Course Information

Undergraduate

**Courses are ordered by their course number

BOT 3015 – Principles of Plant Science

Introduction to core botanical concepts: plant biodiversity, structure and function, growth and development, photosynthesis and water relations and ecology. Fall, Spring, Summer.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: BSC 2011C
BOT 3018C – Culinary Botany Across the Cultures

Cultural food traditions and the connections between plants, people and health; examines the preparation methods that enhance the nutritional values. Odd Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: (BOT3802 or BOT 3015) or C.I.
BOT 3802 – Ethnobotany

Historical and modern uses of plants economically important in various cultures. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in both BSC 2010C and BSC2011C, or C.I.
BOT 4223C – Plant Anatomy

A study of development, structure and function of the principal organs and tissue of vascular plants. Even Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: BOT 3015, or C.I.
BOT 4282C – Plant Microtechniques

Introduction to techniques used in the preparation of microscope slides/specimens of vascular plants, including infecting organisms. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: BOT4223C or (BSC 2011C and C.I.)
BOT 4303C – Plant Kingdom

A survey of the plant kingdom utilizing comparative morphology, structure and functions to demonstrate relationships among extant and extinct forms. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: BOT3015, or C.I.
BOT 4503C – Plant Physiology

Core concepts in plant physiology, with specific focus on photosynthesis, respiration, water relations, mineral nutrition, growth and allocation, hormones, secondary metabolites, reproduction, and stress physiology. Odd Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in both BOT 3015 or C.I.
BOT 4530C – Plant Genomics and Biochemistry

Course core concepts in plant genomics, including the structuring of plant genomes and the major ways in which they differ from animal and microbe genomes. Even Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in both BSC 2011C and BOT 3015, a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in PCB 3063, or C.I.
BOT 4713C – Plant Taxonomy

Systematic classification and identification of vascular plants, with emphasis on the flora of peninsular Florida. Odd Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (5)
  • Prerequisites: BOT3015, or C.I.
BOT 4850 – Medical Botany

The medicinal properties of plants and their role in both traditional and modern medicine; history of herbal medicine and alternative medicinal practices around the world. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: PCB3522 or a “C” (2.0) or better in PCB3023, or C.I.
BOT 4922 – Plant Science Capstone

To acquire integrative experiences from internships, interviews, research experiences, ePortfolios to help build career readiness or to apply for higher studies. Odd Falls.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (2)
  • Prerequisites: Biology Major, Plant Science Track, Senior standing, and BOT 3015 or C.I.
BSC 1005 – Biological Principles

A study of various biological factors which affect the health and survival of man in modern society. Designed for non-majors. Fall, Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
BSC 2010C – Biology I

Open only to students whose major requires this specific course. Cellular and chemical basis of life, genetics, and the theory of evolution. Emphasis on problem solving, analysis, synthesis of information, and applying data effectively. Fall, Spring, Summer.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: High school biology or C.I.
BSC 2010H – Honors General Biology

Priority given to students whose major requires this course. Basic principles and unifying concepts of modern biology. Introduction to quantitative experimentation using intensive, open-ended labs. Fall, Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: Permission of Honors.
BSC 2011C – Biology II

Preference will be given to students whose program requires this course. Continuation of BSC 2010C. Organismal anatomy and physiology as it relates to biodiversity, ecology and evolution. Emphasis on problem solving, analysis, synthesis of information, and applying data effectively. Fall, Spring, Summer

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in BSC 2010C or C.I.
BSC 3052 – Conservation Biology

Science, history and principles of conservation biology. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in PCB 3044 or CI.
BSC 3312 – Principles of Marine Biology

Provides students with a foundation in the field of marine biology using a global perspective. Fall and Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in both BSC2010C and BSC2011C.
BSC 3453C – Research Methods & Experimental Design

An introduction to research methods in biology, with specific focus on critical thinking, scientific skepticism, experimental design, and working with data relevant to biological questions. Students will learn the philosophy of the scientific method, how biological research is commonly conducted, and develop a skillset of data analysis techniques in relation to biological experiments and hypotheses. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: “C” or better in both BSC 2011C and STA 2023 and a grade of “C” or better in either PCB 3044 or PCB 3063, permission of Course Instructor.
BSC 3945 – Learning Assistants in Biology

This upper-division, non-restricted elective course will prepare students for the role of Learning Assistant (LA) in an undergraduate Biology lecture course. Fall and Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Complete all of the following
    • Permission of LA Coordinator and Course Instructor
    • A grade of B must be earned in one of the following: BSC 2010C, BSC 2011C, or PCB 3063
BSC 4310 – Service Learning: Marine Conservation and Restoration

The understanding the past, present and future of marine conservation and restoration, with a focus on current efforts around the state of Florida.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL  (3)
  • Prerequisites: “C” or better in BSC 3312
BSC 4312C – Advanced Marine Biology

An advanced treatment of current issues in marine biology, emphasizing biodiversity and marine conservation through research, service-learning and field experiences. Even Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: BSC3312 and a “C” (2.0) or better in PCB3044.
BSC 4330 – Invasion Biology

General principles of invasion ecology. The study of addition of species into ecosystems as it provides insights into basic ecological and evolutionary questions. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in PCB 3044, or C.I.
BSC 4445C – Genomics Lab: Methods in Data Collection and Analysis

Hands-on approach to understanding how genomic databases are generated in the lab, and how they are analyzed computationally using bioinformatics pipelines. Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A grade of “B” (3.0) or better in PCB 3063 and completion of EHS Lab Safety Training online course and practical by end of add/drop, or instructor consent.
BSC 4456C – Programming for Biologists

Basic concepts in biological software applications and will cover multiple computer languages and biological topics. Fall

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: STA 2023, BSC 2011C, MAC 2311C, and PCB 3063, or C.I.
BSC 4473C – Scientific Diving

Scientific diving and satisfies the 100 hours of training required by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences. Spring

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Pre-requisites: BSC 1005 or BSC 2010C or EVR 1001, and C.I.
BSC 4821 – Biogeography

Study of geographic variation in nature, ranging from past to present and from genes to ecosystems. Even Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in both PCB 3044 and PCB 4683, or C.I.
BSC 4861L – Urban Ecological Field Studies

A service-learning course utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to developing models and implementing programs designed to result in environmental sustainability. Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in BSC2010C or C.I.
BSC 4927 – Scientific and Public Engagement for Biology Majors

Practical experience and training disseminating biological research to a variety of audiences. Build skills in written, verbal, and visual representation of scientific or biological information. Odd Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: ENC 1102, Biology major, junior standing, one of the following: PCB3063L, or PCB3044L, or PCB4683L, and by instructor consent
BSC 4937 – Instructional Experiences in Undergraduate Biology

Preparation of undergraduate students to more effectively learn biological concepts by facilitating learning in a variety of university biology labs. Graded S/U. May be repeated for credit. Fall, Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (2)
  • Prerequisites: PCB3063, Biology major with 80 semester hours and 3.0 GPA
BSC 5316 – Marine Conservation Biology

Examine human impacts in marine ecosystems and how humans can become better stewards of these habitats. Even Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduates: BSC 4312C , graduate standing or C.I.
  • Graduate Students: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
ENY 3571C – Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping

Comprehensive overview of honey bee biology and practical introduction to the art and science and beekeeping. Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: BSC2010C, BSC2011C, C.I.
ENY 4004C – General Entomology

Biology of insects: identification, taxonomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in both BSC2010C and BSC2011C, or C.I.
EVR 1001 – Introduction to Environmental Science

Environmental science and environmental systems in the context of real places, real people, real problems and real data. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
EVR 1001H – Honors Introduction to Environmental Science

Environmental science and environmental systems in the context of real places, real people, real problems, and real data. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: Permission of Honors.
OCE 3008 – Oceanography

Biological, physical and chemical oceanography. Even Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: “C” (2.0) or better in BSC 2011C and CHM 2046, or C.I.
PAZ 4234 – Zoo and Aquarium Management

Conservation, propagation and exhibition of wild animals in captivity. Summer Only.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in both PCB3044 and PCB3063, and by application only.
PCB 3023 – Molecular Cell Biology

Structure and function of eukaryotic cells including bioenergetics, protein structure and function, chromosome structure, DNA repair and recombination, membrane structure and transport, intracellular vesicle trafficking, cell signaling, apoptosis and cell cycle control and organization and functions of the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix. Fall, Spring, Summer

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: (CHM2210 or CHM 2205) and a “C” (2.0) or better in both BSC 2010C and PCB 3063, or C.I.
PCB 3044 – Principles of Ecology

Elements of ecosystems, biogeochemical cycling, environmental factor interactions, population dynamics, and community development. Fall, Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: CHM 2045C or CHM 2041, and a “C” (2.0) or better in both BSC 2010C and BSC 2011C, or C.I.
PCB 3044L – Principles of Ecology Laboratory

Field and laboratory investigations of natural ecosystems, with emphasis on current methodology in ecology. Fall, Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (1)
  • Prerequisites: PR or CR: PCB 3044 or C.I.
PCB 3063 – Genetics

Basic principles of heredity as applied to prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Fall, Spring, Summer

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: CHM2046 and a “C” (2.0) or better in BSC 2010C, or C.I.
PCB 3063H – Honors Genetics

Basic principles of heredity as applied to prokaryotes and eukaryotes with honors content. Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: CHM2046 and a “C” or better in BSC 2010C, or C.I., and consent of Honors.
PCB 3063L – Genetics Laboratory

Introduction to laboratory techniques of genetics. Fall, Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (1)
  • Prerequisites: PR or CR: PCB 3063 or C.I.
PCB 3343L – Principles of Field Ecology

Applied study of biodiversity, ecology and conservation through field trips, field research and/or lectures. Emphasis and location varies by instructor. may be repeated for credit only when course content is different. Odd Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (5)
  • Prerequisites: BSC2011C, PCB3044 and C.I.
PCB 3354 – Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Geography, ecology, and environmental problems encountered in various tropical ecosystems with particular emphasis towards terrestrial systems in tropical rainforests. Even Fall.

  • Credits: COS_BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: PCB 3044 with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better, or C.I.
PCB 3355L – Tropical Marine Biology

Intensive, one week field course at an institute of marine science. Diving/snorkeling will be used extensively to study organisms on pristine coral reefs. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (2)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in both BSC 2010C and BSC 2011C, or C.I.
PCB 3442 – Aquatic Ecology

An introduction to aquatic ecology of Florida with emphasis on ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: BSC 2010C and a “B” or better in BSC 2011C
PCB 4301C – Wetland Ecology and Biogeochemistry

Examination of wetland ecosystems, laws and policy, current research, global biogeochemical cycles, and relevant field and laboratory techniques. Even Spring

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A grade of “B” (3.0) or better in PCB3044, or C.I.
PCB 4315C – Marine Ecology of Florida

Examine the physical and biological processes that impact coastal marine communities, focusing on the ecology of specific types of communities found in Florida’s coastal environment.

    • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
    • Prerequisites: OCE 3008 and BSC 3312 each with an “A” (4.0), or C.I.
PCB 4353 – Florida Ecology, Natural History and Conservation

General ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Florida. Odd Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: PR: PCB 3044, or C.I.
PCB 4353L – Florida Ecology Lab

Indoor labs and field trips augment lecture material by providing deeper exploration of Florida’s general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (1)
  • Prerequisites: PR or CR: PCB 4353 Florida Ecology, Natural History, and Conservation
PCB 4402 – Disease Ecology & Ecoimmunology

Examination of how hosts, parasites and environment interact to shape organisms, populations and communities. Odd Fall.

    • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
    • Prerequisites: A grade of “B” (3.0) or better in PCB3063 and PCB3044, or C.I.
PCB 4413 – Sensory Ecology

Sensory ecology is the study of how an why animals acquire, process and use information from their environment, and how sensory systems influence evolutionary processes. Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: ZOO 4513 (“B” (3.0) or better) or PCB 4683 (“B” (3.0) or better)
PCB 4462 – GIS for Biologists: A Practical Introduction for Undergraduates

Investigates how Geographic Information Science (GIS) is currently being used to better understand and address environmental problems and to help manage and conserve natural resources.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: BSC 2011C, STA 2023 and PCB 3044
PCB 4514 – Epigenetics (Genetics II)

Advanced topics in Genetics, including extra-nuclear inheritance, epigenesis, gene and chromosome mutation, genetics of development and behavior, and advanced genetic analytical techniques. Even Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A minimum grade of “B” (3.0) in PCB3063, or C.I.
PCB 4575 – Wildlife Genomics

Understanding how genomic methods are applied to problems in wildlife biology, with an emphasis on vertebrate animal species in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including plants, microbes, and all forms of natural populations. Odd Fall.

  • Credits: COS_BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: “B” or better in PCB 4683
PCB 4683 – Evolutionary Biology

Demographic and genetic structure of populations and their relationship to speciation, adaptation, and macroevolutionary processes in plants and animals. Fall, Spring, Summer

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A grade of “C” (2.0) in PCB 3063 and junior standing or C.I.
PCB 4683L – Evolutionary Biology Lab

Reading, problem solving and discussion on current topics in evolutionary biology. Fall, Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (1)
  • Prerequisites: PR or CR: PCB 4683
PCB 4684 – Population Genetics

Field of population genetics and the study of various forces that result in evolutionary changes through time. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in both PCB3063 and PCB4683, or C.I.
PCB 4723 – Animal Physiology

Functions of body processes occurring in animals, with emphasis on vertebrate physiology. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in PCB 3023, or C.I.
PCB 5326C – Ecosystems of Florida

Ecosystems of Florida will be discussed to include geography, geology, climate, energetics, nutrient cycling, community structure and conservation. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (5)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduates: PCB 3044, PCB 3044L or equivalent, and graduate status or senior standing or C.I.
  • Graduate Students: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
PCB 5435C – Marine Ecology of Florida

Survey of experimental methods used in the study of marine communities in central and southern Florida, combining field manipulation and readings from primary literature. Odd Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduates: BSC 4312C, graduate status or senior standing, or C.I.
  • Graduate Students: Admission to M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or Certificate in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
PCB 5485 – Models in Ecology

A survey of how simulation models are applied to ecological questions of both a theoretical and managerial nature. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduate Students: PCB 3044, MAC 2311 (or equivalent), and graduate status or senior standing or C.I.
  • Graduate Students: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
PCB 5687 – Evolutionary Ecology

Evolution of life history traits (e.g., propagule size/number, age/size at maturity, survivorship and senescence) examined using a quantitative genetic framework. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduates: PCB4683 or equivalent or C.I.
  • Graduate students: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
ZOO 3454 – Ichthyology

This course provides an introduction to fish biology and covers (in varying amounts of detail) the following topics: diversity, systematics, functional anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution and conservation. Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in BSC 2010C and BSC 2011C, or C.I.
ZOO 3713 – Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

The vertebrate animals, relationships of organs and systems, and their phylogenetic significance. Spring, Odd Falls.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: BSC 2010C and BSC 2011C, or C.I.
ZOO 3713L – Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab

This lab will enhance topics covered in the lecture further exploring vertebrate animals, relationships of organs and systems, and their phylogenetic significance. Spring, Odd Falls.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (1)
  • Prerequisites: PR or CR: ZOO 3713
ZOO 4205C – Invertebrate Biodiversity

Comparative biology of invertebrates, emphasizing morphology, evolution, ecology and conservation biology.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in all of the following; BSC 2010C, BSC 2011C, and PCB 3044, or C.I.
ZOO 4272 – Ornithology

Comprehensive course in bird biology covering global diversity, evolution and systematics, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Odd Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in BSC 2011C or C.I.
ZOO 4310C – Vertebrate Evolution & Ecology

Vertebrate evolution and ecology, based on the paleontological and ecological literature. The laboratory places heavy emphasis on classification/identification and field work. Even Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in all of the following; BSC2010C, BSC2011C, PCB 3044, and PCB 3063, or C.I.
ZOO4405C – Sea Turtle Ecology and Conservation Internship

Provide participants with hands-on field and research experience. Students will gain a foundation in the current state of sea turtle science and conservation.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: ENC 1101, Intern application, and C.I.
ZOO 4462C – Herpetology

Introduction to the biology of the amphibians and reptiles, their classification, evolution, and life histories. Odd Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: PR: “C” or better in BSC 2011C and PCB 3044.
ZOO 4480 – Mammalogy

Diversity and biology of mammals from an evolutionary perspective. Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in both BSC2010C and BSC2011C, or C.I.
ZOO 4480L – Mammalogy Lab

This lab will enhance topics covered in the lecture further exploring the anatomy and identification of mammals with hands-on experience. Spring.

    • Credits: COS-BIOL (1)
    • Prerequisites: PR or CR: ZOO4480
ZOO 4513 – Animal Behavior

Study of the current ideas in animal behavior, including the mechanism of behavior and evolutionary explanations. Fall/Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in PCB 3044
ZOO 4603C – Embryology/Development

Concepts of developmental processes. Emphasis on mechanisms underlying vertebrate development. Fall/Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (5)
  • Prerequisites: A “C” (2.0) or better in both PCB 3063 and PCB 3023, or PCB 3522 or C.I.
ZOO 4756 – Comparative Vertebrate Histology

A comparison of vertebrate anatomy at the tissue level and its evolutionary and phylogenetic significance. Even Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL (4)
  • Prerequisites: A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in ZOO3713 or similar course, or C.I.
ZOO 4910L – Research Experience in Animal Behavior in a Zoo Environment

An advanced course where students will be observing, documenting, and analyzing animal behavior in a zoological setting. Fall, Spring, Summer.

  • Credits: COS_BIOL (3)
  • Prerequisites: A minimum grade of a “B” (3.0) in ZOO4513 and C.I.