Phillips 330
(715) 836-4166
http://www.uwec.edu/Lists/Acad.htm
Paula Kleintjes Neff , Chair
Julie Anderson, Kristina Beuning, Winnifred Bryant, Rodolfo Buiser, Donald Christian, Chris Floyd, Mitchell Freymiller, Derek Gingerich, Lois Helland, Daniel Herman, Daniel Janik, Michelle Kettler, Susan Krueger, David Lonzarich, Jamie Lyman-Gingerich, Joseph Rohrer, Sasha Showsh, Wilson Taylor, Lloyd Turtinen, Evan Weiher, Michael Weil, Todd Wellnitz, Darwin Wittrock.
Honor Societies and Student Organizations:
Biology Club is a student organization for those interested in Biology. Beta Beta Beta, Biology Honor society, is dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. These two organizations meet jointly on a monthly basis. Meetings provide opportunities to meet other biology majors/minors and professors, hear speakers on various biology related topics, learn about possible internships and research opportunities, and participate in fun activities such as trips to science museums, aquariums, and zoos. www.uwec.edu/biology/bioclub.
Biologists study the diversity, function, and interconnection of living organisms on earth from the molecular and cellular level to that of the whole organism. It is a broad science with many subdisciplines that range from the theoretical to the applied and from the microbe to the biome. Biological knowledge and understanding is essential for the intelligent evaluation of a range of issues facing civilization whether they be emerging diseases; invasive species and loss of biodiversity; or advances in medical, biotechnological, and ecological research.
The mission of the Department is to build a community that will instill an enthusiasm for lifetime learning in the biological sciences through education, research, and service to students, faculty/staff, and the public-at-large. We aim to provide students with basic concepts and skills as well as an enlightening and participatory learning environment via coursework, seminars, and collaborative research opportunities so that they may solve problems and confront issues of the future whether they be scientific, social, political, or ethical in context. We also aim to provide an atmosphere that assists students in identifying career possibilities consistent with their interests and abilities in the life sciences.
Ecology and Environmental Biology Emphasis (Code 080-001); Microbiology Emphasis (Code 080-002); Organismal Biology Emphasis (Code 080-003); Biology, Liberal Arts (Code 080-203); Biology, Teaching (Code 080-205).
Credits |
|
| 110 Ecology and Evolution | 4 |
| 111 Essentials of Cell Biology and Genetics | 4 |
| 211 Organismal Form and Function | 5 |
| Capstone Experience* | minimum 1 |
| Total Core Requirements | 14 |
*Each major is required to complete a capstone experience which includes one of the following: Biol 385 Undergraduate Seminar, Biol 485 Issues in Biology, Biol 496 Teaching Apprenticeship, or Biol 497 Senior Research Seminar. Ecology and Environmental Biology Emphasis comprehensive majors may also select Biol 329 Field Experience in Conservation Biology. Teaching majors are required to select Biol 496.
In addition to the Core Requirements for All Majors, Biol 300, Genetics (4 crs.) is required for all emphases in the Comprehensive Major. All students who pursue a Liberal Arts Comprehensive Major in Biology are also required to complete Math 114, Calculus I, and one year of chemistry, chosen from Chem 103 and 104, or 115 and a 200-level or higher chemistry course in addition to the 60 credits required for the major.
NOTE: Math 114 counts for GE-IB credit and Chem 103/104 or 115 count for GE-IIB credit.
Ecology and Environmental Biology Emphasis (Code 080-001)
This emphasis provides extensive exposure to topics in ecology, field biology, and biological conservation. It is intended for students who are interested in field research, environmental monitoring and management, or natural resource conservation, or who desire strong preparation for graduate programs in ecology, environmental biology, or related fields. Requires completion of the core plus the required credits as listed below to total at least 60 credits.
| Required Courses | Credits |
| Biol 383 Biostatistics | 3 |
| Field Experience, selected in consultation with the student's academic adviser. Courses may include Biol 320, 490, or summer offerings at a biological field station. | 1-4 |
| Categorical Courses | 22-26 |
| Form and Function: At least one course from Biol 301, 302, 304, 317, 322, 333 | |
| Organismal Diversity: At least two courses from Biol 311, 325, 331, 332, 340, 345, 352, 361, 362, 369, 379, 381, 410 | |
| Ecology and Behavior: At least two courses from Biol 328, 330, 338, 365, 375, 376, 425 | |
| Physical Sciences | 12 |
| Select from Geog 199, 304, 335, 338, 350, 363; Geol 115, 308, 315, 336; Phys 211 or 231; Chem 304, 325 (only 12 credits maximum will be applied toward the major) | |
| Additional biology courses not specifically excluded from the biology major to complete at least 60 credits. | |
| Research or internship experience strongly recommended. | |
Microbiology Emphasis (Code 080-002)
This emphasis differs from the Biochemistry/Molecular Biology comprehensive major. It provides more in depth exposure to topics in microbiology including virology, immunology, and general microbiology. It is excellent preparation for careers in health science, microbiology or industry, and for graduate training in microbiology and related fields. Requires completion of the core plus the required credits as listed below to total at least 60 credits.
| Required Courses | Credits |
| Biol 302 Cell Biology | 3 |
| Biol 304 Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Biol 361 Microbiology | 5 |
| Biol 402 Virology and Immunology | 4 |
| Chem 325 Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| Chem 326 Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| Chem 352 Fundamentals of Biochemistry | 4 |
| Elective Courses | 14 |
| At least three courses from the following: Biol 306, 352, 353, 381, 401, 409, 486; PHP 450 | |
| Additional biology courses not specifically excluded from the biology major to complete at least 60 credits. | |
Organismal Biology Emphasis (Code 080-003)
This emphasis provides comprehensive exposure to organismal form, function, and diversity. It prepares students for careers in human or animal health sciences, industry, or graduate training in plant or animal biology. Requires completion of the core plus the required credits as listed below to total at least 60 credits.
| Required Courses | Credits |
| Biol 302 Cell Biology or | |
| Biol 304 Molecular Biology | 3-4 |
| Biol 301 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and | |
| Biol 371 Animal Physiology or | |
| Biol 322 Plant Anatomy and | |
| Biol 333 Plant Physiology | 8 |
| Biol 383 Biostatistics or | |
| Math 246 Elementary Statistics | 3-4 |
| Chem 325 Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory | 4 |
| Chem 326 Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory | 4 |
| Chem 352 Fundamentals of Biochemistry | 4 |
| Categorical Courses | 15 |
| At least one course from each of the following categories. At least two courses must have a laboratory. (Note: Laboratory courses are in bold.) |
|
| Form and Function: Select from Biol 301, 302, 304, 317, 322, 333, 354, 380, 402, 420, 460, 470, 486 | |
| Organismal Diversity: Select from Biol 311, 325, 326, 331, 332, 340, 345, 352, 356, 361, 362, 369, 379, 381, 410 | |
| Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior: Select from Biol 308, 328, 330, 338, 365, 375, 376, 425 | |
| Additional biology courses not specifically excluded from the biology major to complete at least 60 credits. | |
Thirty-six semester credits, including:
1. Core Requirements for all majors, above.
2. Additional biology courses not specifically excluded from the biology major to complete the 36 credit total in biology. This must include at least ONE of the following 300-level or higher organismal diversity courses: Biol 311, 325, 331, 332, 340, 345, 352, 356, 361, 362, 369, 379, 392, 410, or applicable diversity course at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.
3. In addition to the 36 credits in biology, a math requirement of Math 114, Calculus I, and a one-year chemistry requirement of 9-10 semester credits chosen from Chem 103 and 104, or 115 and a 200-level or higher chemistry course.
NOTE: Math 114 satisfies GE-IB and Chem 103, 104, or 115 satisfy GE-IIB. Although not required, it is suggested that biology majors consider taking Engl 305 or 308 for GE-IA, Phys 211/212 for GE-IIE, Phil 306, 320, or 355 for GE-IVB, and CS 170 for GE-V, or consult with an adviser for other appropriate GE courses to complement personal interests and the major.
Thirty-six semester credits, including:
1. Core Requirements for all majors, above.
2. Biol 214 and 314 OR Biol 301 and 317.
3. At least one course in cells, molecules, genetics from among Biol 250, 300, or 302.
4. At least one course in animal biology from among Biol 311, 345, 352, 356, or 362.
5. At least one course in plant biology from among Biol 322, 325, 326, 331, 332, 333, or 392.
6. A minimum of one field course from among Biol 311, 320, 325, 330, 331, 332, 338, 340, 345, 356, 362, 365, 369, 370, 375, 376, 379, 410, Pigeon Lake, or Gulf Coast Research Laboratory courses.
7. Additional biology courses not specifically excluded from the biology major to complete the 36-credit total in biology.
8. In addition to the 36 credits in biology, chemistry requirement of 9-10 semester credits chosen from Chem 103 and 104 OR Chem 115 and a Chem course numbered 200 or higher.
This major is restricted to students in the College of Education and Human Sciences: Curriculum and Instruction: Option B and leads to licensure to teach Biology in Early Adolescence through Adolescence classrooms.
NOTE: See also Information for Teaching Majors.
See Multidisciplinary Programs.
A minimum of 24 credits, including Biol 110, 111, 211, and at least one of the following 300-level or higher organismal diversity courses: Biol 311, 325, 331, 332, 340, 345, 352, 356, 361, 362, 369, 379, 392, 410, or applicable diversity course at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.
A minimum of 24 credits, including Biol 110, 111, 211, and 11 credits in courses numbered 300 or higher. This minor is restricted to students in the College of Education and Human Sciences: Curriculum and Instruction: Option B or C and leads to licensure to teach Biology in Early Adolescence through Adolescence classrooms.
Eligibility: Upper-class students with resident and total GPAs of 3.30 or higher and a 3.50 or higher in at least 12 credits of biology.
Procedure: A written application for Departmental Honors in Biology shall be approved by the research adviser and the departmental honors committee.
Requirements:
1. The satisfactory completion of (a) 5-7 credits of registration in Honors Research including the writing of a research paper. A grade will be given for the total research credits only upon completion of the research paper; (b) Biol 385 or Biol 497 where the results of the honors research will be presented; (c) final approval by faculty and academic staff of the Department of Biology.
2. Resident and total GPAs of 3.50 or higher in both the biology major and for all credits attempted to meet graduation requirements.
NOTE 1: For students planning to do graduate work in biology, attention is called to the importance of mathematics, the physical sciences, and languages; courses in these areas should be chosen in consultation with the major adviser.
NOTE 2: A year of chemistry is required for a major in biology and should be started during the freshman year.
NOTE 3: Majors are encouraged to take advantage of the special opportunities available in summer courses at the Pigeon Lake Field Station or the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Interested students should consult the On-Campus Affiliate Coordinator.
NOTE 1: Biology majors entering teaching must take Biol 180 or Geog 178 to satisfy Wisconsin DPI requirements in Conservation.
NOTE 2: Completion of the following requirements and CI 359 may be used in lieu of a minor and adds Broadfield Science licensure to the Teaching major:
A. At least 14 credits from one of the following areas: (1) Chem 103 and 104, or 115; additional courses selected from 213, 218, 325; (2) Phys 211 and 212 or 231 and 232; additional credits above 212; (3) one of Geol 106, 110, 115, or 130 and 131; Geog 104 or 340 or 361; Phys 226; additional courses from Geol 102, 301, 303, 308; Phys 229; Geog 199, 304, 340, 361.
B. Eight credits in each of the two areas not selected in A above: (1) Chem 103 or 115, plus 104 or 150; (2) Phys 211 and 212, or 231 and 232; (3) one of Geol 106, 110, 115, or 130 and 131; Geog 104; and Phys 226 or 229.
Students majoring or minoring in biology may count as part of their major or minor requirements no more than one course (Biol 110, 111, 296, or 496) taken under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire maintains a formal affiliation agreement with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Through this arrangement, students may take field courses in marine science at GCRL during the summer. Grades and completed coursework from the GCRL are initially awarded and transcripted by the University of Southern Mississippi, but will be considered resident credit for students pursuing a degree at UW-Eau Claire.
Students may obtain more information about GCRL and admission to the summer program by contacting Dr. Darwin Wittrock, On-Campus Affiliate Coordinator, UW-Eau Claire Department of Biology or by writing the Office of Students Services, Department of Coastal Sciences, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39564-7000. Phone (228) 872-4223; or visit the Web site at www.usm.edu/gcrl.