Undergraduate Catalog

2010-11 Academic Year

Department of Biological Sciences

Main Departmental Office
Life Sciences, Room A128
Mailing address:
1155 Union Circle #305220
Denton, TX 76203-5017
940-565-2011

Web site: www.biol.unt.edu

Undergraduate Advising Office
Biology Building, Room 141

940-565-3627

Fax: 940-565-3821

Art Goven, Chair

Faculty

Allen, Atkinson, Ayre, Beitinger, Benjamin, Burggren, Burleson, Chapman, Dickstein, Dong, Dzialowski, Fitzpatrick, Fuchs, Goven, Gross, Hoeinghaus, Huggett, Hughes, Hunt von Herbing, Jagadeeswaran, Johnson, Kennedy, Kunz, La Point, O’Donovan, Padilla, Pirtle, Roberts, Root, Schwark, Shah, Sinclair, Smith, Stevens, Tam, Thompson, Venables, Wright

Introduction

Modern biology encompasses the study of all aspects of living systems from the molecular basis of genetic inheritance to the interactions between organisms and the environment. The mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to provide quality education leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in biology, environmental biology, biochemistry and allied health sciences. A vital component of that mission is scholarly activity, and faculty in the department conduct relevant basic and applied research and provide professional expertise and service to local, state and national constituencies. Central to our mission is quality teaching, and faculty engage in instructional development to enhance their abilities to train professionals who will have the most up-to-date skills and professional ethics for meeting the demands of a technological society. Our success is measured by the success of our students and the quality of our intellectual contributions to the improvement of society.

Preprofessional Programs

See “Preprofessional Programs” in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.

Programs of Study

The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas:

• Bachelor of Arts with majors in biology and biochemistry;
• Bachelor of Science with a major in cytotechnology;
• Bachelor of Science in Biology;
• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry;
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology;
• Master of Arts,
• Master of Science, and
• Doctor of Philosophy, all with a major in biology;
• Master of Science, and
• Doctor of Philosophy, both with a major in biochemistry;
• Master of Science, and
• Doctor of Philosophy, both with a major in environmental science; and
• Master of Arts,
• Master of Science, and
• Doctor of Philosophy, all with a major in molecular biology.

Recommended four-year undergraduate courses of study are listed in this catalog. Additional copies are available in the Undergraduate Advising Office, Room 141 of the Biology Building.

The use of the term “advanced” as applied to courses means any upper-division (3000- or 4000-level) course.

Admission to Majors in Biology and Biochemistry

Entering students interested in majoring in biology or biochemistry will be classified as pre-majors and will be advised by the department. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the major. To be admitted to the major (and be eligible to enroll in advanced biology and biochemistry courses), a pre-major must meet all the requirements listed below.

Admission to Biology Major

Complete at least 30 hours of college courses and:

a. complete BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733, BIOL 1720/BIOL 1740 or BIOL 1722/BIOL 1744, and two selections from BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042 or BIOL 2140 or BIOL 2241 or BIOL 2301/BIOL 2311 and BIOL 2302/BIOL 2312 (BA only), each with a grade of C or better;

b. complete CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1412/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1413/CHEM 1430, CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1422/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1423/CHEM 1440, CHEM 2370/CHEM 3210, each with a grade of C or better;

c. complete MATH 1610 or MATH 1650 or the placement equivalent or MATH 1680 (BA only);

d. have at least a 2.5 GPA on the required biology, chemistry and mathematics courses listed above; and

e. have a minimum 2.5 overall grade point average.

Admission to Biochemistry Major

Complete at least 30 hours of college courses and:

a. complete BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733, BIOL 1720/BIOL 1740 or BIOL 1722/BIOL 1744 or BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042, each with a grade of C or better;

b. complete CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1412/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1413/CHEM 1430, CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1422/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1423/CHEM 1440, CHEM 2370/CHEM 3210, each with a grade of C or better;

c. complete MATH 1610 or MATH 1650 or the placement equivalent;

d. have at least a 2.5 GPA on the required biology, chemistry and mathematics courses listed above; and

e. have a minimum 2.5 overall grade point average.

Bachelor of Arts

Major in Biology Degree Requirements

1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree as specified in the “General University Requirements” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements.

2. Major Requirements: BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733; BIOL 1720/BIOL 1740 or BIOL 1722/BIOL 1744; two selections from BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042 or BIOL 2140 or BIOL 2241 or BIOL 2301/BIOL 2311 and BIOL 2302/BIOL 2312; BIOL 3451/BIOL 3452, BIOL 3510/BIOL 3520, and one physiology course with laboratory chosen from BIOL 3800/BIOL 3810, BIOL 4501/BIOL 4502, BIOL 4503/BIOL 4504, or BIOL 4505/BIOL 4506; plus 7 additional advanced hours for which each course used must be a minimum of 3 hours. BIOL 3350, BIOL 3360, BIOL 3500, BIOL 4050, BIOL 4160, BIOL 4170, BIOL 4180, BIOL 4190, BIOL 4800, BIOL 4900/BIOL 4910, BIOL 4920 and BIOL 4940/BIOL 4950 may not be applied to the biology requirements for the BA.

3. Other Course Requirements: TECM 2700 (replaces ENGL 1320 in university core); PHYS 1410/PHYS 1430 or PHYS 1510/PHYS 1530, PHYS 1420/PHYS 1440 or PHYS 1520/PHYS 1540; MATH 1710 (MATH 1610 or MATH 1650 prerequisite) or MATH 1680 or equivalent.

4. Chemistry Requirements: The completion of these requirements will satisfy the requirements for a minor in chemistry. A minimum of 20 hours, including CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1413/CHEM 1430; CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1423/CHEM 1440; CHEM 2370/CHEM 3210; CHEM 2380/CHEM 3220 or equivalent; plus 4 advanced hours chosen from CHEM 3451/CHEM 3452, CHEM 3530 or BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622. Premedical and pre-dental students are advised to substitute both BIOC 4540 and BIOC 4550 for BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622.

5. Electives: See four-year plan.

6. Other Requirements: A minimum 2.5 grade point average must be maintained on all advanced courses in the division of sciences. A minimum of a 2.5 overall grade point average is required for graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Degree Requirements

1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree as specified in the “General University Requirements” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements.

Foreign Language Requirement Options: Students may complete either of two options to satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement:

Option I: Must attain intermediate II level (2050) in a foreign language or pass appropriate proficiency exam(s) as specified by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Option II: Complete three courses from the approved groups listed below (a minimum of 9 hours). A student who wishes to fulfill the foreign language requirement by Option II must first be counseled by an undergraduate advisor of the Department of Biological Sciences and must obtain written approval of Option II for inclusion in the student’s degree audit. Students must choose one course from each group listed below for a total of 9 hours. All courses must be a minimum of 3 hours. Special Problems (BIOL 4900-BIOL 4910), Cooperative Education in Biological Sciences (BIOL 4920) and Honors Research/Thesis (BIOL 4940, BIOL 4950, BIOL 4951) are excluded.

Group I: TECM 4180.

Group II: One biology course at the 3000 level or higher or one additional course from Group III. If a biology course is used, it must be a course that counts for the major.

Group III: Select one course from the following: biochemistry or chemistry courses at the 3000 level or higher if they are not used to complete the major requirement for advanced chemistry; computer science courses for computer science majors that are above the CSCE 1020 level; EDSE 4108, EDSE 4118; TECM 4190, TECM 4250; GEOG 3190, GEOG 4400, GEOG 4500, GEOG 4520, GEOG 4550, GEOG 4560; HNRS 3500; MATH 1680 or other math course above the level of MATH 1710; PHIL 3250; PSYC 4640; physics courses for physics majors at the 3000 level or higher.

All courses must be appropriate for majors within the department that offers them. Normal limitations for undergraduate enrollment in graduate classes will still apply.

2. Major Requirements: A major of 42 hours in the biological sciences, of which 28 must be advanced. Required courses: BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733, BIOL 1720/BIOL 1740 or BIOL 1722/BIOL 1744; two selections from BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042 or BIOL 2140 or BIOL 2241; BIOL 3451/BIOL 3452, BIOL 3510/BIOL 3520; and one physiology course with laboratory chosen from BIOL 3800/BIOL 3810, BIOL 4501/BIOL 4502, BIOL 4503/BIOL 4504, or BIOL 4505/BIOL 4506; plus 16 advanced hours (excluding BIOL 3350/BIOL 3360, BIOL 3500, and BIOL 4050) of which 2 courses must be with laboratory.

By selecting upper-division biology courses from a subdiscipline, it is possible for the BS student to establish, unofficially, an area of study in general biology, ecology, microbiology, animal physiology/neuroscience, cell and molecular biology/genetics, or the plant sciences in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. The subdisciplines of general biology, microbiology, plant sciences, ecology and neuroscience have been defined with the courses listed below. Please consult with the undergraduate advising secretary in Room 127 of the Biological Sciences Building for further information.

• Ecology. 16 advanced hours selected from the following: BIOL 3000, BIOL 3150, BIOL 3160, BIOL 3170, BIOL 4000, BIOL 4051/BIOL 4052, BIOL 4070, BIOL 4091/BIOL 4092, BIOL 4100, BIOL 4120, BIOL 4260, BIOL 4280, BIOL 4290, BIOL 4370, BIOL 4380, BIOL 4400, BIOL 4420, BIOL 4440, BIOL 4560, BIOL 4570/BIOL 4580, BIOL 4650 and BIOL 4720.
• General Biology. 16 advanced hours selected from the following: BIOL 3000, BIOL 3331, BIOL 3381/BIOL 3382, BIOL 4070, BIOL 4091/BIOL 4092, BIOL 4110, BIOL 4120, BIOL 4201/BIOL 4202, BIOL 4250, BIOL 4260, BIOL 4290, BIOL 4300, BIOL 4330, BIOL 4370, BIOL 4420, BIOL 4460, BIOL 4480, BIOL 4501/BIOL 4502, BIOL 4505/BIOL 4506, BIOL 4530/BIOL 4540, BIOL 4570/BIOL 4580, BIOL 4751/BIOL 4752, and BIOL 4800.
• Microbiology. 16 advanced hours selected from the following: BIOL 3381/BIOL 3382, BIOL 4091/BIOL 4092, BIOL 4160/BIOL 4170 or BIOL 4180/BIOL 4190, BIOL 4201/BIOL 4202, BIOL 4260, BIOL 4501/BIOL 4502, BIOL 4530/BIOL 4540, BIOL 4570/BIOL 4580 and BIOL 4770.
• Neuroscience. 16 advanced hours selected from the following: BIOL 4110, BIOL 4220/BIOL 4221, BIOL 4250, BIOL 4300, BIOL 4570/BIOL 4580 and BIOL 4751, BIOL 4752 and BIOL 4760.
• Plant Sciences. 16 advanced hours selected from the following: BIOL 3160, BIOL 3170, BIOL 4000, BIOL 4051/BIOL 4052, BIOL 4070, BIOL 4130, BIOL 4250, BIOL 4260, BIOL 4280, BIOL 4400, BIOL 4503/BIOL 4504 and BIOL 4570/BIOL 4580.

3. Other Course Requirements: TECM 2700 (replaces ENGL 1320 in university core); PHYS 1410/PHYS 1430 or PHYS 1510/PHYS 1530, PHYS 1420/PHYS 1440 or PHYS 1520/PHYS 1540; MATH 1710 (MATH 1610 or MATH 1650 prerequisite) or equivalent.

4. Chemistry Requirements: The completion of these requirements will satisfy the requirements for a minor in chemistry. A minimum of 20 hours, including CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1413/CHEM 1430; CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1423/CHEM 1440; CHEM 2370/CHEM 3210; CHEM 2380/CHEM 3220 or equivalent, plus 4 advanced hours chosen from CHEM 3451/CHEM 3452, CHEM 3530 or BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622. Premedical and pre-dental students are advised to substitute both BIOC 4540 and BIOC 4550 for BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622.

5. Electives: See four-year plan.

6. Other Requirements: A minimum 2.5 grade point average must be maintained on all advanced courses in the division of sciences. A minimum 2.5 overall grade point average is required for graduation.

Bachelor of Science

Major in Cytotechnology

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in cytotechnology in affiliation with the Berkshire Medical Center School of Cytotechnology in Pittsfield, Mass., Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt., and the Mayo School of Health Sciences in Rochester, Minn., which are approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Students complete a minimum of 86 semester hours at UNT (prior to entering clinical training) and a minimum of 12 months of clinical training (for a minimum of 39 semester hours) at any CAAHEP-approved school of cytotechnology to complete the degree.

Upon graduation, students are eligible to take national examinations given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Upon passing the registry examination, the student is considered a certified cytotechnologist. The awarding of the degree is not contingent upon students’ passing the national board examination.

Degree Requirements

1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 125 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree as specified in the “General University Requirements” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements.

2. Major Requirements: Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 12 months of professional training at an approved cytotechnology school as verified by an official transcript sent to the UNT cytotechnology program director. The transcript is evaluated by the director, who recommends to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Registrar that a minimum of 39 hours of credit be granted for the completed professional training. These hours are exempt from the UNT residency requirement.

3. Other Course Requirements: Completion of the following preprofessional requirements before clinical training with a minimum GPA of 2.5 for upper-division courses in the division of sciences and an overall GPA of 2.5:

• BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733, BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042, BIOL 3451/BIOL 3452, BIOL 3510/BIOL 3520, BIOL 3800/BIOL 3810, BIOL 4300, BIOL 4770 and BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622, plus 4 hours selected from BIOL 3000, BIOL 3381/BIOL 3382 or BIOL 4201/BIOL 4202. 35 hours.
• CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430, CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440 and CHEM 3601/CHEM 3602. 12 hours.
• MATH 1680, 3 hours.
• MGMT 3720, 3 hours.
• PSYC 1630, 3 hours. (PSYC 1630 also will satisfy Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement of the University Core Curriculum.)
• TECM 2700, 3 hours (replaces ENGL 1320 in University Core Curriculum).
• Professional training courses at an approved school of cytotechnology. Minimum of 39 hours.

4. Minor Requirements: None.

5. Electives: See four-year plan.

6. Other Requirements:

• Submission to the program director of a transcript evaluation request, including the name(s) of cytotechnology school(s) where the student is applying.
• Filing, in the program director’s office before leaving campus, the name of an accredited cytotechnology school to be attended.

Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology in affiliation with the following schools of clinical laboratory science (medical technology) that are approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), in cooperation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs:

• Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi: Joe Lewis, MD, Medical Director; Christina Thompson, EdD, MT (ASCP) (SBB), Program Director
• Scott and White, Temple: Kathleen Jones, MD, Medical Director; Mary Ruth Beckham, MEd, MT (ASCP), Program Director
• Tarleton State University at All Saints Hospital, Fort Worth: Clifton Daniel, MD, Medical Director; Sally Lewis, MS, MT (ASCP), Program Director
• The Methodist Hospital, Houston: Christopher Leveque, MD, Medical Director; Judy Jobe, BS, MT (ASCP), Program Director
• The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston: Jeffrey Terrance, MD, Medical Director; Karen McClure, BS, MT (ASCP) (SBB), Program Director
• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center: Francisco Velasquez, MD, Medical Director; LeAnne Hutson, MA, CLS (NCA), Program Director.
• United Regional Medical Health Care System (School of Medical Technology), Wichita Falls: Stuart Smith, MD, Medical Director; Asma Javed, MS, MT (ASCP), Program Director

Students complete a minimum of 86 semester hours at UNT (prior to entering clinical training) and a minimum of 12 months of clinical training (for a minimum of 39 semester hours) at any NAACLS-approved school of medical technology to complete the degree.

Upon graduation, students are eligible to take national examinations given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Certification(ASCPBOC). The ASCPBOC examination is administered by computer several times a year. Upon passing the registry examination the student is considered a certified medical laboratory scientist. The awarding of the degree is not contingent upon students’ passing national board examinations.

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) with an associate’s degree and who have completed MLT training in a Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation Program may reduce the time required in clinical training by being accepted into a Medical Laboratory Technicians Articulation Program at one of UNT’s clinical affiliates.

Degree Requirements

1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 125 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree as specified in the “General University Requirements” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements.

2. Major Requirements: Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 12 months of professional training at an approved medical technology school as verified by an official transcript sent to the UNT medical technology program director. The transcript is evaluated by the director who recommends to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Registrar that a minimum of 39 hours of credit be granted for the completed professional training. These hours are exempt from the UNT residency requirement.

3. Other Course Requirements: BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733, BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042, BIOL 3381/BIOL 3382, BIOL 3510/BIOL 3520, BIOL 3800/BIOL 3810 and BIOL 4201/BIOL 4202; plus two courses to be selected from BIOL 3451/BIOL 3452, BIOL 4091/BIOL 4092, BIOL 4300, and BIOL 4570 or BIOL 4770; CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430, CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440, CHEM 3601/CHEM 3602; BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622; TECM 2700 (replaces ENGL 1320 in University Core Curriculum); MATH 1680; MGMT 3720. Completion of 12 months of clinical training (for a minimum of 39 semester hours) at any NAACLS-approved school of medical technology to complete the degree.

4. Minor Requirements: None.

5. Electives: See four-year plan.

6. Other Requirements:

• A minimum 2.5 grade point average for upper-division courses in the sciences and an overall 2.5 grade point average.
• Submission to the program director of a transcript evaluation request, including the name(s) of medical technology school(s) where the student is applying.
• Filing, in the program supervisor’s office before leaving campus, the name of an accredited medical technology school to be attended.

Bachelor of Arts

Major in Biochemistry

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in biochemistry allows a less structured curriculum with more elective options than the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Further, it serves as an excellent degree program for those who wish to teach sciences at the high school level in the areas of biochemistry, chemistry and biology. Additionally, the program serves well those who wish to go into medicine, dentistry or other biologically related professional programs of study.

Degree Requirements

1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree as specified in the “General University Requirements” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements.

2. Major Requirements: Major of 33 hours in biochemistry, of which 19 must be advanced. Required courses: CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1412/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1413/CHEM 1430, CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1422/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1423/CHEM 1440, CHEM 2370/CHEM 3210, CHEM 2380/CHEM 3220, CHEM 3451/CHEM 3452, and CHEM 3530; BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622, BIOC 4570 and BIOC 4580. BIOC 4540, BIOC 4550 and BIOC 4560 may be substituted for BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622.

3. Other Course Requirements: TECM 2700 (replaces ENGL 1320 in university core); MATH 1710 (prerequisite- MATH 1610 or MATH 1650); PHYS 1510/PHYS 1530 and PHYS 1520/PHYS 1540.

4. Minor Requirements: Minor of 20 hours in biology, including BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733, BIOL 1720/BIOL 1740 or BIOL 1722/BIOL 1744 or BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042, BIOL 3510/BIOL 3520, plus an additional 8 hours of advanced biology courses with laboratories.

5. Electives: See four-year plan.

6. Other Requirements: A minimum 2.5 grade point average must be maintained on all advanced courses in the division of sciences. A minimum 2.5 grade point average is required for graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

This professional degree is designed for the students planning careers in biochemistry, medicine, clinical chemistry or other health-related areas of chemistry.

Degree Requirements

1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree as specified in the “General University Requirements” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements.

Foreign Language Requirement Options: Students may complete either of two options to satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement:

Option I: Must attain intermediate II level (2050) in a foreign language or pass appropriate proficiency exam(s) as specified by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Option II: Complete three courses from the approved groups below (a minimum of 9 hours). A student who wishes to fulfill the foreign language requirement by Option II must first be counseled by an undergraduate advisor of the Department of Biological Sciences and must obtain written approval of Option II for inclusion in the student’s degree plan. Students must choose one course from each group as follows for a total of 9 hours. All courses must be a minimum of 3 hours. Cooperative Education in Biological Sciences (BIOL 4920) is excluded:

Group I: TECM 4180.

Group II: One biochemistry course at the 3000 level or higher, including special problems; or one additional course from Group III.

Group III: Select one course from the following (excludes special problems 4900-4910 courses and Honors Research Thesis 4940, 4950, 4951): biology courses at the 3000 level or higher if they are not used to complete a biology minor; chemistry courses at the 3000 level or higher if they are not used in the biochemistry major; computer science courses for computer science majors that are above the CSCE 1020 level; EDSE 4108, EDSE 4118; TECM 4190, TECM 4250; GEOG 3190, GEOG 4400, GEOG 4500, GEOG 4520, GEOG 4550 and GEOG 4560; HNRS 3500; MATH 1680; other math courses above the level of MATH 1720; PHIL 3250; PSYC 4640; or physics courses for physics majors at the 3000 level or higher.

2. Major Requirements: A major of at least 39 hours in chemistry/biochemistry, of which 25 semester hours must be advanced, including CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1413/CHEM 1430, CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1423/CHEM 1440, CHEM 2370/CHEM 3210, CHEM 2380/CHEM 3220, CHEM 3451/CHEM 3452, CHEM 3510 and CHEM 3520; BIOC 4540, BIOC 4550, BIOC 4560, BIOC 4570 and BIOC 4580.

3. Other Course Requirements: TECM 2700 (replaces ENGL 1320 in university core); MATH 1710 and MATH 1720; PHYS 1510/PHYS 1530, PHYS 1520/PHYS 1540, or PHYS 1710/PHYS 1730, PHYS 2220/PHYS 2240.

4. Minor Requirements: A minor of 20 hours in biology, including BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733, BIOL 1720/BIOL 1740 or BIOL 1722/BIOL 1744 or BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042, BIOL 3451/BIOL 3452 and BIOL 3510/BIOL 3520, plus 4 advanced hours in biology with laboratory.

5. Electives: See four-year plan.

6. Other Requirements: A minimum 2.5 grade point average on all advanced courses in the division of sciences. A minimum 2.5 grade point average is required for graduation.

Minors

Biological Sciences

A minor in the biological sciences can be satisfied by completing BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733, BIOL 1720/BIOL 1740 or BIOL 1722/BIOL 1744; BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042 or BIOL 2140 or BIOL 2241; and BIOL 3350/BIOL 3360 or BIOL 3451/BIOL 3452 (only one can be counted toward minor), plus one 4-hour upper-level laboratory course or two 3-hour upper-level lecture courses (excluding BIOL 3500, BIOL 4160/BIOL 4170, BIOL 4180/BIOL 4190, BIOL 4480, BIOL 4800, BIOL 4900/BIOL 4910 and BIOL 4920) selected in consultation with an advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Mathematics and Science Secondary Teaching

Individuals interested in pursuing certification in math or science teaching at the secondary level may wish to pursue a minor through the Teach North Texas program. See “Teach North Texas” in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.

Certificate in Forensic Science

Advances in technology have created a need for students in basic sciences to apply the tools of technology to a wide variety of criminal investigations. The forensic science program offers a certificate in forensic science for biological sciences and chemistry students. The certificate is designed to enable students in degree programs in biological sciences and chemistry to begin careers in forensic laboratories. Students must complete 19 hours of course work, including CJUS 4360; BIOL 3331, BIOL 4240, BIOL 4590; CHEM 4351, CHEM 4631/CHEM 4632; and completion of the Forensic Science Aptitude Test offered by the American Board of Criminalistics. Contact the forensic science program office or visit the web site for more information (www.forensic.unt.edu).

The Certificate in Forensic Science in conjunction with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Biology and Chemistry is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission [410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904; 719-636-1100].

Teacher Certification

The College of Arts and Sciences encourages students to explore teaching at the secondary level as a career option. The student’s academic advisor in the Dean’s Office for Undergraduates and Student Advising in GAB, Room 220, can assist students with specific requirements for teacher certification.

Requirements utilizing the BA degree in Biology with Certification in Life Science: BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733; BIOL 1720/BIOL 1740 or BIOL 1722/BIOL 1744; BIOL 2140 or BIOL 2241; BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042, BIOL 3451/BIOL 3452, BIOL 3510/BIOL 3520, BIOL 3800/BIOL 3810 (recommended) or BIOL 4501/BIOL 4502 or BIOL 4503/BIOL 4504 or BIOL 4505/BIOL 4506; BIOL 3160 or BIOL 4070 or BIOL 4100 or BIOL 4380 or BIOL 4440 or BIOL 4650; BIOL 4700; BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622; CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1412/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1413/CHEM 1430; CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1422/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1423/CHEM 1440; CHEM 2370/CHEM 3210, CHEM 2380/CHEM 3220; PHYS 1510/PHYS 1530, PHYS 1520/PHYS 1540; UCRS 4000. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to sit for the certification examinations in Life Science.

Requirements utilizing the BS degree in Biology with Certification in Life Science: BIOL 1710/BIOL 1730 or BIOL 1711/BIOL 1733; BIOL 1720/BIOL 1740 or BIOL 1722/BIOL 1744; BIOL 2140 or BIOL 2241; BIOL 2041/BIOL 2042, BIOL 3451/BIOL 3452, BIOL 3510/BIOL 3520, BIOL 3800/BIOL 3810 (recommended) or BIOL 4501/BIOL 4502 or BIOL 4503/BIOL 4504 or BIOL 4505/BIOL 4506; BIOL 3160 or BIOL 4070 or BIOL 4100 or BIOL 4380 or BIOL 4440 or BIOL 4650; BIOL 4700; an advanced biology elective of at least 3 credit hours; BIOC 3621/BIOC 3622; CHEM 1410/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1412/CHEM 1430 or CHEM 1413/CHEM 1430; CHEM 1420/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1422/CHEM 1440 or CHEM 1423/CHEM 1440; CHEM 2370/CHEM 3210, CHEM 2380/CHEM 3220; PHYS 1510/PHYS 1530, PHYS 1520/PHYS 1540; UCRS 4000. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to sit for the certification examinations in Life Science.

See major for additional course work and GPA requirements.

Students must also complete the required 18 hours for the minor in mathematics and science secondary teaching and meet all GPA requirements to apply for state certification. Students should contact the Teach North Texas program office for more information on enrolling in the certification courses.

All state certification requirements and information on required examinations is available on the web site of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), www.sbec.state.tx.us

Graduate Degrees

The department offers degree programs leading to the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a major in biology; MS and PhD with a major in biochemistry; MS and PhD with a major in environmental science; and MA and MS with a major in molecular biology. A PhD with a major in molecular biology is offered through the Federation of North Texas Area Universities, of which UNT is a member.

Students who intend to proceed with graduate study should take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) during their senior year. For specific information on graduate degree programs, consult the Graduate Catalog.

Courses of Instruction

All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.

Course and Subject Guide

The “Course and Subject Guide,” found in the Courses of Instruction section of this book, serves as a table of contents and provides quick access to subject areas and prefixes.

Date of initial release: July 1, 2010  —  Copyright © 2010 University of North Texas
Page updated: December 13, 2010 — Comments or corrections: catalog@unt.edu

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