Biology (BIOL)

This course teaches students with no prior experience the fundamentals of programming, electronics, 3D printing, actuation and robotics for application to biological experiments. (Formerly 3100:504)

The science of identifying, naming, and classifying the diversity of life. Topics include: nomenclature, types, techniques of data collection, and methods of phylogenetic reconstruction. (Formerly 3100:506)

Advanced study of the ecology of individuals, populations, communities, and conservation/applied ecology. Active participation/discussion of primary literature in ecology is required. (Formerly 3100:512)

Introduction to sampling methods, design of experiments and observations, and computer analysis; some local natural history. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:518)

Ecology of coral reefs, tide pools, mangroves, intertidal zones, terrestrial flora and fauna, island biogeography. Taught at a field station in the tropics. (Formerly 3100:521)

Explores the factors affecting survival of biodiversity, and how to develop practical approaches to resolve complicated conservation issues. (Formerly 3100:522)

Discussion of animal and plant ecology and evolutionary biology from a species and population level perspective. Includes topics in population ecology and population genetics. (Formerly 3100:523)

Wetland ecology; principles and conservation. Field studies will be conducted at Bath Nature Preserve. Laboratory. *Field trips involved; minor transportation costs. (Formerly 3100:526)

This course explores the diversity of aquatic life and key biotic characteristics of freshwater ecosystems with emphasis on the Great Lakes. Includes field trips. (Formerly 3100:527)

May be taken without 429/529. Biological basis of behavior, ethological theory; function, causation, evolution, and adaptiveness of behavior. (Formerly 3100:528)

Prerequisites or corequisite: BIOL 528. Individualized, directed study to provide the student with first-hand experience in observing, describing and interpreting animal behavior. (Formerly 3100:529)

History of the ecosystem concept; components, processes and dynamics of communities and ecosystems; analysis and design of ecosystem experiments. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:530)

Principles and practice of repairing, improving, and protecting damaged ecosystems. Lectures cover principles, Laboratories provide practical applications (both Indoor and in the Field). 

Study of major groups of bacteria which produce infections in humans. Biochemical properties of microorganisms which engender virulence and nature of host resistance. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:533)

Nature of antigens, antibody response, and antigen-antibody reactions. Site and mechanism of antibody formations, hypersensitivity, immunologic tolerance and immune diseases considered. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:537)

Immunology is studied from a historical and current perspective. Topics include T cells, B cells, antigen presentation, HIV, and transplantation. (Formerly 3100:539)

Structure, life history, classification of representative fungi with emphasis on the importance of fungi to humans. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:540)

Examination of the major groups of algae with emphasis on life histories and their relationship to algal form and structure. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:543)

Collection and identification of tropical marine algae on San Salvador Island, The Bahamas. Discussion of characteristics and ecology of major groups of Caribbean algae. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:544)

Structure, physiology, life cycles, economic importance characteristics of orders and major families of insects. Laboratories parallel lectures. (Formerly 3100:551)

Invertebrate groups, their classification, functional morphology, adaptive radiation and life history. A phylogenetic approach is used. Laboratories parallel lectures. (Formerly 3100:553)

Principles of parasitism; host parasite interactions; important human and veterinary parasitic diseases; and control measures. Laboratories parallel lectures. (Formerly 3100:554)

Study of fishes; incorporates aspects of evolution, anatomy, physiology, natural history, and commercial exploitation of fishes. Laboratory incorporates field-based exercises and fish taxonomy. (Formerly 3100:555)

Introduction to biology of birds: classification, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, evolution, natural history and field identification. Laboratory. *Field trips involved; minor transportation costs. (Formerly 3100:556)

Survey of the diversity, ecology and evolution of amphibians and reptiles. Special emphasis is given to Ohio species. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:557)

Prerequisite: Permission. Biology of vertebrates, except birds; evolution, ecology, behavior, systematics and anatomy. Laboratory with field trips. (Formerly 3100:558)

Prerequisite: BIOL 573. Study of biological mechanisms involved in heart attack, strokes, fluid balance, hypertension and heart disease. Controversial issues in each area will be examined and current research presented. (Formerly 3100:565)

Lectures focus on development of model vertebrate organisms and humans, and cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying animal development. (Formerly 3100:566)

An introduction to the comparative morphology of major vertebrates. The laboratory consists of dissections of representative vertebrates. (Formerly 3100:567)

Study of the physiological mechanisms of reproduction throughout the animal kingdom with special emphasis upon mammalian endocrinological control. Controversial issues in the field will be examined and current research presented. (Formerly 3100:568)

Prerequisite: BIOL 573. Study of mechanisms determining gas exchange including mechanics, ventilation, blood flow, diffusion, and control systems. Emphasis is given to normal human lung function. (Clinical aspects are not considered in detail.) (Formerly 3100:569)

Required of anyone working with animals, and covers government regulations, care of animals and a lab to teach basic animal handling and measurement techniques. (Formerly 3100:570)

Prerequisite: BIOL 573. The integrative study of how genetics and physiology influence complex systems from molecular to behavioral in plants and animals. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:571)

Prerequisite: BIOL 573. Study of mechanisms from molecular to behavioral of how stress influences body systems and signals. The latest research and experimental issues are discussed. (Formerly 3100:572)

Study of respiration, circulation, digestion, metabolism, osmoregulation, and excretion in a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Adaptation to the environment is emphasized. (Formerly 3100:573)

Corequisite: BIOL 573. Laboratory experiments in animal physiology (respiration, circulation, metabolism, osmoregulation). Presentation of results in scientific format and as oral reports. (Formerly 3100:574)

Investigation of how physical constraints on biological materials, structural mechanics and locomotion relate to the survival and evolution of living organisms. (Formerly 3100:575)

Fundamentals of molecular biology, including recombinant DNA technology, applications in biotechnology, medicine, and genetic engineering. Mechanisms of gene regulation. (Formerly 3100:580)

Nature of the gene; genetic codes; hereditary determinants; mutagenesis and genes in population. Lecture and seminar. (Formerly 3100:581)

History of Neuroscience; organization, function and development of the central nervous system; electrophysiological properties of nerve cells; learning and memory; molecular basis for mental diseases. (Formerly 3100:582)

Explores molecular and biochemical aspects of energy metabolism, inter and intracellular signaling, growth and death of cells. Emphasizes up-to-date scientific literature and techniques. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:585)

(May be repeated) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Group studies of special topics in biology. May not be used to meet undergraduate or graduate major requirements in biology. May be used for elective credit only. (Formerly 3100:594)

Prerequisite: Permission. Honors-level work, usually consisting of laboratory investigations. A maximum of 4 credits may apply toward the major degree requirements. (Formerly 3100:597)

Prerequisite: Permission. Honors-level work, usually consisting of laboratory investigations. A maximum of 4 credits may apply toward the major degree requirements. (Formerly 3100:598)

Advanced studies of topics in ecology and evolution, including population genetics, coevolution, metapopulations, and conservation genetics. Lecture/discussion format. (Formerly 3100:601)

Reading, critical analysis, presentation, discussion and debate of cutting edge biological research with an emphasis on understanding the integrative approach to biological investigation. (Formerly 3100:604)

A survey of theory and methods in evolutionary biology including: evolutionary genetics, natural selection, drift, mating systems, trait integration, plasticity, phylogenetics, and paleontology. (Formerly 3100:616)

Advanced training for students pursuing a professional/academic career in ecology or associated disciplines. Exploration of interactions at the organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels. (Formerly 3100:617)

Prerequisite: Graduate status. Field oriented course intended to help students learn to formulate questions and hypotheses, design field studies, analyze and interpret data, and present conclusions. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:618)

Prerequisite: Permission. This course examines interactions between aquatic organisms and their environment across freshwater and marine systems. It includes primary literature, field trips, and student-designed experiments. (Formerly 3100:624)

Basic DNA techniques including extraction of DNA, cleavage of DNA and cloning. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:625)

Discussion of current techniques in molecular biology such as microscopy, cell culture, gene expression and protein analysis. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:626)

Prerequisite: BIOL 528 or equivalent. Advanced studies of topics in behavior, emphasizing current scientific literature. (Formerly 3100:628)

Principles and practice of repairing, improving, and protecting damaged ecosystems. Lectures cover principles, Laboratories provide practical applications (both Indoor and in the Field). 

Prerequisite: graduate standing in Biology. Exploration of the diversity and biology of insects and their relatives. Laboratories emphasize field exercises and a collection. (Formerly 3100:651)

Study of physiological reactions of healthy mammals to natural changes or extremes of physical environment. (Formerly 3100:660)

Through lecture, reading and critical analysis of current literature, physiologic mechanisms of exercise in animals will be explored. (Formerly 3100:663)

This course integrates cell biology and histology to show how organs are structured and function, and how they are altered during sample pathologies. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:665)

The study of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying animal development. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:671)

Prerequisite: B.S. in Biology or equivalent. This course is designed to examine the behavioral, physiological, genomic and molecular mechanisms of how various types of stressors affect the organism. (Formerly 3100:673)

Prerequisite: B. S. in Biology or equivalent. Integration of epidemiological, behavioral, physiological, molecular and genetic mechanisms of cardiovascular function in health and disease. Emphasis on critical thinking and class discussions. (Formerly 3100:674)

Prerequisite: B.S. degree in science discipline. This course uses methodologies from genetics and physiology as an integrated approach to studying whole body systems. (Formerly 3100:675)

Exploration of the integrative nature of physiology through lecture, reading, and critical analysis of current literature. (Formerly 3100:676)

Study of the complex nature of specific physiological systems both as separate entities and interacting units. (Formerly 3100:677)

The study of how a cell's structure, biochemistry, metabolism, and molecular biology integrate to produce cell function. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:681)

The study of organization, function, and development of the vertebrate nervous system. (Formerly 3100:683)

The study of how a cell's structure, biochemistry, metabolism and molecular biology integrate to produce cell function. Laboratory. (Formerly 3100:685)

Modern cytological methods using transmission electron microscope. Portfolio required to demonstrate proficiency in fixation techniques, use of ultramicrotome, light and electron microscopes and darkroom techniques. (Formerly 3100:688)

Prerequisite: BIOL 681 or equivalent. An introduction of modern cytological methods using the scanning electron microscope. A portfolio is required to demonstrate proficiency in fixation techniques, the use of supplemental equipment such as the critical point drying apparatus and the sputter-coating apparatus and the efficient use of the scanning electron microscope. (Formerly 3100:689)

(May be repeated) Prerequisite: Permission. Special courses offered once or only occasionally in areas where no formal course exists. (Formerly 3100:695)

Prerequisite: Permission. Students should have a working knowledge of physiology.Students should understand the underlying principles of physiology and apply this knowledge to various organs.Able to apply principles of physiology within their given field of study (biomedical engineering and science).

Prerequisite: Permission. This course provides graduate students with hands-on training in leading Biology laboratory sessions, covering topics such as experimental design, safety protocols, and effective teaching strategies. Individual and group discussions, in-class evaluations and additional reading will help students excel as teaching assistants enabling them to create a dynamic learning environment for undergraduate students in Biology labs.

Prerequisite: Permission. This class will be a guided exploration of bees and their biology. We will touch on three main topics (Bees in general, Honey Bee biology, and Beekeeping), and investigate areas of those topics that we think are interesting.

In this course, we will explore how biological systems interact with global environmental change through the principles of earth systems, ecology, and evolutionary biology. The first half of the course will review earth’s climate systems and elemental, energy, and water cycles, and how each impacts and is impacted by climate change. The second half of the course will build on this foundational knowledge to examine the influence of climate and other global environmental changes on biological systems, including emphasis on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, species responses to change, and human wellbeing. Throughout the course we will explore climate policy and legislation, and will engage with primary literature and long-term datasets throughout the semester. The course will conclude with student presentation and evaluation of solutions for mitigating global change, restoring ecosystem functions, and promoting a sustainable future

Prerequisite: Permission. Exploration of how dams and their removal affect ecological processes, with a focus on the Cuyahoga River.

Prerequisite: Permission. Study of structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on developing a deeper understanding of core concepts necessary for optimized teaching of Anatomy and Physiology.

Prerequisite: Permission. Help us reimagine what a natural history museum on campus might look like. With guidance from a professional collections assessment conducted in the fall of 2024, students will learn about the importance of biological and geological collections for research, education, and outreach. We will design a space where collections could be displayed for classes and used by members of the campus community and public for research.

(May be repeated) Prerequisite: Permission. Attendance at all departmental seminars and presentation of seminar based on original research. Required of all thesis option students who shall present their thesis research. (Formerly 3100:697)

(May be repeated) Prerequisite: Permission. Attendance at all departmental seminars and presentation of seminar based on original research. Required of all thesis option students who shall present their thesis research. (Formerly 3100:698)

(May be repeated) A minimum of six credits is required for thesis option student. (Formerly 3100:699)

Students will learn standard, common techniques that are applicable across broad areas of research in integrated bioscience. (Formerly 3100:701)

Communication of bioscience topics to professionals of a broad audience. Students present topics in their area of expertise to other (non-discipline) students in the course. (Formerly 3100:702)

Prerequisite: BIOL 702. Students will learn how to study complex systems and get hands-on experience working in interdisciplinary teams. (Formerly 3100:703)

Prerequisite: Permission. Seminars of original research from a broad range of bioscience-related disciplines. (Formerly 3100:797)

Prerequisite: Permission. Seminars of original research from a broad range of bioscience-related disciplines. (Formerly 3100:798)

Original research by the doctoral student. (Formerly 3100:899)