A study of fertilization, cell reproduction, cell-cell interactions, genetic control of cytodifferentiation and morphogenesis, regeneration, and metamorphosis from an experimental viewpoint. A study of structural-functional interrelationships among the major invertebrate phyla with consideration of ecological and phylogenetic principles, diversity of invertebrate life, and adaptive change in the evolutionary history of animals. A mechanistic approach to bacterial physiology, the disease process, and related tenets. Laboratory includes current procedures used in the diagnostic laboratory. The systematics and morphology of selected fungi representing important groups are studied in lecture and laboratory.
Current literature is emphasized.
A consideration of the basic concepts of the immunity mechanisms and their applications to problems in genetics, embryology, physiology, and evolution. A study of the morphology, physiology, ecology, and taxonomy of selected free-living and parasitic protozoans. Each student majoring in biology will be enrolled in a seminar for at least one semester. Research on appropriate problems in biology under the direction of the individual advisor. For in-state students who are completing preliminary steps toward the development of a thesis.