BIO 110N - Introductory Biology

An introduction to the content, methods, and philosophy of science with an emphasis on the principles of biology and their application to topics in research and current issues in science. Each instructor will focus on a specific area of biology to allow more in-depth study of a particular sub-discipline or interdisciplinary topic. Topics of focus may include such areas as Aquatic Biology, Human Biology, Microbiology, Animal Behavior, Marine Biology, or Ecology (students should check course listings for current offerings).  Cannot be used as elective credit toward the biology major. This course may be repeated for General Elective credit when the topic differs. Every semester. Credit: 4

	BIO 150N - Human Anatomy and Physiology
	General principles of animal life, emphasizing the structure and function of the human body. Every semester. Credit: 4

BIO 160 - General Botany

Introduction to biology through the study of plants. The course emphasizes the diversity and functioning of plants, general principles in biology, applications of biological principles to environmental problems, the process of science, and science skills. Labs include field investigations, lab experiments, examinations of plant anatomy, and skills workshops. Prerequisite(s): Science majors, Science Education majors, or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

BIO 167N - Field Botany

A field-oriented course that presents an introduction to the natural history of Maine flowering plants, along with a survey of the lower vascular plants. The course is designed to use Maine habitats and native plants for the purposes of identifying specific plants, recognizing plant communities and studying reproductive biology and evolution of the vascular plants. Prerequisite(s): Science major, Science Education major, or Science Concentration; OR approval by the Instructor and the Department Chairperson. Every year. Credit: 4

BIO 170 - General Zoology

Introduction to biology and science as process through the study of animals. General Zoology surveys comparative physiology, anatomy, morphology, behavior, and ecology of animal taxa to provide an introduction to the principles, skills, and applications of biology to majors in biology, environmental science, and science education. The course emphasizes the diversity and evolutionary adaptations of animal groups, general principles in biology, application of biological principles to environmental problems, the process of science, and science skills. Labs include actual research projects (including data analysis and report writing), lab experiments, examinations of animal anatomy, morphology, and behavior, and skills workshops. Prerequisite(s): Science majors, Science Education majors, or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

	BIO 251 - Cell Biology
	The study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, with an emphasis on biochemistry and molecular biology. Bioenergetics, enzymes, membranes, cell signaling and movement, protein synthesis, processing and delivery, cancer biology, and current research topics are covered. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160/170; CHY 241 recommended concurrently. Every year. Credit: 4

	BIO 252 - Genetics
	Designed to relate the mode of gene expression at the molecular, cellular, organism, and population levels.  Laboratory experience introduces basic laboratory techniques and requires students to design and carry out small-scale research projects in genetics. Prerequisite(s): BIO 251 and CHY 241. Every year. Credit: 4

	BIO 276 - Environmental Biology
	This course provides a critical consideration of the biological ramifications of such topics as population growth, air pollution, acid rain, aquatic and marine pollution, deforestation, over-harvesting, loss of species diversity, and global warming. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170; CHY 142 recommended. Every three years. Credit: 4

	BIO 277 - Special Topics
	Covers specialized topics not covered in the biology curriculum.  May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. At least once every three years. Credit: 2-4

BIO 285 - Marine Biology

This course examines various aspects of the global marine ecosystems and their importance both regionally and globally. It will cover such topics as the oceans productivity, population biology of marine species, and the ecology of special marine communities such as the rocky shore and the coral reef. Students will learn about aquaculture and management practices, as well as effects of over exploitation and the future of the world's oceans. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every two years. Credit: 4

BIO 294 - Forest Ecology and Conservation

A study of the ecology, management, and conservation of plant species and forest ecosystems. Focus on ecological principles and their application to sustaining biological diversity in exploited and pristine habitats. Field work and examples will emphasize Maine forests and controversies. Field trips, writing, oral presentations, and group and independent inquiry are required. Overnight weekend field trip possible. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170 or permission of instructor. Every two years. Credit: 4

BIO 321 - Tropical Island Ecology

This course provides experiential learning of the biotic and abiotic factors that govern tropical island ecosystems (coral reefs, grass beds, mangroves, dry Antillean scrub and moist mature forests) found on a typical Caribbean tropical island (St. John, USVI). Concepts addressed include: biodiversity, adaptation and co-evolution, and energy flow in these systems. All students will participate in a collaborative research project with island fauna and daily lessons on island ecology. Students will also learn about the cultural history of the West Indies and contemporary human-caused environmental problems associated with island development. Intensive field work includes daily snorkeling and strenuous hiking to field locations. Assessments will include a field journal, pre-and post course examinations covering course text (and ancillary text), on-site lessons, and assigned technical papers, and the submission of a formal technical manuscript describing the results of field research. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160, BIO 170, and permission of instructor. May Term or Winter Term. Every year. CCP Credit: 4

	BIO 323 - General Physiology
	A study of the major physiological processes in animals, stressing feedback and homeostasis, structure dictating function, and genetic control. Physical and chemical concepts such as bioenergetics and enzyme function are covered. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170 and CHY 141/142; BIO 251 recommended. Every two years. Credit: 4

	BIO 344 - Biotechnology
	The history, benefits and controversy surrounding the use of living organisms or their products to improve our lives and the environment. Standard procedures, techniques, and safety will be covered as experiments involving recombinant DNA, medical, biological and forensic testing are performed. Prerequisite(s): BIO 251, BIO 252, and CHY 241. Every two years. Credit: 4

BIO 351 - Microbiology

This course emphasizes microbial genetics and physiology, and the complex interrelationship of pathogen and host.  Sub-topics covered include bacteriology, virology, immunology, medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, and molecular breeding.  The laboratory experience is project-based, and requires students to design and carry out a small-scale research project. Prerequisite(s): BIO 251, BIO 252, and CHY 241: junior or senior standing; or permission of instructor. Every two years. Credit: 4

BIO 353 - Conservation Biology

Designed to examine the nature and global patterns of biological diversity, the complex factors that have resulted in recent losses in biodiversity and ecosystem decay, the ecological ramifications of this most devastating event in the existence of the human species. Lectures, presentations by professionals in other fields, readings, discussion sessions, student participation in regional conservation efforts, diversity analysis, and ecological modeling of perturbed systems will all be used to encourage critical thinking about biodiversity issues and provide students with hands on applications in the science of conservation. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every three years. Credit: 4

	BIO 354 - Comparative Anatomy
	Designed to give students an appreciation of both the diversity and the uniformity of structure among vertebrates. Includes laboratory study of skeletal, muscular and organ systems of representative vertebrates. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every three years. Credit: 4

	BIO 356 - Developmental Biology
	Fundamental principles of vertebrate development, including growth, functional differentiation, and morphogenesis. Laboratory study emphasizes comparative embryology of representative vertebrates. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every three years. Credit: 4

BIO 361 - Ecology

The interrelationships of living organisms with biotic and abiotic environment considered from an evolutionary perspective. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry and critical consideration of ecological processes. Three hours of lectures, one three-hour in-class lab, at least three hours of additional lab work per week, and significant time investment in statistical analysis, graphics, computer modeling, and report preparation. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170 and junior or senior standing. Every Fall. Credit: 4

BIO 363 - Evolutionary Biology

This course in Neo-Darwinian evolution emphasizes the mechanisms of the evolutionary process and the use of modern taxonomic methods in the analysis of phylogenetic relationships.  Topics include adaptation, natural selection, speciation, genetic variability and load, population structure, isolating mechanisms, evolutionary rates, coevolving systems, and molecular evolution. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160, BIO 170, and BIO 252. Every Spring. Credit: 4

	BIO 377 - Special Topics in Biology
	Covers specialized topics not covered in the biology curriculum. May be repeated for credit when topic differs. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every three years. Credit: 2-4

	BIO 383 - Aquatic Biology
	Study of freshwater lakes and streams emphasizing the interrelationships of biological, chemical, and physical factors. Includes practical experience in taking and evaluating samples from aquatic environments. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every year. Credit: 4

BIO 384 - Environmental Impact Assessment

BIO 384 is designed to provide students with the historical framework of and hands-on experience with methodologies used in environmental assessment.  Students will discuss current and past laws as they pertain to environmental assessment and gain experience with current practices used to assess potential impacts of human endeavors. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160, BIO 170, CHY 141 and CHY 142. At least once every three years. Credit: 4

	BIO 386 - Ornithology
	Surveys the biology of birds, including avian morphology and physiology, migration, and population and community ecology. Requires field trips and field projects. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every three years. Credit: 4

BIO 390 - Biology Internship/Field Experience

Experiential learning situation where the student can earn credit for appropriate activities. (Up to 4 credits may be applied to required biology electives.) The experience should involve the gathering and manipulation of biological data. Proposals should be developed in conjunction with a biology faculty member and must be approved by the biology faculty. Prerequisite(s): Biology majors with at least 16 program credits AND permission of instructor. Every semester. Credit: 4-16

	BIO 391 - Entomology
	Overview of the biology of insects, including evolution, morphology and physiology, taxonomy, biogeography, behavior, ecology, and interactions with humans in terms of environmental services, human health , and economic impacts.  Requires field trips, field projects, and laboratory work. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. At least once every three years. Credit: 4

	BIO 396 - Animal Behavior
	The genetics, physiology, and ecology of the behavior of animals from an evolutionary perspective. Major topics include behavior associated with habitat selections, foraging, predation, mating, reproduction, parental care, social communication, social organization and orientation and navigation. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every two years. Credit: 4

	BIO 481 - Senior Research Project
	Working with faculty in Biology, upper level students develop a research proposal.  The research is carried out as an Independent Study, and the results are presented at a department seminar and/or the UMF Symposium. Prerequisite(s): Senior Biology major AND permission of instructor. Every semester. Credit: 2

	BIO 497 - Independent Study
	An opportunity for the student majoring in life sciences to initiate and carry out a biological study in accordance with scientific procedures and under the supervision of an appropriate staff member. Prerequisite(s): Twelve hours of Biology and permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every semester. Credit: 2-4