Teaching

BIOL 5010: Current Topics in Biology

Current topics of special interest to graduate students in Biology. Topics and content will vary as announced but will include contemporary or interdisciplinary areas of interest. 

Lecture (with discussion) only. Repeatable. A maximum of 16 units allowed. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and an upper division course appropriate to the topic.

BIOL 4910 and 4920: Senior Seminar

Student original research presentations and discussion of current topics in biology.

Prerequisites for BIOL4910: Open only to senior Biology majors who have completed BIOL3120 and 40 units of Biology courses.

Prerequisites for BIOL4920: Open only to senior Human Biological Sciences majors who have completed 30 units of upper division coursework specific to the major.

BIOL 4560: Plant Pathology

Introduction to the main groups of pathogens that cause plant disease (bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, nematodes, viruses), how they are spread, and how they affect plant health, growth and development. Additional topics include: plant disease diagnosis, plant disease control including biocontrol, factors influencing disease development, biotechnological applications, and examples of how plant pathogens have influenced human history and culture.

Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: preferentially completed BIOL 3410, but signature of the instructor is needed.

BIOL 3440:Virology

Understanding the diversity and function of viruses in the environment with a focus on structure, molecular biology, replication, mutation, recombination, and evolution of viruses in addition to pathogenesis and host cell interactions. Viruses in both aquatic and terrestrial environments will be discussed. 

Lecture only. Prerequisites: [CHEM 1000, BIOL 2010 (with a C- or better), BIOL 2110, and BIOL 2120] or [CHEM 1000, and BIOL 2010 (with a C- or better), BIOL 2220, and BIOL 2230]. 

BIOL 3410: General Microbiology

A comprehensive overview of the biology of microorganisms. Topics include microbial cell structure and function, physiology, metabolism, genetics, diversity, and ecology. Applied aspects of microbiology are also covered such as biotechnology, the role of microorganisms in environmental processes, food, and medical microbiology. Laboratory emphasizes methods in bacteriology, microbial diversity, and a research project.

Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: CHEM 1000, and BIOL 3120, or CHEM 1000, and BIOL 2010 (with a C- or better), 2220, and 2230.

BIOL 2230: Microbiology for Nursing and Human Biological Sciences majors

Physico-chemical organization and function of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminths, and fungi. Concepts of pathogenic microbes are emphasized in both lecture and laboratory. Not acceptable for the BS in Biology degree or the Biology minor.

Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: CHEM 1000 or equivalent, completed or exempt from Math and English remediation, BIOL 2010 recommended.

BIOL 2010: Introductory Biology - Cells

Cell structure and function with emphasis on molecular aspects.

Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: ENGL 1109. Lab fee required. NOTE: Students are encouraged to take BIOL 1009 before BIOL 2010 if they lack a firm background in biology because a grade of C- or better in BIOL 2010 is required to advance into upper division Biology courses.