Ecology and Evolutionary Biology—BS Curriculum

Introduction to fields and career opportunities in the biological sciences.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Biochem & Molec Biology-Bio Sc, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Human Biology, Biological Sciences, Computational Biology; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Best practices for observing, collecting, and recording and analyzing ecological and evolutionary biology data in the lab and field.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Biological Sciences; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1580

This class will develop skills for interpreting and critically evaluating data and analyses of data to evaluate hypotheses in ecological and evolutionary biology. Students will practice peer review and analyzing published research articles.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Biological Sciences; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2003 and MA 3715(C)

Students will develop and improve their skill level in searching for scientific literature, incorporating that into scientific writing, evaluating and incorporating the work of others, and develop critique skills for review of scientific source material and basic statistical methods.

• Credits: 2.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Biochem & Molec Biology-Bio Sc, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Human Biology, Biological Sciences, Computational Biology; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

Assessment of experiential learning and preparation for post-graduate work, professional training, or graduate school.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 3782

A discussion of the principles of ecology and organismal biology, using the theme of physiological ecology and adaptations. This course will emphasize biodiversity, scientific method, experimental design, and written and oral presentation of results.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

Covers principles of ecology and organismal biology, using the theme of physiological ecology and adaptations. This course will emphasize biodiversity, scientific method, experimental design, and written and oral presentation of results.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): BL 1100

Discussion of the major principles by which life is organized. Topics include scientific methods, biological chemistry, cell structure and organization, multicellular organization, diversity of organisms, energetics and photosynthesis, cellular reproduction genetics, gene structure and expression, and recombinant DNA.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer

Topics include scientific methods, biological chemistry, cell structure and organization, multicellular organization, diversity of organisms, energetics and photosynthesis, cellular reproduction genetics, gene structure and expression, and recombinant DNA.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): BL 1200

A study of classical and molecular genetics. Topics include one- and two-locus genetics, recombination, gene structure, regulation and function, quantitative and population genetics, and genetic engineering. Covers both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or BE 2400 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

A laboratory to complement BL2200. Covers applications of techniques used in genetics, including Mendelian analysis, tetrad analysis, karyotyping, DNA and protein electrophoresis, DNA and plasmid purification, transformation and restriction mapping, and PCR amplification of DNA.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200(C)

Study of the pattern and processes of organic evolution and their relation to ecological relationships at the organism, population, community, and ecosystem levels.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1010 or BL 1040 or (BL 1100 and BL 1110) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

Laboratory to accompany CH1150.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

A continuation of CH 1150. Introduces more complex concepts in chemistry, including kinetics, chemical equilibria, acid-base equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and chemical analysis. Additional topics may include chemistry of the metals and non-metals, biochemical systems, and nuclear chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture concepts.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): CH 1161
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

Laboratory to accompany CH1160.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): CH 1160
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

Topics include limits, continuity of functions, transcendental functions, derivatives, integrals, and applications of the derivative in the fields of economics, biological sciences, and social sciences. Credit applicable only to those curricula specifying this course.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1032 or MA 1031 or MA 1120 or ALEKS Math Placement >= 76 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 26 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 610

Introduction to the design and analysis of statistical studies in the health and life sciences. Topics include study design, descriptive and graphical methods, probability, inference on means, categorical data analysis, and linear regression.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1135 or MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)

A study of the chemistry of carbon compounds. Review of hybrid orbitals, covalent bonding, and resonance. Introduction to nomenclature, stereochemistry, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy, functional group chemistry based on reaction mechanisms, and multi-step synthesis.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)

Laboratory to accompany CH2410.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): (CH 2410(C) or CH 2430(C)) and CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)

Starting point of the computer science programs. A high-level, object-oriented programming language is introduced as a problem-solving tool. Topics include design, coding, documentation, debugging, and testing of programs. Programming assignments are given in both a closed lab setting and as homework.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C)

Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3

An overview of basic principles of kinematics, dynamics, elasticity, fluids, heat, thermodynamics, mechanical waves, and interference and diffraction of mechanical waves.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Applied Physics, Physics, Surveying Engineering, Computer Network & System Admn, Electrical Eng Tech, General Technology, Mechanical Engineering Tech, Information Technology, Construction Management
• Co-Requisite(s): PH 1111
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1135(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 76 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 26 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 610

The Great Lakes are used as the subject to examine environmental issues. A combination of reading, lecture, and discussion will be used to study the unique ecology, biology, and history of the Great Lakes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

Examines social approaches to understanding why environmental problems happen and how environmental problems are resolved. Includes concepts such as sustainability, market-based environmental policies, property systems, and environmental justice. Case studies may include biodiversity, deforestation, climate change, water quality, and toxics.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

This course investigates relationships between the world's population, population change, population distribution, resource consumption, and environmental, health, and social consequences. Addresses local and global relationships and the population processes (mortality, fertility, and migration) involved.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)

Examines how human interaction with physical environment has changed in North America over the last four centuries. Topics include uses of land by Native Americans, changes associated with European colonization, incorporation of natural resources into industrial economy, early conservation and preservation movements, and environmental concerns accompanying urbanization and industrialization.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)

Uses sociological concepts to enhance understanding of shared natural resource stewardship regimes, including human-environment relationships, beliefs and values, rights and responsibilities associated with sovereignty; and the diversity of knowledge systems and expertise related to natural resource practices and policies.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)

Covers structure, function, reproduction, and classification of plants and algae, relating these current ecological, agricultural, or other human issues.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring

Biology of animals from first organized multi-cell through Hominids; the origin and evolution of the metazoa phyla, their physiology, development, ecology, behavior, natural history, and systematics.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall

General principles of microbiology, focusing on both the use and control of microorganisms. Topics include microbial structure, function, growth, metabolism, and diversity, as well as microbial involvement in water and waste treatment, waterborne diseases, and pollution control. Not open to students with credit in BL3210.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1200 or BL 1400 or BL 1020 or BL 1040 or BL 3080

Fishes and their habitat, native and exotic fishes of the Great Lakes region, and ocean fishery resources will be examined. Basic topics in Ichthyology and fish ecology, evolution, genetics, reproduction strategies and identification of early life stages, fish community structure, food webs and dynamics. Laboratory exercises on sampling, identification and classification of fishes and basic fish anatomy and discussion of scientific papers relevant to the subject material.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

In this course students will gain intensive field experience in Biological Sciences emphasizing immersion and observation in novel field settings. Students in this course will visit different ecosystems during day and weekend trips that explore aspects of ecology, evolution, community dynamics and human impacts on ecosystems.

• Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

Students conduct empirical, theoretical, or computational research under the direction of a faculty member. The work culminates in a written report, product, or presentation resulting from work performed. Specifics to be agreed upon between faculty mentor and student.

• Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

Survey of tropical island biology presented on campus and in the Bahamas over spring break. Topics include geological and societal history, and the biology and ecology of terrestrial, intertidal, and coral reef communities. Special course fees. Requires instructor approval to register.

• Credits: 2.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

A field intensive course with significant time spent on a research vessel (R/V Agassiz or other) where students will learn the use of a variety of state-of-the-art techniques to characterize biological communities and measure important physical and biological processes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (4-0-6)
• Semesters Offered: Summer, in odd years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior

Field course combining river and stream ecosystem and food web study with fishes in lake systems. Students will be exposed to research methods used in lakes for comprehensive abiotic and biotic understanding.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Summer, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1010 or (BL 1100 and BL 1110) or BL 1040 or (BL 1400 and BL 1410) or BL 3400

Practical and didactic internship experience directly related to student's course of study in biochemistry and molecular biology, bioinformatics, biological sciences, or ecology. Students conduct work at an approved internship site in addition to academic assignments that encourage them to connect their professional and academic experience.

• Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

Covers structure, function, reproduction, and classification of plants and algae, relating these current ecological, agricultural, or other human issues.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring

Biology of animals from first organized multi-cell through Hominids; the origin and evolution of the metazoa phyla, their physiology, development, ecology, behavior, natural history, and systematics.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall

This course will provide an understanding of cell structure and function with emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Topics include macromolecules, membranes, organelles, cytoskeleton, division, differentiation, cell-cell interactions, intracellular trafficking, protein sorting, cell signaling, and motility.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

Structure, biochemical properties, and function of important biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Introduces enzyme biochemistry (structure, function, catalysis, kinetics, and inhibition).

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): (BL 1020 or BL 1040 or BE 2400) or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410) and (CH 2410 or CH 2420)

General principles of microbiology, focusing on both the use and control of microorganisms. Topics include microbial structure, function, growth, metabolism, and diversity, as well as microbial involvement in water and waste treatment, waterborne diseases, and pollution control. Not open to students with credit in BL3210.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1200 or BL 1400 or BL 1020 or BL 1040 or BL 3080

In this course students will gain intensive field experience in Biological Sciences emphasizing immersion and observation in novel field settings. Students in this course will visit different ecosystems during day and weekend trips that explore aspects of ecology, evolution, community dynamics and human impacts on ecosystems.

• Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

Students conduct empirical, theoretical, or computational research under the direction of a faculty member. The work culminates in a written report, product, or presentation resulting from work performed. Specifics to be agreed upon between faculty mentor and student.

• Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

This is an advanced course that looks at the study of ecology and evolutionary biology at the community level: how populations interact with the abiotic environment and each other to determine patterns of diversity, distribution, and abundance of plants and animals.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 3490

Introduction to the range of anthropogenic pollutants released into the environment. Concepts of bioaccumulation, biomagnification and environmental persistence, modes of toxicity and detoxification, transport and fate in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Toxic equivalent factors and quotients, regulatory guidelines and practices.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or BL 1040 or (BL 1400 and BL 1410) and CH 1150 and CH 1160

Survey of tropical island biology presented on campus and in the Bahamas over spring break. Topics include geological and societal history, and the biology and ecology of terrestrial, intertidal, and coral reef communities. Special course fees. Requires instructor approval to register.

• Credits: 2.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

Physiology and biochemistry of plants. Emphasizes photosynthesis, plant hormones, water and nutrient relations, and light-regulated development.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2160 and CH 2420

Interactions between plants and microorganisms in the environment. Topics include microbial virulence, signaling, gene expression, beneficial interactions and disease resistance in plants. Laboratory will focus on plant biochemical and microbiological methods as they relate to environmental problems.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200

A field intensive course with significant time spent on a research vessel (R/V Agassiz or other) where students will learn the use of a variety of state-of-the-art techniques to characterize biological communities and measure important physical and biological processes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (4-0-6)
• Semesters Offered: Summer, in odd years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior

Fishes and their habitat, native and exotic fishes of the Great Lakes region, and ocean fishery resources will be examined. Basic topics in Ichthyology and fish ecology, evolution, genetics, reproduction strategies and identification of early life stages, fish community structure, food webs and dynamics. Laboratory exercises on sampling, identification and classification of fishes and basic fish anatomy and discussion of scientific papers relevant to the subject material.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

Field course combining river and stream ecosystem and food web study with fishes in lake systems. Students will be exposed to research methods used in lakes for comprehensive abiotic and biotic understanding.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Summer, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1010 or (BL 1100 and BL 1110) or BL 1040 or (BL 1400 and BL 1410) or BL 3400

The study of biological, physical, and chemical processes of freshwater eco systems using a watershed perspective, with emphasis on lakes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Study of processes in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including energy flow, ecosystem production, and nutrient cycling. We will explore these processes through a historical overview of influential research programs and regional to global case studies.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 3490 and CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)

An overview of ocean environments and marine life. Topics include: trophic level interactions, nutrient cycling, ecology of plankton, invertebrates, fish, mammal and bird resources, and human influences on marine ecosystems. Will cover basic water chemistry and light in oceans.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1010 or (BL 1100 and BL 1110) or BL 1040 or (BL 1400 and BL 1410) or BL 3080

Practical and didactic internship experience directly related to student's course of study in biochemistry and molecular biology, bioinformatics, biological sciences, or ecology. Students conduct work at an approved internship site in addition to academic assignments that encourage them to connect their professional and academic experience.

• Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

Environmental factors and plant and animal characteristics which control composition, structure, and function of forest ecosystems. Emphasis on how ecosystems change across space and time and knowledge needed to sustainably manage forest ecosystems for social, economic, and ecological benefits.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2051(C)

This course will teach fundamental and applied genetic principles that are essential for management of forest and other ecosystems to maintain their long-term health and sustainability. The class will cover the following topics: structure and function of DNA, inheritance, molecular evolution, population and quantitative genetics, gene conservation, genomics and biotechnology.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1400 or BL 2160

Introduction to biological, social, political, and economic facets of conservation science. Evaluating how best to maintain and restore species, populations, and ecosystems. Topics include human impacts on ecosystems, how science informs strategies, conservation challenges, policy, planning, structured decision making.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring

An ecological and evolutionary approach to the study of birds. Topics include behavioral, anatomical, and physiological adaptations to flight, life history, mating systems, migration, communication and conservation. Laboratory emphasizes identification and experimental use of birds as model organisms.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1040 or BL 1020 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

Study of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of wetlands. Describes functions and values of individual wetland types. Presents management of wetlands and laws governing wetlands. Labs concentrate on field techniques used to assess specific plant, animal, soil, and hydrological characteristics of wetlands.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1100 or BL 1400 or BL 2160 or BL 3080

Study of mammals, emphasizing their evolution, taxonomic relationships, structural and physiological adaptations and life histories through discussion, laboratory and field work, emphasizes the identification conservation and management of mammals, especially species found in western Great Lakes.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

The biology of amphibians and reptiles, including evolution, zoogeography, ecology, behavior and physiology.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1040 or BL 1020 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

Introduction to materials and processes that shape the earth we live on. Lecture and laboratories acquaint students with minerals, rocks, earth resources, weathering, geologic time, landslides, groundwater, streams, shorelines, deserts, glaciers, geologic structures, earthquakes, plate tectonics, and the dynamics of the earth's crust, mantle, and core.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer