Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences Building
5007 Rockhill Road
Research facilities and laboratories
Equipment and Core Facilities
Microscope core facility on the ground floor in our building and overseen by the PI houses:
- Olympus Fluoview 300 confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) with DIC optics and four PMT detectors, three for epi-confocal imaging, and one for transmitted-light imaging. Argon 488 nm and He/Ne lasers are installed on the microscope.
- Nikon upright fluorescence microscope with a GRID confocal imaging device and Metamorph Image acquisition software for real time fluorescence imaging.
- Nikon inverted fluorescent DIC microscope with APO quality optics, four filter sets, and attached ColorView CCD camera with computer and Analysis software to analyze images.
- Olympus microscope with a range of objectives and filters attached to a CCD camera linked to a Silicon Graphics O2 loaded with Deltavision software for image acquisition and analysis (deconvolution).
Genomics core facility located on the second floor of the building overseen by a dedicated technician and directed by the PI includes:
(1) Allegra 25 centrifuge and two tetrad PCR machines for 96-well based applications
(3) Amersham Storm 860 Imaging System
(4) Amersham Typhoon 9400 phosphoimager with ImageQuant software
Protein core facility capable of mass spectrometry sample preparation and analysis is directed by Dr. Andrew Keightly and is located on the 4th floor of our building includes:
- Thermo Finnigan LTQ linear ion trap, equipped with Proxeon nanospray source
- Voyager DE Pro MALDI MS
- Eksigent binary nano-LC pump system (1D nanoLC)
- Eksigent quaternary nano-LC pump system (2D nanoLC)
X-ray crystallographic data are collected at beamlines 22ID and 22BM at the Advanced Photon Source of Argonne National Laboratory. Access to these beamlines is guaranteed for 24 hours on each beamline (three times a year) through our membership to the Southeast Regional Collaborative Access Team (SER-CAT).
Rachael Allen2; teaching associate professor of biological sciences; B.S. University of Bristol, M.Sc. University of Bristol, Ph.D. Northern Illinois University.
Karen J. Bame2; emerita professor of biological sciences; B.A. (University of California-Santa Barbara); Ph.D. (University of California-Los Angeles).
James M. Benevides; teaching professor of biological sciences; B.S. (University of Massachusetts); M.S., Ph.D. (University of Rhode Island).
Grant Bledsoe; teaching assistant professor of biological sciences; B.S. (University of South Carolina-Aiken); Ph.D. (Medical University of South Carolina).
Samuel Bouyain2,3; professor of biological sciences; Diploma of Engineer (École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris); D.Phil. (University of Oxford).
Matthew Cook; associate teaching professor of biological sciences; B.S. (Missouri State University); M.S. (University of Central Missouri); Ph.D. Biomedical Science (University of Missouri-Columbia).
Stephane Dissel2,3; assistant professor of biological sciences; B.S., M.S. (Universite Louis Pasteur); Ph.D. (University of Leicester).
Leonard L. Dobens, Jr.2,3; Associate Director of Biological and Biomedical Systems; B.S. (Boston College), Ph.D. (Dartmouth College).
Lawrence A. Dreyfus2; professor emeritus of biological sciences; B.A. (University of Kansas); M.S. (Michigan State University); Ph.D. (University of Kansas).
Brooke Esquivel, instructor of biological sciences.
Zachary J. Fischer; B.S. (UMKC); PhD (UMKC).
Brian Geisbrecht; adjunct professor of biological sciences.
Erica Geisbrecht; adjunct professor of biological sciences.
Carl Gelhaus; adjunct professor of biological sciences.
R. Scott Hawley; adjunct professor of biological sciences; Ph.D. (University of Washington).
Saul M. Honigberg2,3; professor of biological sciences; B.S. (University of Georgia), Ph.D. (Yale University).
Chi-Ming Huang2,3; professor emeritus of biological sciences; B.S. (National Taiwan University, Taiwan); M.S., Ph.D. (University of California-Los Angeles).
Marisa James; adjunct professor of biological sciences.
Tamas Kapros; teaching professor of biological sciences; B.S., Doctor Universitatis in Genetics, Ph.D. (Jozsef Attila University of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary).
Peter Koulen2,3; professor of biological sciences; M.S., Ph.D. (Johnnes Gutenberg University, Germany).
Haluk Lacin; assistant professor in Biological Sciences; B.S. (Bogazici University, Istanbul); Ph.D. (Washington University in St Louis).
Lee Likins2; associate teaching professor in biological sciences; B.S. (University of West Florida-Pensacola); M.A. (University of Kansas); Ph.D. (University of Missouri – Kansas City).
Jessica Magana; assistant teaching professor of biological sciences.
Jared P. May; assistant professor; B.S. (Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania); Ph.D. (Georgetown University).
Hillary McGraw2,3; assistant professor of biological sciences; B.A. (University of Oregon); Ph.D. (University of Washington).
Thomas M. Menees2 associate professor of biological sciences; B.S., M.S. (University of California Irvine); Ph.D. (Yale University).
Michael O'Connor2,3; professor of biological sciences; B.A. (Trinity College Dublin); Ph.D. (National University of Ireland).
Anthony Persechini2,3; emeritus professor of biological sciences; B.A. (University of New Hampshire), Ph.D. (Carnegie-Mellon University).
Jeffrey L. Price2,3; graduate programs officer & professor of biological sciences; B.S. (College of William and Mary), Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University).
Justin Randall2,3; assistant professor of biological sciences; B.S., (University of Arizona); Ph.D. (University of Michigan).
Aaron Reed2; director of course development and assessment and teaching professor of biological sciences; B.S. (Kansas State University); M.S. (University of Memphis); Ph.D. (Kansas State University).
Daniel D. Scott; assistant teaching professor; Natural and Health Sciences Mentor; B.Sc. (University of Sydney, Australia); D.Phil. (University of Oxford, UK).
Julia Snyder; assistant teaching professor of biological sciences.
Maria L. Spletter; assistant professor, B.S. (the University of Wisconsin at Madison), Ph.D. (Stanford University).
Karyn Turla2; graduate programs officer & teaching professor of biological sciences; B.S. (Pennsylvania State University); Ph.D. (University of Michigan).
Shizhen Wang2,3; associate professor of biological sciences; B.S. (InnerMongolia University for Nationalities); M.S. (Nanjing Agricultural University); Ph.D. (Tsinghua University).
Theodore C. White2,3; division director, Marion Merrell Dow professor in biological sciences; B.S. (Cornell University); Ph.D. (University of Michigan).
Xiaolan Yao2,3; associate professor of biological sciences; B.S., M.S. (Zhenghou University, China); Ph.D. (Iowa State University).
Yu, Xiao-Qiang (Sean)2,3; professor emeritus of biological sciences; Ph.D. (Kansas State University).
EMERITUS
Gerald M. Carlson, Bibie Chronwall, Alfred F. Esser, Edward P. Gogol, Ana J. Iriarte, Ronald A. MacQuarrie, Marino Martinez-Carrion, Denis Medeiros, Henry M. Miziorko, William T. Morgan, Lynda Plamann, Michael Plamann, G. Sullivan Reed, Garth E. Resch, Ann Smith, George J. Thomas, Jr., Jakob H. Waterborg, Marilyn D. Yoder
1 | Associate or Adjunct Graduate Faculty |
2 | Members of UMKC Graduate Faculty |
3 | Members of UMKC Doctoral Faculty |
Undergraduate Programs
- Minor in Biology
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bioinformatics Emphasis
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biomedical Sciences Emphasis
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biotechnology Emphasis
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Clinical Laboratory Science Emphasis
Courses taught in Biology support academic programs within the schools of Nursing, Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy and Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences, and departments within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. An undergraduate minor in biology and a variety of courses that may interest non-biology majors are available to complement other fields of study, or to satisfy general education requirements of other academic units. A background in biology combined with non-science skills creates many career possibilities.
General Information About Undergraduate Programs
Admission Requirements
Other than University of Missouri admission requirements, there are no special prerequisites for beginning either the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science program. High school biology and a good working knowledge of algebra and arithmetic are desirable for entering the bachelor of science program. It should be noted that much of the bachelor of science program, and the bachelor of arts program, are highly structured in the order which biology and chemistry courses must be taken. It is assumed that transfer students, Associates degree students, and junior college students should have begun the appropriate course sequence in their previous schools.
Career Implications of a Bachelor's Degree in Biology
Our programs prepare students for a variety of career opportunities. Some students choose careers in the pharmaceutical or biotech industries, while others opt for graduate study in areas such as bioinformatics, forensics, or cell biology. In addition, a biology major is an excellent choice for students planning careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, and other health professions. The bachelor of science in biology curriculum fulfills the admissions requirements for most medical and dental schools and incorporates intermediate and upper-level biology courses specifically recommended by medical/dental school admissions officers.
Teacher Certification in Biology
Certification as a middle school (grades 5-9) science or secondary (grades 9-12) biology teacher in Missouri requires that a student complete a teacher preparation program. Once you complete a bachelor’s degree in biology, you can apply to the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences for the Master of Arts in Teaching program, which prepares you for the teaching profession and teacher certification. A separate application for the Master of Arts in Teaching program is required. For further information about the program, consult the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences section of this catalog or contact the Division of Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies at (816) 235-2245.
Honors Program
UMKC offers an Honors Program for qualified undergraduate students seeking either the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science in biology interested in pursuing rigorous preparation for advanced professional training and careers. The program requires high levels of academic achievement as well as an undergraduate research experience and other enrichment activities. For further information about this program, consult the School website or Dr. Aaron Reed, Director for Undergraduate Curriculum at (816) 235-2329.
Prerequisites and Co-requisites
A minimum grade of C- or higher is expected for all prerequisite and co-requisite courses for all students taking courses in Biology. Additionally, students must be concurrently enrolled in or have previously completed all co-requisite courses. Course prerequisites are set by the Curriculum Committee of the School program on the level at which a course is taught and the assumed background knowledge necessary for successful completion of the course. Lack of prerequisites, therefore, indicates lack of background knowledge necessary for success in the course. Prerequisites for Biology courses are strictly enforced. In exceptional cases, students may receive written consent to waive one or both of these requirements from the Undergraduate Academic Standards Committee by completing and submitting a detailed petition form to the Undergraduate Programs Office and only if approval of the petition is granted.
Elective Courses for the Non-Biology Major
Students in other academic units are encouraged to select courses in Biology to meet their general education requirements and to complement their major area of study. Suggested courses include:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOLOGY 102 | Biology and Living | 3 |
BIOLOGY 102L | Biology and Living Laboratory | 1 |
BIOLOGY 108 | General Biology I | 3 |
BIOLOGY 109 | General Biology II | 3 |
BIOLOGY 202 | Cell Biology | 3 |
BIOLOGY 206 | Genetics | 3 |
LS-PHYS 217 | Human Physiology | 3 |
Upper-level Courses 1 |
1 | Upper-level courses for which prerequisites have been satisfied are recommended for those students who wish to gain a strong foundation in biological sciences. |
Students enrolling in these biology majors' courses should have a solid background in high school biology and chemistry.
Academic Standing
The University tries to assure that students progress satisfactorily toward their goals and receive clear warning when they do not. The Biology program follows the university policy related to Academic Standing. However, if a student’s UM cumulative GPA and/or UM biology GPA falls below the 2.0 minimum the student will no longer be in good standing.
Academic Ineligibility
Students not in good standing and failing to meet the terms of their Academic Success contract may become academically ineligible to enroll for future semesters as a student with a declared major in the Biology. Students declared academically ineligible will be notified through their UMKC email prior to the start of the next semester. If the student’s UM cumulative GPA is above 2.0 the student may continue at UMKC, but will need to meet with an advisor in a different academic unit to discuss options and declare a major other than biology to do so. Students will have until the date given in the email notification to change their major; failure to make these changes by the date indicated will result in cancellation of their registration with any fees paid refunded. Students who have become academically ineligible may re-declare biology as their major after raising their UM cumulative GPA and UM biology GPA above the minimum 2.0 required.
Graduate Programs
- Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Master of Arts in Biology
- Doctor of Philosophy Study
Biological Sciences offers programs of study leading to a master of science degree in cellular and molecular biology. In addition, a master of arts degree in biology is offered. The school participates in UMKC's Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Cell Biology/Biophysics and Molecular Biology/Biochemistry.
Graduates with research experience in cell biology and biophysics or molecular biology and biochemistry may enter careers in many areas, including biotechnology, pharmaceutics, academia or governmental research involving the environment, agriculture, energy, defense or health.
General Information About Graduate Programs
Admission
Admission to the school's graduate programs is competitive and students are encouraged to apply early. Applications are reviewed by an admissions committee that evaluates students on the basis of past performance and evidence of ability to pursue graduate studies successfully. The school admits students to its doctoral and master's degree programs throughout the year; however, early application (by Feb. 15) is advised to receive consideration for assistantships and other financial support.
Information on admission to master's or Ph.D. degree programs may be found at the Graduate Programs Web site at http://www.umkc.edu/sbs/graduate/, in the Graduate Academic Regulations and Information section of this catalog, by e-mail to sbs-grad@umkc.edu, or by writing to our graduate programs office at the mailing address at the beginning of this section.
Graduate teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships and fellowships are available through the school and are awarded on a competitive basis. Currently, all fully admitted, full-time doctoral students receive financial support.
To be eligible for admission to the Biological Sciences' graduate programs, the applicant must:
- Possess a bachelor's degree in biological sciences or a related field with a minimum of 120 credit hours, or possess an advanced degree in a health sciences field.
- Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Have sufficient background coursework to undertake graduate studies in biological sciences.
- Have acceptable scores in the Graduate Record Examination aptitude tests. Applicants to the MA Biology program (only) may submit MCAT or DAT scores in place of a GRE score.
- Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student's academic performance and scientific abilities.
Students may be admitted with certain deficiencies, with the stipulation that these can be removed early in the course of study.
Advising
New students will be advised by the principal graduate advisor until they have selected their permanent research advisor. The graduate programs office will contact students in advance of their first semester for information about advising and registration.
Students are responsible for becoming familiar with all academic regulations of the campus as outlined in the catalog and in other University documents.
Requirements for Retention
General requirements for retention of graduate students are described in the Graduate Academic Regulations and Information section of this catalog. For all graduate students, a 3.0 (B) GPA is required for satisfactory progress. No F grades are permitted.
Any doctoral student who receives more than one C grade in a basic course will be dropped from the doctoral program.
Any master's student who receives more than two C grades or more than one C and one D grade in graduate courses will be dropped from the program.