Biology (BIO)

College of Arts and Sciences

 

(GE) = Approved General Education Course
(WR) = Approved Writing Reinforcement Course

100 Principles of Biology, 4 credit hours (GE)
Three lectures. One two-hour laboratory. Origin, development, growth, function, reproduction, evolution, and ecology of plants and animals. Open to students who do not plan to take additional biology courses.

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

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

205 Ecology, 4 credit hours (WR)
Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory. Interrelationships of living organisms and of the environmental factors that influence their behavior and distribution. Prerequisite: BIO 106.

206 Genetics, 4 credit hours (WR)
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.

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

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.

310 Plant Systematics, 4 credit hours
Two lectures. Two two-hour laboratories. 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.

341 Anatomy, 4 credit hours
Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory. 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.

342 Physiology, 4 credit hours
Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory. 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.

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. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 (CHEM 222 and 230 strongly recommended but not required) and BIO 205. (Cross-listed with CHEM 375.)

380 Invertebrate Zoology, 4 credit hours
Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory. Invertebrate animal phyla, with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution. Prerequisite: BIO 106.

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

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

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

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.

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.

435 Conservation Biology, 4 credit hours
Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory. 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.

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

450 Immunology, 4 credit hours
Three lectures. One three-hour laboratory. 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.

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

470 Vertebrate Field Zoology, 4 credit hours
Two lectures. One four-hour laboratory. Biology of vertebrates, including collection, preservation, and identification. Prerequisite: BIO 106.

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

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.