Program Details : University Catalogs : University of Minnesota

BIOL 1011 - General Biology I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)

Credits:	5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies:	BIOL 1011/BIOL 1013
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Fall & Spring

Fundamental concepts of biology, including chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energy transformations, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, molecular biology, DNA technology, development, origin of life, and evolution. (4 hrs lect, 2.5 hrs lab) prereq: 1 yr high school Chem or 1 semester college Chem, Math ACT 21 or higher or MATH 1005 or higher; credit will not be granted if already received for BIOL 1013

BIOL 1012 - General Biology II (SUSTAIN)

Credits:	5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Fall & Spring

Fundamental concepts of biology, including classification and diversity of life, anatomy, physiology, and development of prokaryotes, protistans, fungi, animals, and plants; behavior; population, community, and ecosystem ecology. (4 hrs lect, 2.5 hrs lab) prereq: A grade of C- or better in 1011

BIOL 2801 - General Ecology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Fall & Spring

Relationships between life and environment for individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems; surveys of environmental factors and biomes. May be taken without lab 2802. (3 hrs lect) prereq: A grade of C- or better in both 1011 and 1012; may be taken without lab BIOL 2802

EES 1110 - Geology and Earth Systems (LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN)

Credits:	4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:	EES 1110 FST 1409
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Fall & Spring

Earth systems science is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the processes operating within and the interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. In this course we investigate the changing nature of the Earth; its composition, architecture, and antiquity; the internal and external processes that shape it through time; cycles of energy and matter; the development of life and impact of human activity; and both local environmental issues and global change. For students using a 2012-2021 LEP catalog year, the GEOL subject is now EES. If you took GEOL 1610, EES 1110 will not fulfill the requirement of a different subject. Credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 1110

EES 2110 - Reconstructing Earth's Climate History

Credits:	4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:	EES 2110/FST 2082
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Spring

What is it that makes Earth habitable? What makes earth?s climate stable over geologic time? In this class, we will examine energy sources to earth?s surface and the processes that change them over geologic time. We will do this within a framework of mass balance ? comparing inputs to outputs at varying scales, investigating the evolution of climate, life and tectonics through time. Our goal is to identify, investigate, characterize, and assess the principal processes that shape earth?s surface environment from 4.54 billion years ago to present. To accomplish this aim, we will learn how geoscientists read Earth?s history, and what tools they use to do so. prereq: GEOL or EES 1110 or 1130 or 1610 or Ast 1040 or Geog 1414 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 2110

BIOL 4992 - Senior Seminar: Classic Readings in Natural History

Credits:	1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis:	S-N or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Spring

Readings and discussion of the classics of natural history writing from authors such as Charles Darwin, Charles Lyell, John Wesley Powell, Peter Freuchen, Rachel Carson, Paul Errington, and E.O. Wilson, among others. prereq: Seniors who have declared a natural history minor, no grad credit

BIOL 3601 - Plant Diversity

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Fall

Evolutionary survey of plants, focusing on diversity of life histories and patterns of organization. Fossil and extant groups, including algae, fungi and nonvascular and vascular land plants. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, field trip) prereq: 1012

BIOL 3603 - Plant Taxonomy

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Spring

Introduction to taxonomy of vascular plants, emphasizing seed plants; representative families; terminology; literature; use of keys. (2 hrs lect, 2 hrs lab) prereq: 1012

BIOL 3701 - Animal Diversity

Credits:	4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Spring

Survey of major animal phyla, focusing on phylogeny, anatomy, physiology, and ontogeny. (2 hrs lect, 4 hrs lab) prereq: 1012

BIOL 3760 - Marine Biology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Spring Even Year

A multidisciplinary approach will be used to explore the diverse ecosystems of the marine realm. Emphasis will be on the ecological and physiological adaptations that have allowed animals to colonize habitats ranging from the intertidal zone to the abyss. prereq: 1011, 1012

BIOL 3761 - Field Studies in Marine Biology

Credits:	4.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Summer

Introduction to the marine environment by visiting either US i.e. Friday Harbor, WAS or MBL, Woods Hole, MA) or International (i.e. Leigh, New Zealand) marine lab and conducting both laboratory and field research. Topics include ecology, animal physiology, animal behavior, ichthyology and fisheries biology. Lectures will precede daily field trips where students will make in situ measurements and/or bring specimens back to the laboratory for study. prereq: 1011 or instructor consent; Course may only be repeated if location is different.

BIOL 3835 - Freshwater Ecology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Spring Even Year

Exploration of freshwater habitats and their biological diversity with emphasis on how human behavior is affecting those habitats and biodiversity. prereq: 2801 or concurrent

BIOL 4731 - Entomology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Fall & Spring

Structure, life history, ecology, classification, evolution, principles of control, and significance of insects in our society. Field collections. (2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab and field) prereq: 1012 or IBS Grad student

BIOL 4740 - Geobiology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:	BIOL 4740/EES 4740
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Spring

The course will serve as an introduction to the emerging fields of geomicrobiology and geobiology. It will be divided into two basic parts: (1) assessing the origin, evolution and functional roles of microorganisms and organisms on Earth; and (2) practical applications and techniques for geomicrobiology research. Discussion will begin with an overview of the discipline of geobiology, which will serve as a framework to understanding the roles microorganisms play in the co-evolution of the geosphere and biosphere throughout Earth?s history. Following this portion, we will examine modern advances of analytical techniques and applications in geomicrobiology using real world examples from literature and in class research experience. Students should have introductory background in geology, biology, and chemistry, with advanced coursework in at least one of these fields. pre-req: GEOL 1110, BIOL 1011, BIOL 1012, CHEM 1153 and 1155 OR CHEM 1113 and 1114, and at least 60 credits or instructor approval; no grad credit

BIOL 4761 - Ichthyology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Fall & Spring

Physiologic, taxonomic, ecologic, economic, and behavioral aspects of fishes. Lab emphasis on fishes of Great Lakes region, including field conducted independent study. (2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab, field) prereq: 2801 or IBS Grad student

BIOL 4763 - Ornithology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Spring

Lab and field identification of birds, their migration and habitats; biological, taxonomic, and economic considerations. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab and field) prereq: 2801 or IBS Grad student

BIOL 4764 - Mammalogy

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Fall

Origin, taxonomy, distribution, physiology, ecology and behavior of mammals. Laboratory and fieldwork includes collection, preparation and identification of Minnesota species. (2 hrs lecture, 3 hours lab, field) prereq: 2801 or IBS Grad student

BIOL 4804 - Methods in Forest Ecology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Fall Odd Year

Project based course that delves into methods for studying plant populations, succession, demographics and forest stand dynamics. Large portion of the class is field-based and will involve surveying vegetation, establishing and monitoring long-term plots and developing a management plan for selected field sites. Course will have two 50-minute lectures and a two-hour lab each week. pre-req: BIOL 2801 or IBS graduate student

BIOL 4818 - Biotic Response to Climate Change

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Spring

Many species are already responding to climate change, as evidenced by earlier budburst, flowering, and arrival of insect and bird pollinators. In only a few cases can we distinguish between phenotypic responses to longer growing seasons and warmer temperatures (plasticity) and evolutionary change in response to altered patterns of natural selection. Climate change will pose strong evolutionary challenges to native populations. In this course we will explore the fundamental response of the biota to these changes" extinction, migration, and adaptation. prereq: Biol 2201, no grad credit

BIOL 4839 - Coral Reef Field Studies (GLOBAL PER)

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:	BIOL 4839/EES 4839/FST 4839
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Spring

Field study on San Salvador, Bahamas focusing on the biological and geological studies of the coral reef complex and associated habitats of the Caribbean. We will examine the ecology and taxonomy of associated biota as well as the physical, chemical and sedimentary processes in coral reef environments. prereq: BIOL 1011 and 1012 or GEOL or EES 1110 or IBS Grad student

BIOL 4850 - Food and Humans

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Fall Odd Year

In this course we will examine the evolutionary genetics underlying the process of plant and animal domestication, and the evolution of weeds and insect pests in the new environment provided by human-initiated agriculture. Classical readings on the origin of agriculture and agricultural pests (weeds and insects) and the latest findings in this constantly changing field will be examined. Students will learn key concepts regarding the response of plants and animals to natural and artificial selection, and the application of population genetics, phylogenetics, quantitative genetics, and genetic mapping to major questions in agricultural genetics. Past and current challenges in agricultural productivity and sustainability will be addressed throughout the course. prereq: 2201, 3401 or IBS graduate student

BIOL 4861 - Lake Ecology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Spring

This course offers a hands-on introduction to the ecology of lake ecosystems with a focus on lakes of the temperate and boreal regions, particularly Minnesota. We explore how factors including temperature, light, water chemistry, water motion, nutrients, and organisms interact in aquatic environments to determine the distribution, abundance, and behavior of aquatic biota Laboratory exercises reinforce and expand on lecture materials and include the identification of fish, zooplankton, benthos, and phytoplankton as well as field excursion to area lakes. pre-req: BIOL 2801, no grad credit

BIOL 4863 - Ecosystems Ecology and Biogeochemistry

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:	BIOL 4863/EES 4863
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Spring

Ecosystems ecology is the integrated study of the flows of materials and energy through ecosystems, which includes both the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components. Biogeochemistry is a major subfield of ecosystems ecology, and deals with the cycling of nutrients through ecosystems. In this class, we will discuss the integration of ecosystmes and biogeochemistry in terrestrial environments, specifically focusing on how human activities influence ecological systems and vice versa. It is my hope that you walk away from this course with a better understanding of how large environmental issues such as climate change and invasive species affect ecological systems. pre-req: BIOL 2801, CHEM 1153 or CHEM 1173 or instructor consent; no grad credit

BIOL 4891 - Animal Behavior

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Fall

Known behavior of various vertebrate and invertebrate phyla, emphasizing adaptive significance and the genetics and ontogeny of behavioral patterns. Mating, aggressive, nutritive, and nurturing behavior and relation to ecology of animal populations. (2 hrs lect) prereq: BIOL 2410 or 2801 or IBS Grad student

BIOL 5515 - Microbial Diversity and Phylogeny

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F only
Typically offered:	Periodic Fall

Evolutionary survey and characteristics of microorganisms focusing on autotrophic and heterotrophic prokaryotes from various habitats. Isolation, examination, and identification of bacteria from field collections using microscopic, physiological, biochemical, molecular, phylogenetic, and computer database techniques. (2 hours lecture and 2 hours lab) prereq: 2101 or 3100 oe 3502 or 4501 or IBS Grad student

BIOL 5801 - Microbial Ecology

Credits:	2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Spring

Microorganisms in natural environments: diversity, distribution, energetics, and growth of heterotrophic and autotrophic microbes in oxic and anoxic habitats. Roles of microbial populations and communities in biogeochemical cycling, ecosystem functioning, landscapes, and industrial, agricultural, and environmental applications. prereq: (2101 or 3100) and (2801 or 3502 or 4501), or WRS or IBS Grad student

BIOL 5805 - Fisheries Ecology and Management

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Fall & Spring

Lectures, readings and computer exercises relating to current issues in fisheries ecology. Computer exercises will emphasize techniques used by scientists working in the field and prepare the student for the use of quantitative research tools for independent research. Includes 2 one-hour lectures and 1 three-hour lab weekly. prereq: 2801, 2802, college-level course in statistics or WRS or IBS Grad student

BIOL 5833 - Stream Ecology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Fall Even Year

Studies of stream communities and ecosystems as influenced by biological interactions and physical factors. Emphasis on North Shore streams. (2 hrs lect, 6 hrs lab and field) prereq: 2801 or WRS or IBS Grad student

BIOL 5861 - Lake Ecology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Spring

This course offers a hands-on introduction to the ecology of lake ecosystems with a focus on lakes of the temperate and boreal regions, particularly Minnesota. We explore how factors including temperature, light, water chemistry, water motion, nutrients, and organisms interact in aquatic environments to determine the distribution, abundance, and behavior of aquatic biota. Laboratory exercises reinforce and expand on lecture materials and include the identification of fish, zooplankton, benthos, and phytoplankton as well as field excursions to area lakes. prereq: WRS or IBS Grad student

BIOL 5865 - Conservation Biology

Credits:	2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Spring

Introduction to science of species, habitat, and ecosystem conservation and management. prereq: 2801 or IBS Grad student

BIOL 5870 - Wetland Ecology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Fall Odd Year

Hydrology, nutrient cycling, and productivity of wetland ecosystems and the adaptations and interactions of resident biota; assessment, management, conservation, restoration, and creation of wetlands. Two daylong weekend field trips required. prereq: 2801, 2802 or WRS or IBS Grad student

EES 2010 - Surface Processes

Credits:	4.0 [max 8.0]
Course Equivalencies:	ESCI 2010/EES 2010
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Fall

Study of earth surface processes emphasizing the origin and evolution of the earth's surface; response of the physical environment to anthropogenic perturbations, climate change, and tectonic events; and application of physical, chemical, and mathematical principles to the study and interpretation of the environment. Surface processes will be explored through field and lab exercises designed to give the student hands-on experience in environmental characterization and monitoring. pre-req: EES or GEOL 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414, MATH 1250 or 1290 or 1296 or 1596, CHEM 1153 or 1173 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 2010 or ESCI 2010

EES 3301 - Meteorology and Climatology for the Earth Sciences

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Fall

This course addresses the fundamentals of meteorology and climatology with an emphasis on weather systems in the humid, temperate climate of central North America. Topics covered include: Large-scale atmospheric circulation and associated fluxes of heat and water vapor; formation and evolution of mid-latitude cyclones; convective precipitation and severe weather; tropical cyclones; forensic analysis of historical weather events; and fundamentals of weather forecasting. A significant course component focuses on the weather and meso-scale climatology that characterize the Great Lakes region, where there exists a fascinating juxtaposition of continental and maritime climates. pre-req: MATH 1290 or 1296 or 1596 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 3301

EES 4220 - Advances in Paleoclimatology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Spring Odd Year

Exploration of the processes that control Earth?s climate/environment over that last 100 million years with a focus on the last ice age, ~24,000 years ago, to present. Assessment of climate proxy records in glacial ice, tree rings, corals, and ocean and lake sediment through hands-on analysis of datasets. Investigation of the influence on climate of external processes such as changes in Earth?s orbit and volcanic eruptions as well as internal feedbacks (e.g. El Ni�o). Analysis of human impacts and projections of future global/regional climate change. pre-req: EES or GEOL 2110, CHEM 1153 or 1173, MATH 1290 or 1296; no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4220.

EES 4500 - Field Geology

Credits:	6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Summer

Geological mapping of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic terranes and of Quaternary deposits and landforms; topographic maps and aerial photographs, including preparation of geologic maps and cross sections, and map unit descriptions. prereq: EES or GEOL 4450, department consent; no grad credit, credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4500

EES 4740 - Geobiology

Credits:	3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:	BIOL 4740/EES 4740
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Spring

The course will serve as an introduction to the emerging fields of geomicrobiology and geobiology. It will be divided into two basic parts: (1) assessing the origin, evolution and functional roles of microorganisms and organisms on Earth; and (2) practical applications and techniques for geomicrobiology research. Discussion will begin with an overview of the discipline of geobiology, which will serve as a framework to understanding the roles microorganisms play in the co-evolution of the geosphere and biosphere throughout Earth?s history. Following this portion, we will examine modern advances of analytical techniques and applications in geomicrobiology using real world examples from literature and in class research experience. Students should have introductory background in geology, biology, and chemistry, with advanced coursework in at least one of these fields. pre-req: EES or GEOL 1110, BIOL 1011, BIOL 1012, CHEM 1153 and 1155 OR CHEM 1113 and 1114, and at least 60 credits or instructor approval; no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4740.

EES 5103 - Geological Paleolimnology

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:	Lim 5103/5002/EES 5103
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Fall Even Year

Geological aspects of freshwater systems: origins, tectonic and climatic settings of lakes, geophysical mapping, physical sedimentary processes, sedimentary geochemistry, and geochronology. Particular focus on paleolimnology, the analysis of lake sediment to reconstruct past climate and environment prereq: MATH 1296 or 1596, PHYS 1002 or 2015 or 2018, CHEM 1155 or 1175 or grad student; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL or LIM 5103

EES 5210 - Glacial and Quaternary Geology

Credits:	4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Fall Even Year

Physics of glacier flow, processes of erosion and deposition, survey of glacial landforms, history and chronology of glaciation. Survey of geological and biological responses to changing environment resulting from climatic fluctuations during last three million years of Earth history. Field studies on the glacial deposits of Minnesota. (2 hrs lect, 2 hrs field lab) prereq: EES or GEOL 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414 and PHYS 1001 or 2013 or 2017 and MATH 1290 or 1286; or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4210 or 5210

GEOG 3401 - Weather and Climate

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F only
Typically offered:	Every Spring

Weather and climate are critical to both Earth systems and human societies, yet they are frequently misunderstood. The goal of this course is to develop a scientific understanding of atmospheric processes and how they are responsible for weather events and climatic patterns. Atmospheric composition, structure, and motion are studied, along with precipitation processes, air masses, fronts, cyclonic storms, and the the distribution and classification of climates. prereq: 1414 or GEOL 1110 or 1130 or instructor consent

ENED 3341 - Field Interpretive Techniques Fall

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Fall

Techniques and methods used to interpret natural history of autumn and early winter environments. Emphasizes geomorphology, tree identification, and basic raptor ecology. Primarily field based at sites throughout northeastern Minnesota. prereq: credit will not be granted if already received for REC 3341

ENED 3342 - Field Interpretive Techniques - Winter & Spring

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Every Spring

Techniques and methods used to interpret natural history of winter and spring environments. Ecology of winter, vernal ponds, spring wildflowers, biomes, and migratory birds. Primarily field based at sites throughout northeastern Minnesota. prereq: credit will not be granted if already received for EnEd 3342

FST 3236 - Icelandic Geology & the New Society

Credits:	3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered:	Periodic Summer

Study Abroad Course prereq: Admitted to an approved Study Abroad program, required consent from the International Education Office.

University Catalogs

Natural History Minor