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Plymouth State University
MSC 11
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Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
Course Descriptions
For a full list of graduate course descriptions, go to our course descriptions page.
BI 5090 Cell Structure and Function - 4 credits
Addresses the diversity of form and function found in the basic units of life, the cells. The first segment centers on the various techniques, especially electron microscopy, which are used to study microscopic anatomy. The components, organelles, that comprise a "generalized cell" are examined and their functional relationships discussed. The second segment centers on the structural differences between tissues of the body (classical histology). Finally, this knowledge of cell and tissue structure will be employed to understand organs and organ systems. This course will not be purely morphological. The development and functional properties of these systems will be examined. There will be a laboratory component in this course. Falls.
BI 5100 Biology Colloquium - 1 credit
Course is comprised of lectures featuring prominent speakers from a variety of institutions.
BI 5180 Biotechnology - 4 credits
This course is an exploration of the use of living organisms to produce products beneficial to human kind, the application of biological organisms to technical and industrial processes and the use of "novel" microbes that have been altered or manipulated by humans through techniques of genetic engineering. This is a laboratory oriented course. Falls.
BI 5210 Predator/Prey Ecology - 3 credits
This course focuses on the nature and consequences of predator/prey interactions, which are critical in understanding ecological issues from individual behavior all the way up to food web dynamics and ecosystem function. We will explore both the theory and practice of the study of predator/ prey ecology, using classic studies in ecology and recent peer-reviewed literature. Topics to be discussed may include indirect effects, phenotypic plasticity, population dynamics, coevolutionary arms races, behavior and life history evolution. Prerequisite: B.A. or B.S. in biology or related field Advanced undergraduates who have completed coursework in ecology may apply for permission of the instructor.
BI 5230 Landscape Ecology - 3 credits
The study of ecological principles at the landscape scale. Topics to be examined include the problem of scale, how models are used in landscape ecology, what biotic and abiotic features are associated with the pattern of the landscape, what processes take place in the landscape, and what the applications of landscape ecology are. Course will include both lecture and practical experience in landscape ecology.
BI 5240 Terrestrial Ecology - 3 credits
The focus of this course will examine the experimental study of the distribution and abundance of organisms in terrestrial ecosystems. This discussion will be through a combination of lectures, field experiments that test specific hypotheses and oral presentations. A large amount of class time will be spent in the field. Students will collect and analyze data, write a scientific paper and present their work to the class.
BI 5350 Conservation Biology - 3 credits
Conservation Biology investigates the causes and consequences of loss of biodiversity. Species are first placed into their ecological context. Then global and regional patterns of species extinction are discussed. The mechanisms that precipitate loss and eventually cause extinction are examined through modeling and statistical exercises. Students share in the responsibility for covering the material by presenting selected topics.
BI 5360 Community Ecology - 3 credits
This course provides a survey of the field of community ecology, which is the study of patterns and processes involving multiple species. The key concepts in this field will be examined through a combination of lectures readings, student-led discussion and written assignments. We will rely heavily on peer-reviewed literature to explore the development of the diverse ideas and approaches to the study of ecological communities. Prerequisite: B.A. or B.S. in biology or related field. Advanced undergraduates who have completed coursework in ecology may request permission from the instructor to take the course.
BI 5370 Behavioral Ecology - 3 credits
This graduate seminar focuses on the interface between behavior and fitness. Several categories of behavior are covered through presentations, reading of primary literature and discussion. The topics include but are not limited to optimal foraging, mating systems and mate attraction, social organization (including eusociality), predator/prey interactions and learning.
BI 5380 Avian Ecology - 3 credits
Avian Ecology is a field-oriented course that focuses on bird interactions with each other and their environment as a medium for understanding field ecological research. Students become familiar with local bird identification, give presentations on selected topics, assist in banding birds and carry out their own individual research projects under the guidance of a researching avian ecologist.
BI 5390 Ecology - 4 credits
Fundamental ecological concepts that illustrate the complex interrelationships of living organisms with each other and with the non-living environment will be the focus of the course. Laboratory time used for field work, experimentation and analysis of data will be incorporated. Graduate students will have additional coursework and/or projects equivalent to graduate level study. Falls.
BI 5400 Paleoecology - 3 credits
The application of ecological principles to the study of ancient environments. Topics to be examined include: what are the evidences that we use to determine past environments, how have past environments differed from present environments, what do past environments tell us about rates of change, and what lessons from past environments can be applied to the study of present.
BI 5440 Electron Microscopy Techniques - 4 credits
Focuses on the theory and practical operation of an electron microscope laboratory. Tissue preparation, ultramicrotomy (sectioning), basic darkroom procedures and operation of the electron microscope will be covered. Springs.
BI 5560 Special Topics in Biological Sciences - 1-3 credits
Lectures on special topics in selected areas of the biological sciences. May be repeated in the same or separate terms, as topics vary, to a maximum of 9 graduate hours.
BI 5570 Current Topics in Cell Biology - 3 credits
This is a weekly seminar style course that requires written and oral assignments in topics of current prominence in cellular and molecular biology. The course content will vary semester by semester and will be modified to suit the needs of the current students.
BI 5760 Animal Behavior - 4 credits
The study of animal behavior offers a unique opportunity to understand the relationship between ecology, evolution, physiology, populations and individual organisms. Examines the influence of genetics and environment on animal behavior. Outdoor and laboratory investigations test specific student and/or instructor generated hypotheses concerning the causal mechanisms underlying behavior. Falls.
BI 5770 Animal Physiology - 4 credits
This course will examine the various systems of the body including the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive and excretory systems using a comparative approach. Discusses the control of these systems and behavior by the nervous and endocrine systems. Inherent is an analysis of an interaction between the mechanisms of homeostatic regulation and the environment. Laboratory investigations using local animals illustrate some of the principles outlined in lecture through the use of student and/or instructor-generated hypothesis testing and uses modern equipment including computers, Data Acquisition Units, amplifiers, transducers, stimulators and activity monitors. Spring of even years.
BI 5780 Neurobiology - 4 credits
Examines the functioning of the nervous system in vertebrates and invertebrates. The fundamental principles underlying membrane potentials, action potentials and conduction are followed by mechanisms of communication between single cells and groups of cells. Different aspects of sensory, motor and integrative physiology are discussed and the role of specific parts of the brain is explored. The laboratory portion is used to demonstrate certain principles and phenomena discussed in lecture. The laboratory involves a series of student-driven mini-projects. Students use computers, Data Acquisition Units, oscilloscopes, manipulators, transducers and amplifiers to test student and/or instructor generated hypotheses. Spring of odd years.
BI 5790 Biological Rhythms - 3 credits
The behavioral and ecological importance of circadian, circatidal and circannual rhythms is introduced, followed by discussion of the theoretical bases of the fundamental properties that define rhythms. Next the comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics and molecular biology of clocks will be examined. Examples at all levels of organization will be drawn from the real world and from current and classic research. Finally, we will look to the future by exploring six cutting-edge areas of research. Prerequisites: B.A. or B.S. in biology or related field.
BI 5810 University Biology Teaching - 1 credit
A course designed for graduate students interested in learning more about teaching biology effectively at the University level. The format of the course will primarily be discussion-oriented with contributions from faculty both in and outside of the Department of Biological Sciences. You should either be currently teaching or have taught at the college level. Topically the course will cover three areas: teaching and learning, the academic job market and faculty life.
BI 5900 Graduate Seminar: Biology - 3 credits
Specific topics vary from year to year depending upon the interests of the faculty and the students enrolled..
BI 5910 Independent Study: Biology - 3 credits
Original research done in an area of the student's choosing in conjunction with a sponsoring faculty member. Results must be presented at a scientific conference.
BI 5950 Thesis Research: Biology - 1-12 credits
Supervised execution of thesis research. Prerequisite: permission of advisor after submission of a thesis proposal to committee.
