BIOLOGY COURSES
BIOL 100. Principles of Biology
(4)
Three hours lecture per week. Co-requisite: BIOL 100L. This course cannot be used as a prerequisite
for any other Biology course. An introductory overview of the diversity
and characteristics of life and living organisms. Structural and functional
parameters as well as interactive relationships are emphasized.
BIOL 100L. Principles of Biology Lab (0)
Two hours
laboratory per week. Required co-requisite for BIOL 100. An introduction to the
scientific method and exploration.
BIOL 170. Introduction to Ecology and Evolution (4)
Three hours per week. BIOL 170 is a prerequisite for all BIOL and
MSC courses numbered 300 and above. An introduction to ecological and
evolutionary principles shaping the biota and ecosystems of the earth. An
introduction to applications of quantitative techniques in ecology and evolution
will be included in both lecture and laboratory.
BIOL 170L. Introduction to Ecology and Evolution lab (0)
Two and a half hours laboratory per week. Required co-requisite for BIOL
170. An introduction to applications of quantitative techniques in ecology and
evolution.
BIOL 125. Ecology of Man (4)
Three hours lecture and two
hours laboratory per week. An overview of the primary ecological concepts and
how these apply to the problems facing the human species. Population, pollution,
energy and man’s effect on other species will be discussed. Field trips and
quantitative techniques in ecology will be included.
BIOL 127. Ornithology (4; S)
Three hours lecture and two
hours laboratory per week. An introduction to the study of birds, including
their unique characteristics as well as their suitability for demonstrating such
biological principles as adaptation, behavior and evolution. Emphasis will be
placed on local species, and the two-hour session will include field trips,
films and identification of study skins. Binoculars are required (8x or
greater).
BIOL 199. Introduction to Special Topics in Biology (var. 1-4)
This course may be offered on demand. Covering predetermined
introductory special topics of student interest and biological significance.
BIOL 204. Botany (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A “C-” or better in BIOL 170 or MSC 101. BIOL
204 is a prerequisite for select BIOL and MSC courses numbered 300 and above. A
comparative study of structure, function and development of plants, with special
emphasis on the higher plants and their relationship to man and other
animals.
BIOL 207. General Zoology (4)
Three hours lecture and
three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A “C-” or better in BIOL 170 or
MSC 101. BIOL 207 is a prerequisite for select BIOL and MSC courses numbered 300
and above. A study of evolution, general ecology, life histories, physiology,
anatomy and behavior of animals. Laboratory devoted to survey of animal phyla,
anatomy and physiology, and field trips to study animals under natural
conditions
BIOL 208. Introduction to Cellular, Genetic & Molecular Biology
(4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: A “C-” or better in CHEM103 and BIOL 170 or MSC 101. Co-requisite:
CHEM 104 or equivalent. BIOL 208 is a prerequisite for select BIOL and MSC
courses numbered 300 and above. The objective of the course is to introduce
students to the molecular basis of life. The five attributes common to life
(growth, division, specialization, movement and interaction) will be explored on
a molecular level through the study of biochemical structure and function,
metabolism and information storage and transmission. To be included are basic
concepts of both transmission and molecular genetics.
BIOL 214. Human Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise Science
(4)
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory per week. This
course is intended to develop in the student a basic knowledge and understanding
of the structure and functions of the various systems of the body and their
applications to the fields of physical education, exercise science and sport
administration. Laboratory will utilize models, sample dissections, software and
other demonstration materials, along with exercises in and demonstrations of
physiological processes.
BIOL 215. Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4; F)
Three
hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Co-requisite: CHEM 101 or
permission of instructor. This course, a study of the morphology and physiology
of the human, includes sections concerned with basic chemistry of protoplasm and
chemical reactions, structure and function of cells, including mitosis, the
study of histology, with a concentration on organs and organ systems, including
integumentary, musculo-skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive
systems.
BIOL 216. Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4; S)
Three
hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A “C-” or
better in BIOL 215. This course covers the nervous system and special senses,
the endocrine system, the reproductive system, the urinary system including
fluid and electrolyte balance and the respiratory system.
BIOL 221. Nutrition (3; F)
Three hours lecture per week.
Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in CHEM 101. Introduction to human nutrition.
Emphasis on nutritive processes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins and
minerals.
BIOL 222. Microbiology for Health Professionals (4; S)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in CHEM 101 or 103. An introduction to
microorganisms and their relationship to human health and disease. Course topics
include structure, function, and growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, control
of microorganisms, immunity and pathogenesis. This course is part of the
pre-nursing curriculum and will not count towards the Biology, Marine Science or
Biochemistry major requirements.
BIOL 223SI. Oral Presentation in the Biological Sciences (3)
Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in CHEM103 and BIOL 170 or MSC 101. BIOL 223SI
is a prerequisite for select BIOL and MSC courses numbered 300 and above. An
interdisciplinary course designed to enable students to communicate effectively
in a variety of speaking situations routinely encountered by professionals in
the biological sciences. Students will be required to make several oral
presentations.
BIOL 301WI. Microbiology (4;F)
Three hours lecture and
three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL
208, 223SI, and CHEM 104; additionally, BIOL 204 and 207 are required for
biology majors with senior status. The course includes a detailed examination of
the principles of microbiology, including the structure, function and growth of
bacteria and viruses, with emphasis on health, environmental and industrial
applications. Formal scientific papers of laboratory results will be required
with a minimum of 6,000 words.
BIOL/MSC 302. Invertebrate Zoology (4)
Three hours
lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in
BIOL 207; additionally, BIOL 204, 208 and 223SI are required for students with
senior status. An advanced study of the invertebrate phyla with emphasis on the
phylogeny, physiology, morphology and habitat of each taxonomic group.
BIOL 303. Vertebrate Biology (4)
Three hours lecture and
three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL207;
additionally, BIOL204, 208, 223SI are required for students with senior status.
An advanced study of the vertebrates with emphasis on ecology, physiology,
morphology and behavior. Field trips are included.
BIOL 304WI. Ichthyology (4; F)
Three hours lecture and
three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL 207
and 223SI; additionally, BIOL 204 and 208 are required for students with senior
status. An advanced study of fish with emphasis on the ecology, physiology,
morphology and behavior of the Teleosts. Field trips are included. Formal
scientific papers of research and/or laboratory results will be required with a
minimum of 6,000 words.
BIOL 305. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (5)
Two hours
lecture and eight hours laboratory per week, you may have up to 1.5 hours of
conflicting course scheduling with lab times. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in
BIOL 207; additionally, BIOL 204, 208 and 223SI are required for students with
senior status. A comparative study of anatomy and its evolution and
significance in the vertebrates. Laboratory emphasis on the shark, amphibian and
mammal.
BIOL 306. Comparative Vertebrate Embryology (5)
Two
hours lecture and eight hours laboratory per week, you may have up to 1.5 hours
of conflicting course scheduling with lab times. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better
in BIOL 207; additionally, BIOL 204, 208 and 223SI are requiredfor students with
senior status. Comparative study of early development of vertebrates with
laboratory emphasis on the frog, chick and pig.
BIOL 308. Principles of Immunology (4; S)
Three hours
lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in
BIOL 208; additionally, BIOL 204, 207 and 223SI are required for students with
senior status. An in-depth look at the molecular, cellular and organismal
elements of the immune system. Topics covered include: innate and adaptive
immune responses, monoclonal antibodies, ELISA, generation of the B and T cell
receptor repertoires, mechanisms of cellular and humoral mediated immunity,
cytokines, complement, autoimmunity and immune response to pathogens, especially
HIV/AIDS.
BIOL 309. Animal Physiology (4)
Three hours lecture and
three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL 208 and
CHEM 104; CHEM 301 suggested; additionally, BIOL 204, 207 and 223SI are
required for students with senior status. A survey of animal tissue and organ
functions with an emphasis on mammalian systems, specifically humans. Laboratory
will introduce techniques and principles of investigating organ functions.
BIOL 312. Plant Taxonomy (4)
Two hours lecture and four
hours laboratory per week. Pre-requisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL204, 223SI;
additionally, BIOL 207, 208 are required for students with senior status.
Comparative morphology, identification, and classification of flowering plants.
Emphasis on family characteristics and identity of local flora.
BIOL 314. Evolution (3)
Three hours lecture per week.
Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL 204, 207 and 208; additionally, BIOL
223SI is required for students with senior status. A study of history,
mechanisms, and classical examples of the evolution of life. Laboratory will
include a survey of paleontological evidence and classical and recent
literature.
BIOL320WI Human Ecology, Infectious, and Zoonotic Disease
(4)
Three hours lecture and three hours of lab per week.
Pre-requisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL170/170L or MSC101 and BIOL207 and 208;
additionally, BIOL204 and 223SI are required for students with senior status.
Course explores the relationships between human ecology and patterns of
infectious and zoonotic disease occurrence. Students learn the major types of
disease-causing infectious agents and the many ways in which changes in human
populations, behavior, agricultural practices, and social policies can influence
the occurrence of infectious disease. Laboratories emphasize epidemiological and
pathophysiological topics. Formal scientific writing will be required with a
minimum of 6,000 words.
BIOL/MSC 335. Marine Mammal Biology (3)
Three hours
lecture per week. Prerequisities: A “C-” or better in BIOL 207; additionally,
BIOL204, 208 and 223SI are required for students with senior status.
Co-requisite: BIOL/MSC 336 when offered. Comprehensive study of marine mammal
biology including evolution, taxonomy, anatomic and physiologic adaptations to
the marine environment, population dynamics, ecological relationships, use as
bio-monitors of environmental and human health, conservation and legal
issues.
BIOL/MSC 336. Marine Mammal Biology Laboratory (1)
Three
hours laboratory per week. Prerequisities: A “C-” or better in BIOL 207;
additionally, BIOL204, 208 and 223SI are required for students with senior
status. Co-requisite: BIOL/MSC 335. Experiential instruction in marine mammal
morphology, behavior, necropsy, field techniques for biological surveys and
health assessments, husbandry in captive environments.
BIOL 387/388/487/488. Independent Study (var. 1-6)
This
course may be taken for credit more than once, but only four hours will count
toward satisfying departmental degree requirements and only twelve hours will
count toward satisfying University graduation requirements. Prerequisites: A
“C-” or better in BIOL 204, 207, 208, 223SI and permission of instructor. In
consultation with a faculty mentor, students will develop a research plan to
explore a unique biological or marine phenomenon. Appropriate activities
include, but are not limited to, literature reviews, data collection, data
analysis and manuscript/presentation preparation. Students are expected to work
45 hours per credit hour per semester. Graded outcomes must include either a
review paper, a formal scientific paper and/or a presentation. Departmental and
College paperwork must be completed prior to registration and awarding of
credit.
BIOL 390/490. Internship (var. 1-12)
This course may be
taken for credit more than once, but only four hours will count toward
satisfying departmental degree requirements and only twelve hours will count
towards satisfying University graduation requirements. Prerequisites: A “C-” or
better in BIOL 204, 207, 208 and 223SI, cumulative GPA equal to or greater than
2.5 and permission of instructor. In consultation with a faculty supervisor,
students will select an appropriate internship setting to build upon, not
replace, their university course work. Students are expected to work 45 hours
per credit hour per semester. Graded outcomes include, but are not limited to,
journal, paper, oral report and/or presentation. Departmental and College
paperwork must be completed prior to registration and awarding of credit.
BIOL 397/398/497/498. Departmental Honors (var. 1-6)
This course may be taken for credit more than once, but only four
hours will count toward satisfying departmental degree
requirements. Prerequisites: Minimum of two (2) hours from any of BIOL
387/388/487/488, cumulative GPA equal to or greater than 3.5 and permission of
instructor. In consultation with a supervisory committee composed of three
faculty members, students will develop a research plan to explore a unique
biological or marine phenomenon. Appropriate activities include, but are not
limited to, data collection, data analysis and manuscript/presentation
preparation. Students are expected to work 45 hours per credit hour per
semester. Graded outcomes must include both a formal scientific paper and
presentation. Departmental and College paperwork must be completed prior to
registration and awarding of credit.
BIOL 402WI. Cell Biology (4)
Three hours lecture and
three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL 208
and 223SI; additionally, BIOL 204 and 207 are required for biology majors with
senior status. An in-depth introduction to cell structure and function. Topics
covered include: plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix,
intracellular transport, differentiation, proliferation and cell cycle, receptor
signaling and oncogenesis. The lab will introduce techniques used for examining
cellular structure and function. Formal scientific papers of laboratory results
will be required with a minimum of 6,000 words.
BIOL 404. Ecology (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours
laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL 204 and 207;
additionally, BIOL 208 and 223SI are required for students with senior status. A
study of the interrelations of plants and animals with their environment. The
major eco-systems of the Southeastern United States will be studied and
quantitative techniques in ecology and data analysis will be emphasized.
BIOL 406. Advanced Ornithology (4; S)
Three hours lecture
and two hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL 207;
additionally, BIOL 204, 208 and 223SI are required for students with senior
status. This course cannot be taken for
credit if the student has completed BIOL 127. An introduction to the
study of birds, including their unique characteristics as well as their
suitability for demonstrating such biological principles as adaptation, behavior
and evolution. Emphasis will be placed on local species, and the two-hour
session will include field trips, films and identification of study skins. A
significant research project involving both field and library work is required.
Binoculars are required (8x or greater).
BIOL/MSC 412WI. Physiological Ecology (4)
Three hours
lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in
BIOL 204, 207, 223SI, and CHEM 301 or 304; additionally, BIOL 208 is required
for students with senior status. An interdisciplinary approach to the
interrelationship between the organism and environment, and among different
taxa. Major emphasis will be placed on the physiological aspects of aquatic
organisms (notably estuarine and coastal forms). Formal scientific papers of
laboratory results will be required for a minimum of 6,000 words.
BIOL417WI Conservation Biology (4)
Three hours lecture
and three hours of lab per week. Pre-requisites: A “C-” or better in
BIOL170/170L or MSC101 and BIOL204, 207, and 223; additionally, BIOL208 is
required for students with senior status.. This course explores interactions
between humans and the environment, focusing on biodiversity, human populations,
renewable and nonrenewable resources, pollution and waste, and sustainability.
Formal scientific writing will be required with a minimum of 6,000 words.
BIOL 425. Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology I (4; F)
(Course is cross-listed as CHEM 425.) Three hours lecture per week
and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL 208
and CHEM302; additionally, BIOL 204, 207 and 223SI are required for biology
majors with senior status. An examination of the structures and functions of
amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. Enzyme kinetics
and regulation will be discussed. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression and
regulation with emphasis on the processes that make modern recombinant DNA
techniques possible will be studied.
BIOL 426WI. Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology II (4; S)
(Course is cross-listed as CHEM 426.) Three hour lecture per week
and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A “C-” or better in BIOL/CHEM
425, BIOL 223SI. A continuation of modern recombinant DNA techniques, with
emphasis on genetically modified organisms and transgenic expression systems.
The background from these studies and the prerequisite course will then be used
to examine the mechanisms and control of cellular energy metabolism. Formal
scientific papers of research and/or laboratory results will be required with a
minimum of 6,000 words.
BIOL 430. Special Topics in Biology (var.
1-4)
Prerequisites: A “C-” or better in BIOL 204, 207, 208 and
223SI. This semester course may be offered on demand, covering predetermined
special topics of student interest and biological significance, each topic to be
pursued throughout the term. Lectures and discussions will be conducted by the
combined efforts of staff members, visiting speakers and students.
BIOL 432. Student Mentor/Assistant Practicum (2)
Two
meeting hours per week, plus required attendance at BIOL or MSC lectures of an
assigned faculty member. Prerequisite: Minimum of 20 hours of BIOL/MSC credit,
3.0 GPA in major classes and permission of the instructor. This course is
designed to introduce students to the many and various responsibilities of
teaching. Course content will include methods of presentation of material and
workshops on tutoring. Students will be expected to give one lecture, assist in
labs, attend and assist in lectures, grade homework and labs, and provide
tutoring and help for students enrolled in the class.
BIOL 433WI Animal Behavior (3)
Three hours lecture per
week. Prerequisites A “C-” or better in BIOL100/100L or BIOL170/170L
(preferred), BIOL207 is recommended. This course is only open to Psychology
majors. This course examines both the proximate and ultimate processes involved
in shaping animal behavior and highlights the interdisciplinary nature of animal
behavior, drawing from genetics, physiology, psychology, endocrinology, and
conservation. Topics covered include mechanisms of behavior, foraging, defense
against predation, aggression, animal learning, sensory systems, communication,
mating systems, parental care behavior, and human behavior. Course objectives
will be met through lecture, scientific literature, student projects, videos and
field trips to observe both wild and captive animals. Formal scientific writing
will be required with a minimum of 6,000 words.
BIOL 434WI Animal Behavior (3)
Three hours lecture per
week. Prerequisites A “C-” or better in BIOL170/170L or MSC101, BIOL207 and
223SI; additionally, BIOL204 and 208 are required for students with senior
status. This course examines both the proximate and ultimate processes involved
in shaping animal behavior and highlights the interdisciplinary nature of animal
behavior, drawing from genetics, physiology, psychology, endocrinology, and
conservation. Topics covered include mechanisms of behavior, foraging, defense
against predation, aggression, animal learning, sensory systems, communication,
mating systems, parental care behavior, and human behavior. Course objectives
will be met through lecture, scientific literature, student projects, videos and
field trips to observe both wild and captive animals. Formal scientific writing
will be required with a minimum of 6,000 words.
BIOL 499. Senior Seminar (1)
One hour per week.
Prerequisite: a minimum of 20 semester hours completed in biology and/or marine
science, senior status or consent of the instructor. This course must be taken
for a grade and is required of all students majoring in biology and marine
science. Course content will include reviews of subject material by the biology
faculty, student presentations and a departmental exam.