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UW TACOMA
DIVISION OF SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS
BIOLOGY - TACOMA

Detailed course offerings (Time Schedule) are available for

T BIOL 102 Infectious Diseases in the 21st Century (5) NSc
Introduces core concepts of infectious disease in humans and the interaction of biology and society through lecture, case studies, contemporary examples, and biomedical literature.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 102

T BIOL 110 General Biology (6) NSc
Provides a comprehensive overview of biological science, including cell and molecular biology, genetics and evolution, the diversity of life, and ecology. Covers the complexity of life from molecules to ecosystems, with a combination of lecture and hands-on laboratory exercises. Intended for non-science majors and environmental studies majors. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 110.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 110

T BIOL 119 Biology Collaborative Learning Seminar (1, max. 3)
Enhances problem-solving skills for biology by having students work with a facilitator to strengthen their skills in critical thinking via group problem sessions in biology and its applications. Co-requisite: either T BIOL 120, T BIOL 130 or T BIOL 140. Credit/no-credit only.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 119

T BIOL 120 Introductory Biology I (6) NSc
Covers ecology and evolution, including genetics, Mendelian inheritance, biodiversity of life forms, and conservation biology, as well as related chemical processes in the environment. Field trips and labs required. First in a series of introductory biology courses for science majors. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 120. Recommended: co-requisite: T BIOL 119
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 120

T BIOL 130 Introductory Biology II (6) NSc
Covers molecular and cellular biology, including the chemistry of life, metabolism and energetics, cell structure and function, and application of molecular techniques to environmental studies. Field trips and labs required. Second in a series of introductory biology courses for science majors. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 130. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in either TESC 120 or T BIOL 120; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in either TESC 141 or T CHEM 142.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 130

T BIOL 140 Introductory Biology III (6) NSc
Focuses on organismal biology including plant and animal anatomy, physiology, and development, in conjunction with applicable chemical processes. Third in a series of introductory biology courses for science majors. Includes required lab. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 140. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in either TESC 130 or T BIOL 130; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in either TESC 151 or T CHEM 152.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 140

T BIOL 202 Plant Biology and Ecology (5) NSc
Explores the biology of plants from the individual to ecosystem level. Topics include plant anatomy, physiology, reproduction, development, and adaptation; plant population and community dynamics, and plant responses to climate change. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 202.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 202

T BIOL 203 History and Ecology of Biological Invasions (5) NSc
Explores the population dynamics and ecological impacts of nonindigenous species, their prevention and control, and the ways that exotic species threaten biodiversity and regional and global economies. Examines the rapidly advancing science of invasion biology in its historical and public policy contexts. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 402.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 203

T BIOL 204 Tropical Ecology and Sustainability (5) NSc
Explores biological and cultural aspects of tropical ecosystems. Integrates concepts from environmental science, ecology, and evolution in order to gain an understanding of tropical ecology.
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T BIOL 222 Evolution and Its Implications (5) NSc
Introduces the biological and geological evidence for evolution and the history of life on Earth. Evaluates the implications of evolutionary processes and history for current issues in health, behavior, and the environment.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 222

T BIOL 232 Issues in Biological Conservation (5) NSc
Considers biological and social issues underlying contemporary environmental problems. Overview of nascent discipline of conservation biology. Studies cases from Pacific Northwest (e.g., clean up of Lake Washington, Exxon Valdez oil spill, spotted owl fracas) which will form fodder for discussions as the scientific and human elements of environmental decision-making are explored. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 232.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 232

T BIOL 234 Biology, History, and Politics of Salmon in the Pacific Northwest (5) NSc
Explores issues such as the biology of salmon, habitat degradation, and the impact of salmon loss on biological and social systems through the study of history and political economy.
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T BIOL 236 Sustainable Agriculture (5) NSc
Explores the sustainability of technological advances in global food production. Topics include the origins of agriculture, soil ecology and conservation, industrial vs. organic agriculture, integrated pest management, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and biofuels. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 236.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 236

T BIOL 240 Human Biology and Environmental Interactions (5/6) NSc
Introduces human biological systems with a focus on environmental influences. Explores the structure and function of the major body systems (cardiovascular, endocrine, pulmonary, nervous, and excretory), and the scientific and social issues implicit in addressing human health and environmental issues.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 240

T BIOL 242 Aging and Biology (5) NSc
Provides students with a scientific biological perspective on aging. Students gain an understanding of different theories of aging, normal changes associated with aging, age-related diseases, with relevant discussion on policy decisions regarding our growing aging population.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 242

T BIOL 252 The Nature of Human Diversity (5) NSc, DIV
Provides genetic, evolutionary, and developmental biology perspectives on human diversity, focusing on socially relevant axes (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, congenital or developmental disability, and/or intelligence). Examines historical and current examples of how discretization of biological diversity into socially-constructed categories creates power structures that disadvantage individuals and groups of people.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 252

T BIOL 270 Genetics and Society (5) NSc
Covers key advances and principles in genetics and molecular biology, providing background to critically evaluate controversial topics in biotechnology facing contemporary society. In considering the social impact of genetic and genomic technology, includes areas of agriculture, forensics, industry, medicine, and reproduction. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 370.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 270

T BIOL 301 General Microbiology (6) NSc
Acquaints students with microorganisms and their activities. Topics include microbial cell structure and function, metabolism, microbial genetics, and the role of microorganisms in disease, immunity, and other applied areas. Gateway to upper-division courses in biomedical sciences. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in T BIOL 140; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in T CHEM 162.
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T BIOL 302 Human Physiology (5) NSc
Immerses students in core concepts required for a fundamental understanding of human physiological systems, including GI, endocrine, and immune systems, with emphasis on cellular processes that mediate organismic processes. Gateway to upper-division courses in biomedical sciences. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in T BIOL 140; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in T CHEM 162.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 302

T BIOL 303 Cellular Biology (6) NSc
Covers the advanced principles of biological macromolecules, cell structure and function, respiration, and selected areas of cell physiology with emphasis on regulatory mechanisms, focusing primarily on eukaryotic cells. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in T BIOL 140; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in T CHEM 162.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 303

T BIOL 304 Molecular Biology (6) NSc
Focuses on advanced principles of gene expression at the molecular level, emphasizing transcription and translation. Provides hands-on experience applying molecular biology techniques to isolation and characterization of genes from various organisms in research-driven projects. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in T BIOL 140; a minimum grade of 2.0 in T CHEM 162; and a minimum grade of 2.0 in either TMATH 116 or TMATH 120.
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T BIOL 305 Genetics and Genomics (6) NSc
Covers the basic principles of genetics, including but not limited to: Mendelian genetics, chromosome structure, population genetics, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and genome mapping and sequencing. Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 2.0 in T BIOL 140; a minimum grade of 2.0 in T CHEM 162; and T BIOL 304, which may be taken concurrently; recommended: T BIOL 301 and T BIOL 303, either of which may be taken concurrently.
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T BIOL 306 Animal Behavior (5) NSc
Explores scientific approaches to animal behavior, emphasizing behavioral measures and experimental designs. Covers the psychological, physiological, developmental, and evolutionary principles that guide the study of animal perception, communication, foraging, and sexual and social behavior. Considers applications to animal conservation and welfare, and human decision-making. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received in TESC 306. Prerequisite: either TPSYCH 101, PSYCH 101, T BIOL 110, TESC 110, T BIOL 120, or TESC 120.
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T BIOL 307 Applied Entomology (6/7) NSc
Explores the structure, ecology, and evolution of terrestrial arthropods, focusing primarily on insects important to agriculture, conservation, medicine, and public health, and sustainable approaches to pest control. Prerequisite: minimum grade of 2.0 in T BIOL 120.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 307

T BIOL 312 Sensory and Systems Neuroscience (5/6) NSc, RSN
Examines the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neurochemistry of the human central nervous system circuits involved in sensation and movement (e.g. vision, taste, balance, voluntary movement), and investigates how malfunctions within these systems lead to specific sets of physiological impairments and disorders. Prerequisite: either minimum grade of 2.5 in T BIOL 140 or minimum grade of 2.5 in TPSYCH 260.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 312

T BIOL 318 Biogeography (5/6) NSc
Study of the distribution of plants and animals, as controlled by climate, geologic history and geographic location, dispersal, colonization, and invasion. Examines changes over time in distribution patterns as related to evolution, climate change, and human activities. Incorporates many disciplines including biology, ecology, anthropology, history, GIS, statistics, and geological sciences. Prerequisite: either TESC 120 or TBIOL 120. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received in TESC 318.
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T BIOL 320 Vertebrate Anatomy and Diversity (6) NSc
Compares the anatomy of members of the vertebrate phylum in an evolutionary context. Explores vertebrate diversity and the unique adaptive modifications of the vertebrate body plan, with an emphasis on the species of the Pacific Northwest. Investigates through dissection, anatomical structures during laboratory sessions. Prerequisite: T BIOL 140
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 320

T BIOL 340 Ecology and Its Applications (6) NSc
Examines key processes and interactions (e.g. population growth and regulation, competition, predation, symbiosis, and the structure of biological communities) needed to understand basic ecology and its applications. Discussions of ecological theory and data from a variety of habitats are augmented by a required lab section to include field trips, computer simulations, student presentations, and primary literature analysis. Prerequisite: minimum grade of 2.0 in T BIOL 140; minimum grade of 2.0 in T CHEM 162; minimum grade of 2.0 in either TMATH 110, TMATH 116, TMATH 120, or STAT 220; and TESC 310 or TBIOMD 310, which may be taken concurrently.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 340

T BIOL 350 Introduction to Epidemiology (5) NSc, RSN
Introduces core concepts of epidemiology and the application and interpretation of quantitative methods to investigate health outcomes in human populations through case studies, contemporary examples, and published literature. Prerequisite: TMATH 110 or STAT 220. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TBIOMD 350.
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T BIOL 362 Introduction to Restoration Ecology (7) NSc
Introduces ecological restoration of damaged ecosystems. Covers philosophical base of restoration as well as the social, biological and political forces that impact the success of any restoration project. Includes lectures, readings, case studies and field trips.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 362

T BIOL 401 Microbial Physiology (6) NSc
Explores the physiological responses of microbes to environmental stimuli. Topics include structural, functional and biochemical features of microbial cells and their regulation. Labs build on foundational microbiology and molecular biology skills, preparing students to design, carry out and interpret a hypothesis driven experiment. Prerequisite: T BIOL 301 or T BIOL 478; recommended: T BIOL 304.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 401

T BIOL 404 Neotropical Field Studies Abroad: Ecology and Community (12, max. 24) NSc/SSc
Integrates natural science, culture, and socio-economic aspects of the neo-tropics with hands-on field experience in tropical ecology research. During four weeks of intensive field study abroad in the neotropics plus pre- or follow-up sessions, students explore culture, sustainability, and biodiversity and complete an independent field project negotiated with the instructor. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 404.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 404

T BIOL 414 Immunology (5) NSc
Examines the molecular and cellular basis of mammalian immune systems, including its role during infection with microorganisms (i.e. bacteria, viruses and parasites). Additionally, this course discusses principles in vaccination and disease eradication as well as disorders of the immune system (i.e. autoimmunity, allergy and immunodeficiency). Prerequisite: a minimum grade of 1.5 in T BIOL 301; and a minimum grade of 1.5 in T BIOL 303.
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T BIOL 422 Evolution (5/6) NSc
Implications of Dobzhansky's statement that "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." Evolutionary change by evaluating the evidence that makes organic evolution a unifying theme in the natural world. Evolutionary issues in medicine, agriculture, biodiversity conservation and human affairs. Offered either with a lab (6 credits) or without a lab (5 credits). Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 422.
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T BIOL 432 Forest Ecology Field Studies (7/12)
Introduces forest ecology, examining forest communities, soils, disturbance and succession, forest pests, and sustainability, emphasizing field sampling and data analysis. Local option (7 credits) includes three required 2-3 day field trips. Off-site option (12 credits) requires one two-week intensive field study plus on-campus meetings. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 432. Prerequisite: TESC 310; either TESC 340 or T BIOL 340; and TMATH 110 or STAT 220.
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T BIOL 434 Conservation Biology in Practice (6) NSc
Explores current research on threats to biodiversity, and effective approaches to its preservation. Analyze primary literature and conduct independent lab and field exercises. Prerequisite: TBIOL 340. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 332.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 434

T BIOL 436 Systems Biology (5)
Provides students with the fundamental principles of systems biology including network circuitry of genes and proteins that can be used to predict emergent biological phenomena at the larger scale of cells and organisms for multiple applications. Prerequisite: either TESC 121 or T PHYS 121; either TESC 140 or T BIOL 140; either TESC 161 or T CHEM 162; either TESC 380 or T BIOL 304, either of which may be taken concurrently; either TESC 405 or T CHEM 405, either of which may be taken concurrently. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 436.
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T BIOL 438 Environmental Biology: Marine Invertebrates (6) NSc
Examines the structure, function, life histories, ecology, and evolution of major groups of marine invertebrate animals. Lectures, discussions, images, and library research augmented by laboratory work with live organisms whenever possible. Integrates details of biodiversity with issues and concepts from ecology and environmental science. Prerequisite: minimum grade of 2.0 in T BIOL 120.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 438

T BIOL 442 Marine Ecology (7) NSc
Explores the natural history and interactions among marine organisms, emphasizing Pacific Northwest intertidal invertebrates. Includes all-day and weekend-long field trips to sites around Puget Sound. Includes topics such as biology of coral reefs, kelp forests, estuaries, marine fisheries, and marine conservation. Prerequisite: T BIOL 340.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 442

T BIOL 452 Plants, Insects, and their Interactions (7) NSc
Emphasizes hands-on exploration of the natural history and ecology of plants and insects and interactions amongst them. Includes a series of all-day field trips focusing on biological issues relevant to resource management and agricultural production in different sites around Puget Sound. Prerequisite: minimum grade of 2.0 in T BIOL 140.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 452

T BIOL 455 Ecotoxicology (5) NSc
Explores the major classes of contaminants and their effects on organisms and the environment. Focus on fate and effects of toxicants across the hierarchy of biological organization, from molecular to ecosystem levels. Prerequisite: either T BIOL 304 or T BIOL 340.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 455

T BIOL 456 Urban Animal Ecology (7) NSc
Provides hands-on experience with wildlife ecology and management techniques in both urban and non-urban settings throughout the Seattle-Tacoma megapolitan region. Topics includes animal handling and safety, camera-trap field work, GIS and R analytical skills, data management, effective community engagement, and coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) theory. Prerequisite: T BIOL 140; recommended: T BIOL 340 and TMATH 110.
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T BIOL 462 Restoration Ecology Capstone: Introduction (2-) NSc
First of a three-course capstone sequence in restoration ecology. Students review and assess project plans and installations. Class meets with members of previous capstone classes to review their projects. Offered: jointly with BES 462/ESRM 462; A.
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T BIOL 463 Restoration Ecology Capstone: Proposal and Plan (-3-) NSc
Student teams prepare proposals in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) from actual clients. Clients may be governments, non-profit organizations, and others. Upon acceptance of the proposal, teams prepare restoration plans. Prerequisite: ESRM 462. Offered: jointly with BES 463/ESRM 463; W.
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T BIOL 464 Restoration Ecology Capstone: Field Site Restoration (-5) NSc
Teams take a restoration plan developed in ESRM 463 and complete the installation. Team participation may include supervision of volunteers. Teams prepare management guidelines for the client and conduct a training class for their use. Prerequisite: ESRM 463. Offered: jointly with BES 464/ESRM 464; Sp.
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T BIOL 478 Environmental Microbiology (6) NSc
Explore microbial diversity and the applied effects of microorganisms on the environment and human welfare. Topics include metabolic diversity, ecological interactions, biogeochemistry, microbial habitats, and waste treatment and bioremediation. Prerequisite: either TESC 340 or T BIOL 340. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for TESC 378.
View course details in MyPlan: T BIOL 478