Biological Sciences Dan Davis
Interim Department Chair
632 Science-Engineering Building
479-575-3251
Graduate Coordinator
622 Science-Engineering Building
479-575-7561
E-mail: biscgsc@uark.edu
Web: http://biology.uark.edu/bisc.html/
• Professors Durdik, Etges, James, Smith (K.), Talburt, Walker
• Research Professor Stephenson
• Associate Professors Beaupre, Brown, Henry, Ivey, Kral, Rhoads,
Sagers, Spiegel
• Associate Research Professor Krementz
• Assistant Professors Lehmann, McNabb, Pinto, Silberman, Ziegler
• Assistant Research Professors Goforth, Magoulick, Thompson
Degrees Conferred:
M.A., M.S., Ph.D. in Biology (BIOL)
The graduate programs in Biological Sciences offer opportunity for advanced study and research to students who desire a comprehensive view of biological sciences. Accomplishment is judged by competence and a developing sense of responsibility for the advancement of knowledge rather than the fulfillment of routine requirements. The faculty requires of all candidates for advanced degrees a period of study in residence, advanced competence in the chosen area of expertise, satisfactory introduction to allied subjects, the ability to communicate at a scholarly level, and a satisfactory performance in examinations.
Primary Areas of Faculty Research: Animal behavior, animal physiology, aquatic ecology, biophysics, biotechnology, cellular physiology, cell and molecular biology, conservation biology, community ecology, embryology, evolutionary biology, exobiology, fisheries biology, herpetology, immunology, limnology, microbial ecology, microbial physiology, molecular genetics, molecular systematics, mycology, ornithology, pathogenic microbiology, physiological ecology, plant morphology, plant physiology, population and quantitative genetics, protein targeting and transport, systematics, taxonomy, and wildlife ecology.
Admission to Degree Program: Applicants who wish to study for advanced degrees are expected to present a minimum of 18 hours of biological science. These normally will include training in the three areas of the Biology Subject test of the Graduate Record Examinations: a) cellular and molecular biology, b) organism biology, and c) ecology, evolution, and population biology. Applicants lacking experience in any of the above areas will be expected to broaden their biological training and may be assigned specific course work to fulfill this requirement. Students lacking a total of 18 hours of biological sciences may be admitted on a conditional basis and are not eligible for assistantships. All students applying for admission to the graduate program must provide scores on a) the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections and b) an appropriate subject test of the Graduate Record Examinations. Those scores, along with transcripts and three letters of recommendation, will be used in evaluating applications of students applying for assistantships.
All students must have a major professor to enter the graduate program in biological sciences. Ultimately each candidate will have a committee composed of members of the graduate faculty and the student’s major professor. Students must also fulfill the Graduate School’s residency requirements, which are stated elsewhere in this catalog.
All students are required to take Bibliographic Practicum (BIOL 5101) (or present evidence of its equivalent) within the first three academic semesters, and to earn credit in two graduate seminars. Additional seminar requirements may be specified by the major professor in conjunction with the graduate committee. Students are required to present a research seminar prior to the oral thesis or dissertation defense.
Requirements for the Master’s Degree: Two degree programs are available, both of which require 30 semester hours of graduate credit specified by the department. The Master of Science includes at least 24 semester hours of course credit and thesis research. Master of Science students are required to enroll in BIOL 600V for 6 hours of credit and to submit a scholarly thesis based on field and/or laboratory research. Master of Arts students must enroll in BIOL 600V for 6 hours of credit and submit a scholarly thesis based on critical evaluation of scientific literature (on a topic agreed upon by their advisory committee), and complete at least 24 hours of graduate courses. A specific coursework program will be selected under the guidance of the student’s major professor and graduate committee. An oral comprehensive examination is required of all candidates, including a defense of the thesis, which in the case of M.S. students will follow their research seminar.
Specific Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree: There are no formal course requirements for doctoral students, except the required BIOL 5101 and two seminars mentioned previously, and any prescriptive courses as determined from scores on the Subject test of the Graduate Record Examinations. A minimum of 18 hours must be taken in dissertation credit. Students wishing to bypass the master’s degree must complete 24 hours of post-baccalaureate graduate coursework before they can be considered for the doctoral program. The Ph.D. is granted not only for fulfillment of technical requirements, but also for development and possession of a critical and creative ability in science and fruitful expression of imagination. Evidence of this is given in the dissertation that the candidate prepares, which constitutes an original research contribution to the fields of the biological sciences.
The Graduate School requires two examinations of all students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy degree. These examinations are designed to assist students in developing the ability to communicate at a scholarly level and to show they have attained intellectual mastery of knowledge relating to the biological sciences. The Candidacy Examination contains both written and oral portions related to the student’s field of interest and is taken after approximately two years of graduate study. Successful completion of that examination means that the student becomes a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy; failure of that examination means that the student cannot be readmitted to the graduate program in the Department of Biological Sciences. The oral Final Examination, preceded by a research seminar, is primarily concerned with the candidate’s dissertation and is taken at the end of the candidate’s program.
BIOL4003 Laboratory Techniques in Microbiology (FA) (Formerly MBIO 4003) Provides experience with laboratory techniques in microbial physiology, metabolism, and genetics. Laboratory 6 hours per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L and CHEM 3603 and CHEM 3601L and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L.
BIOL4104 Taxonomy of Flowering Plants (SP, SU) (Formerly BOTY 4104) Identifying, naming, and classifying of wildflowers, weeds, trees, and other flowering plants. Emphasis is on the practical aspects of plant identification. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 4100L. Prerequisite: BIOL 1613 and BIOL 1611L and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L.
BIOL4100L Taxonomy of Flowering Plants Laboratory (SP, SU) (Formerly BOTY 4100L) Corequisite: BIOL 4104.
BIOL4124 Food Microbiology (SP) (Formerly MBIO 4124) Microbiology, contamination, preservation, and spoilage of different kinds of foods, food poisoning, sanitation, control, and inspection; microbiology of water; and standard methods for official food and public health laboratories. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 4120L. Prerequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L and CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L or equivalent.
BIOL4120L Food Microbiology Laboratory (SP) (Formerly MBIO 4120L) Corequisite: BIOL 4124.
BIOL4234 Comparative Physiology (FA) Comparison of fundamental physiological mechanisms in various animal groups. Adaptations to environmental factors at both the organismal and cellular levels are emphasized. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 4230L. Prerequisite: (8 hours in biology or zoology) and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L
BIOL4233 Microbial Genetics (FA) (Formerly MBIO 4233) Principles of molecular genetics in microorganisms, including the concepts of DNA structure and function, mutation, transformation, conjugation, transduction, recombination, and genetic engineering. Prerequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L and CHEM 3603 and CHEM 3601L and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L.
BIOL4230L Comparative Physiology Laboratory (FA) Corequisite: BIOL 4234.
BIOL4304 Plant Physiology (FA) (Formerly BOTY 4304) Study of plant processes. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 4300L. Prerequisite: BIOL 1613 and BIOL 1611L and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L and general chemistry.
BIOL4300L Plant Physiology Laboratory (FA) (Formerly BOTY 4300L) Corequisite: BIOL 4304.
BIOL4313 Physiology of Microorganisms (FA) (Formerly MBIO 4303) Life processes of microorganisms. Prerequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L and CHEM 3603 and CHEM 3601L and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L.
BIOL4353 Ecological Genetics (FA, Odd years) Analysis of the genetics of natural and laboratory populations with emphasis on the ecological bases of evolutionary change. Prerequisite: BIOL 3323 and BIOL 3321L and MATH 2554 and STAT 2023 or equivalent.
BIOL4424 Mycology (FA) (Formerly BOTY 4424) Form and function of the fungi. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 4420L. Prerequisite: BIOL 1613 and BIOL 1611L and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L.
BIOL4420L Mycology Laboratory (FA) (Formerly BOTY 4420L) Corequisite: BIOL 4424.
BIOL4443 Molecular Virology (SP, Odd years) (Formerly BOTY 4443) Presents the molecular mechanisms underlying viral life-cycles; tropism and host cell recognition, penetration, genome replication, gene expression, transformation, assembly, nucleic acid packaging, and egress. Emphasis placed on experimental approaches. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: (BIOL 4233 or BIOL 3323) and (BIOL 4753 or BIOL 2533) or graduate standing.
BIOL4613 Primate Adaptation and Evolution (FA, SP, SU) Introduction to the biology of the order Primates. This course considers the comparative anatomy, behavioral ecology and paleontology of our nearest living relatives. (Same as ANTH 4613) Prerequisite: (BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L) or ANTH 1013.
BIOL4623 Advanced Invertebrate Zoology (SP, Odd years) (Formerly ZOOL 4623) Detailed consideration of selected freshwater and marine invertebrate taxa with emphasis on functional morphology, embryology, natural history and systematics. Lectures, laboratories, and field trips. Corequisite: BIOL 4620L.
BIOL4620L Advanced Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory (SP, Odd years) (Formerly ZOOL 4620L) Corequisite: BIOL 4623.
BIOL4703 Mechanisms of Pathogenesis (FA) (Formerly MBIO 4703) A survey of the events causing human disease at the molecular, cellular and genetic levels. Seeks to develop an appreciation that both the tricks pathogens use add the body’s own defenses contribute to pathology. Prerequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L and BIOL 2533.
BIOL4713 Basic Immunology (SP) A general overview of Immunity with emphasis on the underlying cellular, molecular, and genetic events, and discussions of more specialized issues in Immunology, such as disease states involving the Immune system, and other interesting problems in modern Immunology. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 2323 and BIOL 2533.
BIOL4711L Basic Immunology Laboratory (SP) Corequisite: BIOL 4713.
BIOL4724 Protistology (FA, Odd years) The biology of eukaryotes other than Animals, Land Plants, and Fungi with emphasis on morphology and modern approaches to phylogenetic systematics. Three hours lecture, four hours lab/week. Involves writing term papers. Corequisite: BIOL 4720L.
BIOL4720L Protistology Laboratory (FA, Odd years) Corequisite: BIOL 4724.
BIOL4753 General Virology (SP) (Formerly MBIO 4753) An introduction to viral life-cycles, structure, and host cell interactions. Emphasis placed on molecular and biochemical aspects of virology. Two hour lecture and one hour discussion. Prerequisite: BIOL 2533 and BIOL 2323.
BIOL480V Special Problems (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) For advanced students with adequate preparation. May be repeated.
BIOL485V Field Ecology (1-3) (SP, SU) Project oriented approach employing current field and laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis. Field trip is required.
BIOL490V Special Topics in Microbiology (1-6) (IR) (Formerly MBIO 490) Consideration of new areas of microbiological knowledge not yet treated adequately in textbooks or in other courses. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL4933 Special Topics in Zoology (SU) (Formerly ZOOL 4933) Discussion of recent outstanding zoological research of interest to zoology majors and public school science teachers. May be repeated with different instructor of a maximum of 6 hours of credit. May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5001 Seminar in Biology (FA, SP) Discussion of selected topics and review of current literature in any area of the biological sciences. May be repeated for 2 hours.
BIOL5101 Bibliographic Practicum (FA) Systematic survey of biological resources available on CD-ROM, through electronic library on-line services, and on the Internet and World Wide Web. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing.
BIOL5264 Soil Microbiology (FA, Odd years) (Formerly MBIO 5264) A study of the microorganisms in soil and the biochemical processes for which they are responsible. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 5260L. Prerequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L.
BIOL5263 Cell Physiology (SP) Covers cellular processes involved in growth, metabolism, transport, excitation, signalling and motility, with emphasis on function and regulation in eukaryotes, primarily animals. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 2533 and BIOL 2531L and CHEM 3813 and PHYS 2033.
BIOL5261L Cell Physiology Laboratory (SP) Laboratory demonstrations of cell processes involved in growth, metabolism, transport, excitation, signalling and motility. Laboratory 3 hours. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 5263.
BIOL5260L Soil Microbiology Laboratory (FA, Odd years) (Formerly MBIO 5260L) Laboratory exercises related to the study of microorganisms in soil and the biochemical processes for which they are responsible. Laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 5264.
BIOL529V Research in Physiology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL5323 Plant Growth and Growth Substances (SP, Even years) (Formerly BOTY 5323) Concepts and techniques employed in the study of growth and development with emphasis on growth substances. Prerequisite: BIOL 4304 and organic chemistry.
BIOL5334 Biochemical Genetics (SP) Lectures and laboratories based on modern molecular genetic techniques for analyses of eukaryotes and manipulation of prokaryotes. A hands-on course in recombinant DNA techniques: laboratory practices in gene identification, cloning, and characterization. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 5330L. Prerequisite: BIOL 3323 (or equivalent) and CHEM 3813 (or equivalent).
BIOL5330L Biochemical Genetics Laboratory (SP) Corequisite: BIOL 5334.
BIOL5343 Advanced Immunology (FA) (Formerly MBIO 5343) Aspects of innate, cell-mediated, and humoral immunity in mammalian and avian species. Molecular mechanisms underlying the function of the immune system are emphasized. A course in Basic Immunology prior to enrollment in Advanced Immunology is recommended but not required. Lecture 3 hours per week.
BIOL5353 Ecological Genetics (FA, Odd years) Analysis of the genetics of natural and laboratory populations with emphasis on the ecological bases of evolutional change. Prerequisite: BIOL 3323 and BIOL 3321L and MATH 2554 and STAT 2023 or equivalent.
BIOL5352L Immunology in the Laboratory (SP) (Formerly MBIO 5352L) Laboratory course on immune-diagnostic laboratory techniques and uses of antibodies as a research tool. Included are cell isolation and characterization procedures, immunochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA and cell culture assay systems. Laboratory 6 hours per week. Prerequisite: POSC 5343 or BIOL 5343.
BIOL539V Research in Genetics (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL5423 Human Evolutionary Anatomy (IR) Paleobiologists reconstruct past lifeways and systematic relationships of our ancestors using comparative studies of bony morphology and associated soft tissues. This course surveys methods and theories used to infer function and phylogeny, and details relevant aspects of the anatomy of humans, living great apes, and fossil human ancestors. (Same as ANTH 5423) Prerequisite: ANTH 1013 and BIOL 1543.
BIOL5433 Principles of Evolution (FA, Even years) Advanced survey of the mechanisms of evolutionary change with special emphasis on advances since the Modern Synthesis. Historical, theoretical, and population genetics approaches are discussed. Recommended: BIOL 3023 and BIOL 3321L and BIOL 3861L. Prerequisite: BIOL 3323 and BIOL 3863.
BIOL5463 Physiological Ecology of Animals (SP, Odd years) Interactions between environment, physiology, and properties of individuals and populations on both evolutionary and ecological scales. Prerequisite: BIOL 3863 and BIOL 4234 and BIOL 4230L.
BIOL549V Research in Vertebrate Morphology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL5503 Ecosystem Ecology (SP, Odd years) Factors controlling ecosystem structure and function. Topics include paleoclimate and species migrations, current species alliances, biogeochemical cycles, and climate change and ecosystem stability. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864.
BIOL5513 Population Ecology (SP) Survey of theoretical and applied aspects of populations processes stressing models of growth, interspecific interactions, and adaptation to physical and biotic environments. Corequisite: BIOL 5511L. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864.
BIOL5511L Population Ecology Laboratory (SP) Demonstration of the models and concepts from BIOL 5513. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 5513.
BIOL5524 Developmental Biology (SP) (Formerly ZOOL 5514) An analysis of the concepts and mechanisms of development emphasizing the experimental approach. Corequisite: BIOL 5520L.
BIOL5523 Physiological Ecology (SP, Even years) Effects of environmental factors on plant growth. Studies of light, temperature, soil, and soil moisture relationships will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864.
BIOL5520L Development Biology Laboratory (SP) (Formerly ZOOL 5510L) Corequisite: BIOL 5524.
BIOL5533 Chemical and Biochemical Aspects of Evolution (SP, Odd years) Abiotic synthesis of biomolecules on Earth, the origin of cells; genetic information, origin of life on Earth and elsewhere, evolution and diversity, ecological niches, bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, novel metabolic reshaping of the environment, life being reshaped by the environment, molecular data and evolution. Prerequisite: CHEM 5813.
BIOL5544 Comparative Vertebrate Embryology (FA) (Formerly ZOOL 5544) Comparative study of the embryology of selected vertebrate types through the mammal with special emphasis on humans. Lecture 2, laboratory 6 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 5540L.
BIOL5540L Comparative Vertebrate Embryology Laboratory (FA) (Formerly ZOOL 5540L) Corequisite: BIOL 5544.
BIOL558V Research in Cell Biology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL559V Research in Embryology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL5643 Invertebrate Phylogeny (SP, Even years) (Formerly ZOOL 5643) Introduction to the principles and practice of phylogeny reconstruction and rigorous evaluation of animal relationships inferred from molecular and morphological characters. Emphasis will be on high-level phylogeny of invertebrate taxa. Prerequisite: BIOL 2814 or equivalent.
BIOL569V Research in Invertebrate Zoology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL5723 Fish Biology (SP, Odd years) (Formerly ZOOL 5723) Morphology, classification, life histories, population dynamics, and natural history of fishes and fish-like vertebrates. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIOL 5720L. Prerequisite: 12 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5720L Fish Biology Laboratory (SP, Odd years) (Formerly ZOOL 5720L) Corequisite: BIOL 5723.
BIOL5743 Herpetology (SP, Even years) (Formerly ZOOL 5743) Morphology, classification and ecology of amphibians and reptiles. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 1 hour per week. Corequisite: BIOL 5740L.
BIOL5740L Herpetology Laboratory (SP, Even years) (Formerly ZOOL 5740L) Corequisite: BIOL 5743.
BIOL5763 Ornithology (SP, Even years) (Formerly ZOOL 5763) Taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology of birds. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Corequisite: BIOL 5760L. Prerequisite: 10 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5760L Ornithology Laboratory (SP, Even years) (Formerly ZOOL 5760L) Corequisite: BIOL 5763.
BIOL5783 Mammalogy (IR) (Formerly ZOOL 5483) Lectures and laboratory dealing with classification, morphology, distribution, ecology, behavior, and physiology of mammals. Corequisite: BIOL 5780L.
BIOL5780L Mammalogy Laboratory (IR) (Formerly ZOOL 5780L) Corequisite: BIOL 5783.
BIOL579V Research in Vertebrate Zoology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL580V Research in Botany (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL5814 Limnology (FA, Odd years) (Formerly ZOOL 5814) Physical, chemical and biological conditions of inland waters. Lecture 3 hours per week, laboratory arranged. Corequisite: BIOL 5810L. Prerequisite: (CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L) or equivalent and 12 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5810L Limnology Laboratory (FA, Odd years) (Formerly ZOOL 5810L) Corequisite: BIOL 5814.
BIOL581V Research in Microbiology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL5822 Animal Distribution (FA, Even years) (Formerly ZOOL 5822) Physical, chronological, and biological factors affecting animal distribution, emphasizing terrestrial and fresh-water vertebrates.
BIOL5833 Animal Behavior (FA, Odd years) (Formerly ZOOL 5833) Organization, regulation, and phylogeny of animal behavior, emphasizing vertebrates. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Corequisite: BIOL 5830L.
BIOL5830L Animal Behavior Laboratory (FA, Odd years) (Formerly ZOOL 5830L) Corequisite: BIOL 5833.
BIOL5844 Community Ecology (SP, Even years) Survey of theoretical and applied aspects of community processes stressing structure, trophic dynamics, community interactions, and major community types. Corequisite: BIOL 5840L. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864.
BIOL5840L Community Ecology Laboratory (SP, Even years) Corequisite: BIOL 5844.
BIOL585V Field Ecology (1-3) (SP, SU) Project-oriented approach employing current field and laboratory techniques, experimental design and data analysis. Field trip is required. May be repeated.
BIOL589V Research in Field Zoology (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
BIOL590V Special Topics in Botany (1-6) (FA, SP) Consideration of new areas of botanical science not yet treated adequately in textbooks or in other courses. May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5914 Stream Ecology (FA, Even years) (Formerly ZOOL 5914) Current concepts and research in lotic ecosystem dynamics. Lecture, laboratory, field work and individual research projects required. Corequisite: BIOL 5910L. Prerequisite: some previous course work in ecology is essential.
BIOL5910L Stream Ecology Laboratory (FA, Even years) (Formerly ZOOL 5910L) Corequisite: BIOL 5914.
BIOL591V Special Topics in Microbiology (1-6) (FA, SP) Consideration of new areas of microbiological science not yet treated adequately in textbooks or in other sciences. May be repeated. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5922 Conservation of Endangered Species (SP, Odd years) Biological, bureaucratic, and political reasons for protection of the nation’s plants and animals. Conservation biology, ecology, population genetics, and legal implications of protecting selected species in ecosystem are discussed. Lecture 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: 12 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5933 Global Biogeochemistry (SP, Odd years) This course explores the chemical, biological, and geological processes occurring with ecosystems. An understanding of these processes are used to investigate how they form the global biogeochemical cycles that provide energy and nutrients necessary for life. Class discussions focus on global change and the effects of more recent anthropogenic influences. Prerequisite: college level chemistry or biochemistry and ecology.
BIOL600V Master’s Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
BIOL700V Doctoral Dissertation (1-12) (FA, SP, SU) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
ZOOL4712 Aquaculture (SP, Even years) General survey of principles and techniques of aquaculture. Lecture 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: 8 hours biological science.
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