Biology (BIOL)  

BIOL 1100 Biology freshman Semina- Introductory Biological Sciences (1-0-1)

• Pre- or co-requisite for biology majors: BIOL 1107. An introduction to college-level science and specifically the field of the biological sciences. Topics covered will include strategies for success, basic descriptive statistics and data analysis, exposure to possible careers within the field, professional ethics, and resource and library use. Some evening sessions will be required during the semester.

BIOL 1107 Principles of Biology I (3-3-4)

• Co-requisite for biology majors: BIOL 1100. An introduction to the principles of biology for science majors, with an emphasis on the cellular nature of life. Concepts covered include the origin and early evolution of cellular life; cell structure, function, metabolism, and reproduction;
  cell signaling; and gene regulation in bacteria and eukaryotes.

BIOL 1108 Principles of Biology II (3-3-4)

• Prerequisite: BIOL 1107 or permission of the instructor. An introduction to physiological processes in plants and animals. Structure, nutrition, transport, coordination, reproduction, and development will be addressed.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 1010/1020 and 1030/1004, or BIOL 2010 or with the consent of the instructor. Survey of the plant kingdom with greatest emphasis on structure and function of angiosperms. 

• Prerequisite: BIOL 1010/1020 and 1030/1040, or BIOL 2010 or with the consent of the instructor. Survey of the animal kingdom.

• Prerequisite: MATH 1111, BIOL 2230 and BIOL 2270. An introduction to univariate and multivariate analysis of data. Laboratory work will allow students to collect data typical of the diverse disciplines in biology and subject those data to appropriate biometrical analyses, using a calculator or computer. Students will be required to keep a detailed lab notebook of the statistical methods studied and also complete a term project and a scientific report. Two 2-hour laboratory periods per week.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2010; CHEM 1212. Recommend CHEM 3402. Survey of microbiology covering eubacteria, archaebacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, and viruses. Includes fundamental techniques, microbial physiology and genetics, biotechnology, medical applications, and applied microbiology. Two 1.5 hour laboratory periods per week.

• Prerequisite: MATH 1113, BIOL 1107, BIOL 1108, or permission of instructor. A survey of modern genetics, including Mendelian modes of heredity, extensions and variations on Mendelian genetics, chromosomal inheritance and variation, molecular properties of genes,
  and basic quantification of genetic diversity at the population level.

BIOL 3250 Ecology and Evolution (3-3-4)

• Prerequisite: BIOL 1100, BIOL 1107, BIOL 1108, and BIOL 3200, each with a grade of “C” or higher, or permission of instructor. An introduction to major topics in ecology and evolution, including population, community, and ecosystem ecology; Darwinian theory of evolution through natural selection; microevolution and macroevolution. Computer and field labs will provide exposure to both evolutionary theory and field ecology.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230; BIOL 2270; CHEM 1212 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: BIOL 3200, or consent of instructor. Basic ecological principles including behavior of individuals, populations, and communities in the context of their physical and biotic environments. Reviews population genetics and basic evolution; emphasizes scientific method, including the role of theory, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis and scientific writing. Observation and data collection mostly in the field within a variety of local ecosystems. One weekend field trip required.

BIOL 3400 Plant Physiology (3-3-4)

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230; CHEM 1212. An introduction to basic principles of plant function including physical processes occurring in plants, water relations in whole plants and plant tissues, cell physiology and biochemistry, and growth and development.

• Prerequisites: BIOL 2230, BIOL 2270, and CHEM 1212, or permission of instructor. A study of animal physiology with an emphasis on mammalian organ systems. The molecular and cellular aspects of physiology as they relate to these systems are considered.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230; Recommended: BIOL 3100. Biology of fungi with emphasis on morphology, taxonomy, physiology, and ecology, includes the roles of fungi as both beneficial organisms and as causal agents in plant and animal diseases. 

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230. An introduction to the study of the algae, including taxonomy, phylogeny, physiology, and ecology. Laboratories will focus on the examination of live material, and will include methods for the isolation and culture of algae. 

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230. A field-oriented study emphasizing identification, distribution, and ecology of locally occurring seed-bearing plants. Two or three weekend field trips are routinely scheduled. 

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230 and BIOL 2270. A survey of the principles of plant taxonomy that includes identification, nomenclature, evolution, and classification of seed-bearing plants. A systematic survey of plant families will be used with emphasis on local representatives. 

BIOL 3700 Neuroscience (3-0-3)

• Prerequisites: BIOL 2010, BIOL 2230, and BIOL 2270, or consent of the instructor. An exploration of the human nervous system based upon current experimental models. The course will be divided into four areas: neural signaling, sensory input, motor input, and modifications of neuronal circuits. The neurobiology of disease will be emphasized.

BIOL 3800 Invertebrate Zoology (3-3-4) 

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2270. A study of the morphology, phylogeny, and ecology of invertebrates.

BIOL 3840 Entomology (3-3-4)

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2270. Introduction to the study of insect biology including ecology, behavior, and taxonomy. Laboratory includes field observation, sampling and identification of local fauna

BIOL 3870 Parasitology (3-3-4)

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2270. A study of the morphology, life cycles, and host-parasite relationships of representative protozoan and metazoan parasites. Human parasites are emphasized.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2270. A study of the taxonomy, distribution, ecology, behavior and evolution of freshwater and marine fishes. One or two overnight field trips on weekends will be scheduled, with emphasis placed on the collection and preservation of specimens and the identification of habitats occupied by various species. Other field trips scheduled during normal laboratory periods.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2270. Introduction to the study of amphibians and reptiles, including anatomy, physiology, ecology , behavior, and classification coordinated with field study of local species. 

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2270. Lectures on morphology, evolution, ecology, behavior, and distribution of birds of the world. Lab emphasizes gross anatomy and identification of local species by sight and sound; mostly in the field. Five-day field trip to south Florida required; other Saturday trips offered.

BIOL 3960 Wildlife Biology (3-3-4)

• Prerequisites: BIOL 2230 and BIOL 2270, or consent of instructor. General principles and techniques of wildlife conservation, ecology, and management, with an emphasis on life histories and taxonomy of game species of the southeastern United States.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2270. Lectures emphasize morphology, evolution, ecology, zoogeography and classification of mammals of the world. Lab emphasizes gross anatomy and identification of mammal specimens, especially those found in North America. Four-day field trip to Blue Ridge Mountains. (NC) required; Manatee dive (FL) offered.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230; BIOL 2270 or equivalent. Selected topics in the biological sciences. May be repeated if the topic is different. This course does not include a laboratory.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230; BIOL 2270 or equivalent. Selected topics in the biological sciences. May be repeated if the topic is different. This course includes a laboratory.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230. Study of vegetative organization and reproductive cycles of bryophytes, pteridophytes and seed plants, which incorporates phylogenetic and ecological relationships.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230. Origin and development of tissues and organs of vascular plants. The laboratory stresses microtechnique including preparation of plant tissues in paraffin and plastic resins, sectioning, staining for specific components of plant tissues, and use of different optical methods. 

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2270, or with approval of instructor. Anatomical and phylogenetic survey of representative vertebrate animals.

• Prerequisites: BIOL 2230 and BIOL 2270. A study of development from fertilization through embryological stages, with an emphasis placed on experimental embryology and molecular genetic mechanisms in selected model organisms.

• Prerequisite: 8 semester hours of senior college biology courses. Study of vertebrate histology with emphasis on the four primary tissues (epithelium, connective, muscle, and nerve). Laboratory work consists primarily of detailed microscopic study and drawings of tissues from prepared slides. Two 2-hour laboratory periods per week.

• Prerequisite: CHEM 3601. The organization and function of cellular structures in animal, plant, and microbial systems. Emphasis on the molecular basis of metabolism, transport, mobility, nerve conduction, and the cell cycle.

BIOL 4510 Virology (3-0-3)

• Prerequisites: BIOL 3100 or consent of instructor. An introduction to viruses and other non-cellular infectious agents. Topics include the structure and composition of these agents, their replication, effects on their host, and host responses. Methods for studying these agents, their origins and evolution, and their uses in biotechnology will also be discussed.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 3100. Basic concepts of immunology, including antigen and antibody structure, the generation of diversity, the nature of T cell and B cell receptors, cellular cooperation, and the down regulation of immune responses.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230; BIOL 2270; CHEM 1212 or consent of the instructor. The study of the molecular nature of eukaryotic genomes, with
  emphasis on biotechnology. The lecture will focus on using modern molecular genetic techniques as a means to understanding complex eukaryotic genomes. Emphasis will be placed on reading current, relevant scientific literature. The laboratory will involve hands-on experience
  in which the student will learn the latest technology of molecular genetic analysis and manipulation.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 3300. Study of the theoretical aspects and the patterns and processes of micro-and-macro evolutionary change. 

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2270. Introduction to the major concepts of causation, development, evolution, and ecology of animal behavior, emphasizing the behavior of social animals.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 3300. A study of the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of fresh waters. 

BIOL 4750 Population Biology (3-0-3)

• Prerequisite: MATH 1112, MATH 1113, OR MATH 1113H. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3300. A review of the theory and applications of population biology, including single-species population growth models (exponential, geometric, logistic, life tables, state
  and age-structured matrix models, metapopulation models), population genetics models, and multi-species interaction models (competition, predator-prey, succession, and parasite-host). Integrated computer exercises will allow students to manipulate model parameters and understand model predictions and dynamics.

BIOL 4800 Protein Biochemistry 3-3-4

• Prerequisites: BIOL 2230, BIOL 2270, CHEM 1212. The structure and function of proteins, with emphasis on properties of amino acids, protein folding, protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, enzyme kinetics, and enzyme regulation.

• Prerequisite: 12 hours of upper division biology and a GPA of 3.0. Individualized instruction and practice in assisting with the operation of biology laboratory exercises in classes that have one laboratory period per week. The student is assigned to one class section for one semester and is expected to assist with all class laboratories. The practicum is directed by the instructor of the class to which the student is assigned. Credits may not be used as biology electives. (Grade Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory).

• Prerequisite: 12 hours of upper division biology and a GPA of 3.0. Individualized instruction and practice in assisting with the operation of biology laboratory exercises in classes that have two or more laboratory periods per week. The student is assigned to one class section for one semester and is expected to assist with all class laboratories. The practicum is directed by the instructor of the class to which the student is assigned. Credits may not be used as biology electives. (Grade Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory).

• Open to students who qualify for internship programs in the biological sciences. Credit hours granted are agreed on cooperatively by the Biology Department and the internship supervisor, dependent on the nature of the program and academic work experience. Approval forms must be completed before registration. Grade (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) is assigned after submission of written report detailing the work done along with conclusion and evaluation. Only four hours of internship credit may be applied toward graduation requirements. Credits may not be used as biology electives.

BIOL 4860 Pathologist’s Assistant Internship 4 hours credit

• Prerequisites: Completion of 60 hours of credit to include BIOL 2010, BIOL 2239, BIOL 2270; CHEM 1211/1211L; MATH 1112, MATH 1113 or MATH 1113H, MATH 2261 or MATH 2261H, or MATH 2620; and acceptance into the Pathologist’s Assistant Program with Doctors Laboratory, Inc. Graded “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.” Admission to this course and credit hours granted are agreed on cooperatively by the Biology Department and Internship Supervisor, dependent on the nature of the program and academic work experience. Approval forms must be completed before registration. Grade is assigned after submission of a written reporting detailing the work done, along with conclusion and evaluation. Internship credit maybe used only as general elective credit and may not be used as biology electives in the major. In order to qualify for certification, students must be enrolled in this course during each full semester of the junior and senior years. Course may
  be taken four times.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2230; BIOL 2270; completion of all required upper division Biology courses. Discussion and reports of current topics in biology or related sciences. Demonstrated comprehension of topic and competence in communication skills, both oral and written, will receive equal emphasis in assigning course grade. Required of majors during senior year.

• Prerequisite: completion of all required upper-division biology courses with distinctly superior academic records and the consent of the instructor. Limited to selected students with approval of instructor and Department Head. A specific problem to include supervised investigation and a report in format of biological journals.