Plants occupy a central role in the establishment and maintenance of human civilizations. This course examines the historical and current uses of plants in human societies. Included are subjects such as the origins of agriculture, plants used for spices and flavorings, plants in religion, plants used as hallucinogenic drugs, medicinal plants, plants used in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, plants used in the construction of shelters, the influence of plants on the quality of the environment, and special case studies of plants that changed the course of human history.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisites: BIOL 161 and 162 and 163 and 164 or BIOL 151 and BIOL 153
This course emphasizes the interaction between spatial pattern and ecological processes with particular attention to 1) spatial relationships among wildlife (plants and animals) and their habitats, 2) spatial and temporal interactions and 3) influences of spatial heterogeneity on biotic and abiotic processes.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
This course is designed to provide a survey of the natural vegetation of southeastern South Dakota. Students will learn how to identify plants by visiting natural habitats and using identification guides.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisites: BIOL 161 and 162 and 163 and 164 or equivalent
This course is designed to merge the pure sciences of physiology, genetics, taxonomy, biogeography, and ecology with the applied fields of wildlife management, forestry, landscape ecology, and restoration ecology to address patterns and processes of biological diversity.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
The physical, chemical, and biological conditions of freshwaters as environments for plant and animal communities.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
This course provides students with a concise, general account of plant biochemistry and molecular biology with emphasis on the cell components unique to plants. Topics include the plant cell, genome organization, evolutionary origin of plant cell, plant metabolism, biochemistry of the cell wall, regulation of gene expression, molecular control of plant development, biochemical plant pathology and ecology, and plant cell biotechnology.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Principles governing the relationship of animals to their environment, including management and conservation practices.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Fundamental concepts of genetics and evolution are applied to understanding the evolution of genetic and infectious disease.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Structure, environmental relations, and dynamism of grassland and forest ecosystems. One extended field trip during the semester.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
The effects of important environmental factors such as soil, temperature, water, and light on the establishment and growth of plant species are discussed.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Description of plant communities, their dynamics and structure. Environmental factors and their relationship with plants.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
BIOL 420 - Introduction to Biostatistics & Computational Biology
This course will provide students with an introduction to basic statistical methods and various computational techniques used in biology. Elementary statistical methods presented will include the normal distribution, hypothesis testing, t-tests, ANOVA, regression and correlation. Laboratory exercises and computer demonstrations will provide students with the opportunity to use various software and hardware in the collection, organization, and analysis of data.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
An analysis of subcellular structure and metabolism emphasizing structure-function relationships in energy and information flow.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Biological significance and mechanism of action of hormones involving the endocrine and nervous systems.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Chemical and physical principles of plant function including water relations and energy metabolism; genetic, environmental and hormonal regulation of plant growth and development; and plant responses to stress.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
An analysis of homeostatic and integrative mechanisms in vertebrates and invertebrates.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
An analysis of homeostatic and integrative mechanisms in vertebrates and invertebrates
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Physiology and anatomy of vertebrate reproduction. Special emphasis will be placed on form, function, and mechanisms of sexual development, puberty, cyclicity (menstrual and estrus), sexual behavior, fertilization, pregnancy, embryonic development, birth, lactation and aging.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: CHEM 326 and 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
An advanced course on neurons, nervous system and neural science. Neuroanatomical organization, neural development, neuronal function, neurophysiology, neurochemistry and the neurobiological bases of behavior are covered.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisites: BIOL 151 & BIOL 153 or BIOL 161 and 162 and 163 and 164 ANDCHEM 326
An advanced course on integrative neuroscience, focusing on the neurocircuitry, neurotransmitters and modulators, and neuroendocrine actions necessary to produce behavior or environmentally relevant neural function. This course will include description of the integrative mechanisms that produce circadian rhythms, neuroendocrine reflex, sexual behavior, addiction, anxiety, learning, aggression, depression and social hierarchy.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: One of the following courses with a grade of C or better: BIOL 425 or BIOL 426 or BIOL 428 or BIOL 429 or BIOL 430
A study of the physiological adaptations of animals, principally vertebrates, to their physical environment and the influence of these adaptations on animal distributions. Topics include energy use, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, temperature, water and ion balance, and digestion and nutrition.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Note The course includes both lecture and class discussion components.
This course is a study of reptiles and amphibians including their life history, ecology, reproductive habits, physiology, systematics, and world-wide distribution.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisites: BIOL 153 and BIOL 153L
This course complements Biol 434, and will emphasize identification of, and field experiences with, the reptiles and amphibians of western South Dakota.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Co-requisite: BIOL 434
Interpreting the morphological features of the 40+ major morphological body plans of extant and extinct animals in an evolutionary framework is the emphasis of this course. Fossils, animal interactions with the environment, and biomechanical constraints will be discussed.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Biogeography is the study of the spatial distributions of plants and animals through time. The course will examine the distributions of plants and animals from the perspectives of both ecology (biomes, climates, vegetation) and evolutionary history (floristics and faunistics, phylogenetics, paleobiology).
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
This course will provide students with an overview of both theory and technique of molecular evolution, molecular phylogenetics, and molecular population genetics. Topics covered will include application of protein and DNA based studies in phylogenetics, evolution, biogeography and conservation biology.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Emphasis on the integration of structure and function in the cell.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Course introduces advanced molecular biology laboratory skills including both theory and techniques in preparation of genomic DNA from a variety of sources, amplification of DNA sequences by polymerase chain reaction including theory of primer design and protocol optimization, preparation of fluorescently labeled DNA sequencing reactions, operation of automated DNA sequencer and interpreting output in the context of a variety of advanced informatics applications.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
The plant kingdom (algae to angiosperms) with emphasis on the ecological significance of the different evolutionary levels of development.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Presents humanity’s relationship to the environment, its responsibility to nature, and its obligations to future generations, attending to both theory and applications, including the debate over causes of environmental crisis, the value of endangered species, the wilderness, and natural objects; the seriousness of the growing global population and obligations to feed the poor, the feasibility of sustaining an ecological responsible society.
Identification of game, fur bearing, and small mammals; taxonomy of these groups, life histories and habits, preparation of study skins and skeletons; special reference to those occurring in Northern Great Plains area.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisites: BIOL 161 and 162 and 163 and 164 or equivalent
The study of physiological mechanisms that maintain animal homeostasis. This course will emphasize the mechanisms and regulation of systems physiology. Primary areas of study will include cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and renal physiology.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: CHEM 326 and 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
This course will prepare students in the area of ecological effects of toxic substances and other contaminants. Wildlife toxicology and impacts of agriculture on the Northern Plains will be emphasized. Topics covered will include pesticides, heavy metals, aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicity and other topics related to wildlife toxicology.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisites: BIOL 151 & BIOL 153 or BIOL 161 and 162 and 163 and 164
A survey of the biology of fishes. Topics covered include evolution, anatomy and physiology, behavior, energetics, social systems and conservation. Identification of local fishes is stressed in the lab.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
This course will address the current research directed at understanding the molecular and cellular basis of cancer and explore potential therapeutic targets. Topics covered will emphasize cell cycle regulation and apoptosis, cellular control of proliferation, genetic alterations, growth factors and signal transduction, invasion and metastasis, and angiogenesis.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: One of the following: BIOL 425, BIOL 430, BIOL 443, BIOL 471, BIOL 475, or BIOC 430; grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
An introduction to the biological principles and practical aspects of aquaculture and a survey of the major diseases of fish, with emphasis on species used in North America.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisites: BIOL 161 and 162 and 163 and 164 or equivalent
Surveys evidence for biological evolution and the historical development of evolutionary theory, and examines genetic and other mechanisms responsible for life’s diversity.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisites: [BIOL 161 and 162 and 163 and 164] or [BIOL 151 and BIOL 153]
This course will provide students with a modern discussion of molecular genetics, including mechanisms.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Stages of vertebrate development from gametogenesis to maturity. Function and structure of adult organs and evolution of vertebrate organ systems.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Prerequisite: 1 biology sequence (either BIOL 151 + 153 or BIOL 161 + 162 + 163 + 164); grades for all prerequisites must be C or better.
Analysis of the processes of animal development beginning with the formation of female and malegametes (ova and sperm) and ending with organ differentiation. Evolutionary concepts of animal development, developmental genetics, and molecular biological approaches to the analysis of development.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisites: BIOL 161 and 162 and 163 and 164 or equivalent
A systematic study of the structure and classification of selected invertebrate taxa. The course will provide a useful tool for field and laboratory work involving fossil-bearing rocks and will form a background for advanced work in paleontology or paleontological stratigraphy.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisite: BIOL 101 or ESCI 103 or equivalent
The origin, diversity, and osteology of vertebrate animals in Earth history as documented in the fossil record, including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisite: BIOL 101 or ESCI 103
A highly focused, and topical course. The format includes student presentations and discussions of reports based on literature, practices, problems, and research. Seminars may be conducted over electronic media such as Internet and are at the upper division or graduate levels. Enrollment is generally limited to fewer than 20 students.
Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meetings depending upon the requirements of the topic.
Note Registration restriction: 20 hours Biology courses and Instructor consent
Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually of 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.
Applied, monitored and supervised, field-based learning experience for which the student may or may not be paid. Students gain practical experience; they follow a negotiated and/or directed plan of study. A higher level of supervision is provided by the instructor in these courses than is the case with field experience courses.
Includes senior project and capstone experience. Independent research problems/projects or scholarship activities. The plan of study is negotiated by the faculty member and the student. Contact between the two may be extensive and intensive. Does not include research courses which are theoretical.
A one-semester survey of chemistry. Introduction to the properties of matter, atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, states of matter, solutions, and acid-base concepts.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisite: MATH 101 or 102 or 115 or 120 or 121 or 123 or 125 or 281
Course corequisite: CHEM 106L
Note Not intended for those needing an extensive chemistry background
An introduction to the basic principles of chemistry for students needing an extensive background in chemistry (including chemistry majors, science majors, and pre-professional students).
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisite: MATH 102 or 115 or 120 or 121 or 123 or 125
Course corequisite: CHEM 112L
Note Completion of a high school course in chemistry is recommended.
Honors chemistry. A continuation of CHEM 112. The theory and description of chemical change is considered in a course of selective content for the prepared student. Laboratory experiences are offered to introduce advanced techniques using discovery-based experiments.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisite: CHEM 112
A systematic treatment of the chemistry of carbon compounds, including nomenclature, structure-reactivity relationships, reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and spectroscopy.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisite: CHEM 114 or 116
A continuation of CHEM 326. A systematic treatment of the chemistry of carbon compounds, including nomenclature, structure-reactivity relationships, reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and spectroscopy.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisite: CHEM 326
Additional laboratory experience in organic chemistry for Chemistry majors concurrent with CHEM 328. Organic synthesis and instrumental methods will be emphasized.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisite: CHEM 326
Fundamental concepts and principles of quantitative chemical analysis including quantitative chemical equilibrium calculations and error analysis applied to the evaluation of experimental measurements and data.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisite: CHEM 114 or 116
A study of the fundamental principles governing the behavior of chemical systems. Topics covered in the two-semester sequence include thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics.
Prerequisites and Corequisites Course prerequisites: CHEM 114 or 116 and MATH 125 and PHYS 213
A seminar course on the chemical literature and scientific communication. Topics include searching for chemical information, critical evaluation of research findings, technical writing, and oral presentation of scientific results. Students undertake a comprehensive review of the primary chemical literature on a topic of interest to them.
A continuation of CHEM 472. Students complete comprehensive written reviews of their literature research projects begun in the first semester, and present their results to the chemistry faculty in seminar and poster presentations.