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Courses - BIOL Graduate Level

511./411. Marine Mammalogy (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 345, BIOL 350, and BIOL 353, all with grade of "C" or better, and consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 411; graduates enroll in BIOL 511.)
Fundamental biological, ecological, and physiological concepts of marine mammals, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, walruses, sirenians, and polar bears. Information concerning taxonomy, distribution, morphology, physiology, reproduction, and feeding through readings and scientific literature. Fieldtrips may include weekends and spring recess.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., lab and fieldtrips 3 hrs.)

515./415. Marine Microbiology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 353 or MICR 355 or BIOL 355 with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 415; graduates enroll in BIOL 515.)
Designed to familiarize microbiology and marine biology students with the role of microorganisms in the marine environment. Topics will include ecology, physiology, biogeochemistry and diversity of marine microbes. Laboratory/field component will emphasize examination and cultivation of local marine microbes.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. Information on fees related to this course can be found here. Not open for credit to students with credit in MICR 415 or 515. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs., weekend field trip may be required.)

516./416. Virology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 320 or MICR 320 or BIOL 340 with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 416; graduates enroll in BIOL 516.)
Virology at molecular level including viral replication and molecular basis for viral pathogenesis; survey of human, animal, and plant viral diseases. Current trends for prevention and treatment of viral diseases.
Letter grade only (A-F). Not open for credit to students with credit in MICR 416 or 516. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

520./420. Fisheries Ecology and Conservation (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, BIOL 350, BIOL 353, and BIOL 419, all with grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 420; graduates enroll in BIOL 520.)
Advanced aspects of fish and invertebrate biology and behavior; fisheries economics and conservation; emphasis on state-of-art field/laboratory techniques and contemporary concepts and their application in fishery management.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.)

524./424. Ornithology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212, BIOL 213, BIOL 260 and 3 units of upper division BIOL, all with a grade of "C" or better. Recommended: BIOL 350. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 424; graduates enroll in BIOL 524.)
Ecology, morphology, physiology, behavior, and taxonomy of birds from an evolutionary perspective, also factors influencing recent increase in their extinction risk. Species identification techniques (emphasis on the local avifauna) and methods of surveying avian populations.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory/field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required. Information on fees related to this course can be found here.

529./429. Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260; BIOL 320 or MICR 320, BIOL 322 or MICR 322; all of a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 429; graduates enroll in BIOL 529.)
Principles of epidemiology and application to health; fundamentals of biomedical statistics; basic factors in classic epidemiological studies and prevention and control of infectious diseases.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.) Not open for credit to students with credit in MICR 529.

531./431. Biology of Cancer (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 340, BIOL 370 with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 431, graduates enroll in BIOL 531.)
An examination of cancer, tumor progression, and treatment at the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

532./432. Stem Cell Biology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 340 and 370 with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 432; graduates enroll in BIOL 532.)
Current literature on advances in stem cell research, translational research, and clinical applications of stem cells to alleviate human disease.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

532L./432L. Advanced Stem Cell Laboratory (4)

Prerequisites: BIOL 432/532, BIOL 440L, BIOL 462/562, BIOL 473/573, BIOL 477/577, all with a grade of "C" or better, and permission of the director of the CSULB Biotechnology Certificate Program. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 432L; graduates enroll in BIOL 532L.)
Intensive laboratory, offered during a 6-week summer session. Students learn basic and advanced stem cell culture techniques. The sixth week is 40 hours at the Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute (CHOC).
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 1 hr., laboratory 9 hrs.)

533./433. Developmental Biology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 340; BIOL 370 or BIOL 371 or MICR 371, both with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 433; graduates enroll in BIOL 533.)
Experimental approaches to development in model organisms, mostly animal, at the molecular, genetic, cellular, and tissue levels. Topics include gametogenesis, fertilization, early cleavage, gastrulation, pattern formation, and organogenesis.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture/discussion 3 hrs.)

534/434. Hematology (4)

Prerequisite: BIOL 340 with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 434; graduates enroll in BIOL 534.)
Study of blood and coagulation system. Normal cell structure and function and physiological and morphological changes in inflammation, leukemias, and anemias discussed. Clinical, diagnostic, and research techniques for observing blood and pathologic case studies included. Useful for students interested in medical professions. Required for clinical laboratory science (medical technology) internship.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.). Course fee may be required. Not open for credit to students with credit in MICR 523.

540. Advanced Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
In depth discussion of cellular processes and their regulation and how they relate to organismal physiology. Includes critical reading and discussion of primary journal articles on pertinent topics.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

542./442. Physiology at the Limit (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 342 or BIOL 345 with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 442; graduates enroll in BIOL 542.)
Survey of biochemical and physiological adaptations of organisms under extreme environmental conditions or performance. Topics include adaptive responses to hypoxia, high-altitude, deep-sea diving, outer space, micro-gravity, exercise, flight, swimming, salt stress, and extreme temperatures. Examples from vertebrates and invertebrates.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

543./443. Endocrinology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 340; BIOL 342 or BIOL 345, all with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 443; graduates enroll in BIOL 543.)
Role of endocrines in vertebrate and invertebrate adjustment to changes in internal and external environment.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

544./444. Reproductive Biology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 342 or BIOL 345 with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 444; graduates enroll in BIOL 544.)
Topics in comparative reproductive biology from molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. Hormones and reproduction, gamete/gonad biology, reproductive lifespan, mating system/strategies, environmental influence on reproductive capabilities, contraception/in vitro fertilization. Scientific communication discussed including scientific articles and scientific writing.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

545./445. Metabolic Regulation (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 340, BIOL 342 or BIOL 345; CHEM 441A with grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 445; graduates enroll in BIOL 545.)
Study of molecular mechanisms by which intermediary metabolism is regulated in various mammalian tissues with emphasis on mechanisms of hormone action and regulation of some key enzymes of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

548./448. Principles of Neurobiology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 340; BIOL 342 or BIOL 345, all with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 448; graduates enroll in BIOL 548.)
Study of the principles of anatomy, physiology, and function of the nervous system. Topics covered include neuroanatomy, physiology of neuronal signaling (excitable membranes and action potentials), synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters and their receptors, pain processing, special senses, reflexes, and neural circuits.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

549./449. Fish Physiology and Endocrinology (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 345 with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 449; graduates enroll in BIOL 549.)
Fundamentals of physiological systems and strategies in fishes, with emphasis on endocrine regulatory mechanisms. Adaptations in endocrine physiology of fishes considered from evolutionary and ecological perspectives. Impacts of human activities, particularly in context of Southern California's marine environment addressed.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

550./450. Plant Ecology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, BIOL 350 both with a grade of "C" or better. Recommended: BIOL 427, BIOL 447. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 450; graduates enroll in BIOL 550.)
Relationship of plants to their environment and principles of plant distribution.
Letter grade only (A-F) (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required. Information on fees related to this course can be found here.

551./451. Wetlands and Mangrove Ecology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, BIOL 350 both with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 451; graduates enroll in BIOL 551.)
Comprehensive look at wetland ecology and management. Focuses on physical, biogeochemical, and ecological aspects of major wetland ecosystems with an emphasis on local urban wetlands. Includes wetland management concepts and approaches worldwide.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.)

552./452. Behavioral Ecology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 312 or BIOL 350. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 452; graduates enroll in BIOL 552)
Primary objectives are to understand how animal behavior affects survival and reproduction and introduce students to current methodologies to study behavior of animals in lab and field conditions. Emphasizes ecological and evolutionary consequences of behavior across taxa.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory/field 3 hrs.)

554A./454A. Research in Tropical Marine Ecology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 350, BIOL 353, and one 400-level marine biology major course, all with grade of "C" or better, and consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 454A; graduates enroll in BIOL 554A.)
Field and laboratory studies, lectures, and individual research on tropical marine biological problems. Designed to engage students in experimental research, including: recognizing a problem, designing and carrying out a project, statistical data analysis, and oral and written report presentation.
Eight-day field trip to Hawaii required during spring recess at student expense. Enrollment is limited. Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. Information on fees related to this course can be found here. (Lecture 2 hrs., 8 day field trip.)

554B./454B. Research in Tropical Terrestrial Ecology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 350 with a grade of "C" or better; and consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 454B; graduates enroll in BIOL 554B.)
Field-based comparison of tropical lowland deciduous forest and lowland rainforest incorporating basic ecology methodology. Forest structure and diversity of animals emphasized. Students maintain field notebook, submit final paper, and give oral presentation.
Nine-day fieldtrip to Costa Rica required during spring recess at student expense. Enrollment is limited. Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. Information on fees related to this course can be found here. (Lecture 2 hr., 9 day field trip.)

555./455. Ecology of Marine Communities (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, BIOL 350, BIOL 353 all with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 455; graduates enroll in BIOL 555.)
Field studies on ecological principles related to marine communities discussed. Includes individual field research project and two class projects.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., field 3 hrs.)

556./456. Population Ecology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 350; MATH 119B or MATH 123; all with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 456; graduates enroll in BIOL 556.)
Analysis of animal and plant populations characteristics: population growth and regulation, fluctuation and regulation, competition, predation, parasitism, and other intraspecific and interspecific interactions; spatial patterns.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

557./457. Field Methods in Ecology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, BIOL 350 both with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 457; graduates enroll in BIOL 557.)
Design of field research projects, collection, and data analysis, report writings and presentations. Field sampling techniques emphasized. Five weekend fieldtrips required.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.)

559./459. Conservation Biology (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 260, BIOL 350 both with a grade of "C" or better. Recommended: BIOL 370. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 459; graduates enroll in BIOL 559.)
Conservation biology concepts including population dynamics, extinction processes, population viability analyses, metapopulations, community-level interactions, island biogeography, biological diversity patterns, habitat fragmentation, reserve design, and landscape-level conservation. Lecture includes group discussions of case studies and relevant primary literature.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.) 20 hrs. per semester service learning for undergraduates, extra research paper for graduates.

562./462. Bioethics and Public Policy (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 340 with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 462; graduates enroll in BIOL 562.)
History of bioethics, scientific and medical bases of key bioethical issues, current legislation and appropriations, including legal, social, and ethical implications of stem cell research and other biotechnological advances.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

563./463. Computer Modelling in Biology (4)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, BIOL 350 both with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 463; graduates enroll in BIOL 563.)
History, modeling theory, different modeling approaches, theoretical, empirical and quantitative modeling. Laboratory uses modeling software and focuses on model construction and quantitative simulation. Applicable to ecology, microbiology, physiology, environmental sciences, etc.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required. Information on fees related to this course can be found here.

564./464. Aquatic Toxicology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212, BIOL 213, BIOL 340; CHEM 220A or CHEM 227, all with a grade of "C" or better. Recommended: BIOL 353 and CHEM 448 or 441A,B. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 464; graduates enroll in BIOL 564.)
In depth study of interactions between anthropogenic chemicals and aquatic ecosystems, including origin, fate, chemical and biological detection, and quantification of pollutants and impact at molecular, biochemical, cellular, physiological, organismal, and community levels of organization. Individual research project required.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

565./465. Experimental Design and Regression Analysis (4)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260; MATH 119B or MATH 123; 6 units of upper division biological science all with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 465; graduates enroll in BIOL 565.)
Experimental design and data analysis techniques applied to problems in biology including analysis of variance and covariance, bivariate and multiple regression, experimental design, bootstrapping and randomization tests, and nonparametric statistics. Experience in analyzing biological data using computerized statistical packages.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.)

567./467. Multivariate Data Analysis (4)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260; MATH 119B or MATH 123; 6 units of upper division biological science all with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 467; graduates enroll in BIOL 567.)
Multivariate data analysis techniques applied to biological data. Applied matrix algebra for analyzing and understanding multivariate analysis. Includes principal components analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis, cluster analysis and current modern phylogenetic analysis techniques. Analyzing multivariate biological data using computerized statistical packages.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.)

570. Advanced Genetics (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
In depth discussion of various advanced topics in genetics, which may include population genetics, molecular phylogeny, and microbial genetics. Includes critical reading and discussion of primary journal articles on pertinent topics.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

571./471. Bacterial Physiology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 320 or MICR 320, CHEM 441A or CHEM 448; both with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 471; graduates enroll in BIOL 571.)
Cellular physiology at molecular level as related to bacterial growth, reproduction, nutrition, metabolism, and ecology.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.). Not open for credit to students with credit in MICR 571.

572./472. Molecular Evolution (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 370 with a grade of "C" or better. Recommended: BIOL 312. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 472; graduates enroll in BIOL 572.)
Survey of molecular evolution including but not limited to the history of the field, protein and DNA evolution, neutral and nearly-neutral theory, molecular phylogenetics, molecular population genetics and DNA fingerprinting, genomics, and proteomics. Applicable to ecological, evolutionary, medical, forensic sciences.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

573./473. Molecular Genetics (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 370 or BIOL 371 or MICR 371; CHEM 220A,B and CHEM 223A,B, or CHEM 227, all with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 473; graduates enroll in BIOL 573.)
Contemporary molecular genetic analysis of model organisms (mouse, worm, flies, yeasts) used in study of human disease, basic biological processes, gene regulation, and global analysis of genomes and proteomes.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

574./474. Bioinformatics (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 260; BIOL 370 or MICR 371, all with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 474; graduates enroll in BIOL 574.)
Survey of biological sequences and prokaryotic genomes. Investigation of DNA, RNA, and protein sequences using statistics and computer science techniques. Computer-based laboratory will familiarize students with bioinformatics tools and programming. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lectures 2 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.)

577./477. Biotechnology: Applications of Molecular Techniques and Bioinformatics (4)

Prerequisite: BIOL 340 or BIOL 370 or CHEM 441A,B; all with a grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 477; graduates enroll in BIOL 577.)
Theory and techniques for isolating, amplifying, and analyzing genes, genomes, transcripts, and proteins. Data-mining, the use of computers in experimental design and/or functional analysis, use of microarrays, and future of nanotechnology.
Letter grade only (A-F). Not open for credit to student with credit in MICR 577/477. (Lecture 3 hrs., activity 2 hrs.)

580./480. Seminars (1) F,S

Prerequisites: Consent of Department of Biological Sciences. (Undergraduates and classified post-baccalaureates enroll in BIOL 480; graduates enroll in BIOL 580). Undergraduates must have filed for graduation and be in their last semester. Graduates must have been admitted to the department as a graduate student. Classified post-baccalaureates must have been admitted to a second baccalaureate or a certificate.
Weekly meetings with professional biologists presenting results of their research. Requires participation in organization and critical evaluation of these presentations.
(Seminar 1 hr.) Letter grade only (A-F). May not be repeated for credit towards any single degree.

590./490. Selected Topics in Biology (1-3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212, BIOL 213 all with a grade of "C" or better, and consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 490; graduates enroll in BIOL 590.)
Topics from selected areas of biology. Course content varies from section to section.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units with different topics. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. (Lecture 1-3 hrs.)

590L./490L. Selected Topics in Biology, Laboratory (1-2)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212, BIOL 213 all with a grade of "C" or better, and consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 490L; graduates enroll in BIOL 590L.)
Topics from selected areas of biology. Course content varies from section to section.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units with different topics. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. (Laboratory 3 or 6 hrs.)

592A./492A. Stem Cell Research Internship (12)

Prerequisites: BIOL 432/532, BIOL 432L/532L, BIOL 440L, BIOL 462/562, BIOL 473/573, BIOL 477/577, all with a grade of "C" or better, and consent of the director of the CSULB Biotechnology Certificate Program, and acceptance in the Stem Cell Training Option within the Biotechnology Certificate. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 492A; graduates enroll in BIOL 592A.)
CIRM-approved institutions train interns in their stem cell research laboratories. Must be repeated once for credit.
Credit/No Credit grading only. (Laboratory 36 hrs.)

661. Seminar in Microbiology (2)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Critical evaluation of literature in this field, including oral and/or written presentation of critiques.
May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units with different topics. Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 2 hours). Not open to credit for students with credit in MICR 661.

663. Seminar in Cell and Molecular Biology (2)

Critical evaluation of field's primary literature, including oral and/or written presentation of critiques.
May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units with different topics. Letter grade only (A-F) (Seminar 2 hrs.)

664. Seminar in Marine Biology (2)

Critical evaluation of field's primary literature, including oral and/or written presentation of critiques.
May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units with different topics. Letter grade only (A-F) (Seminar 2 hrs.)

665. Seminar in Ecology (2)

Critical evaluation of field's primary literature, including oral and/or written presentation of critiques.
May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units with different topics. Letter grade only (A-F) (Seminar 2 hrs.)

666. Seminar in Physiology (2)

Critical evaluation of field's primary literature, including oral and/or written presentation of critiques.
May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units with different topics. Letter grade only (A-F) (Seminar 2 hrs.)

696A. Research Design and Ethics (3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Biological Sciences and departmental permission.
Research design, experimental ethics, statistics, literature searches, and thesis proposal writing. Required for all first semester graduate students.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.)

696B. Scientific Communication (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 696A with a grade of "B" or better.
Presentation/publication skills and ethics for communicating biological research to professional and lay audiences, including scientific writing and data presentation (posters and oral).
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required. Information on fees related to this course can be found here.

697. Directed Research (1-3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Research on specific topic approved and directed by a faculty member in the biological sciences. Written report required.
May be repeated for a letter grade and degree credit to a maximum of three units. Any units beyond the three taken for a letter grade in BIOL 697 or MICR 697 or any combination of the two must be taken credit/no credit.

698. Thesis (1-6)

Prerequisites: Advancement to Candidacy for the Master of Science in Biology, and consent of the chair of the thesis committee and the departmental graduate advisor.
Planning, preparation, writing, defense, oral presentation, and completion of a research thesis in the biological sciences.
Letter grade only (A-F).


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