Professors Jenkins, Jorgensen; Associate Professor Adkisson; Assistant Professors Alessa, Gardner, Pfeiffer, Pysh; Part-time Senior Lecturers Garden, Rosenzweig; Part-time Lecturers Crozier, Curtis
All students seeking a degree in Biology are required to complete eight units of Biology including Biology 115, 120, 215, 220 (1/2 unit), Biology 455 (1/2 unit) and one unit from each of four core areas: Molecular or Cell, Organismal (A), Organismal (B) and Ecological. Students seeking the B.S. degree must complete four units of Chemistry (111, 112, 221, 222), two units of Physics (103/104 or 225/226), and two units of Mathematics/Statistics (STAT 101 and MATH 112 or higher; the Math 121/122 sequence is recommended). Students seeking the B.A. in Biology must complete one unit of Chemistry (101 or 111), one unit of Physics including a laboratory (101 or other), and two units of Mathematics/Statistics (STAT 101 and MATH 110 or higher).
A student's program of study in Biology consists of five required courses together with a minimum of four other courses for both B.A. and B.S. candidates. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the Biology faculty to fit a student's particular interest and to help her/him pursue specific career goals. In order to ensure breadth of coverage, students must include as part of their course of study a minimum number of courses from the core areas listed below. (NOTE: An internship may NOT be used for major credit.)
Courses required of all Biology majors:
115 Diversity of Life
120 Continuity of Life
215 Components of Life
220 Scientific Inquiry: How Biologists Work
455 Seminar
Biology core areas:
A. Molecular or Cell Courses (one unit required of all majors)
390 Advanced Cell Biology
420 Developmental Biology
430 Immunology
490 Molecular Genetics
B. Organismal Courses (one unit from Group A and one unit from Group B required of all majors)
A.
240 Algae & Fungi
265 Plant Kingdom
365 Plant Anatomy & Physiology
B.
270 Invertebrate Biology
275 Vertebrate Biology
320 Animal Behavior
375 Comparative Animal Physiology
C. Ecological Courses (one unit required of all majors)
200 Environmental Science
300 Aquatic Ecology
360 Terrestrial Ecology
These course pairs will usually be offered on an alternating year basis: Plant Kingdom (265)/Plant Anatomy and Physiology (365); Vertebrate Biology (275)/Aquatic Ecology (300); Invertebrate Biology (270)/Comparative Animal Physiology (375); and Advanced Cell Biology (390)/Immunology (430).
Chemistry 341 (Biochemistry I) may be used for major credit.A minor in Biology requires six units of Biology coursework. Student research (Biology 350/355) and Internship (Biology 450) may count for no more than two of the required six units.
101 Life on Planet Earth
An introduction to principles of biology as related to life in modern society. Designed to provide students with the broad background in biological science necessary to understand current issues ranging from environmental biology to human health and physiology. (Open to non-majors only.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
115 Diversity of Life
The first course in a four-semester introductory sequence for biology majors. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ecology and biotic diversity, focusing on the organisms present on our planet and the interactions of these organisms and their environment. (Students intending to major in biology should enroll in this course the fall semester of their freshman year.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
120 Continuity of Life
The second course in a four-semester introductory sequence for biology majors. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fields of evolution and genetics, focusing on the role of the genetic material in inheritance and the processes by which changes in this genetic material can lead to the amazing diversity of life present today. (Students intending to major in biology should enroll in this course the spring semester of their freshman year. Prospective biology majors should enroll in BIOL 115 before enrolling in BIOL 120.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
200 Environmental Science
An analysis of current and emerging environmental issues/problems facing life on our planet. The extent of human impact on the biosphere will be particularly emphasized. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 101 or 115, and Chemistry 101 or 111.
(Cross-listed as ENVI 200.)
210 Genetics
Principles of gene inheritance, gene structure, gene function, and control of gene activity. (1) (This course will not be offered beyond the Academic Year 1999-2000.)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 160. (This course is no longer being offered.)
215 Components of Life
The third course in a four-semester introductory sequence for biology majors. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fields of molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry, focusing on cellular and subcellular processes and the structure and function of oranelles. (Students intending to major in biology should enroll in this course the fall semester of their sophomore year.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 120.
220 Scientific Inquiry: How Biologists Work
The fourth course in a four-semester introductory sequence for biology majors. Using a combination of experimental, computer, and writing exercises, students learn to organize research, analyze data, and write creatively and critically in the tradition of the biological sciences. (Students intending to major in biology should enroll in this course the spring semester of their sophomore year.) (1/2)
Lecture: 1 1/2 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Structure and function of the human body at the cell and organ system levels, covering general cell structure and function, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. (This class has a strictly enforced registration restriction with preference given to declared Physical Education majors; this course is an elective for Biology majors.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 101 or 120.
240 Algae and Fungi
Morphology, physiology, and ecology of these organisms will be emphasized including field trips to study them in their natural habitats. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 115 and 120.
250 Field Biology
Principles of field biology, with emphasis on faunal and floral surveys; ecological and behavioral interactions are considered. Primary study areas are ecosystems of the southern Appalachians. (Only one unit will be counted toward the major.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Field Work.
Prerequisites: Biology 115 and 120.
260 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Structure and function of the human body at the cell and organ system levels, covering the endocrine, digestive, resp-iratory, circulatory, excretory, and reproductive systems. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 230.
265 The Plant Kingdom
The evolutionary relationships, life histories, and field studies of mosses, ferns, and vascular plants. Field trips to identify and study local spring wildflowers during the second half of the course. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 115 and 120.
(Offered in alternate years.)
270 Invertebrate Biology
A study of the invertebrate animals including phylogenetic
relationships among the taxa and focusing on the physiology, embryology, ecology, and behavior of representative forms. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 115 and 120.
(Offered in alternate years.)
275 Vertebrate Biology
Identification, morphology, phylogeny, zoogeography, ecological physiology, and behavior of vertebrates. (1)
Lecture 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 115 and 120.
300 Aquatic Ecology
Synthesis of biological, chemical, and physical factors and processes in streams and lakes. Field work and laboratory analyses of samples collected. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
(Offered in alternate years.)
310 Modeling Environmental Interactions
An introduction to computer simulation modeling of biological, chemical, and physical processes with application to problems in environmental science. No experience with computer programming is necessary. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Four courses in natural science. MATH 112 or 121, and one additional course in mathematics or statistics.
(Cross-listed as ENVI 310.)
320 Animal Behavior
The behavior of representative animals with emphasis on the evolution, adaptive significance, and causation of behavior patterns. The laboratory will emphasize the study of animals in their natural habitats. (Occasionally, early morning or afternoon Saturday field trips will be required.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
340 Research Preparation
A consideration of techniques for writing research proposals; for conducting research, including experimental design, data collection and interpretation; and for presenting research results orally and in written form suitable for publication. Includes literature search methods, computerized data analysis, and illustration techniques. Culminates in proposal for Senior Research. (1/2) (This course will not be offered beyond Academic Year 1999-2000.)
Lecture: 1 1/2 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Must be declared Biology major with Junior class standing.
350 Student Research
Problems chosen and carried out under the direction of a member of the departmental staff. (1)
Prerequisite: Biology; open to majors and minors with permission of the department.
355 Student Research
Problems chosen and carried out under the direction of a member of the departmental staff. (No more than one unit may be counted toward the major.) (1/2)
Prerequisite: Biology ; open to majors and minors with permission of the department.
360 Terrestrial Ecology
Plant and animal communities in selected habitats, and the environmental factors important in community formation. (Occasionally, early morning or afternoon Saturday field trips will be required.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
365 Plant Anatomy and Physiology
Cellular, tissue, and organ anatomy of conifers and flowering plants will be studied in detail leading to advanced work in tissue culture, hormonal and light influenced growth responses. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
(Offered in alternate years.)
375 Comparative Animal Physiology
A study of function at the organ system and cellular levels in a variety of animal forms. Emphasis will be placed on comparing how different animals solve similar physiological problems with particular reference to physiological adaption to different habitats. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
(Offered in alternate years.)
390 Advanced Cell Biology
The genetics, biochemistry and physiology of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells at the molecular level. Topics include control of gene expression, protein synthesis, signal transduction and membrane physiology. The laboratory makes extensive use of current techniques in cellular and molecular biology, and places emphasis on student-designed experiments. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: BIOL 215.
420 Developmental Biology
An examination of embryonic development at the molecular and cellular levels. Topics will include genetic control of developmental processes, cell-cell signaling, and the molecular basis of differentiation and pattern formation. Examples from vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant systems will be used. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 215.
430 Immunology
An advanced course for students with a strong background in cell biology. Principles of vertebrate immune systems with emphasis on the cellular and molecular basis of immune responses. Regular readings will be assigned from the current primary scientific literature. Includes topics required for NAACLS transcripts acceptance. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
440 Microbiology
The general concepts of microbiology, and the techniques employed in this area. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 215 and Chemistry 221 or permission.
450 Internship
Work experience in a field of professional biology under the guidance of a member of the biology faculty. (May not be counted as one of the required courses for the Biology major.) (1)
Prerequisite: Biology 220 or permission.
455 Seminar
A semester-long inquiry into a specialized topic in one of six general areas: Cell Biology, Genetics, Animal Biology, Plant Biology, Evolution, or Ecology. Using the primary literature principally, students will summarize the current knowledge in an area through both oral, poster, and written presentations. Special emphasis will be placed on analysis of the application of specific techniques and methodologies in contemporary biological investigations. (1/2)
Lecture: 1 1/2 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.
460 Senior Research
Problems chosen and carried out under the direction of a member of the departmental faculty. (Open to B.S. majors with permission of the department and completion of Biology 340. Must be followed by Biology 470, Senior Thesis.) (1)
Prerequisites: Biology 220.
470 Senior Thesis
Preparation of a written summary of a senior research project carried out under the supervision of a Department faculty member. An oral presentation will be required. (1)
Prerequisite: Open to B.S. majors with permission of the department and upon completion of Biology 410.
490 Molecular Genetics
This course integrates a basic knowledge of the molecular events of gene expression with the development and use of recombinant DNA technology. Several of these gene-manipulation techniques (e.g. cloning, restriction mapping, DNA sequencing) are applied in the lab as students carry out semester-long mini-research projects. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 215.
(Offered in alternate years.)
495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance.
Prerequisite: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major, a student in his/her senior year or in the summer prior to the senior year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and department. A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. 495 Honors Project is prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. (1/2, 1, 1/2)