Biological Sciences (BISC)
Kimberly G. Smith
Department Chair
632 Science-
479-575-3251
E-mail: kgsmith@uark.edu
William Etges
Graduate Coordinator
632 Science-
479-575-3251
E-mail: wetges@uark.edu
• University Professor James
• Professors Durdik, Etges, Henry, Smith, Spiegel, Talburt, Walker
• Research Professor Stephenson
• Adjunct Professor Gentry
• Associate Professors Beaupre, Brown, Ivey, Kral, Rhoads, Sagers, Ziegler
• Associate Research Professors Krementz, Magoulick
• Assistant Professors Curtin, Lehmann, McNabb, Pinto, Silberman
• Assistant Research Professor Goforth
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. A concentration in Space and Planetary Sciences is available for those in the Ph.D. program.
Primary Areas of Faculty Research: Cell and molecular biology (biotechnology, cellular physiology, functional genomics, gene regulation, immunology, developmental biology, molecular genetics, pathogenic microbiology); ecology and evolutionary biology (animal behavior, aquatic ecology, animal and plant physiology, conservation biology, community ecology, exobiology, fisheries biology, limnology, molecular systematics, mycology, physiological ecology, plant morphology, population and quantitative genetics, taxonomy, vertebrate biology – herpetology, ichthyology, mammalogy, ornithology – and wildlife management).
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 the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections 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
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. 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
(BIOL) BIOLOGY
BIOL4003 Laboratory Techniques in Microbiology (Fa) 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.
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: Lab component. Prerequisite: BIOL 2533 and CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L or equivalent. (Same as FDSC 4124)
BIOL4233 Microbial Genetics (Fa) 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 BIOL 2323 and CHEM 3603 and CHEM 3601L and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L.
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: Lab component. Prerequisite: BIOL 2533 and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L
BIOL4304 Plant Physiology (Fa) Study of plant processes. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: BIOL 1613 and BIOL 1611L and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L and general chemistry.
BIOL4313 Physiology of Microorganisms (Fa) Life processes of microorganisms. Prerequisite: BIOL 2533 and CHEM 3603 and CHEM 3601L and CHEM 3613 and CHEM 3611L.
BIOL4353 Ecological Genetics (Odd years, Fa) Analysis of the genetics of natural and laboratory populations with emphasis on the ecological bases of evolutionary change. Prerequisite: BIOL 2323 and BIOL 2321L and MATH 2554 and STAT 2023 or equivalent.
BIOL4424 Mycology (Fa) Form and function of the fungi. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: BIOL 1613 and BIOL 1611L and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L.
BIOL4443 Molecular Virology (Odd years, Sp) 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 2323) and (BIOL 4753 or BIOL 2533) or graduate standing.
BIOL4613 Primate Adaptation and Evolution (Sp, Su, Fa) Introduction to the biology of the order Primates. This course considers the comparative anatomy, behavioral ecology and paleontology of our nearest living relatives. Prerequisite: BIOL 3023 or ANTH 1013. (Same as ANTH 4613)
BIOL4703H Honors Mechanisms of Pathogenesis (Fa) 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 2533
BIOL4703 Mechanisms of Pathogenesis (Fa) 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 2533.
BIOL4711L Basic Immunology Laboratory (Sp) Corequisite: BIOL 4713.
BIOL4713H Honors 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
BIOL4713 Basic Immunology (Sp) (Formerly MBIO 4714) 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.
BIOL4724 Protistology (Odd years, Fa) 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: Lab component. Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 3023 or graduate standing. Prerequisite: BIOL 2533 and BIOL 2323 or graduate standing.
BIOL4753 General Virology (Sp) 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: BIOL2533 and BIOL2323 (Same as ANSC 4753)
BIOL480VH Honors Special Problems (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) For advanced students with adequate preparation. (Same as BIOL 480V)
BIOL480V Special Problems (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) For advanced students with adequate preparation. (Same as BIOL 480VH)
BIOL485V Field Ecology (Sp, Su) (1-3) Project oriented approach employing current field and laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis. Field trip is required.
BIOL490V Special Topics in Microbiology (Irregular) (1-6) 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) 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. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5001 Seminar in Biology (Sp, Fa) Discussion of selected topics and review of current literature in any area of the biological sciences.
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.
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.
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.
BIOL5264 Soil Microbiology (Odd years, Fa) 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: lab component. Prerequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L.
BIOL529V Research in Physiology (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6)
BIOL5323 Plant Growth and Growth Substances (Even years, Sp) 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).
BIOL5343 Advanced Immunology (Fa) 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. (Same as POSC 5343)
BIOL5352L Immunology in the Laboratory (Sp) 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. (Same as POSC 5352L,VTSC 5352L)
BIOL5353 Ecological Genetics (Odd years, Fa) 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.
BIOL539V Research in Genetics (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6)
BIOL5423 Human Evolutionary Anatomy (Irregular) 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. Prerequisite: ANTH 1013 and BIOL 1543. (Same as ANTH 5423)
BIOL5433 Principles of Evolution (Even years, Fa) 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 (Odd years, Sp) 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 (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6)
BIOL5503 Ecosystem Ecology (Odd years, Sp) 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.
BIOL5511L Population Ecology Laboratory (Sp) Demonstration of the models and concepts from BIOL 5513. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 5513.
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.
BIOL5523 Physiological Ecology (Even years, Sp) Effects of environmental factors on plant growth. Studies of light, temperature, soil, and soil moisture relationships will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIOL 3864.
BIOL5524 Developmental Biology (Sp) An analysis of the concepts and mechanisms of development emphasizing the experimental approach. Corequisite: Lab component.
BIOL5533 Chemical and Biochemical Aspects of Evolution (Odd years, Sp) 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.
BIOL5544 Comparative Vertebrate Embryology (Fa) 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: lab component.
BIOL558V Research in Cell Biology (1-18)
BIOL559V Research in Embryology (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6)
BIOL5643 Invertebrate Phylogeny (Even years, Sp) 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 (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6)
BIOL5723 Fish Biology (Odd years, Sp) Morphology, classification, life histories, population dynamics, and natural history of fishes and fish-like vertebrates. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: lab component. Prerequisite: 12 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5743 Herpetology (Even years, Sp) Morphology, classification and ecology of amphibians and reptiles. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 1 hour per week. Corequisite: lab component.
BIOL5763 Ornithology (Even years, Sp) Taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology of birds. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Corequisite: lab component. Prerequisite: 10 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5783 Mammalogy (Irregular) Lectures and laboratory dealing with classification, morphology, distribution, ecology, behavior, and physiology of mammals. Corequisite: lab component.
BIOL579V Research in Vertebrate Zoology (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6)
BIOL580V Research in Botany (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6)
BIOL5814 Limnology (Odd years, Fa) Physical, chemical and biological conditions of inland waters. Lecture 3 hours per week, laboratory arranged. Corequisite: lab component. Prerequisite: (CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L) or equivalent and 12 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL581V Research in Microbiology (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6)
BIOL5822 Animal Distribution (Even years, Fa) Physical, chronological, and biological factors affecting animal distribution, emphasizing terrestrial and fresh-water vertebrates.
BIOL5833 Animal Behavior (Odd years, Fa) Organization, regulation, and phylogeny of animal behavior, emphasizing vertebrates. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Corequisite: lab component.
BIOL5844 Community Ecology (Even years, Sp) Survey of theoretical and applied aspects of community processes stressing structure, trophic dynamics, community interactions, and major community types. Corequisite: BIOL 5840L. Prerequisite: Lab component.
BIOL585V Field Ecology (Sp, Su) (1-3) Project-oriented approach employing current field and laboratory techniques, experimental design and data analysis. Field trip is required.
BIOL589V Research in Field Zoology (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6)
BIOL590V Special Topics in Botany (Sp, Fa) (1-6) Consideration of new areas of botanical science not yet treated adequately in textbooks or in other courses. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5914 Stream Ecology (Even years, Fa) Current concepts and research in lotic ecosystem dynamics. Lecture, laboratory, field work and individual research projects required. Corequisite: lab component. Prerequisite: some previous course work in ecology is essential.
BIOL591V Special Topics in Microbiology (Sp, Fa) (1-6) Consideration of new areas of microbiological science not yet treated adequately in textbooks or in other sciences. Prerequisite: 8 hours of biological sciences.
BIOL5922 Conservation of Endangered Species (Odd years, Sp) 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: Elemental Cycles and Environmental Change (Odd Years, Sp) This course explores the chemical, biological, and geological processes occurring within 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 (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
BIOL700V Doctoral Dissertation (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-12) Prerequisite: graduate standing.