Department of Biology
Concentration in Integrative and Organismal Biology (Bachelor of Science in Biology)
Students on Summer 2021, Fall 2021, or Spring 2022 requirements INORGBICON
Requirements
The concentration requires at least 15 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Physiological Systems Biology Lectures. Two (2) courses:
- BIOL-B 371 Ecological Plant Physiology
- BIOL-L 321 Human Immunology
- BIOL-L 410 Topical Issues in Biology (Approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies required)
- BIOL-L 417
- BIOL-L 423 Brain, Behavior and Evolution
- BIOL-P 451 Integrative Human Physiology
- BIOL-Z 462 Genetics of Behavior
- BIOL-Z 463 Comparative Neurobiology of Animal Behavior
- BIOL-Z 466 Endocrinology
- PSY-P 466 Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology
- PHSL-P 416 Comparative Animal Physiology
BIOL-B 371 Ecological Plant Physiology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- College chemistry; and BIOL-L 111; and BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Description
- The interrelationships among plant function and temperature, water supply, nutrient level, light quality, light quantity, gases, and other organisms.
BIOL-L 321 Human Immunology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; and CHEM-C 101, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 312
- Description
- Introductory course exploring the basic components and function of the immune system, stressing mechanisms that protect humans against pathogens and also how its dysfunction can lead to autoimmune disease, allergy, and cancer.
BIOL-L 410 Topical Issues in Biology
- Credits
- 2–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; BIOL-L 113; and BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Topics not related extensively in other courses. The topic will vary depending on the instructor and on student needs.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
BIOL-L 423 Brain, Behavior and Evolution
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; and BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Description
- Explores a variety of topics related to the evolution of nervous systems, with a focus on vertebrate brains. Topics include comparative neuroanatomy, methods, approaches to homology, the meaning of changes in size, ecological and behavioral specializations, developmental constraints, and a consideration of how special (or not) human brains are. A basic background in neuroscience is recommended but not required.
BIOL-P 451 Integrative Human Physiology
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Intended for the junior or senior science major. Course in human physiology designed to introduce the senior undergraduate student to the function of the human body in health, disease, and extreme environments. Emphasizes how the different organ systems work to maintain homeostasis and how organ function is integrated. The content and key concepts are presented in order to provide students insight into the scientific process through problem-solving and exploration of resources. Utilizes experimental inquiry, case-based and problem-oriented methodology with students working in teams, and an emphasis on clinical application. The laboratory component is incorporated into the structure of the course.
BIOL-Z 462 Genetics of Behavior
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-L 311
- Description
- Considers whether \"behavior genes\" exist and how such genes would be identified and defined, with a focus on courtship and sex-specific behaviors. Reviews and discusses the literature that demonstrates concrete examples of how single genes can affect such behaviors.
BIOL-Z 463 Comparative Neurobiology of Animal Behavior
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112; and junior or senior standing
- Notes
- R: PSY-P 326 or PSY-P 346
- Description
- Addresses the intersection of two disciplines: animal behavior and neurobiology. Uses integrative and comparative approaches to understand how the nervous system controls animal behavior in natural contexts and how neural circuits evolve to generate diversity in behavior.
BIOL-Z 466 Endocrinology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 112
- Description
- Mechanisms of hormone action from the molecular to the organismal level in vertebrates.
PSY-P 466 Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- PSY-P 326 or PSY-P 346
- Description
- Introduction to the cellular and molecular processes that give the nervous system its unique character. Covers the cell biology of neurons and glia and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Examines the genetic and molecular approaches to the biological basis for higher brain functions such as learning and memory.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
PHSL-P 416 Comparative Animal Physiology
- Description
- How animals work. Principles of physiology via the comparative method: functioning of the respiratory, circulatory, excretory and related functions examined through examples of vertebrate and invertebrate animals that have unusual abilities or best exemplify these physiological principles.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
- Organism-Level Biology Lectures. Two (2) courses:
- BIOL-B 351 Fungi
- BIOL-L 376 Biology of Birds
- BIOL-L 410 Topical Issues in Biology (Approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies required)
- BIOL-L 453 Sensory Ecology
- BIOL-M 460 Microbial Evolution
- BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- BIOL-Z 374
- BIOL-Z 406 Vertebrate Zoology
- BIOL-Z 460 Animal Behavior
- BIOL-Z 476 Biology of Fishes
- ABEH-A 401 Topical Issues in Animal Behavior
BIOL-B 351 Fungi
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; and BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Notes
- R: Junior or senior standing
- Description
- Morphology, life histories, classification, genetics, physiology, development, ecology, medical and economic importance of fungi.
BIOL-L 376 Biology of Birds
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; and BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Notes
- Intended for biology majors
- Description
- Avian systematics, distribution, evolution, ecology, and behavior, emphasis on migration and orientation, territoriality, communication, and reproductive behavior. Field trips will concentrate on identification, interpretation of behavior, and research methods.
BIOL-L 410 Topical Issues in Biology
- Credits
- 2–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; BIOL-L 113; and BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Topics not related extensively in other courses. The topic will vary depending on the instructor and on student needs.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
BIOL-L 453 Sensory Ecology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-Z 460
- Description
- Sensory systems are the gateways to all information that animals have about their environment. They are under intense natural and sexual selection and can drive evolutionary divergence. This course focuses on these issues and how sensory systems transduce and extract environmental information. Includes visits from guest speakers in the field.
BIOL-M 460 Microbial Evolution
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Nutritional, physiological, and cultural properties of the major groups of nonpathogenic bacteria and their relationships as revealed by modern taxonomic methods.
BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- Insects, with emphasis on evolution, distribution, behavior, and structure.
BIOL-Z 406 Vertebrate Zoology
- Credits
- 5
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111 and junior or senior standing
- Description
- Morphology, evolution, adaptations, and general biology of vertebrates.
BIOL-Z 460 Animal Behavior
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Junior or senior standing
- Description
- Introduction to the zoological study of animal behavior. Emphasizes both internal and external factors involved in the causation of species-typical behavior of animals (protozoa-primates) in their natural environment.
BIOL-Z 476 Biology of Fishes
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; and junior or senior standing
- Description
- Introduces diversity of extant fishes with respect to evolutionary relationships, classification, structure, function, behavior, ecology and biogeography.
ABEH-A 401 Topical Issues in Animal Behavior
- Credits
- 1–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Topics related to the scientific study of animal behavior not studied extensively in other courses. Topics vary.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated up to 3 times with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
- Advanced Skills Lecture. One (1) course:
- BIOL-B 371 Ecological Plant Physiology
- BIOL-L 417
- BIOL-L 423 Brain, Behavior and Evolution
- BIOL-L 453 Sensory Ecology
- BIOL-M 460 Microbial Evolution
- BIOL-Z 460 Animal Behavior
- BIOL-Z 462 Genetics of Behavior
- BIOL-Z 463 Comparative Neurobiology of Animal Behavior
- BIOL-Z 466 Endocrinology
BIOL-B 371 Ecological Plant Physiology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- College chemistry; and BIOL-L 111; and BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Description
- The interrelationships among plant function and temperature, water supply, nutrient level, light quality, light quantity, gases, and other organisms.
BIOL-L 423 Brain, Behavior and Evolution
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; and BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Description
- Explores a variety of topics related to the evolution of nervous systems, with a focus on vertebrate brains. Topics include comparative neuroanatomy, methods, approaches to homology, the meaning of changes in size, ecological and behavioral specializations, developmental constraints, and a consideration of how special (or not) human brains are. A basic background in neuroscience is recommended but not required.
BIOL-L 453 Sensory Ecology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-Z 460
- Description
- Sensory systems are the gateways to all information that animals have about their environment. They are under intense natural and sexual selection and can drive evolutionary divergence. This course focuses on these issues and how sensory systems transduce and extract environmental information. Includes visits from guest speakers in the field.
BIOL-M 460 Microbial Evolution
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Nutritional, physiological, and cultural properties of the major groups of nonpathogenic bacteria and their relationships as revealed by modern taxonomic methods.
BIOL-Z 460 Animal Behavior
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Junior or senior standing
- Description
- Introduction to the zoological study of animal behavior. Emphasizes both internal and external factors involved in the causation of species-typical behavior of animals (protozoa-primates) in their natural environment.
BIOL-Z 462 Genetics of Behavior
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-L 311
- Description
- Considers whether \"behavior genes\" exist and how such genes would be identified and defined, with a focus on courtship and sex-specific behaviors. Reviews and discusses the literature that demonstrates concrete examples of how single genes can affect such behaviors.
BIOL-Z 463 Comparative Neurobiology of Animal Behavior
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112; and junior or senior standing
- Notes
- R: PSY-P 326 or PSY-P 346
- Description
- Addresses the intersection of two disciplines: animal behavior and neurobiology. Uses integrative and comparative approaches to understand how the nervous system controls animal behavior in natural contexts and how neural circuits evolve to generate diversity in behavior.
BIOL-Z 466 Endocrinology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 112
- Description
- Mechanisms of hormone action from the molecular to the organismal level in vertebrates.
- Laboratory Courses. Two (2) courses:
- BIOL-B 300 Vascular Plants
- BIOL-B 352 Fungi: Laboratory
- BIOL-B 364 Summer Flowering Plants
- BIOL-L 376 Biology of Birds
- BIOL-L 410 Topical Issues in Biology (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- BIOL-L 433 Tropical Biology
- BIOL-P 451 Integrative Human Physiology
- BIOL-S 318 Evolution, Honors (up to 1 credit hour may count toward the Concentration Hours requirement)
- BIOL-X 325 ASURE Biology Research Lab 2 approved topics only; requires approval of Director of Undergraduate Studies
- BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- BIOL-Z 375 Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory
- BIOL-Z 406 Vertebrate Zoology
- BIOL-Z 469 Endocrinology Laboratory
- ABEH-A 350 Animal Behavior Laboratory
- PSY-P 473 Laboratory in Molecular Neuroscience
- ANAT-A 464 Human Tissue Biology
BIOL-B 300 Vascular Plants
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- Survey of the ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants, including their morphology, classification, ecology, evolution, and economic importance.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-B 352 Fungi: Laboratory
- Credits
- 2
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Laboratory and field studies of fungi and their activities.
BIOL-B 364 Summer Flowering Plants
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- For those desiring a broad, practical knowledge of common wild and cultivated plants.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-L 376 Biology of Birds
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; and BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Notes
- Intended for biology majors
- Description
- Avian systematics, distribution, evolution, ecology, and behavior, emphasis on migration and orientation, territoriality, communication, and reproductive behavior. Field trips will concentrate on identification, interpretation of behavior, and research methods.
BIOL-L 410 Topical Issues in Biology
- Credits
- 2–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; BIOL-L 113; and BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Topics not related extensively in other courses. The topic will vary depending on the instructor and on student needs.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
BIOL-L 433 Tropical Biology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Field course taught in a tropical area overseas. Topics center on ecology and evolution and may include plants and animals, their interactions in rain forests, seasonally dry forests and mangroves, cloud forests, marine biology, marine/land interface, coral physiology, and reef development. Requires detailed field journal and other projects on areas visited.
BIOL-P 451 Integrative Human Physiology
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Intended for the junior or senior science major. Course in human physiology designed to introduce the senior undergraduate student to the function of the human body in health, disease, and extreme environments. Emphasizes how the different organ systems work to maintain homeostasis and how organ function is integrated. The content and key concepts are presented in order to provide students insight into the scientific process through problem-solving and exploration of resources. Utilizes experimental inquiry, case-based and problem-oriented methodology with students working in teams, and an emphasis on clinical application. The laboratory component is incorporated into the structure of the course.
BIOL-S 318 Evolution, Honors
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111 or equivalent; BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Provides a rigorous exploration of the theory of evolution--the conceptual core of biology. Topics include origins and history of life; the interplay of heredity and environment in shaping adaptations; molecular, behavioral, and social evolution; patterns of speciation, extinction, and their consequences; methods for inferring evolutionary relationships among organisms.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-L 318, BIOL-L 479, or BIOL-S 318.
BIOL-X 325 ASURE Biology Research Lab 2
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-X 150
- Description
- Second in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students continue guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- Insects, with emphasis on evolution, distribution, behavior, and structure.
BIOL-Z 375 Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory
- Credits
- 2
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- Laboratory and field studies of invertebrates, with an emphasis on experiments with living specimens.
BIOL-Z 406 Vertebrate Zoology
- Credits
- 5
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111 and junior or senior standing
- Description
- Morphology, evolution, adaptations, and general biology of vertebrates.
BIOL-Z 469 Endocrinology Laboratory
- Credits
- 2
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 312 and BIOL-Z 466
- Description
- Survey of various endocrine systems using molecular, cellular, and whole organism methodologies. Emphasis on structure, function, and regulation of endocrine glands and cells, and their roles in maintaining homeostasis within the organism.
ABEH-A 350 Animal Behavior Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- ABEH-A101 or BIOL-Z460
- Description
- Teaches how to observe, quantify, and manipulate animal behavior in a laboratory setting. Practices fundamental experimental techniques used in ethological research.
PSY-P 473 Laboratory in Molecular Neuroscience
- Credits
- 3–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- PSY-P 326 or PSY-P 346
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 211
- Description
- Laboratory course designed to provide the advanced undergraduate with training in molecular techniques useful for studying the nervous system. Techniques will include PCR, subcloning, bacterial transformation, mammalian cell transfection, working with fluorescent proteins, RNA interference, Western blotting and sectioning/staining brain tissues.
ANAT-A 464 Human Tissue Biology
- Description
- Microscopic structure of mammalian (with emphasis on human) tissues and organs.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
- Biology Concentration Residency.
- Two (2) advanced (300–499 level) lab courses in the concentration must be taken on the IU Bloomington campus
- Two (2) advanced (300–499 level) lecture courses in the concentration must be taken on the IU Bloomington campus
- Concentration GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Concentration GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the concentration—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Concentration Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the concentration.
- Concentration Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 9 credit hours in the concentration must be completed at the 300–499 level.
Concentration Area Courses
-
Courses that may apply toward the Credit Hours and GPA requirements in this academic program include all courses listed on the requirement course lists at the time the course was taken as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent.
This program of study cannot be combined with the following:
- Concentration in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (Bachelor of Science in Biology) (CLBIMGNCON)
- Concentration in the Biology of Disease (Bachelor of Science in Biology) (BIOLDISCON)
Exceptions to and substitutions for concentration requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.