2021-2022 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Department of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science
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Dr. Brett Noerager, Chair
Harman Hall
Mission
The mission of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science is twofold. In science, students are provided with a thorough understanding of modern scientific concepts and theories, and practical experience in laboratory techniques. In mathematics, excellent current and relevant instruction that promotes an interest in mathematics for the welfare of society is emphasized. Such background, combined with the other components of a liberal arts education, will produce graduates prepared for a range of professional and postgraduate outcomes. This education is conducted in an affordable, “small college” public liberal arts setting.
Graduate Offerings
No graduate degree is offered in this department; however, students pursuing a Master of Education in Secondary Education with certification in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or General Science Education may take the courses below to fulfill the teaching field requirements. Students who have taken courses as an undergraduate may not receive graduate credit for those courses, with the exception of internships, directed readings, and special topics. For information on the M.Ed. program, refer to the appropriate section under Department of Teaching, Leadership, & Technology
The University of Montevallo is a member of the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium (MESC), a public, non-profit corporation dedicated to providing marine education, research and service to the state of Alabama. These courses are offered during the summer at the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory, Dauphin Island, Alabama. Students must register and pay tuition for these courses at the University of Montevallo. For more information concerning these courses, contact the UM liaison, Dr. Jill Wicknick, Harman Hall, (205) 665-6458, wicknickja@montevallo.edu.
Biology
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BIO 500 - Basic Principles of Genetics
3 credit hours
Three lectures. Basic principles of inheritance, with emphasis on common human syndromes, Mendelian genetics, pedigree analysis, inheritance of sex, chromosomal aberrations, blood factors, metabolic errors, gene structure, population genetics and genetic counseling. Students may not receive credit for both this course and BIO 530 . -
BIO 501 - Environmental Chemistry
3 credit hours
Three lectures. The course is designed to help current and prospective middle and high school chemistry teachers provide their students with an understanding and appreciation of chemistry and biology within the environment. The goals of the course are to introduce students to the biology and chemistry of the environment and will apply scientific methods, critical thinking, and problem solving to improve their lives and the lives of others. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221 or consent of instructor. Cross-listed with CHEM 501 . -
BIO 502 - Chemical and Biological Polymers
3 credit hours
Three lectures. The course is designed to help current and prospective middle and high school chemistry teachers provide their students with an understanding and appreciation of chemistry and biology of polymers. The goals of the course are to introduce students to the chemistry of polymers and their applications in biology and everyday use. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221 or consent of instructor. Cross-listed with CHEM 502 . -
BIO 510 - Histology
4 credit hours
Two lectures. Two two-hour labs. Tissues, organs, and preparation of tissues for microscopic study. Slash-listed with BIO 410. -
BIO 520 - Parasitology
4 credit hours
Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory period. Protozoa, flatworms, roundworms, and arthropods. Fall semester, odd-numbered years. Slash-listed with BIO 420. -
BIO 530 - Genetics
4 credit hours
Three lectures. One two-hour lab. Mechanisms of inheritance within plants, animals and humans with emphasis on molecular genetics and gene structure as well as classical Mendelian genetics. May not receive credit for this course and BIO 500 . -
BIO 535 - Developmental Biology
4 credit hours
Three lectures. One three-hour lab. A study of the development of vertebrates, with special emphasis on human development. Molecular, morphological, and clinical aspects of the development of all major organ systems will be explored. Students who have received credit for BIO 430 may not receive credit for BIO 535. Prerequisite(s): BIO 341 or consent of instructor. -
BIO 540 - Evolution
3 credit hours
Three lectures. Organic evolution, the process and its products. Slash-listed with BIO 440. -
BIO 545 - Laboratory Instruction in Biology
1-3 credit hours
This course provides a comprehensive study of high school biology laboratory instruction. Through participation in lab preparation and instruction with the Alabama Science in Motion program, as well as independent study and projects, students will address practical applications of the lab experience including safety issues, facilities, equipment, techniques, and education goals. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of lab activities that encourage an inquiry approach to learning. Pending scheduling, lab observation and/or instruction with the ASIM Specialist at a participating school may be required. May be taken for up to six hours of credit. Consent of instructor and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary education. -
BIO 549 - Introduction to Human Physiology
3 credit hours
Three lectures. Physiology of humans. Study of the mechanisms and processes involved in biological function from cellular to organismal levels, emphasizing their roles in regulation of homeostasis. -
BIO 550 - Current Topics in Biology
3 credit hours
Current topics in biology with emphasis on presentation and associated teaching and laboratory methods, materials, and evaluation techniques. A minimum of a graduate minor in biology and consent of instructor required. -
BIO 551 - Current Topics in Cell Biology
3 credit hours
This course is targeted for graduate students in education, and is intended to make these individuals more aware of current topics in cell biology. The course content includes discussions of the biochemistry of energy generation in a cell, cell structures and functions, and certain specialized cell types. -
BIO 552 - Introductory Biology Instrumentation
1-3 credit hours
This course is designed to acquaint high school biology teachers with the equipment and lab activities available through the Alabama Science in Motion biology program. It is taught in conjunction with the ASIM Biology Summer Institute. Instruction will include the theory and principles of the equipment available through the program, as well as its practical applications. Lab activities identified as Year 1 labs will be the focus for the introductory course. Special emphasis will be placed on the incorporation of inquiry techniques into laboratory instruction. Consent of instructor, acceptance into the ASIM Year 1 program, and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education. -
BIO 554 - Advanced Biology Instrumentation
1-3 credit hours
This course is designed to provide a more in-depth view of the equipment available through the Alabama Science in Motion biology program, as well as more advanced lab activities that utilize this equipment. It is taught in conjunction with the ASIM Biology Summer Institute. In addition to the focus on lab activities identified as Year 2 labs, the advanced course will provide additional instruction on troubleshooting equipment operation. Special emphasis will be placed on the incorporation of inquiry techniques into laboratory instruction. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor, BIO 552 and/or acceptance into the ASIM Year 2 program, and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education. -
BIO 555 - Histological Technique
4 credit hours
Laboratory methods of fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining, and mounting of tissues of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Prerequisite(s): Twelve hours of biology or consent of instructor. -
BIO 560 - Field Botany
4 credit hours
Two lectures. One four-hour lab. Taxonomy and ecology of higher plants in Alabama. Slash-listed BIO 460. -
BIO 570 - Vertebrate Field Zoology
4 credit hours
Two lectures. One four-hour lab. Biology of vertebrates including collection, preservation and identification. Slash-listed with BIO 470. -
BIO 571 - Plant Physiology
4 credit hours
Two lectures. One four-hour lab. Basic principles of plant physiology with emphasis on metabolic processes and the role of auxins in plant growth. -
BIO 572 - Animal Physiology
4 credit hours
Three lectures. One three-hour lab. Physiological processes of cells and organs, including modern research techniques and laboratory animal surgery. -
BIO 575 - Special Topics in Marine Biology
1-4 credit hours
Graduate-level marine biology courses offered at Dauphin Island Sea Lab. See the UM DISL liaison for more information. Prerequisite(s): At least 8 hours of majors-level undergraduate and/or graduate biology courses. Individual courses may have additional and/or specific prerequisites. -
BIO 580 - Special Problems in Biology
1-4 credit hours
Individual research problems completed under the direction of staff.
Chemistry
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CHEM 501 - Environmental Chemistry
3 credit hours
Three lectures. The course is designed to help current and prospective middle and high school chemistry teachers provide their students with an understanding and appreciation of chemistry and biology within the environment. The goals of the course are to introduce students to the biology and chemistry of the environment and will apply scientific methods, critical thinking, and problem solving to improve their lives and the lives of others. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221 or consent of instructor. Cross-listed with BIO 501 . -
CHEM 502 - Chemical and Biological Polymers
3 credit hours
Three lectures. The course is designed to help current and prospective middle and high school chemistry teachers provide their students with an understanding and appreciation of chemistry and biology of polymers. The goals of the course are to introduce students to the chemistry of polymers and their applications in biology and everyday use. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221 or consent of instructor. Cross-listed with BIO 502 . -
CHEM 520 - Inorganic Chemistry
3 credit hours
A modern approach to the fundamental concept of inorganic chemistry, encompassing topics such as bonding theories, coordination compounds, atomic structure, reactions in non-aqueous systems, bond energies, trends within the periodic table, and techniques. Consent of instructor required. -
CHEM 535 - Instrumental Methods in Analysis
4 credit hours
A study of chemical principles and instrumental techniques of analytical chemistry. The laboratory is designed to illustrate the use of instruments in both routine analytical and research applications. -
CHEM 540 - Laboratory Instruction in Chemistry
1-3 credit hours
This course provides a comprehensive study of high school chemistry laboratory instruction. Through participation in lab preparation and instruction with the Alabama Science in Motion program, as well as independent study and projects, students will address practical applications of the lab experience including safety issues, facilities, equipment, techniques, and education goals. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of lab activities that encourage an inquiry approach to learning. Pending scheduling, lab observation and/or instruction with the ASIM Specialist at a participating school may be required. Course may be repeated for credit for up to a total of 6 hours. Consent of instructor and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education. -
CHEM 545 - Special Topics in Chemistry
3 credit hours
A discussion of recent advances in theory, instrumentation, or techniques in analytical, inorganic, or physical chemistry. Topics vary. Course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 222 or consent of instructor. -
CHEM 550 - Introductory Chemistry Instrumentation
1-3 credit hours
This course is designed to acquaint high school chemistry teachers with the equipment and lab activities available through the Alabama Science in Motion chemistry program. It is taught in conjunction with the ASIM Chemistry Summer Institute. Instruction will include the theory and principles of the equipment available through the program, as well as its practical applications. Lab activities identified as Year 1 labs will be the focus for the introductory course. Special emphasis will be placed on the incorporation of inquiry techniques into laboratory instruction. Consent of instructor, acceptance into the ASIM Year 1 program, and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education. -
CHEM 552 - Advanced Chemistry Instrumentation
1-3 credit hours
This course is designed to provide a more in-depth view of the equipment available through the Alabama Science in Motion chemistry program, as well as more-advanced lab activities that utilize this equipment. It is taught in conjunction with the ASIM Chemistry Summer Institute. In addition to the focus on lab activities identified as Year 2 labs, the advanced course will provide additional instruction on troubleshooting equipment operation. Special emphasis will be placed on the incorporation of inquiry techniques into laboratory instruction. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor, CHEM 550 and/or acceptance into the ASIM Year 2 program, and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education. -
CHEM 565 - Chemical Calculations
3 credit hours
Fundamental calculations involving a broad spectrum of chemical principles. -
CHEM 580 - Special Projects in Chemistry
1-6 credit hours
Individual projects that may include literature survey, project design, data acquisition, and data interpretation. Consent of instructor required. -
CHEM 581 - Chemistry in the Community
3 credit hours
Study of chemistry in the context of applying chemistry to society. Environmental issues such as water and contaminants, chemical resources, air quality, waste disposal and nuclear chemistry will be discussed.
Marine Science
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MSCI 500 - Marine Vertebrate Zoology
4 credit hours
A study of marine fishes, reptiles and mammals, and an in-depth, comprehensive treatment of their systematics, zoo geography and ecology. Lectures will encompass subject matter of a non-regional basis. Field and laboratory work will stress the vertebrate fauna of the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Most of the course will be devoted to fishes. Students will have an opportunity to assemble a collection of vertebrate species. Prerequisite(s): BIO 106. Slash-listed with MSCI 400. -
MSCI 501 - Marine Biology
4 credit hours
A general survey of the invertebrates, vertebrates, and marine plants as communities with emphasis on local examples of these principal groups. Students will have an opportunity to examine marshlands, estuarine beach, dune inlet and neritic habitats and niches. Lecture, laboratory, and fieldwork will be included. Prerequisite(s): BIO 105 and 106. -
MSCI 510 - Marine Invertebrate Zoology
4 credit hours
A study of the natural history, systematics and morphology of marine invertebrates from a variety of habitats in the Gulf of Mexico, oriented toward a field and laboratory approach. Participation in extended field trips is part of the course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 106, MSCI 501 suggested. Slash-listed MSCI 410. -
MSCI 520 - Coastal Ornithology
4 credit hours
Study of coastal and pelagic birds with emphasis on ecology, taxonomy and distribution. This course includes identification, population dynamics, and behavior of coastal birds and overnight trips to offshore islands. Prerequisite(s): BIO 106. Slash-listed with MSCI 420. -
MSCI 530 - Marine Botany
4 credit hours
A general survey of coastal and marine flora with emphasis on taxonomy, morphology, physiology, ecology and distribution. Community structure of various ecosystems will be studied. Students will have an opportunity to examine pelagic, marshlands, estuarine beach, sand dune and inlet niches. Lectures and laboratory work will be included and a collection will be required. Prerequisite(s): BIO 105. Slash-listed with MSCI 430. -
MSCI 551 - Coastal Climatology
2 credit hours
A study of the controlling factors and features of the world’s climates, with particular attention to coastal areas, and application and interpretation of climate data. -
MSCI 568 - Marine Behavioral Ecology
4 credit hours
This course will introduce students to principles of animal behavior as applied to marine organisms. Students will relate the evolutionary significance of these behaviors, learn techniques for observing animal behavior in the field and laboratory, design and conduct behavioral experiments and learn methods for analyzing behavioral data. Prerequisite(s): BIO 106. MATH 147 recommended. Slash-listed with MSCI 468. -
MSCI 570 - Marine Ecology
4 credit hours
Bioenergetics, community structure, population dynamics, predation, competition, and speciation in marine ecosystems will be studied. Lecture and laboratory work will be included, although considerable time will be spent in fieldwork. Prerequisite(s): BIO 105-106; CHEM 121-122; PHYS 201-202. MSCI 501 or MSCI 510 recommended. Slash-listed with MSCI 470. -
MSCI 575 - Marsh Ecology
4 credit hours
This field course is designed for those students who wish to gain a basic understanding of the ecology of a salt marsh. Emphasis will be placed upon habitat analysis, natural history studies and the population dynamics of selected vertebrates. Each student will be assigned a specific field problem that will be terminated by a technical paper. All students will be expected to live at Point Aux Pines Field Station. Prerequisite(s): BIO 105 and 106. -
MSCI 577 - Marine Protozoology
2 credit hours
This course will teach students the major groups of protists from a variety of marine habitats, including their taxonomy, structure, ecology, and methods of studying. The emphasis will be on live material from the Gulf, from salt march benthos and sand, from microscopic communities on solid substrates, and from other organisms. Prerequisite(s): BIO 105 and BIO 106. BIO 380 recommended. Slash-listed with MSCI 477. -
MSCI 580 - Special Topics in Marine Science
1-4 credit hours
Graduate-level marine science courses offered at Dauphin Island Sea Lab. See the UM DISL liaison for more information. Prerequisite(s): At least 8 hours of majors-level undergraduate and/or graduate science courses. Individual courses may have additional and/or specific prerequisites. -
MSCI 585 - Research on Special Topics
2-6 credit hours
Students may enroll by special arrangement in any of the course areas offered by the lab subject to the availability of the appropriate staff member.
Mathematics
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MATH 501 - Mathematics for Teachers
3 credit hours
Mathematical logic and symbols, basic number theory, and elementary abstract algebra. Prerequisite(s): MATH 310. -
MATH 502 - Linear Algebra for Teachers
3 credit hours
Basic linear algebra and its applications, including vectors, matrices, systems of linear equations, and an investigation of geometry from an algebraic point of view. Prerequisite(s): MATH 310. -
MATH 505 - The History and Philosophy of Mathematics
3 credit hours
An introduction to the history of mathematics, along with the attending development of the philosophical aspects of mathematical inquiry. Emphasis is placed on historically important problems in arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and analysis. Mathematical abstraction and generalization will be examined in historical context, from early numeration systems through the modern era. Prerequisite(s): MATH 310. -
MATH 510 - Elementary Function Theory for Teachers
3 credit hours
An examination of various aspects of real-valued and complex-valued functions. Topics include trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, and other elementary functions, together with the concepts of limit, continuity, and differentiability. Properties of the real line, and how they contribute to the properties of functions, are also examined. Prerequisite(s): MATH 310. -
MATH 521 - Complex Analysis for Teachers
3 credit hours
A development of the complex numbers and the geometry of the complex plane. Topics include analytic functions as planar mappings, the Riemann sphere, and certain portions of the theory of equations. Prerequisite(s): MATH 310. -
MATH 535 - Sequences and Series
3 credit hours
A rigorous examination of the concept of convergence of sequences and series of real numbers. Topics include limits, absolute convergence, various convergence tests, Taylor series, and an introduction to sequences and series of complex numbers. Prerequisite(s): MATH 310. -
MATH 540 - Abstract Algebra
3 credit hours
An introduction to algebraic systems, including groups, rings, and fields. Prerequisite(s): MATH 310. Slash-listed with MATH 440. -
MATH 570 - Real Analysis
3 credit hours
A study of functions, including convergence, continuity, differentiability, infinite series expansions and the supporting theory. Prerequisite(s): MATH 272 and MATH 310. Slash listed with MATH 470. -
MATH 580 - Topology
3 credit hours
Theory of sets, metric spaces, topological spaces, connectedness, and compactness. Prerequisite(s): MATH 310. Slash-listed with MATH 480. -
MATH 590 - Individual Study
3 credit hours
A course that allows the student to do independent study to further knowledge and competence in a specialized area. The material to be studied will be determined in consultation with the faculty member supervising the student. May be repeated twice for credit if topic is different. Consent of instructor and Department Chair. -
MATH 595 - Special Topics
3 credit hours
Topics will be announced prior to registration. May be repeated twice for credit if topic is different.
Physics
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PHYS 540 - Laboratory Instruction in Physics
1-3 credit hours
This course provides a comprehensive study of high school physics laboratory instruction. Through participation in lab preparation and instruction with the Alabama Science in Motion program, as well as independent studies and projects, students will address practical applications of the lab experience including safety issues, facilities, equipment, techniques, and education goals. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of lab activities that encourage an inquiry approach to learning. Pending scheduling, lab observation and/or instruction with the ASIM Specialist at a participating school may be required. Course may be repeated for credit for up to a total of 6 hours. Consent of instructor and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education. -
PHYS 550 - Introductory Physics Instrumentation
1-3 credit hours
This course is designed to acquaint high school physics teachers with the equipment and lab activities available through the Alabama Science in Motion physics program. It is taught in conjunction with the ASIM Physics Summer Institute. Instruction will include the theory and principles of the equipment available through the program, as well as its practical applications. Lab activities identified as Year 1 labs will be the focus for the introductory course. Special emphasis will be placed on the incorporation of inquiry techniques into laboratory instruction. Consent of instructor and acceptance into the ASIM Year 1 program, and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education. -
PHYS 552 - Advanced Physics Instrumentation
1-3 credit hours
This course is designed to provide a more in-depth view of the equipment available through the Alabama Science in Motion physics program, as well as more advanced lab activities that utilize this equipment. It is taught in conjunction with the ASIM Physics Summer Institute. In addition to the focus on lab activities identified as Year 2 labs, the advanced course will provide additional instruction on troubleshooting equipment operation. Special emphasis will be placed on the incorporation of inquiry techniques into laboratory instruction. Consent of instructor. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 550 and/or acceptance into the ASIM Year 2 program, and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education.
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