University of Dallas Names New Vice President for Development and University Relations
Ashton Ellis, PhD, comes to the University of Dallas after nearly 10 years in fundraising at Hillsdale College.
+ Read MoreThe first half of the general biology sequence addresses the biochemical, cellular, genetic, and evolutionary levels of biological study, providing a foundation for courses in the Molecules to Cells area of the upper-division courses in the department. Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Fall.
The second half of the general biology sequence addresses the diversity of life and the characteristics of the different kingdoms, as well as fundamentals of development, anatomy, physiology, and ecology of organisms. This course provides a foundation for upper-division courses in the Cells to Organisms and Organisms to Populations areas. Two lectures, one laboratory weekly. Spring.
Biological principles and information are studied by examination of a single thematic topic such as genetics. Coursework integrates the scientific discoveries within the field with applied information and societal implications. Two lectures, one laboratory period weekly. Fall and Spring.
The development of new methodologies in experimental biology has proceeded at an unprecedented rate in recent years, particularly in the area of DNA technology. This has enabled biologists to advance their understanding of cellular and organismal function but has also brought many practical benefits to enterprises such as agriculture and drug development. This course introduces students to some of the more important methods of biotechnology, explains their scientific basis, and describes their current applications in industry and potential for use or misuse in the future. Because the focus of the course is on DNA technology, students will be given the necessary background instruction in cell structure and function, with emphasis on the role of DNA in the life of cells. Two lectures, one laboratory period weekly. Spring.2 content.
This course will be an examination of human form and function through the integration of anatomy and physiology. Material covered in this course will emphasize a multi-dimensional view of the human body rooted in the biological sciences, but applicable to art, human history, and psychology. It will include applied topics such as human performance, biomechanics, nutrition, medicine, mental and physical development. Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Fall.
Investigations of the life and discoveries of Charles Darwin. Beginning with pre-Darwinian ideas on transmutation, Darwin's life is outlined from the voyage of the Beagle to the publication of the theory of natural selection and its subsequent reception by scientific and nonscientific community. Commentary from critics and supporters of Darwin's work aid in understanding the current status of the theory of natural selection and its influence. Prerequisites: None. Spring, even-numbered years. Learn More
Environmental science represents the interface between ecological process, human behavior, history, and economic/political realities. This course provides students with fundamentals of the scientific principles that underlie ecological phenomena, combining scientific concepts with details on human issues related to food, air, water, land use, toxicology, population, energy, waste, and environmental education. Students analyze case studies and conduct web research of global issues, and undertake in-class debate of contemporary issues in environmental science. Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: None. Fall.
An introduction to ecological studies and their associ-ated techniques. In the first week, students become acquainted with field techniquesused for studying plants, birds, water and soils. Students also work with GIS/GPS toimage and analyze ecological data. The second week is used for the developmentof independent student field research projects in an intensive backpacking/campingexperience. Field experience may take place in Texas or may be an international fieldexperience in Costa Rica. Prerequisite for 3416: Biology 1312. Mayterm.
Human structure is studied with a strong emphasis on the integration of form and function. Origins and major systems of the vertebrates are studied through phylogenetic analysis and laboratory investigations of the cat. The relationship between anatomy and physiology, and the application of anatomical investigations to the medical field are also discussed. Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312, 1112. Fall.
The human immune system consists of a vast array of interacting cells and molecules,
dispersed throughout the body, that are designed to recognize and repel anything foreign
while avoiding harm to self. This course introduces the genetic, molecular, and cellular
basis of vertebrate immunity. Clinical aspects of immunology including diagnostics,
immune deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders also will be discussed. The goal is
to present a broad overview of immune function that allows students to comprehend
the rapid advances being made in this field. Three lectures weekly. Prerequisite:
Biology 1312, 1112. Spring.
A study of classical genetics as well as of the molecular biology of the genetic material. Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312, 1112. Spring.
Physiological ecology, behavior, population dynamics, community interactions, and ecosystem function are studied using the framework of natural selection and adaptation. Ecological models based on fundamental mathematical principles and experimental evidence from the primary literature complement student laboratory investigations of ecological principles. Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312, 1112. Spring, even-numbered years
The majority of life on Earth, at least in terms of sheer numbers, consists of organisms
too small to be seen individually with the unaided eye. All of the currently recognized
domains of life are represented in the microbial world, along with the non-living
viruses, viroids, and prions. This course introduces students to the structure, classification,
physiology, and genetics of microorganisms, as well as their distribution in nature
and interactions with humans, plants, and animals. The laboratory presents fundamental
techniques for observing, handling, and cultivating microbial cells as well as methods
for controlling their growth and identifying unknown microorganisms. Two lectures,
one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312, 1112. Fall.
Complex living organisms begin their existence as single cells, which must somehow give rise to diverse cell populations that are organized into characteristic forms and function coordinately. Developmental biology is the study of processes involved in creating a new organism and then modifying its structure in an orderly fashion as it progresses from an embryo to an adult. The goal of this course is to introduce students to fundamental anatomical, cellular, and molecular aspects of development, and to some of the rapid and exciting advances being made in this field. While we focus primarily on the animal kingdom, comparisons to other organisms are included to provide insight into the surprising conservation of genes, structures, and mechanisms that exists among living things. Three lectures weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 1312, 1112. Fall.
Study of the anatomy, physiology, development, behavior, ecology and evolution of bird species, with particular emphasis on North American bird groups and native Texas birds. Lab exercises focus on taxonomy, identification, dissection, field trips, study skins, and behavioral observations. Course also includes discussion of birds through history and their influence on the arts and human society. Three lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: None. Spring.
Ashton Ellis, PhD, comes to the University of Dallas after nearly 10 years in fundraising at Hillsdale College.
+ Read MoreThanks to a Braniff student, the language of the Gospels comes alive every Monday in Anselm 224.
+ Read MoreIt took the Center for Thomas More Studies 20 years to complete the “Essential Works of Thomas More.” Now, the conference is researching More’s oeuvre piece by piece.
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