Biology (BIO)

College of Arts and Sciences

 

BIO 500 Basic Principles of Genetics      Credit, 3 hours
Three lectures. Basic principles of inheritance, with emphasis on common human syndromes, Mendelian genetics, pedigree analysis, inheritance of sex, chromosomal aberrations, blood factors, metabolic errors, gene structure, population genetics and genetic counseling. Students may not receive credit for both this course and BIO 530.

BIO 510 Histology      Credit, 4 hours
Two lectures. Two two-hour labs. Tissues, organs, and preparation of tissues for microscopic study.

BIO 520 Parasitology      Credit, 4 hours
Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory period. Protozoa, flatworms, roundworms, and arthropods. Fall semester, odd-numbered years.

BIO 530 Genetics      Credit, 4 hours
Three lectures. One two-hour lab. Mechanisms of inheritance within plants, animals and humans with emphasis on molecular genetics and gene structure as well as classical Mendelian genetics. May not receive credit for this course and BIO 500.

BIO 535 Developmental Biology      Credit, 4 hours
Three lectures. One three-hour lab. 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. Students who have received credit for BIO 430 may not receive credit for BIO 535.

BIO 540 Evolution      Credit, 3 hours
Three lectures. Organic evolution, the process and its products.

BIO 545 Laboratory Instruction in Biology      Credit, 1–6 hours (maximum 3 credit hours per semester)
This course provides a comprehensive study of high school biology laboratory instruction. Through participation in lab preparation and instruction with the Alabama Science in Motion program, as well as independent study and projects, students will address practical applications of the lab experience including safety issues, facilities, equipment, techniques, and education goals. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of lab activities that encourage an inquiry approach to learning. Pending scheduling, lab observation and/or instruction with the ASIM Specialist at a participating school may be required. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary education.

BIO 550 Current Topics in Biology      Credit, 3 hours
Current topics in biology with emphasis on presentation and associated teaching and laboratory methods, materials, and evaluation techniques. Prerequisites: A minimum of a graduate minor in biology and consent of instructor.

BIO 551 Current Topics in Cell Biology      Credit, 3 hours
This course is targeted for graduate students in education, and is intended to make these individuals more aware of current topics in cell biology. The course content includes discussions of the biochemistry of energy generation in a cell, cell structures and functions, and certain specialized cell types.

BIO 552 Introductory Biology Instrumentation      Credit, 1–3 hours
This course is designed to acquaint high school biology teachers with the equipment and lab activities available through the Alabama Science in Motion biology program. It is taught in conjunction with the ASIM Biology Summer Institute. Instruction will include the theory and principles of the equipment available through the program, as well as its practical applications. Lab activities identified as Year 1 labs will be the focus for the introductory course. Special emphasis will be placed on the incorporation of inquiry techniques into laboratory instruction. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, acceptance into the ASIM Year 1 program, and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education.

BIO 554 Advanced Biology Instrumentation      Credit, 1–3 hours
This course is designed to provide a more in-depth view of the equipment available through the Alabama Science in Motion biology program, as well as more advanced lab activities that utilize this equipment. It is taught in conjunction with the ASIM Biology Summer Institute. In addition to the focus on lab activities identified as Year 2 labs, the advanced course will provide additional instruction on troubleshooting equipment operation. Special emphasis will be placed on the incorporation of inquiry techniques into laboratory instruction. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, BIO 552 and/or acceptance into the ASIM Year 2 program, and acceptance into a graduate program in secondary science education.

BIO 555 Histological Technique      Credit, 4 hours
Laboratory methods of fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining, and mounting of tissues of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of biology or consent of instructor.

BIO 560 Field Botany      Credit, 4 hours
Two lectures. One four-hour lab. Taxonomy and ecology of higher plants in Alabama.

BIO 570 Vertebrate Field Zoology      Credit, 4 hours
Two lectures. One four-hour lab. Biology of vertebrates including collection, preservation and identification.

BIO 571 Plant Physiology      Credit, 4 hours
Two lectures. One four-hour lab. Basic principles of plant physiology with emphasis on metabolic processes and the role of auxins in plant growth.

BIO 572 Animal Physiology      Credit, 4 hours
Three lectures. One three-hour lab. Physiological processes of cells and organs, including modern research techniques and laboratory animal surgery.

BIO 580 Special Problems in Biology      Credit, 1–4 hours
Individual research problems completed under the direction of staff.