various activities and ultimate outcomes including feedback systems. In addition students will continue to learn to reason scientifically, and understand and describe the cooperative function of tissues in this universal system. Prerequisites: BSC 301 and 305.

BSC 424 - Toxicology
Hours: 3
Toxicology. Three semester hours. An overview of the basic science of poisons, including the disposition of chemicals in the body, the role of metabolism in enhancing or reducing their toxicity, mechanisms of toxicity and the effects of toxicants on major organ systems. Prerequisites: BSC 301, 305 and Chem 211.

BSC 425 - Fundamentals of Neuroscience
Hours: 3
This course is intended for advanced undergraduate biology students who understand genetics and cell biology/biochemistry. The course is a survey introducing various aspects of neuroscience and is textbook based. The cell types of the nervous system are introduced, with emphasis on the molecular specializations used for these cells to function and develop connections to other cells. The structure, function, and processing of all 6 senses (including kinesthesia) are covered, as are muscle control circuits. More complex functions of the nervous system, including control of eye movements, hunger, sleep, addiction, speech, and learning and memory are also covered. Prerequisites: BSC 303 Cell Biology with a minimum grade of C, and BSC 201 Biological Literature with a minimum grade of C.

BSC 426 - Histology
Hours: 4
This four hour course examines basic human histology from the cellular level to the organ system level using prepared slides, texts, videos and other media. In this way students learn the relationship between cell structure and cell function, how tissue types differentiate and how organ architecture facilitates its function. Students in this class will learn normal histology as a prerequisite for understanding pathology. The emphasis is on classical histology of normal human tissues rather than diseased tissues, though some pathologies will be examined by comparison to normal tissues. Students will learn technical skills concerning microscopy and slide preparation. All students must enroll in both the laboratory and lecture sections.

BSC 427 - Pharmacology
Hours: 3
Pharmacology This course is designed for undergraduate students with a background in biology, cell biology and chemistry. Therefore, this course provides students with a greater understanding of general concepts of pharmacology. Next, specific drugs and sites of drug action are further examined beginning with the peripheral, followed by the central nervous system. We then will focus on the pharmacology of the heart, the vascular and renal systems, followed by pharmacology of the respiratory system, then endocrine system and drugs affecting the immune system. Finally we examine the pharmacology of infectious disease. Pre-requisites: BSC 303/CHEM 1411

BSC 428 - Introductory Medical Microbiology
Hours: 3
Introductory Medical Microbiology. Three Semester Hours. This is a course for junior or senior biology undergraduate students designed to help understand the basic principles of pathogenic microorganisms, infection, and human-pathogen interactions. Specific topics covered during this class include pathogenic microorganisms, diagnostic laboratory procedures, infection controls, and emerging diseases. This course includes many etiological agents responsible for infectious diseases and will focus on the principles of pathogenic mechanisms, rather than individual cases of diseases, in order to foster a student’s ability to develop the fundamental understanding required for their future clinical career.

BSC 430 - Introductory Virology
Hours: 3
Introductory Virology (Three Hours). This course is designed to introduce the significance of viruses to biology, the origin of life, and our current world. Viruses are the most numerous and the most ubiquitous form of life, although whether viruses are life or not is still an open debate. They are virtually everywhere and they are in tight relationship with other forms of life on earth. This course will focus on the principle nature of viral life; obligate parasite and host dependency. Topics include introduction to viruses, host specificity, viral replication cycles, virus classification & nomenclature, viral diseases, how viruses interact with host body, and host resistance to viruses. Prerequisites: BSC 301 and 306.

BSC 431 - Eukaryotic Cell Biology
Hours: 3
This course is the study of advanced knowledge of the eukaryotic cell including contemporary concepts of membranes, signal transduction mechanisms, messengers and receptors, extracellular structures, cell adhesions and attachment proteins, cell cycle and regulation, protein synthesis, sorting and targeting, cytoskelton and cell movements. Prerequisites: BSC 303 Cell Biology or concurrent enrollment.

BSC 435 - Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management
Hours: 3
This class will expose the student to the history and concepts of an animal’s habitat beginning with the ideas of Aldo Leopold to current ideas of what habitat is. Students will be introduced to principles and techniques of habitat management as they apply to forest, rangeland, wetland, and agricultural ecosystems. Current concepts of Conservation Biology such as fragmentation, meta-population ecology, and corridor ecology will also be covered. Students enrolled in this course must be willing to attend field trips when and where feasible to see actual management practices conducted in the field. Crosslisted with: AG 435.

BSC 436 - Plant Diversity & Conservation
Hours: 3
Plant Diversity and Conservation. Three semester hours. The course focuses on patterns and distribution of plant diversity and threats to plant diversity. Range of strategies and approaches used in plant conservation will be discussed. Crosslisted with: AG 436.

BSC 437 - Ecological Restoration
Hours: 3
Ecological Restoration of Plant Communities - Three semester hours The class is an introduction to landscape scale, process-oriented approaches to ecological restoration. Topics include enhancing resource capture, techniques in re-vegetation and restoration of historic vegetation. Prescribed fire and grazing as restoration and management techniques will also be addressed.

BSC 438 - Wetland Ecology and Management
Hours: 4
This class will address the ecology of wetlands from a systems approach, starting first with what defines a wetland both legally and functionally, and covering important and defining principles of hydro-period, soils, wetland plants, wetland succession, delineation, and wetlands as wildlife habitat. The lab will immerse students in field exercises ranging from wetland plant collection and identification, and wetland bird identification. Students enrolled in this course must be willing to attend field trips when and where feasible to see different wetland types and the function and values they provide. Prerequisites: BSC 307 Ecology. Crosslisted with: AG 438.

BSC 440 - Human Dimensions of Wildlife
Hours: 3
Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management explains how a wildlife professional can more effectively manage species and social-ecological systems by fully considering the role that humans play in every stage of the wildlife management process. Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management provides the essential information that students and practitioners need to be effective problem solvers to handle a variety of situations, such as managing deer populations in residential areas, encounters between predators and people, or managing citizen input on wildlife issues. Topics will include human dimensions of wildlife management and conservation, wildlife use (hunting and fishing), working with public and private landowners, involving citizen scientists, managing citizen input, using economics to inform Crosslisted with: AG 440.

BSC 461 - Biology for Mid School Teacher
Hours: 3
Biology for Middle School Teachers. Three semester hours. (2) This course will examine the necessary content for students wishing to teach at the fourth through eighth grade level. This course will combine both content and pedagogy. Emphasis will be placed on the content as expressed the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. This course cannot be used for advanced credit for a biology major or minor. Prerequisites: MATH 1314 and 8 sh of biological science or consent of instructor.

BSC 462 - Agroecology
Hours: 3
BSC 462 Agroecology is a three hour course to understand agroecological concepts that incorporate ideas about a more environmentally and socially sensitive approach to agriculture, one that focuses not only in production, but also in ecological sustainability of a production system. Crosslisted with: AG 462.

BSC 463 - Landscape Ecology
Hours: 3
BSC 463 landscape Ecology is a three hour course designed to provide an overview of the relationships between ecological processes in the environment and particular ecosystems using a variety of landscape scales, development of spatial patterns, and organizational levels of research and policy. Crosslisted with: AG 463.

BSC 464 - Principles of Sustainability
Hours: 3
BSC 464 Principles of Sustainability is a three hour course designed to provide an overview of the social and biological principles of sustainability. An emphasis will also be placed on understanding on the education, health, population dynamics, culture, agriculture, food security, and natural resources aspects of sustainability.

BSC 489 - INDEPENDENT STUDY
Hours: 0-5
Independent Study. One to four semester hours. Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a consenting faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

BSC 490 - H Honors Thesis
Hours: 3
Honors Thesis.

BSC 491 - H Ind Honors Readings
Hours: 0-4
Individual Honors Reading.

BSC 492 - Developmental Biology
Hours: 3
This course is designed to explore the fundamental concepts and mechanisms that regulate the wonder of animal development from fertilization of the egg to formation of the adult organism, including such topics as cycle of life, differential gene expression, cell-cell communication, fertilization, early development, formation of germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) and their derivatives, inductive cell/tissue interactions, stem cells, organogenesis, environment/genetics/birth defects, evolutionary changes and more. Prerequisites: BSC 303, a grade of "C" or more must be earned in the course; BSC 305 a grade of "C" or more must be earned in the course.

BSC 493 - Pathophysiology
Hours: 3
Pathophysiological changes underlie most of the diseases affecting humans. This course is designed to provide basic understanding on the pathologic alterations in physiology at the cellular, tissue and organ level and how such alterations could lead to diseases across the human life span. Following an initial introduction to altered cellular and tissue biology, pathophysiology of major organs and systems will be covered in separate modules. In addition, pediatric pathophysiology and aging related changes are also included in the content. Prerequisites: BSC 305 and BSC 303.

BSC 497 - Special Topics
Hours: 1-4
Special Topics. One to four semester hours. Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary.

BSC 498 - Parasitology
Hours: 1-4
In this class students will study parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them.