AUBIO - Augustana Faculty - Biology

Introduction to the diversity of marine ecosystems and the adaptations of marine organisms to their environment. Notes: The course does not count toward the major, concentration, or minor in Biology. The course is available only as part of the Cuba semester abroad program.

An introduction to functional and from molecules to systems, focusing on how organisms integrate different levels of organization in order to live. This course covers key topics of biochemistry (metabolism, respiration, photosynthesis), cell biology (organelles, membranes, cell cycle), and physiology (gas exchange, circulation, osmoregulation, excretion). Prerequisites: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30.

An introduction to the biology of organisms, focusing on the evolution of biological diversity, including the mechanisms responsible for evolutionary change and the adaptations associated with the evolution of the major groups of organisms. Prerequisites: AUBIO 111. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 112, AUBIO 212 (2022) or AUBIO 214.

The course focuses on the evolution of biological diversity, including the mechanisms responsible for evolutionary change and the adaptations associated with the evolution of the major groups of organisms. Prerequisites: AUBIO 111 and AUSCI 115 (2022). Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 112, AUBIO 212 (2022) or AUBIO 214.

Research experience in a faculty research project. Normally taken in addition to a full course load after the successful completion of at least 24 units but not more than 60 units in a program in the Augustana Faculty. Prerequisites: AUBIO 111 and 112 or 212 (2022) or AUBIO 214 and consent of the Department. Notes: This course is offered on a pass/fail (credit/no-credit) basis. An 'Application for Individual Study', normally requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5 in Biology, must be completed and approved before registration in the course. Credit may be obtained twice.

The composition, structure and function of cell membranes including membrane transport, cell signaling and cell-cell interactions. Protein sorting and cytoskeletal function is integrated with their membrane interactions. The social context of cells is also considered. Prerequisite: AUBIO 111 and AUBIO 260.

An exploration of basic concepts and methods in ecology and of the relevance of ecological thinking in the life sciences. Emphasis is on both biotic and abiotic interactions at the level of the organism, including physiological and evolutionary perspectives, and on their consequences on the composition and diversity of ecological populations and communities within ecosystems. Prerequisite: AUBIO 112 or AUBIO 212 (2022) or AUBIO 214.

Mendelian inheritance and its cytological features including the molecular and cellular basis for the transmission of hereditary characteristics. Topics that are emphasized include microbial genetics, cytoplasmic inheritance, linkage and genetic mapping, DNA as genetic material, gene action, and the genetic code. Prerequisites: AUBIO 111.

Introduction to the prokaryotic members of the microbial world. Microbiological diversity will be examined by comparing cellular morphology, structure and metabolism. Topics include how to grow and study microbes, classification approaches and problems, control of microbial growth, pathogenesis and microbial ecology. Co-requisite: AUBIO 260. Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 274 or AUBIO 374 (2022).

Application of statistical and informatics methods for analysis of biological datasets, with an emphasis on ecological datasets (e.g., plant, bird and bat communities) using both univariate and multivariate techniques. Students will also develop critical skills in research design, organization and interpretation of data, and written and oral communication skills. Prerequisites AUBIO 253 and AUSTA 215.

Supervised library research project. Prerequisites: Third-year standing, 6 units in Biology at the 200 level. Notes: Admission to the course normally requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Biology. An Application for Individual Study must be completed and approved before registration in the course.

Supervised laboratory or field research project. Prerequisites: Third-year standing, 6 units in Biology at the 200 level. Notes: Admission to the course normally requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Biology. An Application for Individual Study must be completed and approved before registration in the course.

Comparative survey of the anatomy, morphology, function, life cycles, and evolutionary features of algae and non-vascular and vascular plants. Taxonomic and ecological considerations are also presented. Prerequisite: AUBIO 112 or AUBIO 212 (2022) or AUBIO 214.

A 3-week field course that provides students an opportunity to develop skills in research and study design in the field of Environmental Science and Ecology. Students will live in a field camp to allow them to fully immerse themselves in their research projects, which could cover the range of ecology, botany, geography, environmental science, and/or environmental studies. Course content also includes instruction in key aspects of conservation biology and resource management. Prerequisites: AUSTA 215 and AUENV 120 or AUGEO 120 (2021) and one of AUENV 218, AUENV 230, AUGEO 218 (2021), AUGEO 230 (2021), AUENV 252, AUBIO 253. Notes: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 334, AUENV 334 and AUGEO 334 (2021).

Systematic and sequential consideration of fundamental cytology, the normal histology of the basic tissues, and the embryological development and microscopic organization of the major mammalian organisms and organ systems. Emphasis is placed on the light- and electron-microscopic features of cells and tissues with direct correlation of structure and function. Prerequisites: AUBIO 230. Notes: AUBIO 395 is recommended as a pre or corequisite.

Development of complex organisms. Emphasis is on the interactions between cells and their environment that determine cell survival, gene activation and deactivation; and how specific cell and tissue structures and functions are selected. Developmental processes common to plants and animals are identified. Prerequisites: AUBIO 230 and 260.

Introduction to the basic concepts of conservation biology. The scope of conservation biology and levels of biodiversity are explored, as are aspects of tropical ecology related to conservation. Prerequisite: AUBIO 253 and consent of the instructor(s) based on successful completion of the selection process. Note: This course is intended to be taken in sequence with AUBIO 459 or AUENV 459. Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 350 and AUENV 350.

Analysis of the spatial patterns of biotic systems and species. The course examines their past and present distribution patterns in the context of biological and ecological processes and human impacts. The course employs several methods of analysis, including geographic information systems. Prerequisite: AUBIO 253. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 351, AUENV 351, and AUGEO 351 (2021). Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.

Introduction to the biological, chemical and physical features of freshwater ecosystems, and how they relate to ecological processes in and adjacent to aquatic systems. The course will examine the role of ecological patterns in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, with an emphasis on freshwater systems and their management in western Canada. Prerequisite: AUBIO 253. Notes: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 354, AUENV 354, and AUGEO 354 (2021). The course requires participation in a field trip. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.

Addresses ecological processes at different spatial scales. Includes demography, population and meta-population dynamics of plants and animals across a broad range of ecosystems, community ecology and ecosystem functioning. Prerequisite: AUBIO 253.

The structure and function of proteins and enzymes and the structure, function and metabolism of carbohydrates. The structure and function of lipids, nucleic acids, and amino acids are introduced. The course focuses on how enzymes catalyze the oxidation of carbohydrates and how the cell conserves this energy in a useful chemical form. Prerequisites: AUBIO 111 and AUCHE 250. Note: Formerly part of AUBIO 280 (2021).

Structure, function, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids at the level of the cell and organs. Prerequisites: AUBIO 380.

Laboratory course in biochemical techniques. Prerequisites: AUBIO 380 and AUCHE 112.

Survey of current knowledge and approaches in the area of structure, expression, and regulation of eukaryote genes and genomes. Topics include gene isolation and characterization, gene structure and replication, and transcription and translation processes and their regulation. Recombinant DNA technology and its applications are also introduced. Prerequisite: AUBIO 260.

Introduction to key concepts and methods in animal behaviour. Both mechanistic and evolutionary points of view are considered. Topics include genetics, developmental processes, learning, neurophysiological aspects, orientation, communication, foraging and habitat use, social behaviour, parental care and mating. Prerequisites: AUBIO 112 or 212 (2022) or AUBIO 214; AUBIO 260 and AUSTA 215.

Functional anatomy and life cycles of the major invertebrate taxa. Emphasis is on the comparative approach to understanding of phylogenetic relations between invertebrate taxa and their respective positions on the tree of life. Rich invertebrate biodiversity will be observed and placed into an environmental context. Prerequisite: AUBIO 112 or AUBIO 212 (2022) or AUBIO 214.

Study of the structure, function, and diversity of vertebrates. Prerequisite: AUBIO 112 or AUBIO 212 (2022) or AUBIO 214.

This is the capstone course for the Augustana Biology degree program and as such is designed to foster students' reflection on their biology degree program. An overview of historical progression in the biological sciences and their associated development in relation to prevailing philosophical, social, and cultural contexts act as the prompt for student reflection. Prerequisites: AUBIO 338, one of AUBIO 323, 374, 394, 395; fourth-year standing.

In-depth study of an advanced topic in Biology. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic; third-year standing.

In-depth study of evolutionary processes in natural populations of plants and animals. Selected topics for lectures and seminars address contemporary questions about natural selection, adaptation, speciation, biogeography and the evolution of interaction among species. Prerequisites: AUBIO 253 and 3 units of AUBIO at the 300 level or a cross-listed AUENV or AUGEO equivalent.

Supervised library research project. Prerequisites: Third-year standing, 6 units in Biology at the 200 level. Notes: Admission to the course normally requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Biology. An Application for Individual Study must be completed and approved before registration in the course.

Supervised laboratory or field research project. Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor. Notes: Admission to the course normally requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Biology. An Application for Individual Study must be completed and approved before registration in the course.

Comparative study of the developmental processes of different organisms in an attempt to determine their ancestral relationships and how developmental processes evolved. Topics include the origin and evolution of embryonic development; how modifications of development and developmental processes lead to the production of novel features; the role of developmental plasticity in evolution; the origin of biodiversity; and the developmental basis of homology. Prerequisite: AUBIO 338.

Field course that addresses problems of biodiversity and conservation in tropical environments. The student participates in field workshops, and designs and conducts their own field project to answer questions related to ecological and biological conservation. Prerequisite: AUBIO 350 or AUENV 350, and consent of the instructors based on successful completion of the selection process. Notes: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 459 and AUENV 459. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.

An introduction to the structure and function of the immune system. Topics include the ontogeny of immune structures and cells, the generation of B and T cell receptor diversity, antigens and antibodies, clonal selection and expansion, MHC restriction, self tolerance and cytokines. Discussion of infectious disease, vaccines, and immunity will be used to synthesize these topics into a unified conceptual framework. Prerequisites: AUBIO 274 or AUBIO 374 (2022). Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 371 (2021) and AUBIO 471.

Examination of the pathogenic mechanisms used by selected bacteria, and protists that cause human diseases. Pathogens will be compared with a focus on the method of entry, colonization and invasion of host tissue used by various microbes and the microbial factors required to cause infection and disease. Epidemiological approaches, antimicrobials and antibiotic resistance will also be presented. Prerequisites: AUBIO 274 or 374 (2022).