The department offers graduate work leading to both Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Each EEOB faculty member is affiliated with one or more interdepartmental majors, and EEOB students major in one of these programs. These interdepartmental programs include:
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Environmental Science
- Genetics and Genomics
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
- Microbiology
- Plant Biology
- Sustainable Agriculture
The department offers graduate work leading to both Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
Any experimental courses offered by EEOB can be found at: registrar.iastate.edu/faculty-staff/courses/explistings/
Courses
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Graduate standing, BIOL 354, or permission of instructor
Analysis of current research in animal behavior. Topics covered may include behavioral ecology, mechanisms of behavior, evolution of behavior, applications of animal behavior to conservation biology, and applications of animal behavior to wild animals in captivity.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 414). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 315 or equivalent recommended.
Evolution of ecological adaptations at the individual, population, and species level. Emphasis is on evolutionary mechanisms and adaptive strategies related to life histories and reproduction; age and size at maturity; lifespan and senescense; offspring size/number trade-offs; sex and mating systems; sex determination and sex ratios.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 421). (Cross-listed with GERON). (3-0) Cr. 3. SS.
Prereq: BIOL 211 and BIOL 212
Basic biological principles of aging. Course modules include an introduction to the aging process, body systems and normal aging, and environment and the biology of aging. In addition, disorders and diseases of aging, prevention and treatment and exercise and aging topics will be covered.
(Cross-listed with A ECL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 312; BIOL 313 or graduate standing
Examination of conservation issues from a population and a community perspective. Population-level analysis will focus on the role of genetics, demography, and environment in determining population viability. Community perspectives will focus on topics such as habitat fragmentation, reserve design, biodiversity assessment, and restoration ecology.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, IA LL). Cr. 4. Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: IA LL 312I
Population-and community-level examination of factors influencing the viability of plant and animal populations from both demographic and genetic perspectives; assessment of biodiversity; design and management of preserves.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI, NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 366 or BIOL 474 or graduate standing
Theory and practice of restoring animal and plant diversity, structure and function of disturbed ecosystems. Restored freshwater wetlands, forests, prairies and reintroduced species populations will be used as case studies.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, ENSCI, IA LL). Cr. 2. Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: A course in ecology
Ecological principles for the restoration of native ecosystems; establishment (site preparation, selection of seed mixes, planting techniques) and management (fire, mowing, weed control) of native vegetation; evaluation of restorations. Emphasis on the restoration of prairie and wetland vegetation.
(Cross-listed with B M S, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Sessions in basic molecular biology techniques and related procedures.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
Includes genetic engineering procedures, sequencing, PCR, and genotyping.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. S.SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Techniques. Includes: fermentation, protein isolation, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, NMR, confocal microscopy and laser microdissection, Immunophenotyping, and monoclonal antibody production. Sessions in basic molecular biology techniques and related procedures.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
Includes: immunophenotyping, ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopic techniques, image analysis, confocal, multiphoton and laser capture microdissection.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. S.
Includes: Agrobacterium and particle gun-mediated transformation of tobacco, Arabidopsis, and maize, and analysis of tranformants.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.
Includes: two-dimensional electrophoresis, laser scanning, mass spectrometry, and database searching.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.
Includes: metabolomics and the techniques involved in metabolite profiling. For non-chemistry majoring students who are seeking analytical aspects into their biological research projects.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, V MPM, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. S.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with BCB). Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Graduate student status or permission of the instructor
Computational skills necessary for biologists working with big data sets. UNIX commands, scripting in R and Python, version control using Git and GitHub, and use of high performance computing clusters. Combination of lectures and computational exercises.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 451). (3-3) Cr. 4. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 315 or equivalent.
Survey of land plant evolution; phylogenetic comparison of anatomical, reproductive, and life history specializations. Relationships among bryophytes, lycophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms emphasizing significant evolutionary changes documented by paleobotanical, morphological, and molecular studies.
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 366 or equivalent.
Structure, identification, classification, phylogeny, and economic aspects of grasses and related families.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Permission of instructor; BCBIO 444 recommended.
Use of genomic and other "omic" data in evolution and ecology. Review of data-generation platforms, computational methods, and examples of how phylogenomics, metagenomics, epigenomics, and population genomics are transforming the disciplines of evolution and ecology.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Seminar/discussion course covering the genetic basis of evolutionary processes in multicellular organisms.
(2-3) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: BIOL 313 and BIOL 315
An overview of the theory underlying phylogenetic analysis and the application of phylogenetic methods to molecular datasets. The course emphasizes a hands-on approach to molecular phylogenetics and combines lecture presentations with computer exercises and discussion of original scientific literature.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 464). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: 15 credits in biological sciences.
Ecology, classification, creation and restoration, and management of wetlands. Emphasis on North American temperate wetlands.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI, IA LL). Cr. 4. SS.
Prereq: IA LL 312I
Ecology, classification, creation, restoration, and management of wetlands. Field studies will examine the composition, structure and functions of local natural wetlands and restored prairie pothole wetlands. Individual or group projects.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 465). Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 315
The history and diversity of life on earth; evolutionary patterns and processes above the species level. Diversity from a phylogenetic perspective. Empirical exercises include: phylogeny estimation, ancestral states, estimating diversification rates, evaluating the tempo and mode of evolution, biogeographic patterns, and trait associations across the tree of life.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Seminar/discussion course covering the fundamentals of molecular evolution. Emphasis is placed on original scientific literature and current topics, including rates and patterns of genetic divergence; nucleotide and allelic diversity; molecular clocks; gene duplications; genome structure; organellar genomes; polyploidy; transposable elements; and modes and mechanisms of gene and genome evolution.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered irregularly.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
An overview of fundamental population genetic theory and the ecological and evolutionary factors underlying the distribution of genetic variation within and among natural populations. Emphasis on the analysis of inbreeding, breeding systems, parentage, relatedness, spatial autocorrelation, effective population size, hierarchial population models, and phylogeography.
(Cross-listed with ENT). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered irregularly.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Principles and practice of systematic biology; taxonomy, nomenclature and classification of plants and animals; sources and interpretation of systematic data; speciation; fundamentals of phylogenetic systematics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered irregularly.
Prereq: BIOL 315 or equivalent; permission of instructor
Principles underlying the geographic distribution of organisms throughout the world; biological influences of geological history and tectonic movements; role of climate, migration, dispersal, habitat, and phylogeny on past and present organismal distribution patterns; biogeographic methods.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, IA LL). Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 4. Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Identification and classification of the common fungi; techniques for identification, preservation, and culture practiced with members of the various fungi groups.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 476). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 312
The nature of adaptations to physical and biotic environments. Biophysical, biomechanical, and physiological bases of the structure, form, growth, distribution, and abundance of organisms.
(2-0) Cr. 1. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Readings and discussion of influential ideas in ecological and evolutionary theory, with an emphasis on how models are used as conceptual tools for building synthetic paradigms. Topics are chosen according to student interests; may include spatial ecology, behavioral theory, chaos, community assembly and biodiversity, and others.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 4. SS.
Field and laboratory study of freshwater diatoms; techniques in collection, preparation, and identification of diatom samples; study of environmental factors affecting growth, distribution, taxonomic characters; project design and execution including construction of reference and voucher collections and data organization and analysis.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 381). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). Cr. 3-4. F.
Prereq: 12 credits of natural science including biology and chemistry
Introduction to the structure and function of natural environmental systems. Emphasis on the analysis of material and energy flows in natural environmental systems and the primary environmental factors controlling these systems.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Combined 12 credits in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Advanced studies of ecosystems and the biological and physical factors that influence their properties and dynamics. Conceptual foundations and modern approaches to ecosystem studies. Interactions among organisms, biological diversity, and ecosystem attributes. Quantitative analyses of accumulations, transformations, and fluxes of nutrients, water, and energy within and among ecosystems. Global change issues.
(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 312
Factors controlling species diversity, species abundance, and the structure and function of communities in space and time. Relationships between species diversity and ecosystem process rates and community stability.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 486L). (Cross-listed with A ECL, ENSCI). (0-3) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 486
Field trips and laboratory exercises to accompany 486. Hands-on experience with aquatic research and monitoring techniques and concepts.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 487). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL, MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Six credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry
Introduction to major functional groups of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms and their roles in natural and environmental systems. Consequences of microbial activity on water chemistry, weathering, and precipitation/dissolution reactions will be emphasized.
(Dual-listed with BIOL 489). (Cross-listed with A ECL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 312, STAT 101 or STAT 104, a course in calculus, or graduate standing
Concepts and theories of population dynamics with emphasis on models of growth, predation, competition, and regulation.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: 10 credits in biology, permission of instructor
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: 10 credits in biology, permission of instructor
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: 10 credits in biology, permission of instructor
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: 10 credits in biology, permission of instructor
(Cross-listed with A ECL, ANTHR, IA LL). Cr. 1-4. Repeatable. SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor
(Cross-listed with PHIL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification in biological or environmental sciences/studies with at least one course in ecology
Analysis of conceptual and methodological debates in ecology. Historical development of competing research traditions and philosophies. Topics include i) methodological issues in ecological science, ii) conceptual issues in theoretical ecology, iii) conceptual issues in applied ecology, iv) relation of ecology to environmental and social issues.
Cr. arr.
Research toward nonthesis master's degree.
Courses for graduate students:
Cr. 1. Repeatable.
Meetings of graduate students and faculty to discuss recent literature and problems under investigation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Research for thesis or dissertation.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, ANTHR, GDCB, IA LL). Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Research for thesis or dissertation.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.