Biology

Biologists investigate a broad spectrum of questions about living organisms and life processes—the physical and chemical bases of life, how organisms and their component parts are structured, how they function, how they interact with their environment, and how they have evolved.

Departmental teaching and research emphases in cellular and molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology and evolution, human biology, marine biology, and neuroscience and behavior offer students opportunities to learn and work with scientists who are making important contributions to knowledge in these areas.

Students may enter the program with a high school education or transfer from a community college or university. The curriculum includes courses for majors in biology, marine biology, and related disciplines; preprofessional courses; and courses that serve as important elements in a liberal education for students in other majors. Course work for the biology major provides an exceptional foundation for students who plan to pursue graduate programs in biomedicine and research, and jobs in health services, private industry, and education.

Biology Advising Center for Undergraduates

541-346-4525

73 Klamath Hall

bioadvis@uoregon.edu

biology.uoregon.edu/advising

In the Biology Advising Center, students can meet with members of the biology advising staff to receive help in planning an individualized program of study.

The advising center provides multiple resources and services including contacts for local, national, and international internships; evaluation of biology-specific transfer equivalencies; and advising for biology students and those interested in biomedicine. Transfer students should consult the university’s website for preliminary transfer evaluations: registrar.uoregon.edu/transfer-articulation.

Nonmajors

Courses for nonmajors, offered at the 100 level, are intended for students with little or no college background in biology, chemistry, or mathematics. Content may vary from year to year, but focuses on the biological basis of topics in ecology, evolution, behavior, human physiology, and genetics.

Students who are contemplating a major in biology or a related science are advised to begin their biology course work with one of the lower-division sequences, both of which have chemistry and mathematics prerequisites. 

Majors

Preparation. Modern biology is a quantitative interdisciplinary science. Students planning to specialize in biology should include in their high school preparation as much mathematics, chemistry, and physics as possible. International baccalaureate and advanced placement course work and testing are encouraged.

Transfer Students. Students who intend to transfer as majors from a community college or university should carefully plan the program of course work they take before transferring. Students who transfer after one year of college should have completed a year of general chemistry with laboratories and a year of college-level mathematics. Satisfactory completion of a yearlong biology major’s introductory sequence that includes laboratories and features strong components of genetics, evolution, and physiology allows transfer students to complete the 200-level general biology sequence requirement by taking General Biology IV: Mechanisms (BI 214). In addition to these biology courses, transfer students can complete major requirements by taking a year of general chemistry with laboratories, two terms of organic chemistry, mathematics through two terms of calculus, and a year of general physics for science majors. Students who plan on applying to graduate programs in medicine or allied health are encouraged to take a full year of organic chemistry with laboratories and a full year of physics with laboratories to satisfy graduate program admissions requirements. Organic chemistry course work completed at a community or junior college may not be used to satisfy upper-division credit requirements at the University of Oregon unless an American Chemical Society exam is passed.

Lower-Division Biology Sequences. The biology department offers two introductory course sequences with associated laboratories. Both provide a strong foundation in molecular, cellular, organismal, evolutionary, and ecological biology. Either sequence is appropriate for students with interests in any area of biology. General Biology (BI 211–214) is the department's standard four-course sequence. 

Students planning to major in biology or a related discipline may take either of the 200-level biology sequences. Students should consult the department website or visit the advising center for up-to-date information about the sequences and for advice on which sequence is best for them.

Careers. The biology major prepares students for many outstanding fields. Biology professions have been ranked among the top ten jobs in the United States for more than fifteen years. A U.S. News and World Report article on best careers reported that studying biology is the gateway to at least ten of the top thirty professions, and that being a biologist is the number-one ranked and most satisfying profession out of the top 100 in the United States.

Recently, more than one-third of the UO’s biology seniors have been accepted to graduate schools in biomedicine and research. Many graduates have gone on to U.S. medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, physician assistant, optometry, physical therapy, and nursing schools. Graduates are pursuing MS and PhD degrees in molecular biology, neuroscience, ecology and evolution, and marine biology. Former UO biology majors now work in health services, private industry, government agencies, education, and nonprofit organizations. Specific examples include working for the Peace Corps, Teach for America, university research centers, pathology and crime laboratories, food processing companies, nature centers, forestry departments, fish and wildlife organizations, computer software companies, museums, botanical gardens, zoos, conservation organizations, science and technology research centers, community colleges, high school science departments, health departments, and hospitals. More details about career opportunities and recent outstanding graduates are available from the Biology Advising Center.

Biology majors are encouraged to become involved in a variety of learning experiences in addition to their college courses. Research, internships, community service, or similar experiences are increasingly important in securing jobs or positions in professional programs. Career-related information is available online at uocareer.uoregon.edu and in the Career Center, 244 Hendricks Hall. Selected job listings are available in the Biology Advising Center and from its website.

Major Requirements

A major in biology or marine biology leads to a bachelor of science (BS) or to a bachelor of arts (BA) degree. The BA requires completion of the foreign-language requirement. Twenty-four credits of biology that are applied to the major must be taken at the University of Oregon (which includes the main campus, the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology in Charleston, the central Oregon campus in Bend, and university-approved overseas and exchange programs). Majors must either meet the major requirements in effect at the time they are accepted as majors or complete subsequent major requirements. Specific courses follow.

1. General Chemistry (CH 221, 222, 223) or Honors General Chemistry (CH 224H, 225H, 226H)
2. General Chemistry Laboratory (CH 227, 228, 229) or Advanced General Chemistry Laboratory (CH 237, 238, 239)
3. Mathematics, to include Calculus for the Biological Sciences I,II (MATH 246, 247) or Calculus I,II (MATH 251, 252) or equivalent; a course in statistics is recommended
4. General Physics (PHYS 201, 202, 203) or Foundations of Physics I (PHYS 251, 252, 253)
5. The four-term general biology sequence (BI 211–214) or the three-term honor biology sequence (BI 281H–283H) 
6. Organic chemistry sequence

a. For the biology major, a minimum of two organic chemistry courses are required: Organic Chemistry I (CH 331) and either Organic Chemistry II (CH 335) or Organic Chemistry III (CH 336)

b. For students interested in graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, biomedicine, or allied health, three organic chemistry courses and two laboratories are required (CH 331, 335, 336, 337, 338). Also, a general physics sequence with laboratories is usually required for medicine; the recommended courses are PHYS 201, 202, 203 with PHYS 204, 205, 206. Since many medical schools require upper-division genetics and/or biochemistry, Molecular Genetics (BI 320), Physiological Biochemistry (CH 360), or both are suggested. Students are urged to contact specific institutions to confirm admission requirements

Major in Biology

The major in biology requires a minimum of 44 upper-division biology credits with the following restrictions:

1. At least one 300-level course in each of the three areas—cellular-molecular, systems-organisms, and ecology-evolution
2. At least two courses at the 300 or 400 level with significant laboratory or fieldwork
3. At least 12 credits in courses with a BI subject code, numbered 420 to 499

Please contact the Biology Advising Center at biology.uoregon.edu/advising or 541-346-4525 for additional limitations and allowances.

Emphasis Areas for the Biology Major

Fulfilling the requirements for an undergraduate degree in biology provides a solid, general foundation in the discipline. Some biology majors may want to concentrate their studies in one of five emphasis areas: ecology and evolution; human biology; marine biology; molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; or neuroscience and behavior. The requirements listed for each emphasis may be fulfilled as the student completes the biology major. Upon graduation, students who complete the requirements for an emphasis area receive written recognition from the department.

Visit http://biology.uoregon.edu/advising/requirements.php for the current requirements for each emphasis area, or contact the Biology Advising Center at 541-346-4525 for more information.

Major in Marine Biology

The major in marine biology has similar requirements to the biology major but requires students to spend three terms completing upper-division course work (taking at least 12 credits per term) at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. A program plan for the marine biology major is available in the Biology Advising Center or on the OIMB website.

Animal Use in Teaching Laboratories

Students should be aware that the biology and marine biology majors require courses in which a variety of organisms, including vertebrate animals, are used in laboratory dissections and experiments.

Prospective majors who are concerned about this should discuss it with their advisors before beginning either program. Students are encouraged to review the syllabuses for laboratory courses before enrolling. Syllabuses are available on the department’s website and in the Biology Advising Center.

Department and university policies require that the use of live vertebrate animals be minimized in teaching laboratories and be approved by the curriculum committee of the Department of Biology and by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the University of Oregon. Students who have ethical objections to animal use in a course that requires it should consult the director of undergraduate advising before enrolling.

Recommended Program

Students are encouraged to regularly consult their degree audit and transfer evaluation reports, academic transcripts, and other information available on DuckWeb. Students should consult with an advisor in the Biology Advising Center at least once a year to refine their program of study.

Each student should consult an advisor in the Biology Advising Center for help with determining a program of study. Freshman majors enrolled in a calculus course typically take general chemistry with laboratories.

Upper-division biology electives and General Physics (PHYS 201, 202, 203) are typically taken after successful completion of an introductory biology sequence.

By the end of the sophomore year, each student should have met with a biology advisor to develop a program that satisfies both the interests of the student and the major requirements.

Courses with the BI subject code that are taken to meet major requirements must be passed with grades of C–, P, or better. Students should choose the pass/no pass (P/N) option sparingly or not at all. Some biomedical graduate programs do not allow transfer credit from courses taken pass/no pass.

Students meet the general-education group requirement in science by fulfilling the requirements for a major in biology. Transfer students should consult their advisors when selecting courses to meet the group requirements in arts and letters and in social science. For more information, see Group Requirements in the Registration and Academic Policies section of this catalog; also, see the current course list on the registrar’s website, registrar.uoregon.edu/common/group_courses.php.

Oregon Institute of Marine Biology

Located in Charleston on Coos Bay, the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB), in conjunction with the biology department, offers an undergraduate marine biology major and a coordinated program of study for undergraduates in biology, general science, and environmental science or environmental studies. During fall and spring terms, 300- and 400-level courses take advantage of the institute’s unique coastal setting. Typical offerings include Animal Behavior (BI 390); Invertebrate Zoology (BI 451); Estuarine Biology (BI 454); Marine Biology: Comparative Embryology and Larval Biology, Environmental Issues, Marine Molecular Physiology (BI 457); Biological Oceanography (BI 458); and Marine Ecology (BI 474). A seminar series (BI 407) features weekly invited speakers who are active researchers in the marine sciences. Undergraduate research is encouraged.

The summer program offers additional 400-level courses emphasizing field studies and includes a variety of eight- and two-week courses as well as weekend workshops. Information and applications are available from the Biology Advising Center, from the director of the institute, or from the OIMB website. See also the Research Institutes and Centers section of this catalog.

Malheur Field Station

The University of Oregon is a member of the Malheur Field Station consortium. Located in southeastern Oregon in the heart of the Great Basin desert, the field station provides an excellent opportunity for students to study terrestrial and aquatic systems. Credits earned in courses at the field station may be transferred to the university and are included in the total credits required for a University of Oregon degree. Courses that have been preapproved by the department may be counted for the biology major. Detailed course information and applications may be obtained from the field station website or the Biology Advising Center.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Students may obtain a second bachelor’s degree in biology after earning a bachelor’s degree in another field. These students are admitted as postbaccalaureate nongraduates. For the second degree, all departmental and university requirements must be met. For more information, see Second Bachelor’s Degree in the Registration and Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Preprofessional Students

Preprofessional health science students who want to major in biology need to plan carefully to complete major requirements and meet entrance requirements of professional schools. These students should consult a biology advisor as well as the advisor for the professional area of their choice. See Preparatory Programs in the Academic Resources section of this catalog for more information about these requirements.

Although Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CH 337, 338) and Introductory Physics Laboratory (PHYS 204, 205, 206) are not required for the biology major, they are required for programs at most professional schools, including many programs at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.

Honors Program in Biology

Biology majors who satisfy the following requirements are eligible to graduate with honors.

1. Complete all of the requirements for the major
2. Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 in courses with the BI subject code that are applied to the major
3. Take biology courses used to satisfy major requirements for letter grades
4. Register for the honors program through the Biology Advising Center, which includes obtaining an acceptance signature from the faculty research advisor and an honors committee member, before beginning research
5. Complete a minimum of 6 credits in Research (BI 401) during three consecutive terms
6. Complete a thesis based on laboratory research or the equivalent that is approved by the biology honors committee and the faculty advisor
7. Defend the thesis in a public forum

For more information, see an advisor in the Biology Advising Center.

Special Opportunities for Biology Undergraduates

Majors may participate in research; attend department research seminars; work as a computer laboratory assistant, peer tutor, or peer advisor; spend a term at OIMB; or participate in related activities.

The Biology Peer Tutoring program provides students with opportunities to gain teaching experience while deepening their knowledge of a particular field. Peer tutors enroll in and receive credit for Supervised College Teaching (BI 402), which may be applied to the biology major upper-division credit requirements. Students who are considering a career in education are especially encouraged to consider this option.

Credit may be earned for conducting research under the supervision of a faculty member by enrolling in BI 401. For more information, consult individual faculty members in the department or visit the Biology Advising Center.

Students are invited to attend seminars that feature visiting and local scientists.

Students may assist in teaching laboratory sections of some biology courses. Applications may be filed with the department for the limited number of assistantships available.

Peer advising is another way for students to become involved in the department. Interested students are trained during the spring term before the year they plan to work in the advising center.

Although all biology majors have the opportunity to attend OIMB, the university's marine biology laboratory, students who major in marine biology spend three terms at the institute. Interested students should plan to attend during their junior or senior years.

Students are encouraged to express ideas and offer suggestions about curriculum and student relations to the chair of the department’s curriculum committee, the director of undergraduate advising, the chair of the student relations committee, or the head of the department.

Students are asked to evaluate their biology courses and instructors near the end of each term. This information is available to instructors after the end of the term and placed on file for possible use in promotion and tenure deliberations. Student answers to summary questions are available in electronic format in Knight Library and in the Office of Academic Advising.

The Biology Teacher Recognition Award highlights efforts to improve biology education through student feedback. Initiated by student nominations, the award recognizes faculty members and teaching assistants who excel in one or more aspects of teaching effectiveness.

Minor in Biology

Students interested in a minor in biology should develop a plan for the minor in consultation with an advisor in the Biology Advising Center. Students completing the minor in biology must provide the biology advisor with a transcript or transfer evaluation that shows any transfer courses that may be applied to the minor.

Requirements

At least 28 credits of biology that includes

1. Completion of BI 211 and two of the following courses: BI 212, 213, 214, 281H, 282H, or 283H
2. At least 16 credits of upper-division biology course work. No more than 8 credits from BI 401–419 may be applied to the minor including no more than 4 credits from BI 401–409
3. At least 16 credits of biology applied to the minor must be taken at the University of Oregon
4. Course work must be completed with grades of P or C– or better

Kindergarten through Secondary Teaching Careers

Students who complete the bachelor’s degree with a biology major are eligible to apply for the College of Education’s fifth-year licensure program in middle-secondary teaching or the fifth-year licensure program to become an elementary teacher. More information is available from the department’s K–12 education advisor, Peter Wetherwax; see also the College of Education section of this catalog.

The department offers graduate work leading to the degrees of master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), and doctor of philosophy (PhD). The department’s primary emphasis for graduate study is the PhD program.

Applications are reviewed by members of the following programs:

1. Molecular and cellular biology
2. Neuroscience and development
3. Ecology and evolution
4. Marine biology

Interdisciplinary opportunities are available among the programs in biology as well as between biology and other departments, e.g., chemistry, human physiology, physics, and psychology.

Financial support for graduate students is available through training grants, research grants, and teaching assistantships.

Detailed information about the graduate program, faculty research interests, and physical facilities is available at the biology department website.

Master’s Degree. Master’s degrees earned on the UO campus generally emphasize ecology and evolution and can involve research on terrestrial, aquatic, or marine organisms.

Candidates for the master’s degree complete one of the following requirements:

• A minimum of 60 credits of course work and the preparation of a critical essay
• 45 credits of course work and the completion of a research project that is presented as a thesis

Two years are typically required for completion of the master’s degree. More information is available from the biology department graduate admissions coordinator.

A two-year master’s degree with a specialty in marine biology is offered at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. Master’s degree students enrolled in the program at the institute must be admitted to the thesis master’s option. These programs provide training for a variety of careers in aquatic or marine biology or serve as preparation for advancement to a PhD program at another institution.

Students may be able to accelerate completion of a master’s degree program by completing graduate courses while still in the undergraduate program. For information, see Reservation of Graduate Credit in the Graduate School section of this catalog.

PhD Degree. During the first year, students take courses in their area of interest and participate in a laboratory rotation program. The rotations provide direct exposure to research activities in three laboratories and are therefore invaluable in choosing a laboratory in which to carry out dissertation research. After the first year in the program, students devote nearly all their efforts to research. These activities culminate in the public defense of a dissertation.

Admission

Information on applying to the graduate program may be obtained from the department’s website or from the department office. Requirements for admission to the graduate program include the following:

1. A completed online application
2. Three letters of recommendation
3. Transcripts of all college work
4. Scores on the quantitative, verbal, and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examinations
5. TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (Internet-based test) or better for international students

Applications and support materials are submitted electronically.

Application Deadline. Applications must be received by the department by December 15, when the graduate admissions committee begins reviewing applications.

Institute of Ecology and Evolution

The institute promotes and facilitates research and graduate education in ecology and evolutionary biology. Active research programs emphasize molecular evolution, evolution of development, life-history evolution, photoperiodism and seasonal development, population and quantitative genetics, ecology of mutualism, plant-fungus and plant-insect interactions, theoretical ecology, microbial ecology, global change, biological oceanography, biogeochemistry, and community and ecosystem dynamics. Researchers use a variety of methods, organisms, and habitats to address critical questions in their disciplines. For more information, see the Research Institutes and Centers section of this catalog.

Institute of Molecular Biology

To foster research and training, the institute brings together scientists from various disciplines who have common intellectual goals and provides them with a well-maintained, shared facility. Research is directed toward understanding basic cellular, genetic, and developmental mechanisms in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The faculty members of the institute hold appointments in the biology, chemistry, or physics departments. Graduate students are admitted into academic departments and subsequently receive their degrees through those departments. They may, however, choose any faculty member as a dissertation advisor. For more information, see the Research Institutes and Centers section of this catalog or send inquiries to the director of the institute.

Institute of Neuroscience

Neuroscientists in the biology, human physiology, and psychology departments have formed an interdisciplinary institute in the neurosciences. Faculty members are engaged in research in cellular neuroscience, developmental biology, systems neuroscience, neural plasticity, and cognitive neuroscience. A coordinated graduate-degree program of instruction and research is available to students through any of the participating departments. For more information see the Research Institutes and Centers section of this catalog.

Developmental Biology Program

A rigorous graduate training program investigates the mechanisms that lead from a fertilized egg to an adult organism. Various laboratories in the Institutes of Neuroscience and of Molecular Biology are investigating how cell polarity is established in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), in embryos of the nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans), and in stem cells of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster); how asymmetric cell division is regulated in C. elegans and D. melanogaster; how cell signals program cell-fate choice during plant and animal development; how C. elegans embryos establish major body axes; how neuronal diversity is generated in the zebra fish (Danio rerio) and in D. melanogaster; how hypoxia influences development in D. melanogaster; how resident bacteria influence intestinal development in D. rerio; and, in general, how genes are regulated during development. For more information see the Research Institutes and Centers section of this catalog.

Oregon Institute of Marine Biology

The Oregon Institute of Marine Biology offers a full program of study and research for graduate students. Graduate courses are offered mainly during summer session and fall and spring terms, and research is conducted year round. The marine biology graduate program focuses on research in biological oceanography, phytoplankton and microbial food webs, invertebrate physiology, larval ecology and evolution, the biology of intertidal organisms, deep-sea biology, and marine ecology. Direct inquiries to the biology department’s graduate recruiting coordinator. See also the Research Institutes and Centers section of this catalog.

Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies Program offers interdisciplinary graduate study leading to a master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) in environmental studies and an interdisciplinary doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in environmental sciences, studies, and policy. Students choose courses offered in appropriate disciplines to design a program that meets individual goals. More information is available in the Environmental Studies section of this catalog.

Course syllabuses, detailed course descriptions, and a tentative schedule of the year’s course offerings can be found on the department’s website and in the undergraduate advising center. An extra fee may be charged for courses that have laboratories or field trips.

121 Introduction to Human Physiology (4) Study of normal body function at the organ level; emphasizes basic physiological principles. No chemistry background required. Lectures, laboratories.

122 Introduction to Human Genetics (4) Basic concepts of genetics as they relate to humans. Blood groups, transplantation and immune reaction, prenatal effects, the biology of twinning, selection in humans, and sociological implications. Lectures, discussions.

123 Biology of Cancer (4) Comparison of cancer cells with normal cells; causes of cancer, including viral and environmental factors; and the biological basis of therapy. Lectures, laboratories.

130 Introduction to Ecology (4) The concept of an ecosystem; organismal energetics; biogeochemical cycles; succession; population growth; species interactions, species diversity; implications for human ecosystems. Lectures, discussions.

131 Introduction to Evolution (4) Darwinian evolution; human-caused evolution, natural selection, speciation, extinction, and human evolution. Lectures, discussions.

132 Introduction to Animal Behavior (4) Animal behavior, its evolutionary origins, and its neural mechanisms. Readings and films illustrate the adaptive nature of orientation, navigation, communication, and social behavior. Lectures, discussions.

140 Science, Policy, and Biology (4) Explores the biology behind important topical issues such as stem cells, cloning, genetically modified organisms, genetic testing, gene therapy. How policy decisions affect research in these areas. Lectures, discussions.

196 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–2R)

198 Laboratory Projects: [Topic] (1–2R)

199 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R) Topics include Introduction to Health Professions, Marine Habitats of the Oregon Coast, Medical Terminology, and a variety of freshman seminars.

211 General Biology I: Cells (4) How cells carry out functions of living organisms; genetic basis of inheritance; how genes and proteins work. Lectures, laboratories-discussions. Prereq: C– or better or P in CH 111 or 113 or 221 or 224H.

212 General Biology II: Organisms (4) How cells develop and interact within complex organisms. Comparative anatomy and physiology of plants and animals. Lectures, laboratories-discussions. Prereq: C– or better or P in BI 211.

213 General Biology III: Populations (4) How organisms interact with their environments and with each other; ecology, evolution, and behavior. Lectures, laboratories-discussions. Prereq: C– or better or P in BI 211.

214 General Biology IV: Mechanisms (4) Protein structure and function; metabolism; DNA structure, replication, mutation, and repair; gene mapping and complementation; and gene regulation. Lectures, laboratories. Prereq: C– or better or P in BI 212 and CH 223 or 226H.

281 (H) Honors Biology I: Cells, Biochemistry, and Physiology (5) Focuses on the cellular structures and chemical reactions that allow cells to grow, to transform energy, and to communicate. Sequence with BI 282H, 283H. Prereq: MATH 111 with grade of B– or better or minimum AP/IB mathematics score of 4 or 5 and CH 223 or CH 226H with grade of B– or better.

282 (H) Honors Biology II: Genetics and Molecular Biology (5) How living organisms store, replicate, and transmit their genetic information, and how this information directs the activities of the cell and organism. Sequence with BI 281H, 283H. Prereq: BI 281H with grade of C– or better or P.

283 (H) Honors Biology III: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology (5) The genetic basis and ecological context of evolutionary change leading to an examination of the generation and major patterns of biodiversity. Sequence with BI 281H, 282H. Prereq: BI 282H with grade of C– or better or P. 

306 Pollination Biology (4) Ecology and evolution of pollination biology: coevolution, mutualism, animal foraging behavior, plant breeding systems, biodiversity, and conservation issues associated with endangered species and introduced species. Lectures, laboratories. Prereq: BI 213 or 253.

307 Forest Biology (4) Structure and function of forested ecosystems emphasizing the Pacific Northwest. Interactions among trees, microorganisms, and animals; disturbance and recovery; forest management. Lectures, laboratories, field trips. Prereq: BI 213 or 253.

309 Tropical Diseases in Africa (4) Biological and medical aspects of major infectious and parasitic diseases in Africa, including HIV/AIDS and malaria; socioeconomic issues in public health; case studies. Lectures, discussions. Prereq: BI 212 or 252.

320 Molecular Genetics (4) Molecular mechanisms regulating control of gene expression. Topics include chromosome structure, transcription and processing of RNA, control of transcription, translational control, and genetic rearrangement. Prereq: BI 214 or 252.

321 Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory (4) Intensive research multipart project using fungus Neurospora; includes mutagenesis, genetic selection and screening, complementation testing, mapping, DNA purification, restriction analysis, polymerase chain reaction, Southern blotting. Prereq: BI 320.

322 Cell Biology (4) Eukaryotic cell nuclear structure and exchange, protein trafficking, endocytosis, chaperones, cytoskeletal functions, intercellular junctions, extracellular materials, signaling, cell division mechanics and controls, aging and death. Lectures, laboratories-discussions. Prereq: BI 214 and CH 331 or BI 252.

328 Developmental Biology (4) Topics include genetic regulation, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, organellogenesis, morphogenesis, pattern formation, cell differentiation, and neoplasia. Lectures, laboratories. Prereq: BI 214 and CH 331 or BI 252.

330 Microbiology (3) Biology of bacteria: photosynthetic, heterotrophic, and others. Cell structure and function, metabolism including anaerobic and O2-producing photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, species interactions, and role in major geochemical cycles. Prereq: BI 214 or 252.

331 Microbiology Laboratory (3R) Microbial diversity through laboratory projects involving enrichments, culture isolations, and partial characterizations. Two scheduled laboratories and one scheduled lecture per week; additional unscheduled time required. Pre- or coreq: BI 330; prereq: BI 214 or 252.

353 Sensory Physiology (4) Introduction to physiology of the senses: cellular physiology of peripheral receptors through the computational mechanisms that are ultimately related to perception. Prereq: BI 214 or 253.

355 Vertebrate Evolution and Development (4) Comparisons of vertebrate organs and tissues with emphasis on evolutionary trends, development, and diversification. How origins of novel structures may arise by changes in regulatory gene activities. Prereq: BI 214 or 253.

356 Animal Physiology (4) Neurophysiology, endocrinology, muscle contraction, and homeostatic mechanisms of circulation, respiration, metabolism, ionic regulation, and excretion in mammals; comparison with those in other animals. Lectures, laboratories. Prereq: BI 214 or 251.

357 Marine Biology (4) Ecology and physiology of marine plants and animals. Comparisons of various marine habitats. Human influences on marine systems. Lectures, discussions, field trips. Prereq: BI 213 or 253. Not open to students who have credit for BI 458 or 474.

358 Investigations in Medical Physiology (4) Human physiology with research and clinical medicine applications. Neuroendocrinology, addiction medicine, cardiology, pulmonology, immunology, reproduction, fertility, and pediatric diseases. Lectures, discussions, primary literature research. Prereq: BI 214 or BI 253 or HPHY 314.

360 Neurobiology (4) Function of the nervous system from the single neuron to complex neural networks. Topics range from molecular and cellular neurobiological mechanisms to systems and behavioral analyses. Prereq: BI 214 or 252.

370 Ecology (4) Relationship of organisms to their environment in space and time. Factors controlling the distribution and abundance of organisms, introductions to community systems, and paleoecology. Required fieldwork. Prereq: BI 213 or 253. Calculus or statistics recommended.

372 Field Biology (4) Students learn to identify the plants and animals of Oregon, their adaptations and ecology. Prereq: junior or senior standing. Offered alternate years. 

374 Conservation Biology (4) Global patterns of biological diversity; major threats to biodiversity; application of ecology, evolution, genetics, and other areas to protect and maintain biodiversity. Prereq: BI 213 or 253.

375 Biological Diversity (4) Patterns of global diversity in space and time; major systematic groups of organisms and their ecological roles; historical and human effects on biological diversity. Prereq: BI 213 or 253.

380 Evolution (4) Origin and maintenance of genetic variability. Historical and geographic patterns of variation. Application of population genetics to understanding evolutionary processes; modes of speciation. Prereq: college algebra and BI 213 or 253.

390 Animal Behavior (4) How and why animals behave, and how animal behavior is studied. Mechanisms of behavior, behavioral ecology, and sociobiology. Prereq: BI 213 or 253.

399 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R) Prereq: BI 212 and 213 and 214 or BI 253.

401 Research: [Topic] (1–16R)

402 Supervised College Teaching (1–6R) R for maximum of 9 credits.

403 Thesis (1–12R)

405 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–16R)

406 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–16R)

407/507 Seminar: [Topic] (1–2R)

408/508 Laboratory Projects: [Topic] (1–16R) Special laboratory training in research methods. A fee may be charged for supplies and materials that become the property of the student.

409 Practicum: [Topic] (1–6R)

410/510 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–16R) Prereq: BI 212 and 213 and 214 or BI 253.

412/512 Marine Field Studies: [Topic] (4–8R) Topics include field studies of marine organisms, marine biology, wetlands biology, and coastal ecosystems. Prereq: BI 211 or equivalent. R when topic changes. Offered at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.

420/520 Cellular Basis of Learning and Memory (4) The history and current state of knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of learning and memory common to simple and complex animals. Lectures, discussions. Prereq: BI 212 or 252. Offered alternate years.

422/522 Protein Toxins in Cell Biology (4) Mechanisms used by protein toxins to kill other organisms and how they have been used as molecular scalpels to dissect pathways in cell and neurobiology. Prereq: BI 322 or 356 or 360.

423/523 Human Molecular Genetics (4) Advanced topics in genetics that relate to human development and disease. The human genome, sex determination, X chromosome inactivation, chromosomal abnormalities, trinucleotide repeat expansions, cancer. Prereq: BI 320.

424/524 Advanced Molecular Genetics (4) Structure and function of chromosomes with emphasis on unsolved genetic problems such as genomic imprinting, position effects, and gene silencing. Prereq: BI 320.

426/526 Developmental Genetics of Cancer (4) Genetic regulation of cancer. Topics include oncongenes and tumor suppressor genes, signal transduction pathways, genetic animal models, and rationale treatment design. 

428/528 Developmental Genetics (4) Genetic regulation of development, including investigations of molecular mechanisms and studies of developmental mutants. Topics include molecular biology of eukaryotic chromosomes, genetic mosaics, and models of gene regulation. Prereq: BI 320, 328.

432/532 Mycology (5) Physiology, ecology, structure, and classification of fungi; emphasis on structural and physiological adaptations to saprophytic, parasitic, and symbiotic modes of existence. Lectures, laboratories. Prereq: BI 214 or 253.

433/533 Bacterial-Host Interactions (4) Examines spectrum of interactions between bacteria and animals, from pathogenesis to symbiosis, focusing on the molecular and cellular bases of these interactions. Prereq: BI 320 or 322 or 330.

442/542 Systematic Botany (5) Principles of plant classification with emphasis on flowering plants, introduction to taxonomic theory and methods of biosystematics, collection and identification procedures, recognition of common families in native flora. Lectures, laboratories, field trips. Prereq: BI 213 or 253.

448/548 Field Botany (4) Intensive study of the regional flora; ecology and native uses; sight recognition of prominent species; field characteristics of principal plant families; identification using dichotomous keys. Lectures, field trips. Prereq: BI 213 or 253. Offered summer session only.

451/551 Invertebrate Zoology (5–8) Representative invertebrate groups with emphasis on marine forms; morphology, systematics, life history, and ecology. Lectures, laboratory, field trips. Prereq: BI 213 or 253. Offered at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.

452/552 Insect Biology (4) Anatomy, physiology, systematics, and behavior of insects. Insect societies. Lectures, laboratories. Prereq: BI 213 or 253.

454/554 Estuarine Biology (5) The biological and physical factors regulating abundance, distribution, production, and biodiversity within estuaries. Includes field trips to marshes, tidal flats, and exploration of estuarine habitats. Prereq: BI 213 or 253.

455/555 Marine Birds and Mammals (4–6) Principles of morphology, physiology, evolution, life history, and systematics as demonstrated through study of birds and mammals of the Oregon coast. Comparison of the fauna from the open sea to coastal waters. Lectures, laboratory, field trips. Prereq: BI 213 or equivalent. Offered at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.

457/557 Marine Biology: [Topic] (4–8R) Content varies. Topics include comparative embryology, environmental issues, biology of fishes, and other subjects related to marine biology. Lectures, laboratories, field trips. Prereq: BI 213 or 253. R when topic changes. Offered at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.

458/558 Biological Oceanography (5) Examines patterns of biological productivity and controlling physical and chemical mechanisms in the various environments of the world’s oceans. Lectures, laboratories, field trips. Prereq: BI 213 or 253. Offered at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.

459/559 Field Ornithology (4) Natural history and identification of birds. Fieldwork emphasizes adaptation, behavior, breeding, distribution, migration, and ecology. Prereq: BI 213 or 253. Offered summer session only.

461/561 Systems Neuroscience (4) Principles of organization of nervous systems with emphasis on vertebrate brain and spinal cord. Functional implications of synaptic organization and pattern of projections, and comparative aspects. Prereq: BI 353 or 360 or equivalent.

CH 461/561, 462/562, 463/563 Biochemistry (4,4,4) See Chemistry.

463/563 Cellular Neuroscience (4) Physiology of excitation, conduction, and synaptic transmission. Prereq: BI 360.

464/564 Biological Clocks (4) Biological time keeping at ecological, evolutionary, behavioral, physiological, neurological, and molecular levels, with emphasis on daily and seasonal rhythms. Prereq for 464: BI 360 and BI 320 or 328. Offered alternate years.

466/566 Developmental Neurobiology (4) Mechanisms underlying development of the nervous system. The genesis of nerve cells; differentiation of neurons; synaptogenesis and neuronal specificity; plasticity, regeneration, and degeneration of nervous tissue. Prereq: BI 320 and 328.

CH 467/567 Biochemistry Laboratory (4) See Chemistry.

468/568 Amphibians and Reptiles of Oregon (4) Field identification and understanding of ecology, biogeography, and evolution of the common herpetofauna of four major physiographic regions of Oregon. Conservation biology issues addressed. Summer session only. Prereq: one year of college biology or BI 213 or 253.

469/569 Ecological Restoration (4) Examines the basics of ecological restoration through restoration projects in the field and evaluation of scientific literature. Prereq: introductory ecology course.

471/571 Population Ecology (4) Theoretical, experimental, and applied aspects of growth, structure, and regulation of natural populations; population estimation; demographic analysis; life-history theory. Prereq: MATH 247 or 252.

472/572 Community Ecology (4) Quantitative and conceptual approaches to the study of biological communities. Biodiversity measurement. Effect of climate and climate change on ecosystem structure and function. Prereq: BI 370.

473/573 Quantitative Ecology (5) Quantitative methods applied to field analyses of pattern, dominance, community structure, and interactions. Required fieldwork. Pre- or coreq: BI 370.

474/574 Marine Ecology (5–8) Factors that influence the distribution, abundance, and diversity of marine organisms. Field emphasis on local intertidal and shallow-water communities. Prereq: BI 213 or 253. Offered at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.

475/575 Freshwater Ecology (5) Study of freshwater environments, particularly lakes; chemical, physical, and biological interactions. Lectures, laboratories; required fieldwork. Prereq: BI 370.

476/576 Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology (4) Flux of nutrients, carbon, water, and energy in the environment; interactions and consequences for organisms. Scale ranges from microbial to global. Prereq: BI 370.

478/578 Neotropical Ecology (2) Preparation for field study in Ecuador. Examines biogeography, nutrient cycling, productivity, and community structure of the neotropics; natural history of neotropical plants and animals. Sequence with 479/579. Prereq: BI 213 or 253.

479/579 Neotropical Ecology Field Study (6) Examines four different ecosystems in Ecuador, from high-elevation paramo to low-elevation Amazonian rain forests. Students design and conduct independent research projects. Prereq: BI 478/578.

480/580 Evolution of Development (4) Exploration of the mechanisms by which organisms evolve new developmental pathways; techniques used to discover the evolutionary history of these innovations. Prereq: BI 328, 355, or 380.

484/584 Molecular Evolution (4) General description of patterns of molecular variation within and between species, underlying mechanisms, and methods of analysis. Prereq: BI 320 or 380.

485/585 Techniques in Computational Neuroscience (4) Introduction to numerical techniques for modeling the nervous system from single neurons to neutral networks. Prereq: BI 360 or 461; MATH 247 or 252 or higher.

486/586 Population Genetics (4) Analysis of the genentic mechanisms of evolutionary change. Study of artificial and natural selection, mutation, migration, population structure, and genetic drift. Prereq: BI 380; MATH 247 or 252. 

487/587 Molecular Phylogenetics (4) A critical introduction to the concepts and techniques of modern molecular phylogenetic analysis—the inference of evolutionary relationships from gene sequence data. Prereq: BI 380.

488/588 Evolutionary Processes (4) Critical discussion of the ecological and evolutionary genetic processes associated with adaptation in natural populations; draws from topics in population, quantitative, and molecular genetics, molecular evolution, and statistics. Prereq: BI 380. Offered alternate years.

489/589 Evolutionary Biology of Infectious Disease (4) Infectious disease shapes the ecology and evolution of all organisms. Examines resistance, virulence, tolerance, transmission, speciation, and life history evolution of parasites and pathogens. Prereq: BI 380.

490/590 Theoretical Ecology (4) Provides a novel and fun way of learning how to use simple mathematical methods to understand complex ecological systems. Prereq: BI 212, 213, 214 or BI 251, 252, 253.

493/593 Genomic Approaches and Analysis (4) Introduction to experimental methods and analytical techniques for studying biological questions on a genome-wide scale. Prereq: BI 320.

496/596 Conservation Genetics (4) Causes and consequences of changes in genetic diversity in natural populations using tools and techniques from population, quantitative, and molecular genetics, systematics, and phylogenetics. Prereq for BI 496: BI 320 or 380. Offered alternate years.

498/598 Biology and Politics (4) Critical analysis of how science is deployed in politics and policy. How should decisions be made in the face of scientific uncertainty? What is the role of scientific expertise in a democracy? Prereq: BI 212; BI 213 or 253. Offered alternate years.

503 Thesis (1–16R)

601 Research: [Topic] (1–16R)

602 Supervised College Teaching (1–5R)

603 Dissertation (1–16R)

605 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–16R)

606 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–16R)

607 Seminar: [Topic] (1–3R) Topics may include neurobiology, developmental biology, ecology colloquium, genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience.

608 Special Topics: [Topic] (1–5R) Lecture course devoted to advanced topics that reflect instructor’s research interests.

609 Practicum: [Topic] (1–3R)

610 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–5R)