2011–2012 UNIVERSITY CATALOG - Florida Institute of Technology

BIO 5085 BIOLOGICAL IMAGING (3 credits). Introduces the application of
image processing techniques to biological problems. Includes the acquisition, enhancement
and quantification of 2-D images, motion analysis, and processing in 3-D.
BIO 5120 ECOLOGY OF TROPICAL COMMUNITIES (3 credits). Lecture
and field examination of aspects of the population and community ecology of tropical
marine systems, especially coral reefs and mangroves. Emphasizes factors influencing
community structure and the relationships between representative populations.
BIO 5140 CORAL ECOLOGY (3 credits). Focuses on both theoretical and
practical aspects of coral ecology, including hands-on taxonomy and assessment of
the functional response of coral reefs to environmental factors and thermal stress at a
global scale. Emphasizes identification of processes and regulatory phenomena driving
the dynamics of coral communities.
BIO 5150 LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY (3 credits). Applies landscape ecology
techniques (spatial sampling, patch dynamics, scale detection, landscape metrics,
geographical information systems, time series, disturbance and pollution, organism
response to landscape patterns) to landscape patterns, connectivity and metapopulations
dynamics, reserve design and ecosystem processes. Prerequisites: BIO 3410.
BIO 5210 APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY (3 credits). Explores the mechanisms by
which the physiological systems of the human body work. Applies these principles to
the important issues in biomedical engineering. Covers neuronal communication, cardiovascular
function in health and disease, respiratory function, kidney and water/salt
balance, bone growth and metabolism, and reproductive endocrinology. (Requirement:
Graduate standing or instructor approval.)
BIO 5420 PRE-COLUMBIAN ECOSYSTEMS (0 credits). Investigates through
ecology the extent to which pre-Columbian occupants of the Americas influenced
ecosystems. Includes archaeological, anthropological and ecological data that
contributes to understanding the key debates about what is natural in the Americas.
(Requirement: Graduate standing.)
BIO 5421 NEOTROPICAL ARCHEOECOLOGY (3 credits). Studies the impact
of human activities on past and present ecology. Integrates regional archaeology with
modern ecology to compare sites with and without past human impacts. Uses field
techniques that include forest census in megadiverse environments, sediment coring
and curation of specimens. Prerequisites: BIO 5420.
BIO 5501 CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3 credits). Overviews
molecular mechanisms used to regulate fundamental cellular processes. Emphasizes
gene expression, cell growth, replication and differentiation, and on intercellular
communications.
BIO 5502 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION
(3 credits). Introduces current concepts of cellular signal transduction. Includes
hands-on experience in essential techniques including production of fusion proteins
and quantitative microinjection.
BIO 5510 CURRENT TOPICS IN ECOLOGY (3 credits). Readings and discussions
of recent advances and new concepts in ecological research.
BIO 5515 PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DESIGN (3 credits). Overviews
basic principles of pharmacology, emphasizing preclinical studies used in the development
of new drugs. Includes structure-function relationships, dose-response curves,
target based drug assays, rational drug design and in vitro cytotoxicity assays.
BIO 5517 MODELING FOR ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGY (3 credits). Presents
graduate-level modeling and applications for ecology and biology. Includes allometry,
growth and healing of wounds, population dynamics, competition and symbiosis,
predator-prey relations, community and diversity models, models in biogeography,
evolution and conservation. Prerequisites: BIO 3410.
BIO 5522 BIOINFORMATICS, GENOMICS AND PROTEOMICS (3 credits).
Introduces the new sciences of genomics and proteomics. Emphasizes the software
tools used to search, analyze and understand DNA, RNA and proteins (bioinformatics).
Intended for students planning a career in medicine, biological research,
biotechnology or pharmaceuticals. (Requirement: Graduate standing or instructor
approval.)
BIO 5537 APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY (6 credits). Focuses on the collection,
isolation, characterization and screening of natural products, especially from marine
organisms through fieldwork and labs. Includes taxonomy, microbial isolation, collection,
extraction preparation, bioassay and chemical structure determination.
BIO 5539 MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY (3 credits). Overviews microbes as
producers of economically important proteins and other organic compounds. Includes
expression of proteins from cloned genes, antibiotics, fermentation, bacterial degradation,
environmental applications and culture methodology.
BIO 5545 GROWTH AND DIVISION OF CELLS 1: PROKARYOTES
(3 credits). Covers the molecular biology of microbial reproduction, emphasizing
chromosome and plasmid DNA replication, the cell division cycle, regulators of gene
expression and the mechanisms of cell division in bacteria.
BIO 5570 DNA STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (3 credits). Advanced focus on
DNA biology emphasizing current research topics covering DNA structure-function
relationships, particularly the dynamic nature of DNA and the interaction of DNA
and proteins to regulate gene expression. Examines prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral
systems.
BIO 5571 DNA INTERACTIONS (2 credits). Considers recent literature sources
on how DNA interacts with a variety of agents, energetic radiations, small-molecule
chemical mutagens and carcinogens, and large regulatory and repair protein molecules.
Students assimilate seminar skills required for professional scientific presentations.
BIO 5572 DNA: CRITICAL LITERATURE ANALYSIS (3 credits). Gives
in-depth consideration to recent literature related to DNA structure and function.
Teaches critical reading, evaluation, reviewing and presentation of scientific papers.
Includes skills needed for writing and reviewing scientific manuscripts. BIO 5570
recommended as prerequisite. Understanding of DNA structure and biology advised.
BIO 5573 SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS, WRITING AND PRESENTATION
(3 credits). Gives in-depth consideration to recent literature related to various
biology areas. Teaches how to critically read, evaluate, review and present biological
science papers. Also teaches skills for writing biological abstracts, papers and
grants, and for making professional biology presentations.
BIO 5575 BIOLOGY OF CANCER (3 credits). Comprehensively overviews the
biology and molecular biology of neoplastic disease. Emphasizes recent research with
oncogenes and oncogenic viruses. Presents lectures on causes, spread and treatment
of cancer.
BIO 5576 MOLECULAR GENETICS (3 credits). Covers the essential topics in
molecular genetics, beginning with the classic experiments involving bacteria and bacteriophage,
progressing to the current focus on mapping human disease. Emphasizes
reading and discussing primary research literature with particular attention on the
experimental approaches used.
BIO 5585 PROTEIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (3 credits). Introduces
the essential biochemical and biophysical techniques used for protein expression,
purification and characterization. Covers current research topics in protein metabolism
and human diseases. Also covers protein-based drug and biosensor development
in nanomedicine.
BIO 5630 SENSORY BIOLOGY (3 credits). Introduces vertebrate sensory systems,
emphasizing the mechanisms of sensory processing and perception of events of varying
complexity. Includes student review and discussion of current literature and several
experiments.
BIO 5899 FINAL SEMESTER THESIS (0-2 credits). Variable registration
for thesis completion after satisfaction of minimum registration requirements.
(Requirements: Accepted petition to graduate and approval by Office of Graduate
Programs.)
BIO 5904 FIELD BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF THE GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS (3 credits). Field biology course in the Galapagos Islands. Emphasizes
climate and evolution processes and patterns. Includes both terrestrial and marine
investigations of the unique biota of the islands. A field fee is required. Prerequisites:
BIO 3410.
BIO 5990 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SEMINAR (0 credits). Presents and discusses
current research by visiting scientists, university faculty and graduate students.
BIO 5991 BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SEMINAR (1 credit). Presents and
discusses thesis or dissertation research.
BIO 5995 BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH (3-9 credits). Research under the guidance
of a faculty member of the biological sciences in a selected area of biology.
BIO 5997 INDUSTRIAL INTERNSHIP (3-6 credits). Involves at least 400 hours
of supervised research activities in an approved industrial summer internship program.
(Requirement: Acceptance into an industrial summer internship program approved
through the program coordinator.)
BIO 5998 BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ROTATION (3 credits). Familiarizes the
student with research carried out in various labs. Covers special problems, techniques
and experimental designs. The student completes two rotations of approximately seven
to eight weeks in different labs.
BIO 5999 THESIS (3-6 credits). Research and preparation for the master’s thesis.
BIO 6899 FINAL SEMESTER DISSERTATION (0-2 credits). Variable
registration for dissertation completion after satisfaction of minimum registration
requirements. (Requirements: Accepted candidacy and approval by Office of Graduate
Programs.)
BIO 6999 DISSERTATION (3-12 credits). Research and preparation for the
doctoral dissertation. (Requirement: Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree.)
Course Descriptions 223