• BIOL 4310: Advanced Bioinformatics

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Builds on topics covered in BIOL 3300. Analyze and interpret large biological data sets. Genome- and transcriptome-based quantitative methods. Data management techniques. Exercises in evaluating research studies and in developing computational methods for research. Semester project. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe a data analysis process. 2. Create computer programs that facilitate biological data analysis. 3. Interpret the analysis results biologically and explain the implications of them. Prerequisite: BIOL 3300 (Grade C or higher). FA
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• BIOL 4320: Scripting for Biologists

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  In this course, students learn techniques in computational biology to apply their computer science skillset to biological data. Specifically, it is focused on learning best-practices to design scripts for computational biology through hands-on coding exercises. These exercises will allow students to refine their ability to analyze data using essential concepts in computer science such as conditionals, loops, functions, classes, regular expressions, and recursion. Topics of version control, code readability, and documentation design are used to highlight the importance of reproducibility in science. While the course is taught using Python, students are allowed to explore and use other scripting languages. *** COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will (1) implement best practices in script development for computational biology, (2) design computer programs to analyze their own (and other) biological data, (3) critically review coding scripts used in the primary literature, (4) create reader-friendly documentation to help others implement their code for similar datasets (or to simply reproduce their results). Prerequisites: BIOL 3300 (Introduction to Bioinformatics). FA
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• BIOL 4350: Animal Behavior

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Fulfills a program elective for all Biology majors. Covers the definition of behavior and how it is measured, the evolution and genetics of behaviors, and the wide spectrum of behaviors demonstrated by animals that help them survive and reproduce. Successful completers will be able to explain the many aspects of animal behavior, why those behaviors exist, and some specific examples of current research in each area of behavior. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Design and carry out experiments using unbiased behavioral data collection. 2. Apply evolutionary reasoning to create testable hypotheses in answering questions about animal behavior. 3. Explain Tinbergen's four types of questions regarding animal behavior. 4. Critique important published research in the field of ethology. Prerequisites: BIOL 3010 and BIOL 3030 (Grade C or higher). Corequisite: BIOL 4355. SP (odd)
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• BIOL 4355: Animal Behavior Lab

  1.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Lab portion of BIOL 4350. Students will learn how behavior can be measured based on a clear definition of what behavior involves and will be shown the various techniques used by researchers to study behavior, in both field and laboratory settings, and the proper design of such studies. Students will design and carry out their own research projects on a particular behavior and write up the results of their study in journal article format. Successful completion will help students to create a simple research study of animal behavior in the field or in a laboratory setting, and can explain strengths and weaknesses of each. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Design and carry out experiments using unbiased behavioral data collection. 2. Apply different methods of unbiased behavioral data collection, and explain the limitations of each. 3. Explain optics used in behavioral data collections and demonstrate correct use of binoculars and spotting scopes. 4. Evaluate various behavioral data collection devices, and list the pros and cons of recording behavioral data for later use. Course fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL 3010 and BIOL 3030 (Grade C or higher). Corequisite: BIOL 4350. SP (odd)
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• BIOL 4380: Ornithology

  2.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Fulfills a program elective for all Biology majors, covers the biology of birds including their origin, evolution, structure, habits, adaptations, distribution, and classification. Successful completers will identify various birds, especially those found locally, and to discuss evolutionary and ecological relationships among them. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe evolutionary adaptations of the class Aves. 2. Explain the basic classification and phylogeny of birds and explain bird evolution. 3. Describe the basic life processes, characteristics and behaviors unique to birds. 4. Identify common species found within the Intermountain West. Prerequisite: BIOL 3040, BIOL 3010. Corequisite: BIOL 4385. SP
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• BIOL 4385: Ornithology Lab

  1.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Lab portion of BIOL 4380. Occurs during the second block of the semester. Field trips required. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify common species found within the Intermountain West using field and taxonomic guides. 2. Conduct visual and auditory field identifications. 3. Describe the interrelationships between birds and their environment. Course fee required. Corequisite: BIOL 4380. SP
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• BIOL 4400: Pathophysiology

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Review of homeostasis pathways that maintain normal physiology of organ systems, with an emphasis on the disruption of these homeostatic pathways that result in disease. Pathophysiology fulfills a program elective for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain in detail the physiological systems associated with defense and healing. 2. Describe the processes and effects of disrupted physiology. 3. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the functioning of major body processes. 4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of how different vertebrate taxa accomplish the functions of organ systems in different ways and in different environments. Prerequisites: BIOL 2320/2325 and BIOL 2420/2425. FA, SP
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• BIOL 4411: Mammalogy

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Fulfills a program elective for all Biology majors. Covers the unique adaptations and life histories of mammals, and surveys each order of mammal, describing evolution (where known), natural histories, and geographical ranges of representatives of that order. Successful completers will be able to describe what makes a mammal, its evolution, the adaptations that enabled mammals to dominate the earth for the last 65 million years, and current problems facing many mammals as well as possible solutions to those problems. Completion of BIOL 3140/3145 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy/Lab is recommended before enrolling in this course. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Show proficiency in five principle perspectives of biology including the coordinated regulation of integrated cellular systems and their effect on the physiological functioning of organisms; the dynamic interaction of living systems with each other and their environments; and the transforming role of evolution in changing life forms and how evolution explains both the unity and diversity of life. 2. Develop a critical skepticism of ideas and information while maintaining receptivity to potential alternative predications. 3. Produce well-written reports and/or research papers covering topics in biology which will be presented in the accepted formats of scientific research articles. Corequisite: BIOL 4415. FA
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• BIOL 4415: Mammalogy Lab

  1.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Lab portion of BIOL 4411, includes training to skin and stuff representative mammals collected by instructors, review of skins and skeletons for identification, and in articulation of mammalian skeletons for display, as well as observation of mammals and their signs in the wild. Successful completers will obtain a strong background of general knowledge about mammals, and specific knowledge of representatives of each taxon, especially local species and those of economic importance. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain the evolution, diversity, and classification of mammals. 2. Describe and apply the basic methodology of Mammalian Systematics and cladistics. 3. Produce, analyze, interpret and report on mammalian base-line field data. Course fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 3045 (Grade C or higher). Corequisite: BIOL 4411. FA (even)
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• BIOL 4440: General Entomology

  3.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University)

  
  Fulfills a program elective for all Biology majors. Includes study of the structure, development, classification, and life histories of insects, as well as ecological, economic, and management considerations. Successful completers will be able to identify common insects and discuss the economic and ecological impacts of insects. Offered upon sufficient student need. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. List the important classes and orders of arthropods. 2. Differentiate an insect from other life forms. 3. Classify insects and explain the importance of taxonomy to other disciplines. 4 Describe basic insect morphological characteristics and physiology. 5. Explain the value and importance of insects and describe the ecological roles insects have in different ecosystems. Prerequisites: BIOL 1620. SP (odd)
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