The department offers a variety of classes covering a wide range of topics in biology. The files linked below list all courses taught by the department. To see which courses are being offered during a given semester, please visit Arrow on-line. Courses that count toward the Biology major list electives are indicated with [Elective] and what category they can be applied to.  See the Undergraduate Education page for explanations of list electives and how they apply to the Biology major.  For information including comprehensive course descriptions, projected course schedules, and any other questions, please contact us at 318-342-1790.

101. THE LIVING WORLD. 3 cr. Basic scientific and biological principles with an emphasis on the structure and processes of organisms. The course also includes a survey of the major types of living organisms. Non-majors only. No prerequisite.

102. THE LIVING WORLD LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 101. Two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 101, or approval.

103. INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. 3 cr. A hands-on approach to understanding the scientific method with emphasis on project design, and data collection and analysis. Prerequisite: Admission to ULM Summer Collegiate Program and ULM-HHMI Pre-College Research Program.

110. MAN AND THE LIVING WORLD. 3 cr. A comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body and of the ecological problems that face mankind today. Non-majors only. Prerequisite: 101.

111. MAN AND THE LIVING WORLD LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 110. Two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 110, or approval.

114. FUNDAMENTALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I. 3 cr. Introduction to anatomy and physiology, including cells, tissues, organs, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 116. Non-majors only. Cannot be taken for credit if credit has been awarded for 311 or 312. Fall.

115. FUNDAMENTALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II. 3 cr. A continuation of 114. Structure and functions of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Prerequisites: C or better in 114, 116; credit or registration in 117. Non-majors only. Cannot be taken for credit if credit has been awarded in 312. Spring.

116. FUNDAMENTALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY I. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 114. Two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 114. Non-majors only. Fall.

117. FUNDAMENTALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY II. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 115. Two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 115. Non-majors only. Spring.

120. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I. 3 cr. A course designed for those students majoring in a science related field. Course content deals with scientific methodology, DNA and the genetic code, cell structure, cell development, evolution, and ecology.

121. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory designed to accompany 120. Prerequisites: credit or registration in 120.

122. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II. 3 cr. A continuation of Biology 120. Course content deals with natural selection, population genetics, speciation, adaptation, phylogeny, co-evolution, extinction, ecological interactions, human evolution and its ecological impact. Prerequisites: credit with a grade of C or better in BIOL 120.

123. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory designed to accompany Biology 122. Prerequisites: credit with a grade of C or better in BIOL 120, 121; credit or registration in BIOL 122.

201. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. 3 cr. Exploration of contemporary issues in environmental science. Man’s interaction with the Earth’s biological and physical resources. Topics include global warming, biodiversity, conservation, pollution, wetlands, sustainable agriculture, and population growth. Prerequisites: An introductory biology course or approval of department head. Fall. [Elective C]

204. PLANT DIVERSITY. 3 cr. The characteristics and reproduction of algae, fungi, bryophytes, ferns and fern allies, and seed plants. Vascular plants covered in greater detail. The relationships of these groups of plants to each other and to man is emphasized. Ecology and economic botany is woven throughout the study of diversity and distribution of these plants. Prerequisites: 122, 123. [Elective B,D]

205. PLANT DIVERSITY LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course in plant diversity to accompany 204. Prerequisites: Credit or registration in 204. [Elective B,D]

208. ANIMAL DIVERSITY. 3 cr. The anatomy, physiology, and classification of animals with an emphasis on animal diversity. Prerequisites: C or better in 122, 123.

[Elective B,D]

209. ANIMAL DIVERSITY LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course in animal diversity to accompany 208. Prerequisites: Credit or registration in 208. [Elective B,D]

214. INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY. 3 cr. The distribution and importance of microorganisms in nature. Methods of studying and controlling microorganisms. Their role in agriculture, industry and medicine. Prerequisites: Sophomore or higher standing and an earned grade of no less than C in one of the following: 101, 114, 120 or equivalent. [Elective A, B]

215. INTRODUCTORY MICRO LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 214. Two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 214. [Elective A,B]

220. CELL BIOLOGY. 3 cr. A survey of the structural and functional relationships operative at the cellular and molecular levels of organization. Prerequisites: 120, 121, 122, 123; credit or registration in CHEM 303. [Elective A]

226. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 3 cr. Structure and function of the principal organ systems of the human body. Cannot be taken for credit if credit has been awarded for 311 or 312. Non-majors only.

228. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY. 3 cr. A detailed study of nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems, and their pathophysiology. Prerequisites: Two semesters of anatomy and physiology. [Elective B]

240. HUMAN ANATOMY. 3 cr. Gross structure and physiology of the body with emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. Prerequisites: 120 and 121, or 226; cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher with a minimum of C in 120 or 226; credit or registration in 241. Fall. [Elective B]

241. HUMAN ANATOMY LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 240. Three hours of laboratory. Prerequisites: Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher with a minimum of a C in 120 or 226; credit or registration in 240. Fall. [Elective B]

303. PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY. 3 cr. The basic principles of the relationships between plants and animals and their environment. Prerequisites: 204, 205, 208, 209; credit or registration in 304. Spring. [Elective C]

304. PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 303. Three hours laboratory. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 303. Spring. [Elective C]

305. GENETICS. 3 cr. Fundamental concepts of heredity at the molecular, cellular, organismic, and population levels. Nature of the genetic material and its involvement in the determination of structure and function. Consideration given to both classical and modern genetics. Prerequisite: 220. Fall.

306. GENETICS LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory to accompany 305. Lab topics include Mendelian genetics to molecular genetics. Three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: credit or registration in 305. [Elective A]

308. INTRODUCTION TO EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY. 3 cr. A survey of fundamental concepts of modern evolutionary theory, including natural selection, speciation, and adaptation, followed by an investigation of recent issues and controversies in evolutionary biology. Reading and discussion of primary sources will be emphasized. Prerequisite: 305. [Elective D]

311. HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY I. 3 cr. Basic physiological processes with emphasis on cells, tissues and the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Prerequisites: 120, 121; Chemistry 107, 109. Fall. [Elective B]

312. HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY II. 3 cr. A continuation of 311. Emphasis on circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Prerequisites: 214, 311. Spring. [Elective B]

313. HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 312. Three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 312. Spring.

[Elective B]

316. COMPARATIVE ANATOMY. 4 cr. Study of the structure and evolutionary development of organs and organ systems in vertebrates. Laboratory requires student to purchase dissection specimens. Prerequisite: 208. Spring, even years. [Elective B]

320. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY. 3 cr. A course dealing with biodiversity and its conservation. Topics include biodiversity, habitat loss, the effects of habitat changes on populations and the design and establishment of reserves. Prerequisites: 201 or 303, 305.

330. INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY. 4 cr. The morphology and phylogeny of representative invertebrates. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: 208. [Elective B,C]

332. VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY. 4 cr. The morphology, taxonomy, and life history of representative vertebrates. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory with field trips. Prerequisite: 208. Spring, even years. [Elective B,D]

400. DIRECTED STUDY—E-TV. 1-3 cr. Selected studies in general and biological science. Content varies. A. Oceanus; B. Brain, Mind, and Behavior; C. Through the Genetic Maze; D. Cosmos; E. Race to Save the Planet. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours. No more than 6 semester hours may be applied toward degree requirements.

497. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PARTICIPATION. 3 cr. A n honors course in which the student performs independent research. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.

498. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PARTICIPATION. 3 cr. A continuation of 497.

499. SENIOR BIOLOGY SEMINAR. 1 cr. A seminar course to acquaint students with recent primary literature in Biology. Class format will include discussions and written papers. Prerequisite: 40 hours of Biology credit.

For Undergraduates and Graduate Students

403. PROBLEMS. 1-6 cr. Maximum, 6 cr. Selected problems in A. Anatomy/Physiology; B. Bacteriology/Virology; C. Botany; D. Ecology; E. Animal Science/Genetics; F. Animal and Plant Taxonomy; I. Agrostology. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.

404. ECOLOGICAL METHODS. 3 cr. Contemporary methods employed in plant and animal ecology. Prerequisites: 303, 304. [Elective C]

405. EVOLUTIONARY POPULATION GENETICS. 3 cr. A study of genetic variation in populations and its role in the evolutionary process. Prerequisite: 305. Spring, odd years. [Elective D]

408. CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY. 3 cr. Physical and chemical aspects of the living organism including an introduction to molecular biology with emphasis on the cell. Prerequisites: Chemistry 303, 304, 305, 306; credit or registration in 409. [Elective A]

409. CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY LAB. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 408. Three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: credit or registration in 408. [Elective A]

412. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY. 4 cr. An introduction to the chemical and physical processes occurring in plants. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: 204, Chemistry 108, 110; Math 116. [Elective B]

414. ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY. 4 cr. An introduction to the processes by which animals function in their environment. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: 208; Math 116. [Elective B]

416. PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION. 3 cr. Study of the physiological and environmental processes involved in mammalian reproduction. Spring, odd years.

[Elective B]

422. HISTOLOGY. 4 cr. Microscopic structure of the cell; cellular organizations; tissues; the relationship of structure to function. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: 208. [Elective A]

424. EMBRYOLOGY. 4 cr. The structure and maturation of germ cells, the fertilization and early development of vertebrates. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: 208. [Elective A]

425. NEUROLOGY. 3 cr. Study of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the human nervous system. [Elective B]

426. NEUROLOGY LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 425. Three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 425. [Elective B]

432. AQUATIC PLANTS. 4 cr. A study of the plants that grow in aquatic and wetland sites. Emphasis placed on identification, distribution, and field characteristics. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory including frequent field trips. Prerequisite: 204.

[Elective B]

434. FIELD BOTANY. 4 cr. Field characteristics and sight identification of the regional flora is emphasized. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory including frequent field trips. Prerequisite: 204. [Elective B]

436. DENDROLOGY. 4 cr. Classification, identification, and characteristics of important forest trees of the United States, stressing native species common to Louisiana. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory including frequent field trips. Prerequisite: 204.

[Elective B,D]

438. BIOLOGY OF NONSEED PLANTS. 4 cr. The characteristics, classification, phylogeny, and life cycles of fungi, algae, mosses, hornworts, liverworts, and ferns are emphasized. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory including frequent field trips. Prerequisite: 204. [Elective B,D]

440. TAXONOMY OF VASCULAR PLANTS. 4 cr. Characteristics of plant families are emphasized. This includes classification systems and emphasis on primitive and advanced characteristics. Most of the lab is devoted to identification of plants by using keys from plant identification manuals. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory. Prerequisite: 204. [Elective B,D]

442. AGROSTOLOGY. 4 cr. The identification, classification and ecology of grass and grass-like plants. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory with scheduled field trips. Prerequisite: 204. [Elective B,C,D]

444. PLANT ECOLOGY. 4cr. The study of plant populations and communities and their habitat with emphasis on the communities of the south central United States. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: 303, 304. [Elective B,C]

446. ECONOMIC BOTANY. 3 cr. The study of applied uses of plants as food, fibers, lumber, drugs, and related commodities. Prerequisite: 204. [Elective B]

447. ECONOMIC BOTANY LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 446. Two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 446. [Elective B]

451. FIELD BIOLOGY. 6 cr. Field studies of the flora and fauna native to selected habitats. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: 204, 205, 208, 209; approval of department head. Summer. [Elective B,C]

456. INTRODUCTION TO ENTOMOLOGY. 4 cr. The anatomy, physiology, and classification of insects. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: 208. [Elective B,D]

460. PATHOGENIC BACTERIOLOGY. 4 cr. The morphology, physiology, and immunogenecity of disease-causing bacteria; methods of isolation, identification and control of pathogenic bacteria and diseases. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: 214, 215. [Elective A]

462. FOOD AND DAIRY MICROBIOLOGY. 3 cr. The role of microorganisms in the preservation, spoilage and poisoning in food and dairy products. Also, their role in the manufacture of products of agricultural origin. Prerequisite: 214; credit or registration in 463. [Elective A]

463. FOOD AND DAIRY MICRO LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 462. Three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 462. [Elective A]

464. WATER MANAGEMENT. 3 cr. A survey of water distribution and uses, including water purification and sewage treatment, industrial and agricultural, irrigation scheduling. [Elective C]

466. ADVANCED MICROBIOLOGY. 3 cr. Advanced microbiological techniques; a study of the morphological, physiological, and genetic characteristics of important groups of microorganisms; introduction to biotechnology. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory. Prerequisites: 214, 215; 8 semester hours of chemistry. [Elective A]

468. GENERAL VIROLOGY. 3 cr. A study of representative bacterial, animal and plant viruses. Prerequisites: 214; credit or registration in 469. [Elective A]

469. GENERAL VIROLOGY LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory to accompany 468. Three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 468. [Elective A]

470. IMMUNOLOGY - CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES. 3 cr. Detailed discussion of the cellular and humoral components of the immune system and their interrelationships in the production and control, at both the genetic and cellular levels, of immune responses. Prerequisites: 214, 115 or 312 or consent of instructor. [Elective A]

472. INTRODUCTORY PARASITOLOGY. 3 cr. The taxonomy, life history, and economic importance of protozoa, helminths, and arthropods which are parasites of man. Prerequisites: 208; credit or registration in 473. [Elective B,D]

473. INTRODUCTORY PARASITOLOGY LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 472. Three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 472.

[Elective B,D]

476. LIMNOLOGY. 4 cr. The biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of freshwater habitats. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: 204, 208. [Elective C]

478. ICHTHYOLOGY. 4 cr. Evolution, systematics and ecology of fishes with an emphasis on North American freshwater fishes. Two hours lecture and six hours laboratory with field trips. Prerequisites: 122, 123. Fall, even years. [Elective B,D]

480. HERPETOLOGY. 4 cr. Morphology, taxonomy, and life history of amphibians and reptiles with emphasis on the taxonomy of the amphibians and reptiles of Louisiana. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory with field trips required. Prerequisite: 208. Spring, odd years. [Elective B,D]

482. MAMMALOGY. 4 cr. The morphology, taxonomy, and life history of mammals. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory with field trips. Prerequisite: 208. Fall, odd years. [Elective B,D]

484. ORNITHOLOGY. 3 cr. Morphology, taxonomy, behavior, and natural history of birds. Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory with field trips required. Prerequisite: 208. Spring, even years. [Elective B,D]

486. GAME BIRDS. 4 cr. Recognition, life histories, predators, economics and management practices of North American game birds. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory with field trips. Prerequisite: 208.Spring, odd years. [Elective B,C]

488. GAME MAMMALS AND FUR BEARERS. 4 cr. Recognition, life histories, predators, economics and management practices of game mammals and fur bearers with special emphasis on regional fauna. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory with field trips. Prerequisite: 208. Fall, even years. [Elective B,C]

490. ESTUARINE ZOOLOGY. 4 cr. An introduction to basic estuarine ecology with a focus on the ecology and systematics of major aquatic invertebrates and fishes native to estuaries of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: 208. Spring, odd years.

[Elective C,D]

492. ANIMAL ECOLOGY. 3 cr. A study of animal populations, communities and their interactions. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory. Prerequisites: 303, 304 or equivalent. Fall, even years. [Elective C]

496. COOPERATIVE INTERNSHIPS. 1-3 cr. Closely supervised practical experience working in agencies/businesses that employ biologists. Only junior and senior majors and graduate students are eligible. Students will receive grades of CR (credit) or NC (no credit). Students may repeat this course for a total of 3 credits; not to exceed 6 credits total in combination with 403. The course may not be used by graduate students to fulfill major requirements.

For Graduate Students Only

503. ORGANIC EVOLUTION. 3 cr. The history, theories, and mechanisms of evolution.

505. RESEARCH METHODS. 2 cr. Principles underlying biological research. Emphasis on the scientific method and its application in biological investigation. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 506.

506. RESEARCH METHODS LABORATORY. 1 cr. A laboratory course to accompany 505. Two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in 505.

507. SEMINAR. 1 cr. Maximum, 4 cr.

510. BIOLOGY OF AGING. 3 cr. A review of the fundamental aspects of biological aging; age-related anatomical and physiological changes displayed by humans and other mammals at the molecular, cellular, and organismic levels. (Same as GERO 510) Spring.

511. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. 3 cr. A survey of currently-used techniques of disposal of solid wastes from municipal, industrial, and agricultural sources; recycling techniques; hazardous waste disposal. Prerequisite: BIOL214 or equivalent. Fall, even years.

512. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY. 3 cr. The study of the interactions between animal ecology and behavior. Topics to be covered include social behavior, competition, cooperation, sexual selection and parental care.

514. EPIDEMIOLOGY. 3 cr. A study of human and animal disease with consideration of host resistance, parasitic adaptation and dissemination, and the problems of interference, carriers, reservoirs, and control. Prerequisite: 214 or equivalent.

515. BIOLOGY FOR TEACHERS. 3 cr. Maximum, 12 cr. Analysis and application of principles of selected biological topics. Cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements for biology majors.

518. POPULATION BIOLOGY OF FISHES. 4 cr. General principles of fish population dynamics with emphasis on freshwater systems. Topics include mortality, recruitment and yield, age and growth, and population ecology. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory.

524. BIOGEOGRAPHY. 3 cr. A study of the dynamics of biological patterns and processes over broad geographic and time scales. Prerequisites: 303, 304 or Approval of Instructor. Fall, even years.

526. ADVANCED HERPETOLOGY. 3 cr. Detailed internal and external morphology and taxonomy of the amphibians and reptiles of North America. Field and museum techniques in collecting and preparing specimens and records. Two hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory. Prerequisite 480.

528. FISH DIVERSITY. 4 cr. Evolution, systematics, and zoogeography of marine and freshwater fishes of the world. Field and museum techniques in specimen collection and preservation and an introduction to morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular analyses. Three hours seminar and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: 478.

530. STREAM ECOLOGY. 4 cr. Animal adaptations to life in rivers, bayous, and creeks. Stream community structure as understood through ecological theories. Combination lecture, laboratory, and field work. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: 476.

532. FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATES. 4 cr. An in-depth study of the classification and ecology of invertebrate taxa found in freshwater habitats, with special emphasis on freshwater taxa of the southeastern United States. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: 303, 304, 476.

534. PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND PHYLOGENY. 3 cr. Theory and practice of identifying, naming, classifying, and understanding relationships between vascular plants with emphasis on families and their phylogeny. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory. Prerequisites: A 400-level plant taxonomy course.

536. SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY. 3 cr. Major theses include speciation, species, concepts, character analysis, phylogeny reconstruction, and historical biogeography. Theoretical aspects of these topics and their relationship to taxon recognition, description, and classification will be emphasized. Prerequisite: 405 or approval of Department Head.

540. COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY. 3 cr. Physiological processes in a wide range of invertebrates as well as vertebrate animals; different adaptations by which diverse organisms perform basic life functions; comparisons designed to demonstrate physiological homologies and analogies.

542. ENDOCRINOLOGY. 3 cr. The study of endocrine glands and their hormones. Consideration of the role of hormones in growth, development, metabolism, homeostasis, and reproduction. Prerequisite: One semester of physiology.

591. DIRECTED STUDY. 1-6 cr. Maximum, 6 cr. Directed study in selected areas of Biology. Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Head.

599. THESIS. 1-6 cr. Grades of CR (Credit) or NC (No Credit) will be awarded.