2019-20 Graduate Catalog 
    
    May 01, 2024  
2019-20 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biological Sciences Department


Patricia Conklin, chair
Bowers Hall, Room 241
607-753-2715
Fax: 607-753-5455
Email: biological.sciences@cortland.edu
cortland.edu/biology

School of Arts and Sciences

Faculty

Santanu Banerjee, Steven B. Broyles, Christa, H. Chatfield, Patricia L. Conklin, Theresa M. Curtis, Andrea Dávalos, Peter K. Ducey, Laura Eierman, Terrence D. Fitzgerald, Carie George, Joyce Green, Michael Hough, Rena C. Janke, Elizabeth McCarthy, Christian Nelson, Angela Pagano, John E. Straneva, Mary Beth Voltura

Adjunct Faculty

For a listing of adjunct faculty see the Faculty and Administration section.

Degrees and Admission Requirements

Master of Arts in Teaching in Adolescence Education: Biology (7-12)

Programs

Graduate

Courses

  • BIO 501 - Advanced Invertebrate Biology

    Structure and function, evolution, and life histories of major invertebrate phyla. Prerequisite: Four semesters of college-level biology or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for BIO 401. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory (4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code F = in fall; O = offered occasionally
  • BIO 502 - Comparative Functional Morphology

    An examination of the principles and breadth of vertebrate functional morphology. Emphasis on the linkage of structure and function from the comparative and phylogenetic perspectives. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 402 and BIO 502. Prerequisite: Four semesters of biology or permission of the instructor. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally
  • BIO 505 - Case Studies in Conservation Biology

    Selected case studies in conservation biology, including conservation of species and genetic diversity, endangered species reintroductions, and the application of geographic information systems and computer models to the discipline. Not open to students with credit for BIO 405. Oral presentation, discussions and investigative laboratories/field trips. Prerequisites: One year of introductory biology. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code M = in summer; O = offered occasionally
  • BIO 507 - Advanced Field Natural History

    Natural history of plants and animals with emphasis on natural ecosystems of New York state. Not open to students with credit for BIO 307, BIO 310 or BIO 510. Also not open to biology or conservation biology majors. Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory/field experience per week. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code F = offered in fall
  • BIO 508 - Entomology

    An overview of insect biology including behavior, ecology, systematics, physiology, morphology and the economic/medical impact of insects on human societies. Not open to students with credit for BIO 408. Prerequisites: A minimum of four semesters of biology courses or permission of the instructor. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
  • BIO 510 - Advanced Field Biology

    Examination of biological diversity and ecology in terrestrial and aquatic communities of New York. The course is taught during August at Cortland's Outdoor Education Center in the Adirondack State Park. Daily and evening classes include field trips, laboratories and lectures. Students are assessed a fee for room and board. Students will be expected to lead one planned activity and discussion for graduate credit. Prerequisite: BIO 110 and 111 or BIO 201 and 202. Not open to students with credit for BIO 307 or 310. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code M = offered in summer
  • BIO 512 - Limnology

    Aquatic biology covering thermal, physical, chemical attributes of fresh water and their effect on composition of an aquatic ecosystem. Prerequisites: BIO 110-111 or BIO 201-202, CHE 222. Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code F = offered in fall
  • BIO 513 - Medical Entomology

    An introduction to medical entomology which emphasizes an understanding of the basic principles of insect biology as they relate to the study of medically important arthropods and arthropod-borne diseases. Not open to students with credit for BIO 508. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202 or equivalent. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
  • BIO 514 - Human Physiology

    Functions of mammalian organ systems, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in BIO 210. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Fulfills: LASR. (4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code F = offered in fall
  • BIO 516 - Controversies in Evolutionary Biology

    Advanced investigations of current areas of debate within modern evolutionary biology. Hypotheses addressed range from levels of selection to evolutionary medicine, with additional topics suggested by students. Includes critical evaluations of readings from the current literature (primary, secondary and popular). Primarily in a seminar format. Prerequisite: At least four semesters of biology courses or permission of the instructor. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally
  • BIO 521 - Molecular Biology

    Study of biological processes at the molecular level, including topics such as DNA replication, recombination and repair, RNA transcription and splicing, epigenetics, and gene/genome evolution. Lectures and supplemental readings from the current scientific literature. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in BIO 210 and BIO 312. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code F = offered in fall
  • BIO 522 - Evolutionary Analysis

    Analysis of the mechanics and patterns of biological evolution. Includes consideration of the historical development of ideas, the integration of examples from across the biological sciences and an emphasis on the modern understanding of evolutionary processes. Not open to students with credit for BIO 422 or 516. Prerequisites: Four semesters of biology including a course in genetics. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally
  • BIO 523 - Field Mycology

    Emphasis on field and laboratory techniques used in identifying macro fungi (mushrooms, polypores, stinkhorns, coral fungi, jelly fungi, cup fungi, etc.). Skills involving microscopic preparations and interpretation of cells and tissues, microchemical reactions, and tissue sectioning will be developed. Lecture and laboratory topics will cover morphology, taxonomy, ecology and economic importance of macro fungi. Project and paper required. Prerequisite: Year of college-level biology. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code M = offered in summer; O = offered occasionally
  • BIO 524 - Physiological Ecology

    Physiological responses and adaptation of organisms to environmental factors. Prerequisite: Four semesters of undergraduate biology or permission of instructor. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code S = offered in spring; C = offered at least once every two years
  • BIO 529 - Special Topics in Biological Sciences

    Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally
  • BIO 533 - Biology Seminar

    Selected topics dealing with current issues in biology. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (1-3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally
  • BIO 629 - Special Topics in Biological Sciences

    Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally
  • BIO 690 - Research in Biology

    Graduate independent research under faculty direction. Written report or thesis required. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisite: Consent of department. (1-6 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally


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