Description of Courses
Most four-semester-hour biology courses meet for three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory work each week during a regular semester. A $37 or $62 lab fee is charged for most labs.
BIO 100. Human Biology. 4 hours. Su., F.
This course is designed for non-biology majors and will cover the basic structure and function of the human body, including all organ systems and human genetics. A $37 lab fee is charged. This course will not count as credit for biology majors.
BIO 110. Principles of Biology. 3 hours. Su., F., Sp.
This course is designed for non-biology majors and will focus on basic biological concepts that will enable students to appreciate the living world and their relationship to it. Topics will include, but are not limited to, scientific method, the cell, genetic basis of life, biodiversity, and ecology. Will meet General Education requirements. Those considering Education as a major should not take this course. Corequisite: BIO 110L Principles of Biology Lab.
BIO 110L. Principles of Biology Lab. 1 hour. Su., F., Sp.
This laboratory will cover the concepts taught in BIO 110 Principles of Biology. A $37 lab fee will be charged. Corequisite: BIO 110 Principles of Biology.
BIO 111. General Biology I. 4 hours. F., Sp., Su.
General principles of biology are studied with a general survey of major phyla of plants throughout the world. A $37 lab fee is charged.
BIO 112. General Biology II. 4 hours. F., Sp., Su.
The major phyla of animals throughout the world are studied with an introduction to genetics and other major fields of biology. A $37 lab fee is charged.
BIO 211. Human Anatomy and Physiology I. 4 hours. Su., F.
An introduction to the structure and function of the cells, tissues and the skeletal and muscular systems of man. A $37 lab fee is charged.
BIO 212. Human Anatomy and Physiology II. 4 hours. Sp.
A continuation of BIO 211 with special emphasis given to the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, excretory, endocrine and digestive systems of the human organism. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisite: BIO 211 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or permission of the instructor.
BIO 215. Microbiology. 4 hours. Sp.
A survey of the microbial world with emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Areas to which students are introduced include: history of microbiology, microbial genetics, techniques of studying microbes, microbes and disease, immunology and microbiology of water and food. A $62 lab fee is charged. Prerequisites: BIO 111 General Biology I or CHE 121 General Chemistry I and CHE 121L General Chemistry I Lab or CHE 111 Chemistry for Health Sciences.
BIO 301. MCAT Preparation. 1 hour. F.
This course is designed to aid students in their individual preparation for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Not only will there be a review of applicable material, but there will also be a strong emphasis on test-taking skills, critical thinking and proper study habits required for adequate preparation. P/F grade only. Can be repeated for credit. Prerequisites (or current enrollment in): BIO 111/112 General Biology I and II, CHE 121/122 General Chemistry I and II, PHS 201 General Physics I, CHE 321 Organic Chemistry I.
BIO 311. Entomology. 4 hours. F. Even years.
A study of the structure, classification, control, life cycle and economic importance of insects. A collection of principle orders of insects is required. Lab required. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisites: BIO 112 Biology II.
BIO 312. Histology. 4 hours. Sp. Even years.
The anatomical and physiological studies of human tissues at the level of the light microscope. A strong emphasis will be placed on gaining a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the four basic tissue types before proceeding to study the major organ systems of the body. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisites: BIO 211 and 212 Human Anatomy I and II.
BIO 315. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. (W) 4 hours. On demand.
Roles of microorganisms in decomposing environmental pollutants, biogeochemical cycling, agricultural wastes, food and drug manufacturing, fermentation, water quality and waste treatment. Industrial applications of microorganisms. A $62 lab fee is charged. Prerequisite: BIO 215 Microbiology.
BIO 318. Pathophysiology. 3 hours. Sp.
The pathological effects of altered physiology of each major organ system will be studied. Particular attention will be given to major diseases that affect the U.S. population. Critical thinking, research findings and scientific knowledge are applied to analyze clinical implications and potential treatments. Prerequisites: CHE 121 General Chemistry I and CHE 121L General Chemistry I Lab or CHE 111 Biochemistry for the Health Sciences, BIO 211 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and current enrollment in BIO 212 Human Anatomy and Physiology II.
BIO 321. Ecology. (W) 4 hours. F.
An introduction to the study of the interrelationships between organisms and their environments. Global cycles and implications will be included. Field trips required. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112 General Biology I and II. This course includes a significant writing component.
BIO 323. Plant Taxonomy. 4 hours. Sp.
A study of the principles of naming, identification, and classification of plants. Laboratory work stresses the structural characteristics of vascular plant families and the use of field manuals in identifying components and provides opportunities to prepare herbarium specimen of the local flora. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisite: BIO111 General Biology I and lab.
BIO 331. Vertebrate Zoology. 4 hours. F. Even years.
Comparisons of the systems of the vertebrates. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112 General Biology I and II. Recommended: BIO 211 and 212 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II.
BIO 333. Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics. 3 hours. F.
This course will focus on the structural and functional relationships of the cell and its organelles. Particular emphasis will be placed on the molecular biology, molecular genetics, molecular research tools and biochemical pathways. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112 General Biology I and II, CHE 121 and 122 General Chemistry I and II, and CHE 121L and 122L General Chemistry I and II Labs.
BIO 334. Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Seminar. (W) 1 hour. F.
This course will immerse the student into peer reviewed scientific literature and provide application of molecular biology techniques discussed in BIO 333. It will teach the student to critically read technically written material. The skills gained in this course will be particularly applicable for those students who plan to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) or who plan to pursue graduate work in biology. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112 General Biology I and II, CHE 121 and 122 General Chemistry I and II, and CHE 121L and 122L General Chemistry I and II Labs. Must be simultaneously enrolled in BIO 333 Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics.
BIO 335. Genetics. 3 hours. Sp.
A study of the principles of heredity including Mendelian genetics, probability, and population genetics. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112 General Biology I and II.
BIO 345. Wildlife Ecology. (W) 4 hours. F. Even years.
A study of the ecology of wildlife species of the southeastern United States. All major wildlife taxa will be included (birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) with special emphasis on natural history and management. This course will involve a significant lab (field) component and may require some extended field trips. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisite: BIO 112 General Biology II; Recommended: BIO 321 Ecology.
BIO 351. Limnology. (W) 4 hours. Sp. Odd years.
A study of the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of lakes and streams. Lab required. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112 General Biology I and II, CHE 121 and 122 General Chemistry I and II, and CHE 121L and 122L General Chemistry I and II Labs.
BIO 355. Natural Resource Conservation. (W) 4 hours. F. Even years.
An integrated study of environmental problems, connections and solutions that center on renewable and nonrenewable resources. Field trips required. A $62 lab fee is charged. This course includes a significant writing component. Same as PHS 355.
BIO 399A. Biology Seminar I. (W) 1 hour. Sp.
BIO 499A. Biology Seminar II. (W) 1 hour. F., Sp.
Selected topics in botany and zoology to acquaint the student with basic and current literature in each discipline. Prerequisites: At least 20 hours in biology and junior standing. One meeting each week. This course includes a significant writing component.
BIO 412. Neuroanatomy. 3 hours. On demand
The anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system will be studied at the cellular, systems and organismal level. Topics will include membrane and cellular physiology, neurotransmission, sensory physiology, neural integration and control systems. Prerequisite: BIO 211 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or equivalent.
BIO 415. Field Biology. (W) 4 hours, Sp., Even years.
Sampling methods and field techniques applicable to the biota of the South. Field experience and study of plant and animal life in selected habitats, including geographical distribution, climatic and soil relationships. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisite: BIO 321 Ecology.
BIO 416. Herpetology. (W) 4 hours. Sp., Even years.
The morphology, systematics, behavior, ecology, and zoogeography of amphibians and reptiles, with emphasis on taxa from the southeastern U.S. Three hours lecture and three hours of laboratory or field work per week. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisite: BIO 112 General Biology II; Recommended: BIO 321 Ecology.
BIO 417. Animal Behavior. (W) 4 hours. F., Odd years.
The function, ecology and development of animal behavior. Three hours lecture and three hours of laboratory or field work per week. A lab fee of $37 will be charged. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112 General Biology I and II; Recommended: BIO 321 Ecology.
BIO 421. Morphology and Anatomy of Vascular Plants. 4 hours. On demand.
A study of the reproduction and structure of vascular plants. Major emphasis will be upon the structure and development of the cells, tissue and organs in the seed plants. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisite: BIO 111 General Biology I.
BIO 422. Embryology. 4 hours. On demand.
A study of the fertilization, formation of germ layers, fetal membranes, placentation and development of the organ systems of the vertebrates. A $37 lab fee is charged. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112 General Biology I and II.
BIO 444. Biological Concepts of Origins. 3 hours., Sp.
Lectures, assigned readings, and discussion on modern theories of origins. Prerequisite: Fifteen hours of biology or permission of instructor.
BIO 498. Research. 1-3 hours. Offered by Individual Instruction.
A research participation course for advanced science students. Students will work closely with the instructor on a research topic of mutual interest. Students should enroll for at least two successive semesters. A research paper is required. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor. Offered only by Individual Instruction. (Student will be charged the Individual Instruction fee of $107 per semester hour, in addition to tuition.)
TOPICAL SEMINARS
BIO 299B/399B. Stalking Wild Foods. 3 hours. On demand.
This course is a study of wild plants in this area that are suitable for food. Identification, habitat, collection, and preparation of these plants for food are studied. Field trips are included. Enrollment limited to 15. Same as FCS 299A/399A.
BIO 299D/399D. Substance Abuse. 3 hours. January Short Course.
A study of narcotics and other dangerous drugs, including alcohol and tobacco. Historical background, physical, psychological, and other aspects of addiction and dependency, and legal aspects are considered. Same as EDU 299A/399A, HEA 299F/399F, and PHS 299A/399A.
BIO 299F/399F. Nature Study. 3 hours. Su.
An introduction to the local plants and animals, biological communities, identification and other phases of our natural surroundings.
BIO 299G/399G. Field Research. 3 hours. Su.
An extended field trip designed to acquaint students with field oriented research. Students will collect and analyze data suitable for publication.
BIO 299I/399I. Environmental Pollution. 3 hours. January Short Course.
An introduction to the major causes of environmental pollution. This course will also focus on the current theories in environmental science that govern global human activity and industry. Same as PHS 299B/399B.