Course Numbers: BCOR-5500

Description

The basis of organic evolution is the changes that take place at the genetic level, due to mutation and genomic changes. This course will delve into evolutionary principles, focusing specifically on the mechanisms and dynamics of change at the molecular level of DNA and proteins. Focus will be on the neutral theory of molecular evolution; genome wide changes; synonymous versus nonsynonymous mutations; detecting selection at the molecular level; reconstructing molecular phylogenies;  hylogeography and natural history with molecules, and understanding current computational software used to analyze molecular changes.

Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

1. Describe several lines of scientific evidence supporting molecular evolution.
2. Explain the theoretical basis of molecular evolution, microevolution, population genetics, Darwin’s principle of natural selection, and Kimura’s Neutral theory and the molecular clock.
3. Compile and analyze molecular evolution and phylogenetics data.
4. Demonstrate the ability to integrate factual and conceptual information regarding evolution in examination essay questions.
5. Demonstrate ability to apply current software in molecular evolutionary analyses.
6. Discuss and evaluate current historical and philosophical controversies concerning molecular evolution.
7. Organize complex data in a concise and logical manner for oral and/or written presentations.

Course Numbers: BCOR-5565, CZMT-0800, MEVS-5300, OCMB-8500

Description

This course is designed to provide tools, resources, and approaches to improve a graduate student's ability to:

1. Write in a scientifically precise and accurate manner;
2. Interrelate complex conceptual issues in a coherent manner;
3. Develop skills in various approaches for oral communication of complex scientific topics;
4. Gain experience in presentation, critiquing, and interacting with various types of audiences in differing venues.

Learning Outcomes

Participants in this course will gain understanding in:

1. Identifying and assembling information and resources on scientific subject matter research topics;
2. Developing and assembling relevant information and data into an outline;
3. Incorporating varying oral communication styles for various audiences;
4. Improving both oral and written presentations of research projects, proposals, and scientific presentations;
5. Critically evaluating and critiquing oral presentation styles of themselves and others.

Course Numbers: BCOR-5575, OCOR-5606

Description

This course enhances student knowledge about principles and practice of biostatistics through applied statistical methods in observational and experimental study designs used in biological research.

Learning Outcomes

For a given study the student will be able to formulate the research question(s) and the corresponding statistical hypotheses.
The student will be able to:

1. To choose the appropriate biostatistical methods and conduct biostatistical analyses such as: descriptive statistics for the required variables choose and calculate the appropriate test statistics calculate confidence intervals for means and proportions calculate correlations and construct regressions calculate ANOVA tables in basic experimental design.
2. Using computing statistical packages such as NCSS, and EpiInfo, be able to apply the biostatistical methods producing results and interpreting the computer output in an appropriate manner (e.g. test values, degrees of freedoms, p-values, confidence intervals, trend statistics, ANOVA analyzes, regression diagnostics, regression modeling).
3. Create statistical analyses that provide results comparables to other published results.

Course Numbers: BCOR-5580, CZMT-0715, MEVS-5480, OCMB-8550

Description

This course provides a broad historical overview of biological sciences since Aristotle through Darwin with emphasis on both the experimental design of seminal studies as well as the evolving philosophical approaches to the acquisition of knowledge from methodological naturalism to critical rationalism, Karl Popper and the hypothetico-deductive model for scientific method.

Learning Outcomes

The student will be familiar with the history of biological sciences including selected scientists and their famed experiments. The student will be familiar with the history of the philosophical underpinnings of the current definitions of science and the scientific method. The student will be able to use the hypothetico-deductive method in their own research and the student will understand both the strengths and shortcomings of this method.

Course Numbers: BMME-5600

Description

Molecular biology has grown as a discipline since the 1970¿s, and now encompasses a wide variety of methods and theory. In order to perform growing research in genomics and bioinformatics, basic training in fundamental molecular methods are necessary. This course will train an upper level undergraduate or entry level graduate student in the basic techniques, such as DNA extractions from diverse organisms, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing reaction and analysis, restriction enzyme digests, and molecular cloning among others.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate practical ability to independently perform basic molecular biology protocols
2. Demonstrate independent ability to interpret molecular biology results from PCR, restriction enzyme digests (RFLP), gel electrophoresis and DNA sequences
3. Demonstrate ability to adequately record experimental protocols, results and interpretations in a standard laboratory notebook format
4. Demonstrate ability to write a concise and detailed report on experiments.

Course Numbers: BMME-5750, MEVS-5470, OCMB-6230

Description

The course centers on the systematics, ecology, behavior, and resource management of marine fishes with emphasis on the inshore fishes of the tropical Atlantic. A self-paced laboratory and some field work are integral to the course.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be knowledgeable on systematics, ecology, behavior, of marine fishes
2. Students will be knowledgeable on systematics, ecology, behavior, of inshore fishes
3. Students will have a working knowledge of fisheries resource management.

Course Numbers: BMME-5800, OCMB-6500, CZMT-0910, MEVS-5450

Description

Stable isotope ratios provide a natural way to follow and trace elemental cycling in a number of environments. This course will focus on the use CHNOS isotope distribution and cycling in different biomes. The information provided will cover migration and invasion, food webs, mixing, plants, animals, microbes, atmospheric gases; and the focus of the course will be more closely tailored to the needs of students. Students will process a limited number of individual project samples and learn to interpret the stable isotope data. Course evaluation will be based on participation, a project report and a research paper on the use and evolution of stable isotopes in an area of environmental science.

Learning Outcomes

The students will acquire:

1. A background and working knowledge of stable isotope ratios
2. Learn how to identify how isotopes tracers can help solve environmental questions
3. Sample processing techniques, laboratory analysis and data interpretation for many types of biological material.
4. Students will be able to identify how to appropriately use stable isotope ratios to answer ecological questions

Course Numbers: BMME-6000, OCMB-6100, CZMT-0639, MEVS-5023

Description

This course provides hands on training with the latest techniques in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing. Course work includes lecture and hands on computer training. Areas covered (utilizing both ERDAS Imagine 8.3 and ESRI Arcview 3.0) include: GIS/Remote Sensing Theory, Image Georeferencing and Mosiacking, Image Enhancement and Classification Procedures, Accuracy Assessment Procedures, Importing GPS Polygons, Establishing Database and Mutimedia Hot links, Importing Tables, Joining, Building Queries, Charting and Map Creation. Instruction of class will be centered on application of these techniques to actual environmental case studies.

Learning Outcomes

1. The students will be taught the fundamentals of GIS, its potential as well as its limitations. Remote sensing is presented as an integral part of the GIS hierarchy and introduced using both marine and terrestrial examples.
2. Through the course, the student will be installed with a broad and comprehensive understanding of remote Earth observation, and will become familiar with the suite of sensors currently used for routine environmental monitoring.
3. Participants will be directed towards recent literature in a variety of current topics so as to ensure that by the end of the course, all students will be aware of the current status of remote sensing and GIS technology.
4. Not only will students be familiar with the many types of remote sensing imagery used for Earth observation, they will also have a grounding in the physics behind the imagery, so as to allow a critical evaluation of the technology as a real-world tool.

Course Numbers: BMME-6600

Description

This course is designed to give the qualified graduate student hands-on, practical experience at a non-NSU biological laboratory. Methods to be learned and implemented will vary according to the sponsoring external laboratory but will generally involve modern biological, biochemical, environmental molecular and biotechnological methods. The student will work closely on a predetermined project, with a designated supervisor at the external lab. Development of hypotheses, experimental goals and interpretation of results will be expected.

Prerequisite: Lab safety course, at least two undergraduate laboratory courses.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct specific experimental procedures from start to finish according to supervisor's directions.
2. Interpret scientific results either independently or with supervisor's guidance.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the overall experimental hypotheses and goals.
4. Demonstrate adequate recording of experimental details, observations and results in a standard laboratory notebook.
5. Conduct research within a professional, team or multidisciplinary setting.

Course Numbers: BMME-6650, OCMB-6390

Description

Objectives: The objective of this class is to introduce the student to Forensic Biology, its history, its methods and the application of DNA typing to a court of law. The class will introduce the students to basic genetics and population genetics as it applies to forensic biology. The class will also introduce the students to both human and non-human DNA typing techniques and instrumentation. It will also introduce the students to critical thinking and problem solving approaches.

Learning Outcomes

The students will become proficient in:

1. Understanding the basic biology of DNA typing;
2. Learn and apply scientific and critical thinking skills;
3. To research and report on a relevant topic related to DNA typing as it relates to human or non-human DNA.

Course Numbers: BMME-6700, OCMB-8030

Description

This course aims to provide practical laboratory experience with basic and advanced molecular genetics methods currently in use for molecular ecology and phylogenetics applications. Instruction on basic methods from DNA/RNA extraction of various marine organisms to gel electrophoresis will be the foundation. Secondly, students will run through other routine molecular protocols such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), restriction digestion and polymorphism analyses, Quantitative real time (or qPCR), molecular cloning, plasmid isolation, and DNA sequence analyses in the context of marine organismal biology and molecular ecology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Practice basic aseptic and safe laboratory methods.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of common biochemical and molecular reagents (enzymes, chemicals etc), how and why they are applied, and calculate correct quantities of each in specific experiments.
3. Demonstrate practical ability in proper use of molecular laboratory equipment, such as micropipettors, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, PCR amplification,qPCR, centrifuges, as well as biological samples and microbiological cultures.
4. Interpret results of molecular experimental data using comparative databases and computational biology tools (computers, software).
5. Apply molecular genetics tools and methods to marine ecological and biological problems; develop testable hypotheses and molecular methods to test them.

Course Numbers: BMME-6750

Description

This course is designed to extend training provided in biotechnology internship I. The student will continue to show application of existing or novel biotechnology methods, and also provide evidence of performing an independent research project at the external laboratory. The course is designed to provide the graduate student hands-on, practical experience at a non-NSU biological laboratory. Methods to be learned and implemented will vary according to the sponsoring external laboratory but will generally involve modern biological, biochemical, environmental molecular and biotechnological methods. Development of hypotheses, experimental goals and interpretation of results will be expected.

Prerequisite: External biology/biotechnology internship I.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct specific experimental procedures from start to finish according to supervisor's directions.
2. Interpret scientific results either independently or with supervisor's guidance
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the overall experimental hypotheses and goals
4. Demonstrate adequate recording of experimental details, observations and results in a standard laboratory notebook.
5. Conduct research within a professional, team or multidisciplinary setting.
6. Plan to to derive, summarize and present scientific conclusions via standard routes: formal grey paper reports, publications or oral presentations.