Graduate Catalog - Shippensburg University

Courses of InstructionBIO559 Evolutionary Ecology (3 crs.)Lecture and discussion periods cover topics of physiological ecology,interspecific interactions, population ecology, community structure,the ecological niche, coevolution, and biogeography. Prerequisite:previous college ecology course or permission of instructor.BIO577 Ecomorphology (3 crs.)Intended for students interested in a holistic approach to biology andexperimental research. Reviews the morphological adaptations ofanimals with emphasis on vertebrates. The functional and behavioralaspects of these adaptations are discussed in the context of the evolutionaryand ecological relationships of key taxa. Students are expectedto apply their academic background to research, deliver, and discussthe morphological traits enhancing animals’ biological fitness. Ramificationsof Ecological Morphology (i.e., molecular biology, genetics,physiology, systematics, philosophy) could be also considered. Courseis a combination of lectures, student presentations, and discussions ofcurrent scientific literature. Prerequisite: BIO362 or BIO463 or BIO370or permission of instructor.BIO581 Topics in Mammalian Biology (3 crs.)Lectures and discussion examine topics of contemporary interest inmammalogy, including ecology, population dynamics, systematics,physiology, behavior, and zoogeography. Emphasis is on ecologicalstudies of temperate forest small mammals. May involve some fieldwork. Prerequisite: course in mammalogy or graduate status.=BIO583 Biological Techniques (3 crs.)Laboratory and field-oriented course. Students become skilled in avariety of techniques, selecting with advisement those activities mostrelated to their interests and goals.BIO593 Biometry (3 crs.)Examines the uses of parametric and non-parametric statistics inbiological research. Students gain practical experience in the applicationof statistical analyses to sets of original data using both handcalculation and packaged computer programs with emphasis on theorganization and preparation of data for analysis, the selection ofappropriate statistical tests, and the interpretation of the results ofanalyses of both published and unpublished data. A pocket calculatorwith square root function is recommended. Prerequisite: at least 14credit hours of college biology.BIO594 Selected Topics (1-3 crs.)Department opportunity to offer courses in areas of major interestnot covered by regular courses.BIO599 Independent Study (3 crs.)Opportunity to pursue special studies in biology or biology educationon topics not available in other courses.BIO600 Biological Research Methods (3 crs.)A general study of research methodology in biology with a specificresearch design and project. Topics in the general study may includeuse of library resources, collection of data, framing and testinghypotheses and other techniques for evaluating evidence. The specificproject consists of the development of a research design for the studyof a specific problem in biology.BIO605-608 Graduate Research (3-12 crs.)Opportunity to engage in research under the guidance of a memberof the biology faculty.BIO609 Internship (3 crs.)Opportunity for students to gain practical experience in their chosencareer area.BIO612 Thesis I (3 crs.)First in a two-course sequence. Provides master’s degree candidateswith the opportunity to conduct a major research project. Prerequisite:Completion of a research proposal and literature review. A temporarygrade of Q will be assigned until the thesis is completed.BIO613 Thesis II (3 crs.)Second in a two course sequence of graduate courses designed toprovide master’s degree candidates an opportunity to conduct a majorresearch project. Students complete and defend a thesis. Prerequisite:BIO612.Business (BSN)BSN 510 Economic and Information Systems Environment (4 crs.)Introduction to macroeconomic and microeconomic principles withan emphasis on applications to modern business problems. Majortopics include supply and demand, consumer behavior, theory ofthe firm, market structure and competition, monetary and fiscalpolicy, and international trade. The role of information technologyin business environment is also discussed, including such topics asdoing business on the Internet, database management, client-servernetworks, and information security. This course is part of the graduatebusiness certificate and does not count toward the MBA degree.BSN511 Business Operations and Analysis (4 crs.)Explores the responsibilities and processes needed for a business toprovide a product or service to customers. Case studies and real-worldexamples are used extensively to investigate the problems encounteredin these business operations. Quantitative and non-quantitativemethods and models are used in the analysis of topical subject areassuch as forecasting, capacity planning, materials management, scheduling,and quality control. This course is part of the graduate businesscertificate and does not count toward the MBA degree.BSN512 Essentials of Accounting and Finance (4 crs.)Introduces the basics of financial accounting and financial management.The accounting concepts, practices, and principles that guidethe preparation of the balance sheet, income statement, and the statementof cash flows are all presented. Financial management conceptsand techniques are used to evaluate the financial performance of thefirm. Topics include financial statement analysis, working capitalmanagement, and capital budgeting. Emphasis is placed on theinterpretation and limitations of financial reports and their use inevaluating the performance of the firm. This course is part of the graduatebusiness certificate and does not count toward the MBA degree.BSN513 Organizational Behavior and Marketing (4 crs.)The organizational behavior component examines human behaviorin organizations and considers the practical skills managers need tomotivate peers and subordinates, make decisions, deal with conflict,and succeed in a team-based environment. The marketing componentexamines marketing planning, marketing research, buyer behavior,market segmentation and targeting, as well as the key elements of amarketing strategy. This course is part of the graduate business certificateand does not count toward the MBA degree.BSN514 Strategic Management and Leadership (4 crs.)Explores strategic vision and direction. The importance of achievinga fit between the internal and external environment for organizationalsurvival and success is a central issue. The strategic concepts of competitiveadvantage, strategy formulation and implementation, powerand influence, organizational change, and leadership will be addressed.Case studies, business articles, and text material will be usedto examine strategy and leadership theory, heuristics, and practice.This course is part of the graduate business certificate and does not counttoward the MBA degree.73