Graduate course descriptions

ADVANCED AQUATIC ECOLOGY (56:120:525) Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits; Prerequisites: A course in ecology and college chemistry
A study of biological, chemical, and physical aspects of inland water bodies. Emphasis will be placed on streams, rivers, and standing water bodies in the general area, with reference to classic and important recent work in other regions. Biological studies will include productivity, energy cycling, micro- and macro- flora and fauna, emergent vegetation and ecological relationships. Chemical and physical studies will include analysis of prominent chemical constituents, chemical cycling, basin formation, hydrography, eutrophication, and effects of modifications by man. Course will include lecture and field work. Some field trips may be overnight or all day Saturday.

ADVANCED CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (56:120:534) Lecture 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Cell biology and embryology
In-depth discussion of selected topics in cell and developmental biology. Topics include gene expression and its regulation, mechanisms of embryonic induction, cell adhesion, cell motility, and neoplastic transformation.

ADVANCED SOIL ECOLOGY (56:120:595) Lecture/Seminar/Discussion; 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: A course in ecology
Where else on earth does one find such a diverse array of species of organisms at such high population density as in soil? Who are all these creatures? What are they all doing? Investigating current ecological theoretical concepts of diversity and function, functional redundancy and ecosystem sustainability, we will investigate the role of these organisms by a mixture of autecology and synecology. The interactions between these organisms and pollutants will be a part of the course devoted to ecotoxicology, restoration and remediation. The course will be a mixture of lectures, readings and laboratory exercises.

BIOLOGY OF PARASITIC WORMS (56:120:532) Lecture 2 hours: 2 credits; Prerequisite: Invertebrate zoology or parasitology
Survey of the parasitic worms infecting humans and other animals. Emphasis placed on the transmission and reproductive strategies of the parasites, immune mechanisms, pathologic consequences, behavioral and other changes in the host, and the social and economic impact of parasites.

BIOLOGY OF PARASITIC PROTOZOA (56:120:531) Lecture 2 hours: 2 credits; Prerequisite: Invertebrate zoology or parasitology
Examination of the morphology, cell biology, and life history of various parasitic protozoans of humans and other animals. Topics include immune mechanisms, control measures, pathology, and the social and economic impact of infection.

CELL AND TISSUE CULTURE (56:120:521) Lecture 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisites: A course in biochemistry or cell biology
This course is designed to introduce the student to principles and techniques of cell and tissue culture, as well as their applications to current bio-medical research. The laboratory offers practical experience with several basic culture techniques, cytochemistry, radioautography, and karyological studies.

CELL PHYSIOLOGY (56:120:508) Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 3 hours: 4 credits; Prerequisites: A course in general physiology or biochemistry; permission of instructor
Analysis of functional activities of cells, with special emphasis on problems of cell permeability, cell-cell and cell-environment interaction, cell excitability and conduction, and secretion. The laboratory stresses practical application of cell biological/biochemical techniques in the study of various physiochemical properties of the cell.

CELL ULTRASTRUCTURE AND FUNCTION: (56:120:510) Lecture 2 hours; laboratory 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisites: A course in microbiology and cell biology or histology
The lecture portion will deal with a discussion of procedures used in the preparation and examination of biological materials by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Selected areas of research in ultrastructure will be dealt with in depth to show how these methods have been used and how the results have been interpreted to provide new information on tissues, cells and subcellular components. The morphologic aspect will be correlated with the chemical composition of the structure(s) involved and how the latter play a part in the functioning of the biological system under discussion. One such topic will deal with microtubules and microfilaments and their roles in the motility of cells and cell parts. The laboratory portion will provide the student with first hand experience in the basic techniques of specimen preparation and in the operation of the electron microscope. Each student will be required to prepare a set of electron micrographs and to submit it for evaluation at the end of the course.

CYTOGENETICS (56:120:509) Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 3 hours: 4 credits; Prerequisite: A course in genetics
The course will present a balanced study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosome systems. Major topics to be discussed include the molecular biology and fine structure of chromosomes, polytene chromosomes, nucleoli, and the processes of mitosis and meiosis. The role of chromosomes in sex determination will be examined and chromosomal abnormalities and their relation to human disease will be discussed. The effects of irradiation, chemicals and drugs on the induction of chromosomal mutations will be examined. Also to be discussed are structure/function relationships and the use of chromosomes as tools in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disease, in linkage studies, and in population genetics investigations. In the laboratory the student will be introduced to procedures that include preparation of anaphase and metaphase chromosomes, the analysis of sex chromatin, the examination and analysis of chromosomal aberrations, and the identification of metaphase chromosomes by banding procedures.

ENDOCRINOLOGY (56:120:560) Lecture 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Cell or systems phyiology
Endocrinology and neuroendocrinology. The structure and function of the endocrine glands, including the hypothalamus, and the biosynthesis and mechanisms of action of hormones.

ESTUARINE BIOLOGY (56:120:503) Lecture, 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisites: Ecology, College Chemistry, permission of instructor
The course is designed as a lecture course and will deal with the biology of organisms. The main emphasis will be on the different behavioral, physiological, mechanical and structural strategies used by organisms to live and produce in the species-restrictive estuarine environment. The basic ecological features that make estuaries unique and particularly important as nursery areas for fish and shellfish will also be discussed.

FIELD ECOLOGY (56:120:514) Seven to ten days during spring recess: 2 credits; Prerequisites: Systematics and Ecology or Plant Ecology, General Ecology and/or permission of instructor
A field study of major plant and animal communities in the general area of Everglades National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the Mid-Atlantic States. Visits to research institutions may be included.

FUNGI IN ECOSYSTEMS (56:120:580) Lecture; 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: General ecology or permission of instructor
Introduction to the complexities of ecosystem function and the role fungi play in these processes. The impactr of fungi on primary production, secondary production, population and community regulation and their interaction with environmental pollutants will be discussed.

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE (56:120:570) Lecture/Seminar 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
Multi-disciplinary discussions of a variety of topics concerning climate change: whether it is fact or fiction, the effects of climate change and pollution on ecosystems and populations, prediction of the consequences of climate change, and the ecological, social, economic and legal repercussions of the world-wide problem.

HUMAN GENETICS (56:120:515) Lecture 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisites: Genetics or molecular biology or permission of instructor
Principles of human heredity. Topics include genetic aspects of health and disease, birth defects, metabolic disorders, modes of inheritance, molecular and biochemical analyses, genomics and proteomics. Case studies will be discussed.

ICHTHYOLOGY: (56:120:510) Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 3 hours: 4 credits
A study of the classification and systematics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behavior of fishes. Emphasis will be placed on the ecology and classification of species present in eastern North America and along the Atlantic Coast. All day field trips will be taken to selected sites in New Jersey to survey the local fish fauna. Laboratory periods will be devoted to identification techniques and basic fish anatomy. Each student will also conduct an independent survey of the current scientific literature on some aspect of fish biology.

IMMUNOLOGY (56:120:516) Lecture 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisites: Microbiology and cell biology or cell physiology
Discussion of the substances which behave as immunogens and the relationship of their chemical structure and behavior to their participation in antibody formation. Further discussion will deal with known as well as proposed mechanisms of interaction between immunogens and specific cell types involved in humoral, as well as, cellular immunity. The chemical and physical properties of immunoglobulins will be explored. A survey on in vitro methods for the demonstration of antigen-antibody reaction, such as agglutination, precipitation, complement fixation, radioimmuno-assay and Elisa will be included. Selected topics involving in vivo immune reactions, such as tissue graft rejection, tumor immunity, and autoimmunity will also be considered. The course is designed not only to provide the student with a fuller understanding of present-day immunology but to emphasize also some of the ways in which immunologic reactions can be used to study problems in cell biology. The lectures will be supplemented by demonstrations of selected laboratory procedures.

INDIVIDUAL STUDIES IN BIOLOGY (56:120:619, 620) Time and Credit Arrangement; Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor
An individual research course designed to meet the needs of graduate students who wish to conduct original research projects in biology in addition to or in lieu of thesis research. The research project will be designed and conducted in consultation with a sponsor from the Biology graduate faculty. No more than 6 credits may be counted toward the degree. A Plan B student can apply up to 6 credits towards his or her degree, but needs to take the course with 2 different faculty to do so. Plan A students may only apply up to a maximum of 3 credits of Individual Studies in Biology toward their degrees.

LIFE AT EXTREMES (56:120:588 S) Lecture: 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Analysis of adaptations of organisms to extreme environments. Principles of evolution and biology illustrated by unusual adaptations.

MAMMALIAN PHYSIOLOGY: (56:120:512) Lecture 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisites: General physiology or human physiology
The function and activities of mammalian structures will be discussed from the levels of organ-systems, organs, tissues, cells, and submicroscopic units. Among the organ-systems examined will be the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the excretory system, and the endocrine glands. Students will be directed to research papers of recent significance and will utilize literature sources available in the physiological sciences for the preparation of an in-depth review article in a selected are of mammalian physiology.

MARINE BIOLOGY (56:120:505) Seminar/Lecture/Laboratory all day Saturday: 4 credits; Prerequisites: Ecology and College Chemistry
This course will take an ecological approach to marine biology. After a general description of physical and chemical parameters in marine waters, the lectures will focus on benthic and pelagic life in different marine environments. Emphasis will be on those biological factors that allow selected species to survive in particular marine ecosystems. In addition to lectures, there will be group discussions of relevant scientific articles. The course will meet on Saturdays and will include field trips to the Tuckerton Marine Station.

MOLECULAR CARCINOGENESIS (56:120:530) Lecture 3 hours: 3 credits
Detailed examination and discussion of the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer. Topics include cancer genetics, signal transduction, mutagenesis, and molecular therapies.

MOLECULAR GENETICS OF MICROORGANISMS (56:120:529) Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 3 hours: 4 credits; Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor
Surveys the genetics of bacteria, bacteriophages, and lower eucaryotes. Topics include general features of the genetic code, phage genetics, structure and replication of phage nucleic acids, extra- chromosomal genetic elements, gene transfer in bacteria, and genetic analysis in lower eucaryotes.

NEUROBIOLOGY I and II (56:120:555-556) Lecture 3 hours: 3 credits, each course; Prerequisite: General physiology or cell biology
Study of the structure and function of nervous systems, including membrane properties of electrically excitable cells, mechanisms of synaptic transmission between neurons, and the neuroanatomical and functional organization of the mammalian brain.

NEUROCHEMISTRY (56:120:575) Lecture; 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: General Physiology or Cell Biology
Topics include properties of membranes, myelination, axonal transport, analysis of neurotransmitter receptor binding, physiological effector mechanisms of receptors, and neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism.

NEUROSCIENCE (56:120:540) Lecture 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: 56:742:510 or permission of the instructor
Advanced study of the human nervous system; its role in normal motor function. Influence of neurophysiology, embryology and histology in normal and abnormal development explored. Responese of the nervous system to disease and trauma assessed.

PLANT GEOGRAPHY (56:120:507) Seminar/Lecture 5 hours: 4 credits; Prerequisites: A course in botany and ecology
This course consists of the study of vegetational regions and principal subdivisions of North America. Included in this study will be the principles of plant geography and plant distribution, environmental factors governing plant distribution, and a discussion of the vegetational regions of North America from the Arctic and Alpine Tundra to Desert. The course will be primarily seminar in nature and participants using the extensive bibliography and handouts provided. There will be illustrated lectures and discussions of the vegetation types with some field trips (Mt. Washington, New Hampshire) to study the major vegetation types of the East.

POPULATION ECOLOGY (56:120:590 F) Lecture; 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Course in ecology
Emphasis placed on terrestrial vertebrates and arthropods; focus on patterns and determinants of population dynamics, ecological variation among populations, and the processes affecting community organization and species interactions. Three or four Saturday field trips may replace lectures in those respective weeks. Computer simulations of population dynamics (not requiring computer literacy) and a term paper developed from the recent ecological literature are required.

POPULATION GENETICS: (56:120:513) Lecture/Discussion 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Genetics
This course is intended to convey the principles of Population Genetics to the widest possible audience. Emphasis will be placed upon the genetic analysis of both laboratory and natural populations, and special discussions will cover the experimental approaches to measuring gene frequencies in plant and animal populations. ADVANCED MATHEMATICS IS NOT REQUIRED. Some of the specific topics to be discussed include origin, maintenance and significance of genetic variation; random and directed processes influencing the genetic structure of populations; population genetics and evolution; and experimental measurements of gene frequencies including PCR, gel electrophoresis, amino acid and nucleic acid sequencing, restriction enzyme analyses of populations of mitochondrial and plastid DNA molecules, microcomplement fixatin and chromosomal polymorphisms.

RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY (56:120:585) Lecture; 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Molecular biology or permission of instructor
Examination of recombinant DNA technology and its utility in specific medical and industrial applications as well as its use in basic research. Topics include discussion of in vitro mutagenesis, heterologous gene expression in a variety of hosts, disease diagnosis, and gene therapies using genetic engineering, as well as the ecological / societal impacts of DNA technology.

RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY (56:120:701, 702) Time and Credits by Arrangement; Prerequisite: Permission of advisor and approval of thesis committee
This course is for students working on an experimental research problem for the thesis. No more than 6 credits may be counted toward the degree

SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY (56:120:601, 602) Seminar 1 hour: 1 credit (each term); Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Through discussion of papers developed and presented by students, a single topic from the area of cell and molecular biology, physiology, or ecology will be investigated in depth.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN CELL BIOLOGY (56:120:596) Lecture/Seminar/Discussion; 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Course may be taken more than once.
Study of a specific topic selected by the instructor. Topics vary from term to term.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECOLOGY (56:120:599) Lecture/Seminar/Discussion; 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Course may be taken more than once.
Study of a specific topic selected by the instructor. Topics vary from term to term.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (56:120:597) Lecture/Seminar/Discussion; 3 hours: 3 credits; Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Course may be taken more than once.
Study of a specific topic selected by the instructor. Topics vary from term to term.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSIOLOGY (56:120:598) Lecture/Seminar/Discussion; 3 hours: 3 credits Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Course may be taken more than once.
Study of a specific topic selected by the instructor. Topics vary from term to term.

TOPICS IN QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY (56:120:523) Lecture/Discussion 3 hours: 3 credits
This course is designed primarily for those students without much prior experience in the use of quantitative methods for the analysis and interpretation of biological data. The course will cover topics such as sampling, experimental design, hypothesis testing, and analysis of variance.

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