Biotechnology Graduate Courses
BI 905 Historical Perspectives in Biology
The nature, processes, and research approaches of the major biological discoveries and emerging
new paradigms from the 17th century to present.
3 credits
BI 910 Public Health Parasitology
Biology, epidemiology, disease processes, control and prevention of human parasites. Concentrates
on selected protozoan, helminth, and arthropod organisms. Includes three hour laboratory.
4 credits.
BI 915 Topics in Advanced Botany
Explores and reviews specialized topics in the life of plants. Includes three hour laboratory.
4 credits.
BI 920 Population Biology
Analyzes population density, growth, regulation, and energy relationships. Population interactions,
organization, and evolution are stressed.
3 credits
BI 921 Biotechnology and DNA
Applications of recombinant DNA technology, together with business and industry information and
government regulation. Includes a three hour laboratory.
4 credits.
BI 923 Fermentation Technology
The growth of microorganisms in bioreactors under sterile conditions and the production of useful
products.
3 credits
BI 924 Recombinant DNA
A theoretical course covering the basic concepts of DNA structure, the role of DNA in cells and how
genes are isolated and cloned.
3 credits
BI 925 Cell Physiology
Examines the cellular mechanisms involved in maintaining homeostasis in response to changes in
the cellular environment. Includes three hour laboratory.
4 credits.
BI 927 Tissue Culture Techniques
Prerequisite: B.S. in a biological science
Presents the most important techniques used for mammalian tissue culture by lecture and laboratory
demonstration and practice. The course also includes topics in plant tissue culture.
3 credits
BI 930 Biological Chemistry
Concerns the physical, chemical, and biological properties and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, DNA, and RNA.
3 credits
BI 935 Biochemical Techniques
Prerequisite: BI 930
Topics include the isolation and characterization of biochemical compounds with emphasis on nucleic acids and proteins. One hour of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
3 credits
BI 936 Immunology
Prerequisite: B.S. in a biological science
Recent advances in understanding the immune system will be covered.
3 credits
BI 937 Molecular Virology
Prerequisite: B.S. in a biological science
A study of virus families with emphasis on replication and regulation of gene expression.
3 credits
BI 938 Toxicology
A theoretical course presenting the principles and mechanisms of toxic damage to cells, organs and organisms.
3 credits
BI 940 Reproductive Physiology
Concerns the influence of sex hormones on the reproductive system, beginning with embryo genesis and early maturation and extending into the areas of fertilization, pregnancy, gestation, parturition, and lactation. Includes three hour laboratory.
4 credits.
BI 945 Neuroendocrinology
Emphasizes the hypothalamo-hypophysial system in mammals together with its influence on the central nervous system.
3 credits
BI 950 Physiological Ecology
Considers the physiological adjustments which animals make in response to environmental factors; emphasizes the physiological basis of animal evolution and distribution.
3 credits
BI 955 Herpetology
Concerns the structural and functional characteristics of amphibians and reptiles, their origin and evolution, their ecological relationships, and their distribution and natural history. Includes three hour laboratory.
4 credits.
BI 960 Biology of Symbiosis
Nutritional, metabolic, and evolutionary mechanisms of partnerships in nature with emphasis on the universality of symbiosis. Includes three hour laboratory.
4 credits.
BI 980 Selected Topics in Advanced Biology
Each topic is a timely and exciting new lecture and/or laboratory course. Topics will be announced in advance and will service needs in growth areas; e.g., biotechnology.
3-4 credits.
BI 981 Independent Study in Biology/Biotechnology
Prerequisite: Consent of department and instructor.
Independent study or directed study on a topic of interest to both the student(s) and the instructor.
1-6 credits.
BI 985 Graduate Internship in Biology/Biotechnology
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a minimum of 12 graduate credits toward the degree and
approval of the Biology faculty. Provides M.S. candidates the chance to gain practical experience at off-campus agencies where technical and analytical skills can be gained.
3-4 credits.
BI 990 Seminar in Biology/Biotechnology
Study and discussion of current researches, books, and periodicals in the field of biology; includes reports of research in progress. Required of all graduate degree candidates.
3 credits
BI 995 Research in Biology/Biotechnology
Original research in biology under faculty supervision. Requires an acceptable thesis or paper in publishable format. Required of all degree candidates. May be repeated.
1-6 credits.
Chemistry Graduate Courses
CH 941 Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids
Prerequisites: Biochemistry I, Modern Biochemistry, or Biological Chemistry
The structure and function of DNA and RNA. Topics include bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic nucleic acids.
3 credits
CH 942 Structure and Function of Proteins
Prerequisites: Biochemistry I, Modern Biochemistry, or Biological Chemistry
The biochemistry of proteins. Particular emphasis is given to enzymes and the kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
3 credits
CH 943 Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry
Prerequisites: Biochemistry I, Modern Biochemistry, or Biological Chemistry
This course includes the isolation and characterization of biochemical compounds with emphasis on nucleic acids and proteins, including enzymes.
3 credits
CH 990 Special Problems in Chemistry
Prerequisite: Consent of department
A laboratory or library research project conducted in consultation with a faculty member.
3 credits
CH 991 Directed Study
Prerequisite: Consent of department
Designed for the student who wishes to undertake an individualized study in chemistry on a topic mutually agreeable to student and instructor.
1-4 credits.
CH 996 Internship in Chemistry
Prerequisite: Consent of department
Research project completed at an institution other than WSU by a student with a non-WSU sponsor and WSU liaison. Requires a final typewritten report.
3 credits