PDF version - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Biology
B460 Sustainable Resource Management 2 credits
A course that examines the causes of environmental problems and the interconnections among
environmental issues, with the goal of providing a framework for the search for long term solutions. Two
lectures/discussion sessions per week. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: a course in ecology and
junior or senior standing.
B461 Environmental Seminar 1 credit
A course that permits presentations and discussions of ecological and environmental topics, with
an emphasis on the primary literature. In any given semester, the course may be organized around a
particular issue or involve consideration of a significant book or other work. The course meets once per
week. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: a course in ecology and junior or senior standing required.
B465 Herpetology with Laboratory 2 credits
This course provides an introduction to the biology of amphibians and reptiles, with an emphasis on
the ecology, distribution, and conservation of the species found in Minnesota and neighboring states.
One lecture/discussion period and one lab period per week, with the possibility for some evening or
weekend field trips. Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: a course in ecology or instructor’s
consent.
B475 Ichthyology with Laboratory 3 credits
A course on the classification, morphology, physiology, and ecology of fishes. Two lectures and one
laboratory period per week. Laboratory activities may include individual student projects and the
collection and identification of Midwestern fishes. Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisite: a
course in ecology or instructor’s consent.
B479 Environmental Toxicology with Laboratory 4 credits
An examination of the principles, methods, and problems of environmental toxicology is presented.
Topics include: pollutant dynamics in ecosystems and individuals, dose-effect relationships, sublethal
toxicity, interactions between pollutants, ecosystem responses, and others. The laboratory emphasizes
professional methods of contaminant analysis and toxicology. Three lecture/discussions and one threehour
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
B480 Human Genetics 2 credits
All aspects of genetics as they pertain to the human are discussed. These topics include the human
genome, inborn errors of metabolism, Mendelian inheritance, human cytogenetics, gene mapping,
complex traits, consanguinity, cancer genetics, behavioral genetics, and gene therapy. In every case,
connections are made to applications and issues pervading society. Class meets for two lectures/
discussions weekly. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: B310.
B481-489 Topics in Biology 1-3 credits
Concepts and/or current issues in biology are presented. The topic changes each time it is offered.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
B490 Fisheries Biology with Laboratory 3 credits
An introduction to fisheries biology, this course has a lecture emphasis on population dynamics and
lake, pond, and stream fishery management. Attention is given to the recreational and commercial value
of freshwater fish species. Lab and field studies emphasize field fish collection techniques, taxonomy,
population studies, energetics, and age and growth studies. Two lectures and one three-hour lab/field
study weekly. Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: B340.
B491 Wildlife Ecology and Management with Laboratory 3 credits
This course is an introduction to wildlife ecology with emphasis on techniques, population dynamics,
recreational and commercial value. Wildlife management techniques are also be introduced through
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