Academic Programs Catalog

College of Natural Science

Department of Integrative Biology

Thomas Getty, Chairperson

The Department of Integrative Biology is focused on understanding how complex biological systems evolve, develop, function, interact and respond to environmental change. The systems we study span the tree of life at all levels of biological organization, ranging from molecules to entire ecosystems. We use cutting-edge tools to address questions about genetics, development, physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution in a wide array of “natural” and model systems. Our research and teaching serves national needs related to sustainable biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human and animal welfare in a changing world.

The department's courses, concentrations and degrees span the scope of modern biology. We serve a range of undergraduate interests and prepare students to pursue careers in areas that include academic and non-academic research and teaching, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and other health professions, biotechnology, environmental science, and animal management and welfare.


Undergraduate Programs

Four degree programs are offered: Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Zoology,and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology/Zoology. Majors are expected to acquire broad background in the sciences fundamental to the understanding of modern zoology. General chemistry and mathematics are normally taken in the freshman year, organic chemistry in the sophomore year, and physics in the junior year. The Biological Science sequence (161/171, 162/172) should be started as soon as possible since these courses are prerequisite to further study in integrative biology. Course electives in integrative biology are to be chosen so that they furnish breath of zoological understanding in animal behavior, cell biology, comparative anatomy, developmental biology, ecology, environmental physiology, evolution, genetics, marine biology, neurobiology, organismal biology, and zoo and aquarium science. The department encourages and supports experiential learning through internships and independent study. These experiences must be approved in advance by an advisor.

Normally no more than 8 credits of upper-level course work in classes such as directed studies, internship, independent study, study abroad, selected topics, or special topics from any department or college other than zoology may be counted as integrative biology electives towards any of the undergraduate degrees. Students may petition the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the department to exceed this 8-credit limit.


Environmental Biology/Zoology

The objective of the Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in environmental biology/zoology is to help students to understand the concepts of environmental biology and to apply those concepts to improve both the natural environment and the environment perturbed by human activities.  The focus of the program is on animal biology.  The integrative biology courses in the program emphasize ecology, systematics, and environmental science.  

Students who are enrolled in this program may complete an optional capstone course:  Integrative Biology 494 or 496.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Biology/Zoology

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology/Zoology.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Environmental Biology/Zoology major is met by completing two of the following courses: Integrative Biology 355L and 445.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
    1. The following requirements for the major:
      a.   One of the following groups of courses (9 or 10 credits):
      (1) BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
      BS  162 Organismal and Population Biology  3
            BS  171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory  2
            BS  172 Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory  2
      (2) BS  181H  Honors Cell and Molecular Biology  3
      BS  182H  Honors Organismal and Population Biology  3
            BS  191H  Honors Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory  2
      BS  192H  Honors Organismal an d Population Biology Laboratory  2
      (3) LB  144 Biology I: Organismal Biology  4
      LB  145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology  5
      b. One of the following groups of courses (5 or 6 credits):
      (1) CEM  141 General Chemistry  4
      CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I  1
      (2) CEM  181H  Honors Chemistry I  4
      CEM  185H  Honors Chemistry Laboratory I  2
      (3) LB  171 Principles of Chemistry I  4
      LB  171L  Introductory Chemistry I Laboratory  1
      c. One course from each of the following groups of courses (6 credits):
      (1) CEM  251 Organic Chemistry I  3
            CEM  351 Organic Chemistry I  3
      (2) CEM  252 Organic Chemistry II  3
      CEM  352 Organic Chemistry II  3
      (3) CEM  255 Organic Chemistry Laboratory  2
      CEM  355 Organic Laboratory I  2
      d. One of the following groups of courses (8 or 10 credits):
      (1) PHY 221 Studio Physics for Life Scientists I 4
      PHY 222 Studio Physics for Life Scientists II 4
      (2) PHY 231 Introductory Physics I  3
      PHY  232 Introductory Physics II  3
            PHY 251 Introductory Physics Laboratory I  1
      PHY  252 Introductory Physics Laboratory II  1
      (3) PHY  183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I  4
      PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II  4
      PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
      PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
      (4) LB 273 Physics I 4
      LB 274 Physics II 4
      (5) PHY 193H Honors Physics I-Mechanics 4
      PHY 294H Honors Physics II-Electromagnetism 4
      PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
      PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
      e. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits): 
         MTH  124 Survey of Calculus I  3
         MTH  132 Calculus I  3
         MTH  152H  Honors Calculus I  3
         LB  118 Calculus I  4
      f. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits): 
      MTH  126 Survey of Calculus II  3
         MTH  133 Calculus II  4
         MTH  153H  Honors Calculus II  3
         LB  119 Calculus II  4
         STT  201 Statistical Methods  4
         STT  224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
         STT  231 Statistics for Scientists  3
         STT  421 Statistics I  3
      g. All of the following courses (21 credits): 
         CSS  210 Fundamentals of Soil Science  3
      GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
      GEO 221L Introduction to Geographic Information Laboratory 1
         IBIO  341 Fundamental Genetics  4
         IBIO  355 Ecology  3
         IBIO  355L  Ecology Laboratory (W)  1
         IBIO  445 Evolution (W)  3
         PLB  441 Plant Ecology  3
      Both Geography 221 and 221L must be completed to satisfy this requirement. Forestry 419 may be substituted for GEO 221/221L. Forestry 340 may be substituted for Plant Biology 441.
      h. At least one course from each of the following three groups of courses totaling at least 13 credits:
      (1) FW  471 Ichthyology  4
      IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
      IBIO 328 Comparative Anatomy and Biology of Vertebrates 4
         IBIO  360 Biology of Birds  4
            IBIO  365 Biology of Mammals  4
            IBIO  384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W)  4
         (2) PLB  218 Plants of Michigan  3
            PLB  418 Plant Systematics  3
         (3) FW  416 Marine Ecology and Management 3
            FW 420 Stream Ecology 3
            FW 444 Conservation Biology 3
         FW 472 Limnology 3
            GEO  324 Remote Sensing of the Environment  4
            IBIO  353 Marine Biology (W)  4
            IBIO  357 Global Change Biology (W) 3
            IBIO  446 Environmental Issues and Public Policy  3
      IBIO 483 Environmental Physiology 3
      IBIO 485 Tropical Biology 3
      PLB 424 Algal Biology 3


Integrative Biology - Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Biology provides students with an integrated foundation in biology and its underpinnings in chemistry, math, and physics. It prepares students for graduate and professional study and provide the skillsets necessary to enter the workforce.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrative Biology

  1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Biology.

    The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Integrative Biology  major is met by completing two of the following courses:  Integrative Biology 355L and 445.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below. These courses may also fulfill requirements in items 3. g. and 3. h. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. One of the following groups of courses (9 or 10 credits):
    (1) BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
    BS 172 Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    (2) BS 181H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 182H Honors Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 191H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
    BS 192H Honors Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    (3) LB 144 Biology I: Organismal Biology 4
    LB 145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology 5
    b. One of the following groups of courses (5 or 6 credits):
    (1) CEM 141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (2) CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory  1
    (3) CEM 181H Honors Chemistry I 4
    CEM 185H Honors Chemistry Laboratory I 2
    (4) LB 171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
    LB 171L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    c. One course from each of the following groups of courses (8 credits): 
    (1) CEM 251 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
    (2) CEM 252 Organic Chemistry II 3
    CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3
    (3) CEM 255 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
    CEM 355 Organic Laboratory I 2
    d. One of the following groups of courses (8 or 10 credits):
    (1) PHY 221 Studio Physics for Life Scientists I 4
    PHY 222 Studio Physics for Life Scientists II 4
    (2) PHY 231 Introductory Physics I 3
    PHY 232 Introductory Physics II 3
    PHY 251 Introductory Physics Laboratory I 1
    PHY 252 Introductory Physics Laboratory II 1
    (3) PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
    (4) LB 273 Physics I 4
    LB 274 Physics II 4
    (5) PHY 193H Honors Physics I – Mechanics 4
    PHY 294H Honors Physics II – Electromagnetism 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
    e. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    MTH 124 Survey of Calculus I 3
    MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
    LB 118 Calculus I 4
    f. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LB 119 Calculus II 4
    MTH 126 Survey of Calculus II 3
    MTH 133 Calculus II 4
    MTH 153H Honors Calculus II 3
    STT 201 Statistical Methods 4
    STT 224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
    STT 231 Statistics for Scientists 3
    STT 421 Statistics I 3
    g. All of the following courses (14 credits):
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 355 Ecology 3
    IBIO 355L Ecology Laboratory (W) 1
    IBIO 445 Evolution (W) 3
    MMG 301 Introductory Microbiology 3
    h. One of the following courses (4 credits):
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    IBIO 320 Developmental Biology 4
    IBIO 328 Comparative Anatomy and Biology of Vertebrates (W) 4
    i. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    IBIO 425 Cells and Development (W) 4
    MMG 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3
    j. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    IBIO 483 Environmental Physiology 3
    PLB 301 Introductory Plant Physiology 3
    PLB 415 Plant Physiology 3
    PSL 310 Physiology for Pre-Health Professionals 4
    PSL 431 Human Physiology I 4
    k. One of the following options, either (1) or (2):
    (1) BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4
    (2) BMB 461 Advanced Biochemistry I 3
    BMB 462 Advanced Biochemistry II 3
    l. Experiential Requirement:
    In addition to courses taken to meet requirements g. and h., one course at the 300-level or above in laboratory bench work or field experience. This course may be chosen from Integrative Biology 306, 320, 328, 355L, 360, 365, 384, 390, 408, 425, 490, 494, 496; Animal Science 313; Fisheries and Wildlife 471; or Microbiology and Molecular Genetics 302. Other experiential courses may be chosen through consultation with the student’s academic advisor.
    m. Additional credits in 300-400 level Integrative Biology courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 33 credits. Students may complete more than one course, or pair of courses, from item 3. Additional courses completed from item 3. may be counted as Integrative Biology electives toward the 33 credits. Courses beyond those taken to satisfy item 3. may come from other departments with the approval of the student’s academic advisor.


 

Zoology - Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Zoology degree is designed for students pursuing careers in scientific application areas such as public policy, technical sales, law, and communications. This degree combines study in zoology with a significant amount of course work outside the sciences. Students are strongly encouraged to extend their knowledge and skills through experiential opportunities and a supplemental minor.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Zoology

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Zoology.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Zoology major is met by completing both of the following courses: Integrative Biology 355L and 445.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Science that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a.   One of the following groups of courses (9 or 10 credits): 
    (1) BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
       BS  162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
       BS  171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
       BS  172 Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    (2) BS  181H  Honors Cell and Molecular Biology 3
       BS  182H  Honors Organismal and Population Biology 3
       BS  191H  Honors Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
       BS  192H  Honors Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    (3) LB  144 Biology I: Organismal Biology 4
       LB  145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology 5
    b.  One of the following groups of courses (5 or 6 credits):
    (1) CEM 141 General Chemistry 4
       CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (2) CEM  181H  Honors Chemistry I 4
       CEM  185H  Honors Chemistry Laboratory I 2
    (3) LB  171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
       LB  171L  Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    c.  Complete the following course (4 credits):  
    CEM    143 Survey of Organic Chemistry 4
    d.  One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    PHY  183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 221 Studio Physics for Life Scientists I 4
    PHY  231 Introductory Physics I 3
    LB  273 Physics I 4
    PHY  193H  Honors Physics I-Mechanics 4
    e.  One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LB  118 Calculus I 4
    MTH  124 Survey of Calculus I 3
    MTH  132 Calculus I 3
    MTH  152H  Honors Calculus I 3
    f. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits): 
    LB  119 Calculus II 4
    MTH  126 Survey of Calculus II 3
    MTH  133 Calculus II 4
    MTH  153H  Honors Calculus II 4
    STT  201 Statistical Methods 4
    STT  224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
    STT  231 Statistics for Scientists 3
    STT  421 Statistics I 3
    g.  All of the following courses (11 credits):
    IBIO  341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO  355 Ecology 3
    IBIO  355L  Ecology Laboratory (W) 1
    IBIO  445 Evolution (W) 3
    h. Three additional courses in 300-400 level Integrative Biology courses.  Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor to identify courses which match their career goals.  Courses from other departments may be applied to this requirement with the approval of the student’s academic advisor.
    i. Complete one course from each of the following three groups of courses (9 to 11 credits): 
    (1) Writing (3 credits):
       CSUS 433 Grant Writing and Fund Development 3
       WRA  320 Technical Communication (W) 3
       WRA  331 Writing in the Public Interest (W) 3
       WRA  453 Grant and Proposal Writing 3
    (2) Communications (3 or 4 credits):
       COM  100 Human Communication 3
       COM  225 An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication 3
       COM  240 Introduction to Organizational Communication 4
       COM  275 Effects of Mass Communication 3
       COM  300 Methods of Communication Inquiry 4
    (3) Computer Systems (3 or 4 credits):
       CMSE 201 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I 4
       CSE  231 Introduction to Programming I 3
       FW  419 Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resource Management 4
       GEO  221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
       and
       GEO  221L  Introduction to Geographic Information Laboratory 1
       GEO  324 Remote Sensing of the Environment 4
       GEO  325 Geographic Information Systems 3
    Both Geography 221 and 221L must be completed to satisfy this requirement.
    j. Six credits in 300–400 level courses offered by the Colleges of Arts and Letters or College of Social Science beyond the credits that are counted toward the University’s Integrative Studies requirement.  Credits from relevant courses completed from item 3.i. may be counted toward this requirement. Courses used to fulfill this requirement must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.
    k. Additional credits in 300-400 level Integrative Biology courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 33 credits. Students also may complete more than one course, or pair of courses, from item 3.i.  Additional courses completed from item 3.i. may be counted as Integrative Biology electives toward the 33 credits. Courses beyond those taken to satisfy item 3.i. may come from other departments with the approval of the student’s academic advisor.


Zoology - Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in zoology is for students who seek professional employment in animal biology, or who seek admission to graduate programs in animal biology or to health–related professional schools. The degree contains core courses in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and statistics. Students will complete a concentration encompassing several branches of modern zoology while allowing focused study in any one of those fields. Concentration options include: animal behavior and neurobiology; cell and developmental biology; ecology, evolution and organismal biology; general zoology; genetics; marine biology; or zoo and aquarium science.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Zoology major is met by completing both of the following courses:  Integrative Biology 355L and 445.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below. These courses also fulfill requirements in concentrations below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a.   One of the following groups of courses (9 or 10 credits):
    (1) BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
    BS 172 Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    (2) BS 181H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 182H Honors Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 191H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
    BS 192H Honors Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    (3) LB 144 Biology I:  Organismal Biology 4
    LB 145 Biology II:  Cellular and Molecular  Biology 5
    b. One of the following groups of courses (5 or 6 credits):
    (1) CEM   141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (2) CEM 181H Honors Chemistry I 4
    CEM 185H Honors Chemistry Laboratory I 2
    (3) LB 171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
    LB 171L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    c. One course from each of the following groups (8 credits):
    (1) CEM   251 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
    (2) CEM  252 Organic Chemistry II 3
    CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3
    (3) CEM 255 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
    CEM  355 Organic Laboratory I 2
    d. One of the following groups of courses (8 or 10 credits):
    (1) PHY 221 Studio Physics for Life Scientists I 4
    PHY 222 Studio Physics for Life Scientists II 4
    (2) PHY 231 Introductory Physics I 3
    PHY 232 Introductory Physics II 3
    PHY 251 Introductory Physics Laboratory I 1
    PHY 252 Introductory Physics Laboratory II 1
    (3) PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
    (4) LB 273 Physics I 4
    LB 274 Physics II 4
    (5) PHY 193H Honors Physics I-Mechanics 4
    PHY 294H Honors Physics II-Electromagnetism 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
    e. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LB 118 Calculus I 4
    MTH 124 Survey of Calculus I 3
    MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
    f. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LB 119 Calculus II 4
    MTH 126 Survey of Calculus II 3
    MTH 133 Calculus II 4
    MTH 153H Honors Calculus II 4
    STT 201 Statistical Methods 4
    STT 224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
    STT 231 Statistics for Scientists 3
    STT 421 Statistics I 3
    g. One of the following concentrations:
    Animal Behavior and Neurobiology
    (1) All of the following courses (17 credits):
    IBIO 313 Animal Behavior 3
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 355 Ecology 3
    IBIO 355L Ecology Laboratory (W) 1
    IBIO 415 Ecological Aspects of Animal Behavior (W) 3
    IBIO 445 Evolution (W) 3
    (2) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    IBIO 300 Neurobiology 3
    IBIO 405 Neural Basis of Animal Behavior 3
    (3) One of the following, either (a) or (b) (4 or 8 credits):
    (a) One of the following courses (4 credits):
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    IBIO 328 Comparative Anatomy and Biology of Vertebrates 4
    (b) Two of the following courses (8 credits):
    FW 471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds 4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    (4) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ANS 305 Applied Animal Behavior 3
    ANS 455 Avian Physiology 4
    FW 364 Ecological Problem Solving 3
    FOR 419 Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resource Management 4
    GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
    and
    GEO 221L Introduction to Geographic Information Laboratory 1
    IBIO 320 Developmental Biology 4
    IBIO 483 Environmental Physiology (W) 3
    LIN 463 Introduction to Cognitive Science 3
    NEU 310 Psychology and Biology of Human Sexuality 3
    NEU 416 Development of the Nervous System Through the Lifespan 3
    PSY 301 Cognitive Neuroscience 3
    PSY 409 Psychobiology of Behavioral Development (W) 3
    PSY 411 Hormones and Behavior (W) 3
    PSY 413 Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience (W) 4
    SOC 412 Animals, People and Nature 3
    Both GEO 221 and 221L must be completed to satisfy this requirement.
    (5) Additional credits in 300-400 level Integrative Biology courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 33 credits. Students may complete more than one course, or pair of courses, from items (2), (3) or (4). Additional courses completed from items (2), (3) or (4) may be counted as Zoology electives toward the 33 credits. Courses beyond those taken to satisfy items (1), (2), (3) or (4) may come from other departments with the approval of the student’s academic advisor.
    Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
    (1) All of the following courses (11 credits):
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 355 Ecology 3
    IBIO 355L Ecology Laboratory (W) 1
    IBIO 445 Evolution (W) 3
    (2) Two of the following courses (8 credits):
    FW 471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    IBIO 328 Comparative Anatomy and Biology of Vertebrates 4
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds 4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    (3) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    IBIO 313 Animal Behavior 3
    IBIO 357 Global Change Biology (W) 3
    IBIO 483 Environmental Physiology 3
    IBIO 485 Tropical Biology 3
    (4) One of the following courses, or pair of courses (3 or 4 credits):
    FW 419 Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resource Management 4
    GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
    and
    GEO 221L Introduction Geographic Information Laboratory 1
    GLG 434 Evolutionary Paleobiology 4
    IBIO 446 Environmental Issues and Public Policy 3
    PLB 418 Plant Systematics 3
    Both GEO 221 and 221L must be completed to satisfy this requirement.
    (5) Additional credits in 300-400 level Integrative Biology courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 33 credits. Students may complete more than one course, or pair of courses, from items (2), (3), or (4). Additional courses completed from items (2), (3), or (4) may be counted as Integrative Biology electives toward the 33 credits. Courses beyond those taken to satisfy items (1), (2), (3), or (4) may come from other departments with the approval of the student’s academic advisor.
    Marine Biology 
    (1) All of the following courses (21 credits):
    GLG 303 Oceanography 3
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 353 Marine Biology (W) 4
    IBIO 355 Ecology 3
    IBIO 355L Ecology Laboratory (W) 1
    IBIO 445 Evolution (W) 3
    IBIO 483 Environmental Physiology 3
    (2) One  course from each of the following groups of courses (7 or 8 credits):
    (a) FW 471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds 4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    (b) BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4
    CEM 383 Introductory Physical Chemistry I 3
    FW 416 Marine Ecology and Management 3
    FW 424 Wildlife Population Analysis and Management 3
    GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
    and
    GEO 221L Introduction Geographic Information Laboratory 1
    IBIO 357 Global Change Biology (W) 3
    MMG 425 Microbial Ecology 3
    Both GEO 221 and 221L must be completed to satisfy this requirement.
    (3) A minimum of at least 1 credit must be completed in an aquatic biology field experience. Through consultation with their academic advisor,  students may determine an appropriate aquatic biology field experience or choose one of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    FW 474 Field and Laboratory Techniques for Aquatic Studies 3
    PLB 424 Algal Biology 3
    Courses not listed above must have the approval of the student’s academic advisor. 
    (4) Additional credits in 300-400 level Integrative Biology courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 33 credits. Students may complete more than one course, or pair of courses, from item (2). Additional courses completed from item (2) may be counted as Zoology electives toward the 33 credits. Courses beyond those taken to satisfy items (1), (2), or (3) may come from other departments with the approval of the student’s academic advisor.
    Zoo and Aquarium Science 
    (1) All of the following courses (25 credits):
    IBIO 313 Animal Behavior 3
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 355 Ecology 3
    IBIO 355L Ecology Laboratory (W) 1
    IBIO 368 Zoo Animal Biology and Conservation 3
    IBIO 369 Introduction to Zoo and Aquarium Science 3
    IBIO 445 Evolution (W) 3
    IBIO 489 Seminar in Zoo and Aquarium Science 1
    IBIO 498 Internship in Zoo and Aquarium Science 4
    (2) Two of the following courses (8 credits):
    FW 471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    IBIO 328 Comparative Anatomy and Biology of Vertebrates 4
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds 4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    (3) Three additional courses of at least 3 credits selected from a list of approved courses that is available from the Department of Integrative Biology.
    (4) Integrative Biology courses that are not listed above must be approved in advance by the student’s academic advisor. Courses offered by other departments may be substituted if approved in advance by the student’s academic advisor.


Graduate Study

The Department of Integrative Biology offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in integrative biology. Research areas and opportunities are aligned with faculty research programs at the forefronts of the research areas outlined above. Students interested in graduate study should visit the department website for additional information about these opportunities and how to pursue them.

Students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs in the Department of Integrative Biology may elect an Interdepartmental Specialization in Cognitive Science. For additional information, refer to the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Specializations in Cognitive Science in the College of Social Science section of this catalog. For additional information, contact the Department of Integrative Biology. 


Integrative Biology - Master of Science

The graduate degree programs in integrative biology are designed for students who seek a career in education and research in the biological sciences, and/or application of biological knowledge in the private and public sectors. The objectives of the programs are to train the next generation of scientists in integrative biology who will tackle some of the major issues of our time including the responses of biological systems to environmental variation and change. The programs provide students with a broad knowledge of the field through courses and seminars and prepare students for independent and original research in one of the various specialized subdisciplines of integrative biology. Faculty and staff work on a wide range of biological systems and emphasize the integration and synthesis of information from various levels of biological organization, from molecules to ecosystems. Areas of active research include genetics, cellular and developmental biology, systematics, paleontology, comparative morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology and evolutionary biology.

Students may obtain specialized graduate training through interdepartmental graduate programs. Integrative Biology faculty are affiliated with interdepartmental graduate programs and research in genetics, cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, and ecology and evolutionary biology. Additional information about the doctoral programs in genetics and neuroscience, and about the Specialization in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, may be found in other sections of this catalog. Students specializing in ecological research may take courses and carry out research at the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station located near Kalamazoo.

Faculty research interests are available from the department Web site. Interested students are also encouraged to contact the Chairperson or the Graduate Program Director for further information.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission to the graduate programs in integrative biology is granted to students having a bachelor's degree, with training in the biological sciences at least equal to that required for this degree at Michigan State University; one year each of chemistry, mathematics, and one semester of college physics. Approval of the department is also required. Students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission may, under certain circumstances, be admitted on a provisional basis while deficiencies are being corrected. 

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree

The student must complete a total of 30 credits for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B

  1. Complete 3 credits of course work at the 800-level or above in biology chosen in consultation with the student’s guidance committee.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

  1. Completion of 4 credits of IBIO 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
  2. Although there is no departmental language requirement, a Guidance Committee may prescribe a language requirement for a particular graduate student.
  3. Completion of a final oral examination.
  4. Successful defense of the master’s research.

Additional Requirements for Plan B   

  1. Completion of 3 credits of IBIO 890 Special Problems which usually consists of a research project carried out either in a laboratory or the library.
  2. Completion of a final oral examination formulated and administered by the student’s Guidance Committee. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the members of the committee concerning the content of the oral examination.


 


Integrative Biology - Doctor of Philosophy

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Integrative Biology

The student's program of study must be developed in cooperation with and approved by the student's guidance committee and must include the requirements specified below:

  1. Complete at least 6 credits in two 800-level courses in biology.
  2. A minimum of 4 semesters of at least one-half time of supervised teaching, research, or other university service. The specific requirements are to be determined by the student’s guidance committee. Students should expect to complete all Ph.D. requirements in no more than 5 years.
  3. Complete 24 credits of IBIO 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
  4. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination, taken no later than the end of the first semester of the second calendar year after completing the Master’s degree or the end of the first semester of the third calendar year from the time of the student’s first enrollment at MSU, if they did not enter with a master’s and is working directly toward the doctoral degree.
  5. Successfully defend the doctoral dissertation.