Zoology
(ZOO)
The department offers courses which are slashlisted so undergraduate students may take an undergraduate 4000-level course while graduate students may take a graduate 5000-level course. The lectures in a slashlisted course are the same. However, students in the 5000-level course have substantial additional requirements beyond those for students in the 4000-level course. These additional requirements are listed in the slashlisted course syllabus.
BIOL 1003 Contemporary Issues in Biology.An introduction to biology, focusing on the scientific background needed to understand selected issues related to cells, genetics and inheritance, evolution and ecology. Not open to students with credit for BIOL 1005, BOT 1114, ZOO 1114, ZOO 1124, or BIOL 1134. Cannot be used for major credit in Zoology. (F, Sp) [II-NL]
BIOL 1005 Concepts in Biology. Prerequisite: none, but high school or college chemistry is recommended. An introduction to the life sciences, focusing on the structure and function of organisms and their relationship to the environment. Fulfills general education laboratory science requirement. Not open to students with credit for Botany 1114 or Zoology 1114.Laboratory (F, Sp) [II-LAB]
BIOL 1013 Intro to Biology Introductory survey of the fundamental concepts that underlie biological phenomena from the cellular to the ecosystem level. Not open to students with credit for Botany/Microbiology/Zoology 1005 or Zoology 1114. (F, Sp) [II - NL]
1114 Introductory Zoology. Major biological principles and concepts as illustrated in the structure, function and evolution of animals. Emphasis is on self-regulatory mechanisms, especially in the vertebrates, and their adaptive significance. (F, Sp, Su) [II-NL]
1121 Introductory Zoology Laboratory. Prerequisite: previous completion or concurrent enrollment in 1114. Laboratory study of structure and development of organ systems. Experiments on physiological process of selected vertebrates and invertebrates. (F, Sp, Su) [II-LAB]
1124 Introductory Biology: Molecular, Cell, Physiology. Major biological principles and concepts as illustrated in the function and physiology of animals, plants, fungi and microbes. Emphasis is on chemistry, molecular genetics, cell processes, homeostasis and physiology. Will include biological laboratory experience with emphasis on problem solving. Problems will be derived from topics in molecular genetics, cell processes, homeostasis and physiology. Will include training in scientific procedures including laboratory technical skills, writing skills and introduction to statistical analyses. Recitation will include discussion and case study analysis of the major biological principles presented in the lecture within the context of health and the environment. Will involve problem sets, primary journal articles and writing assignments. Includes both online and classroom activities. (F) [II – LAB]
BIOL 1134 Introductory Biology: Evolution, Ecology, Diversity. Major biological principles and concepts as illustrated in a survey of diversity, behavior, and ecological functions of animals, plants, fungi and microbes. Emphasis is on evolution, ecology and diversity. Will include biological laboratory experience with emphasis on problem solving. Problems will be derived from topics in evolution, ecology, and diversity. Will include training in scientific procedures including laboratory technical skills, writing skills and introduction to statistical analyses. Recitation will include discussion and case study analysis of the major biological principles presented in the lecture within the context of health and the environment. Will involve problem sets, primary journal articles and writing assignments. Includes both online and classroom activities. (Sp) [II-LAB]
1203 The Age of Dinosaurs (Crosslisted with Geology 1203). Introduction to basic principles and theories in zoology (evolution, systematics, vertebrate morphology and relationships) and geology (geologic time, earth history, plate tectonics, sedimentation and stratigraphy), focusing on the evolutionary history of Dinosauria. May not be counted for major coursework in either department or for general education requirements. (F) [II-NL]
2011 Critical Evaluation of Biological Research. Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, or 1124 and 2012 or concurrent enrollment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the scientific method, how it applies to biological research, and implications for biomedical issues. The course will also introduce students to research in the four core areas of study in the Zoology department (physiology, ecology and systematics, animal behavior, and cellular, genetic, and developmental biology) while emphasizing three basic themes in biology (homeostasis, biological diversity, and evolution). (Sp)
2012 Foundations in the Biomedical Sciences. Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, or 1124. An introduction to professional aspects of the biomedical sciences including basic biostatistics and data interpretation, critical evaluation of scientific literature, and discussion of case studies in biomedical ethics. Emphasis will be placed on the medical relevance of important generalizing themes in biology, including evolution, homeostasis, and biodiversity. Critical thinking and evaluation of current issues in medicine and medical research will be incorporated into class activities. (Sp)
2013 Evolution. Prerequisite: 1114, 1124, or Biology 1134. Process of evolution. Differentiation and natural selection in populations, the nature of species, the origins of species, and evolution above the species level. (F, Sp)
2094 Invertebrate Zoology. Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, 1124 or Biology 1134. A survey of the invertebrate animals featuring their classification, morphology, physiology, life history, ecology and evolution. Laboratory (Sp, Su)
2124 Human Physiology. Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, or 1124 with a grade of C or better; a course in chemistry or physics. May not be applied for zoology major credit. Open only to majors in nursing, physical therapy, physical education, and selected fields. Function of vertebrate organ systems in homeostasis. Circulation, digestion, endocrine and nervous control, metabolism, muscle action and respiration, with emphasis on humans. Laboratory (F, Sp, Su)
2204 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, or 1124. A study of the anatomy and evolutionary development of vertebrate organ systems. Representative vertebrates are studied in laboratory. Laboratory (F)
2234 Introduction to Human Anatomy. Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, or 1124 (cannot be enrolled concurrently with ZOO 2255). An introduction to the human body using the systemic approach (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, etc.). The course will use a lecture/lab format with extensive use of models, videos, and computer-assisted instruction as well as prosected cadavers. Not for zoology major credit. (F-Irreg.)
2255 Human Anatomy. Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, or 1124 (cannot be enrolled concurrently with ZOO 2234) with a grade of C or better, sophomore standing, permission. May not be applied for zoology major credit. Open only to majors in physical education, physical therapy, nursing and selected fields. The development and gross morphology of the human body and its systems. Laboratory dissection of human cadavers. Laboratory (F, Sp)
2404 Ecology and Environmental Quality (Crosslisted with Botany 2404). Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Study of ecological principles and their applications to human systems, study of population, air pollution, water pollution, energy issues, etc. Laboratory exercises focus on learning scientific methods of measurement of environmental quality factors. Laboratory (Sp) [II-LAB]
2913 Introduction to Quantitative Biology. Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, 1124, or Biology 1134, Mathematics 1523 or 1643 or higher, permission. The connections between basic mathematics and how biological data are organized, tested, and interpreted. Includes review of probability theory, introduction to parametric and non-parametric biostatistics, fundamentals of experimental design, and sketches of how optimality theory can be used to generate biological questions. (Sp)
3043 Sensory Functions (Crosslisted with Psychology 3043). Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, 1124 or Psychology 1113. A comparative survey of the anatomy and physiology of visual, auditory and olfactory systems, as related to their biological significance. Topics covered include sensory functions in communication, predator avoidance and prey capture. (Irreg.)
3073 Medical Entomology. Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, 1124, or Biology 1134. Medical entomology investigates the relationship of insects and other arthropods to the health of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Laboratory. (Sp)
3083 Animal Behavior (Crosslisted with Psychology 3083). Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology, including 1114 and 1121, or 1124 or permission of instructor. History, philosophy and methods of ethology; causation, ontogeny, function, and evolution of behavior; orientation and navigation; sociobiology. (F)
3092 Animal Behavior Laboratory (Crosslisted with Psychology 3092). Prerequisite: junior standing; concurrent or previous enrollment in 3083. Students will conduct both laboratory and field experiments on various aspects of animal behavior, including communication, foraging, parental care and aggression. Laboratory (F)
†G3101 Principles of Physiology Lab. Prerequisite: 3103 or concurrent enrollment. Provides students with an introduction to the methods and procedures used in physiological research. Topics covered include data acquisition, analysis and basic statistics, effects of temperature on living systems, nervous system functions, muscle mechanics and physiology, and studies of metabolic rates. In addition to hands-on laboratory experience, library projects and written research papers are used to introduce students to methods of scientific communication. Laboratory (F, Sp)
†G3103 Principles of Physiology. Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology, organic chemistry, Mathematics 1503 or equivalent, Physics 2424 or permission. Introduction to basic concepts of physiology; relation of functions of organisms to physical and chemical principles, and to the environment; discussion of experimental design, constituents of tissues, energy, growth, homeostasis, cellular and organ functions. (F, Sp)
3113 Cell Biology (Crosslisted with Botany, Microbiology 3113). Prerequisite: 1114 or 1124 or Botany 1114 and Chemistry 3013 or 3053. Introduction to the cell as a unit of life. A chemical and physical comparison of procaryotic and eucaryotic cells to include a discussion of cell metabolism, types of metabolic regulation, and an analysis of ultrastructure. Emphasis will be placed on the dynamic changes in metabolism and ultrastructure which occur during the life of a cell. (F, Sp)
†G3201 Animal Development Lab. Prerequisite: 3203 or concurrent enrollment. Laboratory study of the development and embryology of a variety of animals. Developmental concepts and mechanisms will be illustrated through the use of prepared materials and hands-on experiments. Laboratory (F, Sp)
†G3203 Animal Development. Prerequisite: 11 hours zoology including 1114 and 1121, or 1124 and 3333 or permission. Study of animal development from gamete formation through organogenesis and postembryonic phases in different animal models. Concepts and mechanisms at the tissue, cellular and molecular levels will supplement descriptive analyses of development. (Sp)
3331 Genetics Recitation. Co-requisite: 3333. Will involve problem sets, primary journal articles, and writing assignments. Specifically, the course will involve quantitative problems and problems relating to experimental design; Discussion of impact of genetics on our personal lives, society, and the earth; and ethical issues related to application of new technologies. (F, Sp)
†G3333 Genetics (Crosslisted with Botany 3333). Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology or eight hours of botany, or five hours of zoology or botany and permission. Principles of inheritance at gene, chromosome, and population levels; nature of the genetic material and its involvement in the determination of structure and function. No laboratory. (F, Sp)
†G3342 Genetics Laboratory (Crosslisted with Botany 3342). Prerequisite: 3333 or concurrent enrollment, or equivalent. The demonstrations, crosses and experiments are designed to illustrate various genetic phenomena, including Mendelian laws, recombination, mutation, natural and artificial selection, and interaction of genotype with environment. The primary organism studied is Drosophila, with some use of corn, Neurospora, and others. Laboratory (F)
†G3403 Principles of Ecology. Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology. Patterns of environments and biological communities; the processes maintaining these patterns. Laboratory (F, Sp)
3960 Honors Reading. 1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: admission to Honors Program. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Will consist of topics designated by the instructor. The content will emphasize work not presented in other courses. (F, Sp, Su)
3970 Honors Seminar. 1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: admission to Honors Program. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Discussion of recent and current research trends and significant developments in zoology. (Irreg.)
3980 Honors Research. 1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: admission to Honors Program. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Will provide an opportunity for the gifted honors candidate to work at a special project under the guidance of a professor in the student's field. Laboratory (F, Sp, Su)
3990 Independent Study. 1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: one course in general area to be studied; permission of instructor and department. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Contracted independent study for topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (F, Sp, Su)
G4034 Mammalogy. Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology, permission. Classification, distribution and natural history of mammals with emphasis on Oklahoma species. Mammals are collected and prepared for scientific collections. Field trips. Some overnight camping. Laboratory (F even-numbered years)
G4044 Ornithology. Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology, permission. Biology of birds. Identification of birds in North America with emphasis on Oklahoma; relationships, natural history and behavior or birds. Field trips. Laboratory (Sp even-numbered years)
G4073 General Entomology. Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology, 2094 recommended. Introduction to the world of insects. Morphological and physiological adaptations; taxonomy, life histories, and methods of collection. Field trips. Laboratory (F)
G4083 Herpetology. Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology, permission. An introduction to the study of amphibians and reptiles. Taxonomy, ecology, behavior and life histories of amphibians and reptiles, with emphasis on local forms. Field trips. Laboratory (F)
G4093 Behavioral Ecology. Prerequisite: 3083 or permission. Interrelationship of an animal's ecology and its behavior. Optimal foraging theory, habitat selection, predator-prey adaptations, ecological constraints on sexual selection and mating systems.
4113 Cellular Pathology (Slashlisted with 5113). Prerequisite: 3113 or permission of instructor. The course focus is on the molecular and cellular bases of disease and alterations in cellular processes that lead to the development of various pathological conditions. Topics include symptoms of cellular disease, pathology of organelles, cell injury, cell death, immunopathology, neoplasia and genetic disorders. No student may earn credit for both 4113 and 5113. (F)
4153 Endocrinology (Slashlisted with 5153). Prerequisite: 3103; 3113 strongly recommended. The major emphasis of the course is how hormones work at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. The course examines the molecular biology of hormonal mechanisms and the integration of those mechanisms to maintain crucial homeostatic control systems. Hormones and their receptors are considered in terms of chemistry, biosynthesis, and mechanisms of action. The course focuses primarily on vertebrate hormones. No student may earn credit for both 4153 and 5153. (Sp)
4204 Vertebrate Paleobiology (Slashlisted with 5204; Crosslisted with Geology 5204). Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, 1124, or Biology 1134; 2204; or permission. Field trips. Systematics, relationships, zoogeography and evolutionary morphology of the major groups of vertebrates. No student may receive credit for both 4204 and 5204. (Irreg.)
†G4213 Neurobehavioral Development. Prerequisite: 12 hours of biology including 1114 and 1121, or 1124. Specific developmental issues will be discussed from both the behavioral and biological levels of analysis. Cannot be taken for credit if 6213 has been previously taken. (Irreg.)
4223 Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (Slashlisted with 5223). Prerequisites: 3103, 3113, 3203, or 3333, or permission of instructor. Introduction to cellular and molecular neurobiology through reading and discussion of landmark research papers in five current areas of research. Emphasis will be on understanding modern cellular and molecular research methods and on critical interpretation of scientific data. No student may earn credit for both 4223 and 5223. (Sp)
G4244 Animal Histology. Prerequisite: 3103, 3113 or 3203 or permission. Structure and function of animal tissues with emphasis on the cellular basis of tissue and organ function. Laboratory emphasizes the identification of cells and tissues with the use of the light microscope. Laboratory (Sp)
4253 Evolution of Development (Slashlisted with 5253). Prerequisite: 3013 and 3203, or permission of the instructor. Introduction to evolutionary developmental biology (EVO DEVO), study of the developmental basis of evolutionary changes and how developmental mechanisms and developmentally important genes evolve. Latest techniques and methods in evolutionary biology, embryology, developmental biology, molecular genetics, population biology, phylogenetics and genomics. No student may earn credit for both 4253 and 5253. (F)
4353 Molecular Techniques for Field Biology (Slashlisted with 5353). Prerequisite: 1114 and 1121, or 1124 and permission of instructor; 3333 or 3403 recommended. Selected protocols and data interpretation using molecular techniques to study protein and DNA variation in natural populations and the application of molecular techniques to research problems in ecology, systematics, animal behavior, conservation biology, and related areas. Graduate students enrolled in 5353 will have additional project expectations and written work. Taught at the OU Biological Station. No student may earn credit for both 4353 and 5353. Laboratory (Su)
4383 Functional Genomics (Slashlisted with 5383). Prerequisite: 3113, 3203, or 3333 or 4843 or CHEM 3653 or permission of the instructor. Introduction to how to study the functions (broadly including biochemical activity, cell biological function or organismal function) of all the genes in a genome. Latest techniques and methods in genetics, molecular biology, microarrays, proteomics and computation biology. No student may earn credit for both 4383 and 5383. (F)
4423 Stream Ecology (Slashlisted with 5423). Prerequisite: 12 hours of biological science work or permission of the instructor. A combined lecture/laboratory course that focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological features of stream ecosystems, including current theories explaining species interactions and stream function. Course requirements/evaluation including a midterm and final examination, individual research papers and presentations, participation in group laboratory and field experiments, and reading and discussing the primary literature. No student may earn credit for both 4423 and 5423. Laboratory. (F)
G4463 Ecology of Lakes. Prerequisite: 3403 or Botany 3453, Chemistry 1315, Chemistry 1415, Physics 1114, Physics 2414 or Physics 2514, or permission of instructor. An introduction to the biology, chemistry, physics and geology of freshwater environments, with emphasis on ecology. (Spring even-numbered years)
G4471 Ecology of Lakes Laboratory. Prerequisite: 4463 or concurrent enrollment. Experience in the use of the basic limnological methods and application of these methods to a variety of freshwater environments. Field trips. Laboratory (Spring even-numbered years)
G4493 Ichthyology. Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology. Taxonomy, morphology, ecology and distribution of fishes, with emphasis on those of the region. Laboratory (Sp every third year, some Su)
4563 Biological Conservation (Slashlisted with 5563). Prerequisite: 12 hours of biological science coursework. The human economy currently entrains more than 40% of global net primary production. This human demand for energy and the effluent subsequently produced have pervasive effects on natural systems and human welfare. This course uses primary literature to guide discussion of ecological, legal, and societal issues affecting biodiversity in North America and globally. Topics range from organism centered approaches to conservation to broader implications of alterations of global processes such as elemental cycles and atmospheric temperatures. No student may earn credit for both 4563 and 5563. (F)
4573 Conservation Genetics (Slashlisted with 5573). Prerequisite: 3333 or permission of the instructor. This lecture/discussion course will examine the use of population genetic/ecological genetic principles in the study and management of populations of threatened and/or endangered species. No student may earn credit for both 4573 and 5573. (Sp)
4670 Advanced Topics in Limnology (Slashlisted with 5670). Prerequisite: 4423 or 5423, or 4463 and 4471, or permission of instructor. May be repeated with change of content; maximum credit 6 hrs. detailed study of fundamental or contemporary topics within limnology, such as Biogeochemistry, nutrient cycling, ecological stoichiometry, biodiversity, and predator-prey and food-web dynamics in aquatic communities. No student may earn credit for both 4670 and 5670 on the same topic. (Sp)
4753 Principles of Phylogenetics (Slashlisted with 5753). Prerequisite: 12 hours of biological science coursework including 3103 or 3333. Theory and practice of inferring evolutionary history from molecular and morphological data. Applications of the phylogenetic approach in systematics, comparative biology, molecular evolution, and genomics will be covered. No student may earn credit for both 4753 and 5753. (Sp)
4813 Hormones and Behavior (Slashlisted with 5813). Prerequisite: 3083 or 3103 or permission of instructor. The relationship between hormones and behavior from an evolutionary perspective. Focus on reproductive and social behavior, with coverage of biological rhythms, food and water intake, and learning. No student may earn credit for both 4813 and 5813. (F)
4833 Introduction to Neurobiology (Slashlisted with 5833). Prerequisite: 3103 or permission of instructor. Introduction to cellular and behavioral neurobiology. Topics covered will include cellular neurobiology, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, sensory processing, movement, and neurobiology of behavior. No student may earn credit for both 4833 and 5833. (F)
4843 Introduction to Molecular Biology (Crosslisted with Botany, Microbiology; Slashlisted with 5843). Prerequisite: Botany 1114 or Zoology 1124 or Microbiology 3813 and 3812 or Zoology 1114 and one course in organic chemistry. Introduction to the characteristics and biological functions of nucleic acids and proteins in living cells with emphasis on nucleic acid replication, transcription, translation and regulation; also emphasis on the molecular aspects of microbial genetics—transformation, transduction and conjugation; and emphasis on molecular immunology and genetic engineering/recombinant DNA technology. No student may earn credit for both 4843 and 5843. (F)
G4853 Neurobiology of Memory (Crosslisted with Psychology 4853). Prerequisite: 3103 or Psychology 3073. Advanced seminar dealing with current research on how the nervous system responds to, and is changed by, experience. Experience is broadly defined and may include learning, maturation and/or pathology.
4863 Neural Control of Movement (Slashlisted with 5863). Prerequisite: eight hours of zoology including, 1114 and 1121, or 1124 or permission of instructor. Introduction to neural control of movement through reading and discussion of key original research articles from the 19th century to the present. Topics include localization of function, sensory vs. central contributions, roles of single neurons, effects of neuromodulators, and motor learning. No student may earn credit for both 4863 and 5863. (F)
4871 Current Topics in Neurobiology (Slashlisted with 5871). Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated; Maximum credit three hours. A seminar course designed to develop a student’s abilities to interpret and critically evaluate research in cellular and behavioral neurobiology. Involves both public seminars and journal club style discussions of contemporary literature. No student may earn credit for both 4871 and 5871. (F, Sp)
G4913 Quantitative Biology. Prerequisite: 12 hours of biological sciences; a course in statistics recommended. Examination of problems in deductive probability and inductive statistics. No laboratory. (F)
4961 Undergraduate Seminar. Prerequisite: 18 hours of zoology or permission of instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit two hours. Survey of current research programs in environmental biology, cell biology, physiology, animal behavior and other fields presented in weekly public seminars by visiting scholars and local experts in animal biology. (F, Sp)
4970 Special Topics in Zoology. 1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: three courses in general area to be studied; permission of instructor, department. May be repeated with change of topic; maximum credit nine hours. Seminar or special topic course; may include laboratory or field work. (F, Sp, Su)
4983 Senior Seminar. Prerequisite: 12 hours of zoology, senior standing. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to synthesize ideas from the major fields of zoology. Readings and discussion will focus on contemporary social, ethical and economic issues. (F, Sp) [V]
4990 Independent Study. 1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: three courses in general area to be studied; permission of instructor and department. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Contracted independent study for topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (F, Sp, Su)
Updated: Sept 1, 2009
