Graduate Catalog 2023-2024

Department of Biology

Department website: http://www.wku.edu/biology

Michael Smith, Department Chair
Kelly Thompson Hall 3007
(270) 745-3696
biology@wku.edu

Faculty

Professor

Carl W. Dick PhD (Zoology), Texas Tech University, 2005

Scott A. Grubbs PhD (Biological Sciences, Ecology and Evolution), University of Pitts Pittsburgh Camp, 1997

Stephen H. Huskey PhD (Biological Sciences), Florida Institute Technology, 2003

Jarrett R. Johnson PhD (Biology), University of Missouri-Columbia, 2005

Rodney A. King PhD (Microbiology and Immunology), Virginia Commonwealth University, 1993

Douglas McElroy PhD (Zoology), University of Maine - Orono, 1992

Albert J. Meier PhD (Zoology), University of Georgia, 1995

Thomas K. Philips PhD (Entomology), The Ohio State University Main Campus, 1997

Bruce A. Schulte PhD (Environmental and Forest Biology), SUNY Col Envrnmtl Sci-Forestry, 1993

Michael E. Smith PhD (Marine Science), University of Texas at Austin, 2001

Ajay Srivastava PhD (Molecular Biology and Genetics), University of Alberta, 2003

Michael K. Stokes PhD (Biology, Systematics and Ecology), University of Kansas Main Campus, 1994

Associate Professor

Noah T. Ashley PhD (Zoology), University of Washington, 2004

Chandrakanth Emani PhD (Science), Osmania University, 1997

Philip W. Lienesch PhD (Zoology), University of Oklahoma Norman, 1997

Assistant Professor

Simran Banga PhD (Biological Sciences), Purdue University Main Campus, 2009

Joseph R. Marquardt PhD (Molecular Genetics), The Ohio State University Main Campus, 2017

Pedagogical Associate Professor

Kerrie L. McDaniel PhD (Plant Biology), Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1997

Natalie J. Mountjoy PhD (Zoology), Southern Illinois University, 2014

Senior Instructor

Nilesh C. Sharma PhD (Science/Botany), Birhar University-India, 1992

Biology Courses

BIOL 400G    Plant Physiology    4 Hours

A study of the general principles by which plants function. Three areas discussed are transport and translocation of water and solutes, metabolism with special emphasis on photosynthesis, and plant growth and development.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 403G    Molecular Basis of Cancer    3 Hours

Biological and molecular features of oncogenesis and clinical cancer, focusing on specific molecular events underlying carcinogenesis, metastasis and angiogenesis. Case study learning will be integrated into the course to engage students in understanding the societal implications of cancer.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 404G    Electron Microscopy    4 Hours

A course in the fundamentals of electron microscopy including basic theory, techniques for specimen preparation and photography, and operation of the electron microscope. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, four hours.

Course Fee: $20

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022

BIOL 405G    Aquatic Insect Diversity    2 Hours

The taxonomy and biology of the insects commonly encountered in freshwater habitats.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021

BIOL 407G    Virology    3 Hours

Study of bacterial, animal and plant viruses. Emphasis on the molecular aspects of replication, expression, regulation and pathogenesis.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; summer 2022

BIOL 411G    Cell Biology    3 Hours

A lecture series emphasizing the morphological and chemical make-up of cells, the physical and chemical properties of the cell, and modern techniques for investigation of cellular functions.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023

BIOL 412G    Lab Cell Biology    1 Hour

A laboratory course correlated with BIOL 411G.

Course Fee: $75

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023

BIOL 446G    Biochemistry I    3 Hours

Biochemical compounds and their role in metabolism.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023

BIOL 447G    Lab Biochemistry I    2 Hours

Selected experiments which illustrate biochemical principles. Five hours per week.

Course Fee: $35

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022

BIOL 450G    Recombinant Gene Technology    3 Hours

Discovery-based laboratory emphasizing application of basic techniques to solve student-defined problems. Problems in characterization and expression of genetic material are explored. Laboratory, six hours.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 456G    Ichthyology    4 Hours

Fishes of the world, their physiology, structure, behavior, and ecology. Emphasis on the collection and identification of freshwater species of Kentucky. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, four hours.

Course Fee: $60

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 457G    Herpetology    4 Hours

An introduction to the classification and biology of reptiles and amphibians.

Course Fee: $60

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022

BIOL 458G    Fisheries Management    4 Hours

A study of the factors affecting fish populations. Topics covered include life history traits, sampling techniques, management practices, and policies regulating the management of fish populations. Off-campus and overnight weekend field trips are required.

Course Fee: $25

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 459G    Mammalogy    3 Hours

Taxonomy, life history and ecology of the mammals. Laboratory work includes field studies and collection and study of specimens. Lecture two hours; laboratory two hours.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2023

BIOL 460G    Parasitology    4 Hours

The morphology, physiology, life histories, control and economic significance of representative species. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, four hours.

Course Fee: $20

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 464G    Endocrinology    3 Hours

Endocrinology is the study of hormones. This course will provide a general survey of endocrinology, with specific emphasis upon the physiology of the endocrine system among different vertebrate groups, including humans.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2023

BIOL 467G    Biochemistry II    3 Hours

The reactions of living systems and an introduction to the mechanisms and energetics of metabolism. Lecture.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023

BIOL 470G    Pathogenic Microbiology    4 Hours

A study of the organisms causing disease with emphasis on bacteria. Includes pathogenic bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi and protozoa. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, four hours.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022

BIOL 475G    Independent Topics/Biology    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Significant problems and developments of current interest in biology.

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; fall 2023

BIOL 485G    Field Biology    1-4 Hours

An intensive field experience on a biological or ecological topic.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 490G    Plants as Alternative Therapeutics    3 Hours

An exploration of plants used in traditional systems of medicine with emphasis on their pharmacological implications as evidenced in modern clinical research. The therapeutic actions of phytochemicals, vis-a-vis different human illnesses (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, autoimmune psychosomatic disorders; cancer, AIDS, skin diseases, etc.) will be examined.

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; summer 2022; summer 2023

BIOL 495G    Molecular Genetics    3 Hours

A study of the molecular basis of genetics and heredity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; summer 2022; fall 2022; summer 2023; fall 2023

BIOL 496G    Plant Biotechnology    4 Hours

A course designed to illustrate the current advances in plant biotechnology and their potential application in agriculture, health and environment.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 497G    Aquatic Field Ecology    4 Hours

An integrated study of aquatic ecosystem structure and function emphasizing the physical and chemical properties of water and application of biological field methods. This course requires off-campus and overnight travel.

Course Fee: $20

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; fall 2022

BIOL 500    Introduction to Graduate Studies and Research in Biology    3 Hours

Introduction to research techniques and experimental design, with an emphasis on on-going research at WKU. Also includes an introduction to research-related resources at WKU.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023

BIOL 501    Biological Perspectives    3-4 Hours

Designed to acquaint graduate students with advances in the biological sciences and practical applications of biological principles. Lecture, three hours; or lecture, three hours, laboratory, two hours.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 503    Contemporary Research in Biology    1 Hour (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Participants will present a research article on a topic of their choice to the class. A critical appraisal of the research approach, methods, results, and interpretation of results will be stressed. Requires participation in critical discussions of all presentations.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023

BIOL 505    Aquatic Insect Ecology    3 Hours

Ecological functions, evolutionary adaptations, and indicators of environmental quality of aquatic insects.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2023

BIOL 515    Advanced Ecology    3 Hours

Essential dynamic features of plant and animal populations. Covers the theoretical and empirical aspects of single populations, or pairs of interacting populations, and of whole communities.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2023

BIOL 516    Investigations/Biology    1-4 Hours (repeatable max of 4 hrs)

Research project completed under faculty supervision. Not applicable to MS thesis option. Note: Permission of research project director required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023

BIOL 518    Population Ecology    2 Hours

Investigation of the theories and models used to describe and predict populations. Includes applications in population projection and harvesting, as well as two-species interactions.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022

BIOL 519    International Wildlife Management and Policy    2 Hours

Exploration of the major wildlife management models used in various countries, emphasizing North America, Europe and Africa. Economic ramifications of these models and international treaty obligations relating to the wildlife trade are investigated.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022

BIOL 522    Biological Systematics    3 Hours

Study of systematic theory and practice with a focus on current controversies. Taxonomic methods will be evaluated with an emphasis upon the use of taxonomic tools to reconstruct evolutionary relationships.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022

BIOL 523    Biological Symbioses and Host-Parasite Associations    3 Hours

Exploration of biological symbioses, emphasizing patterns and processes of biological coevolution. Host-parasite systems are explored in detail, with a focus on classic and current coevolutionary and cospeciation systems.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022

BIOL 524    Evolution and Ecological Genetics    3 Hours

Advanced treatment of natural selection as a mechanism of evolution. Interaction of ecological, behavioral and genetic systems in driving evolutionary change at various levels of organization is emphasized.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022

BIOL 525    Advanced Insect Biodiversity    3 Hours

This course examines the diversity of one of the most fascinating groups of organisms on the planet- the insects. Their evolution, basic structure, and growth are covered as well as lifestyles, particularly in groups with unusual behaviors or effects on humans.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Biology (056)

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2023; fall 2023

BIOL 526    Physiological Ecology    3 Hours

Study of the physiological adaptations of organisms that enhance their survival and/or permit them to exploit extreme environments.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 527    Advanced Vertebrate Functional Morphology    3 Hours

Examine mechanistic designs underlying organismal morphology, physiology driving designs, and behaviors that impact function. Topics include comparative anatomy, adaptation, ecomorphology, ecophysiology, biological application of mechanical engineering principles, and organismal performance.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2023

BIOL 532    Behavioral Ecology    3 Hours

An investigation of animals in reference to their evolution and interactions with others emphasizing behavior related to their survival and reproduction in a natural context.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; summer 2022; fall 2023

BIOL 533    Behavioral Ecology Laboratory    2 Hours

A field and laboratory investigation of the methodology to study the actions of animals in reference to their evolution, environment and interactions with other organisms.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 534    Chemical Ecology    3 Hours

The study of chemical ecology emphasizes the concepts and evolution of chemical signals, the methods for identification, the mechanisms by which such signals act, their functions and applications.

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; spring 2023

BIOL 535    Analytical Biochemistry    3 Hours

An overview of the science of modern analytical and instrumental techniques with emphasis on techniques relevant to measurements in biochemistry and biology.

Equivalent(s): CHEM 535

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; spring 2023

BIOL 543    Environmental Science Concepts    3 Hours

Explores the inter-relationship among the science and technical disciplines that contribute to our understanding of the environment as a whole. Introduces research methods and core environmental science concepts. Prepares students to examine environmental science questions with an interdisciplinary outlook.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2022

BIOL 545    Animal Communication    3 Hours

An investigation of the principles and mechanisms by which animals produce and receive signals for each sensory modality (sound detection, vision, chemoreception,and electroreception).

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; winter 2022; winter 2023

BIOL 560    Advanced Cell Biology    3 Hours

Lecture-discussion course designed to understand structure and function of differentiated cells of multicellular organisms. Textbook readings, review articles and current research papers will be incorporated into lectures and discussions.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; winter 2022; summer 2022; fall 2023

BIOL 562    Advanced Biochemistry    3 Hours

Survey of biochemical research areas where significant advances have been made in recent years. Textbook readings, review articles and current research papers will be incorporated into lectures and discussions.

Equivalent(s): CHEM 562

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 566    Advanced Molecular Genetics    3 Hours

Consideration of the molecular mechanisms for replication, gene expression and regulation of development.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021

BIOL 568    Advanced Microbiology    3 Hours

Study of microbial metabolic and genetic diversity, phylogeny and evolution, and ecology, including a consideration of research methodologies applicable to microorganisms. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, two hours.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022

BIOL 569    Professional Work/Career Experience in Biology    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Practical experience in a supervised work situation with a cooperative business, industry, non-governmental, or governmental agency, emphasizing application of advanced knowledge and skills in specified areas of biology.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 570    Advanced Immunology    3 Hours

Cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of the immune response of multicellular organisms. Emphasis is on current scientific literature in the field.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 577    Advanced Marine Biology    3 Hours

Marine organisms are examined within a framework of basic biological principles and processes that are fundamental to all forms of life in the sea, including evolution, ecology, biodiversity, biogeography, behavior, and physiology.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 579    Mechanistic Toxicology    3 Hours

A course that examines how toxic substances interact with living organisms, while integrating aspects of biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, ecology, and health. Emphasis is placed on the effects of xenobiotics on human systems, particularly the mechanisms of action, detoxification and adverse effects on target organs.

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; summer 2023

BIOL 582    Biometry    3 Hours

Application of statistical and techniques to problems in biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on hypothesis testing, use of linear models, randomization techniques, and non-parametric methods.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2022; spring 2023

BIOL 583    Advanced Biostatistics    3 Hours

Advanced analysis of biological data, including multivariate methods, multiple model inference, and Monte Carlo methods.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 582

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 598    Graduate Seminar    2 Hours

Oral presentation on selected topics in biology.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; fall 2023

BIOL 599    Thesis Research/Writing    1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)

Thesis research and writing directed by faculty committee.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023

BIOL 600    Maintaining Matriculation    1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Continued enrollment for thesis completion.

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2023

BIOL 601    Internship in College Instruction    1 Hour (repeatable max of 2 hrs)

Designed for prospective teachers of biology. Staff direction in preparing and giving lectures. Includes analyses of presentation and techniques.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

BIOL 675    Independent Advanced Topics/Biology    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Selected topics in Biology.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023