Alabama's Public Liberal Arts University

Biology Course Description

BIO 100 Principles of Biology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One two-hour laboratory. Origin, development, growth, function, reproduction, evolution, and ecology of plants and animals. Students may not take this course for credit after completing a higher-level biology course with a grade of C or better.

BIO 105 Introductory Biology I, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One two-hour lab. Introduction to biology emphasizing molecular aspects of cells, genetics and physiology.

BIO 106 Introductory Biology II, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One two-hour lab. Introduction to biology emphasizing diversity of living organisms, and the biology and ecology of bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals.

BIO 205 Ecology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour lab. Interrelationships of living organisms and of the environmental factors that influence their behavior and distribution. Prerequisites: BIO 106 and ENG 102.

BIO 206 Genetics, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One two-hour laboratory. Mechanisms of inheritance within plants, animals, and humans, with emphasis on molecular genetics and gene structure, as well as inheritance and evolution. Prerequisites: BIO 105 and MATH 131.

BIO 300 Microbiology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour lab. Taxonomy, morphology, and physiology of microorganisms, with emphasis on bacteria, immunological theory, and techniques. Prerequisites: BIO 105 and CHEM 102. Fall Semester.

BIO 307 Molecular Cell Biology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory. Morphology, basic molecular biochemistry, and function of cells and cellular organelles. Prerequisites: BIO 105 and 206 and CHEM 221.

BIO 310 Plant Systematics, 4 credit hours. Two lectures. Two two-hour labs. A study of plant diversity focusing on local examples of major plant families of the world. Special attention to biological innovations and adaptations, methods of phylogenetic reconstruction, and specimen collection and preservation. Includes collecting excursions to different habitats within the region. Prerequisite: BIO 106.

BIO 341 Anatomy, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory period. Anatomy of humans and other vertebrate animals, emphasizing comparative function and evolution of organ systems. Prerequisites: BIO 105 with a C or better and junior standing; BIO 106 also strongly recommended.

BIO 342 Physiology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory period. Physiology of humans and other vertebrate animals. Study of the mechanisms and processes involved in biological function from cellular to organismal levels, emphasizing their roles in regulation of homeostasis. Prerequisite: BIO 105 with a C or better, CHEM 102 or 122 with a C or better, and junior standing.

BIO 375 Environmental Sampling, 2 credit hours. One two-hour laboratory. Students learn the methods and instruments used to sample chemical, bacteriologic, hydrologic, and meteorologic data. This course entails extensive laboratory time and field work at the local UM Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve. Topics vary. Course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 (CHEM 222 and 230 strongly recommended but not required) and BIO 205. (Cross-listed with CHEM 375.)

BIO 380 Invertebrate Zoology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour lab. Biology of invertebrates, with an emphasis on taxonomy, ecology, and evolution. Lab includes field collection and identification. Prerequisites: BIO 106 and junior standing.

BIO 390 Animal Behavior, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour lab. Examination of animal communication and social interactions, focusing on mate choice, kin relationships, aggression, territoriality, and predation.  Prerequisite: BIO 106.

BIO 410 Histology, 4 credit hours. Two lectures. One three-hour labs. Detailed study of the microscopic structure of animal tissues and organs. Prerequisites: BIO 105; BIO 341 also recommended.

BIO 420 Parasitology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour lab. Protozoa, flatworms, roundworms, and arthropods. Prerequisite: BIO 106.

BIO 425 Molecular Techniques, 4 credit hours. Two lectures. Two two-hour labs. A methods-oriented class focusing on techniques of protein, RNA, and DNA manipulations commonly used in genetic engineering and biotechnology applications.  Prerequisite: BIO 206.

BIO 430 Developmental Biology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory. A study of the development of vertebrates, with special emphasis on human development. Molecular, morphological, and clinical aspects of the development of all major organ systems will be explored. Prerequisite: BIO 341 or consent of instructor.

BIO 435 Conservation Biology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour lab. Study of the scientific efforts to document biodiversity and to understand and reduce the negative impact of human activity on the biosphere.  Prerequisites: BIO 105, 205; BIO 206 recommended.

BIO 440 Evolution, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour lab. Organic evolution, the process and its products. Prerequisite: BIO 206.

BIO 450 Immunology, 4 credit hours. Three lectures. One three-hour lab.  Study of the cellular and molecular basis of immunity and the physiologic operations of the Mammalian immune system.  Prerequisites: BIO 105, CHEM 102 or 122, and junior standing.

BIO 460 Field Botany, 4 credit hours. Two lectures. One four-hour lab. Taxonomy and ecology of higher plants in Alabama. Prerequisite: BIO 106.

BIO 470 Vertebrate Field Zoology, 4 credit hours. Two lectures. Two two-hour labs. Biology of vertebrates, with emphasis on taxonomy, ecology, and evolution. Lab includes field collection and identification. Prerequisites: BIO 106 and junior standing.

BIO 475 Special Topics in Biology, 1-4 credit hours. Designed to introduce students to new topics in biology.

BIO 480 Special Problems in Biology, 1–4 credit hours. Individual research problems completed under the direction of faculty. Open to junior or senior biology students who have a 3.0 GPA or above in all biology courses, or consent of instructor. Topics vary. Course may be repeated for credit as topic changes.