Biology (BIO

The second elementary course in the two-semester course sequence for American Sign Language. The sequence satisfies the University’s second language requirement for B.S. degree programs. ASL is taught using a communicative approach with the majority of class time spent using the language to develop the necessary skills to communicate effectively at an elementary level. Study of deaf culture plays an integral role. Prerequisite: ASL 101 Credit: 3 hours

Reinforcement and progressive oral and expressive/receptive skills and practice of American Sign Language through discussions of contemporary issues pertinent to students’ lives. Application of ideas and issues studied through guided and unguided compositions. Prerequisite: ASL 102 Credit: 3 hours

This course continues to build on an extensive vocabulary and usage focus, as used to communicate on formal and informal registers. It compares and contrasts American mainstream and the world of deaf culture, including nuisances and sociological behaviors. There will be practice telling and analyzing short stories. It provides reinforcement and progressive oral and expressive/receptive skills and practice of American Sign Language through discussions of contemporary issues pertinent to students’ lives. Application of ideas and issues will be studied through guided and unguided compositions. Prerequisite: ASL 201 Credit: 3 hours

The course will provide introductory coverage of the basic cellular concepts with emphasis placed on cellular structure and function, basic chemistry as it relates to biological organisms, scientific method, cellular membranes and transport, cellular replication, inheritance, cellular energetics, biomolecules, and cellular diversity. Laboratory will consist of a course undergraduate research experience, with students participating a project-based laboratory. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Credit: 4 hours

Covers the biology and ecology of microorganisms. Explores concepts of microbial physiology, and basic virology. Laboratory course features the Small World Initiative – a semester long research project aimed at discovering novel antibiotics from soil microbes. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Cannot be applied to Biology major/minor. Credit: 4 hours

Addresses the interrelationships between plants and people. Includes a survey of the past, present, and future uses of plants, and the role of conservation biology in the preservation of plant resources. Three hours lecture. For non-Biology majors only Credit: 3 hours

Focus on the diversity, ecology, behavior and physiology of insects, as well as, the importance of insects in the environment and many harmful pests. The laboratory component will focus on identification of insects to the ordinal level, which will include a collection, and to familiarize the student with field research and insect biology. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Credit: 4 hours

Basic concepts of ecosystem structure and function, and varieties of interactions in the environment. Problems of energy and energy flow, resources, disruptive influences, and man’s response and responsibility. Three hours lecture with lab. Credit: 3 hours (Fall)

A multi-disciplinary approach of applying ecological principles to the analysis and management of agricultural systems. Field trips to farms will be included. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Credit: 4 hours

Study of the physiology of living organisms, with emphasis on human physiology. Includes an overview of growth and development, physiological control, reproduction and genetics. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. For non-Biology majors only Credit: 4 hours

Introduction to the human reproductive system. Includes comparative anatomy, gonadal function in the adult, hormone regulation, puberty, fertilization, establishment of a pregnancy, fetal development, parturition, lactation, reproductive aging, assisted reproductive techniques, and reproductive health issues. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. For non-Biology majors only Credit: 4 hours

Principles of classical and molecular genetics as applied to the human organism. Medical genetics and chromosomal disorders. Modern genetic manipulation. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. For non-Biology majors only Credit: 4 hours

Introduction to the study of organismal diversity emphasizing animals and plants using a phylogenetic approach. Concepts foundational to population and community ecology, evolutionary biology, and human systems presented. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Intended for Biology majors and minors only and not recommended for non-majors seeking lab science credit. Credit: 4 hours

Survey of the biology of the major groups of animals. Phylogenetic relationship is basis for examination of major patterns of structure, physiology, behavior, and natural history. Laboratory includes field work. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 101 & 160 with grades of “C-” or higher or Biology 101 and Biology/Environmental Biology 115 with grades of CCredit: 4 hours

This course highlights molecular processes at the cellular level. Emphasis will be placed on eukaryotic organisms covering the endomembrane system, cell cycle, cell communication, central dogma of genetics; that includes DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein translation; and population genetics. Laboratory will consist of a course undergraduate research experience, with students participating a project-based laboratory. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 101 and 160 with a C- or better. Credit: 4 hours

This course will introduce the principles of animal agriculture and management. Focus will include the biological fundamentals of animal development, inheritance, animal breeds, animal physiology, and reproduction as it relates to the animal industry and products. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Credit: 4 hours

Evolution of the plant kingdom and related organisms with a focus on life cycles; ecology and adaptation; structure and function; growth and development; medical and economic significance. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 101 & 160 with grades of “C-” or higher or Biology 101 and Biology/Environmental Biology 115 with grades of CCredit: 4 hours

Fundamental principles of human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology of the human integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine system. May serve as a prerequisite for Allied Health programs such as Nursing. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. May not be counted towards the major or minor in Biology. Prerequisite: Biology 101 with a grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 4 hours (Fall)

Fundamental principles of human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology of human circulatory, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems and fundamentals of metabolism, nutrition, and acid-base and fluid / electrolyte balance. May serve as a prerequisite for Allied Health programs such as Nursing. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. May not be counted towards the major or minor in Biology. Prerequisite: Biology 101 and Biology 211 with a grade of “C-” or higher. Credit: 4 hours (Spring)

General biology of microbial cell structure, physiology, metabolism, genetics, basic virology, microbe-human interactions, disease pathogenesis, and fundamental immunology will be explored. Laboratory includes the use of classical microbiological techniques including culturing, microscopy, staining, and aseptic technique; evaluation and identification of pure microbial cultures, and investigation of the human microbiome. Appropriate for students in allied health fields, such as nursing or occupational therapy. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. May not be used towards major or minor in Biology. Prerequisite: Biology 101 & Chemistry 101 or Chemistry 102 with grade of “C-” or higher; or consent of professor Credit: 4 hours (Spring)

Introductory to intermediate coverage of the basic concepts of classical genetics. Principles of Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Inheritance; Multigenic Inheritance, Cytogenetics and Population Genetics. Prerequisite: Biology 101 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours (Fall and Spring)

Integrated lecture/laboratory/field study examining the anatomy, physiology, identification, and natural history of birds. Students are expected to supply their own binoculars. Three and one-half hours per week of lecture/laboratory/field study. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Biology 101 and 200/205 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours (Spring, odd years)

This course will provide the student with an evolutionary progression of taxonomic characteristics of invertebrates, a basic understanding of the anatomy, natural history, and ecology of selected invertebrates. Prerequisite: Biology 200 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours (Fall, even years)

This course is the first half of a two-course sequence that focuses on the intricate physiological mechanisms that govern development and growth, integration and coordination, and the maintenance and regulation of homeostasis. Special emphases will be given to control systems, compartmentation, membrane dynamics, structural design, muscle mechanics, and the integration of function. Laboratory sessions will focus on the relationship between structure and function, through histological examination of animal tissues and detailed dissections of mammalian organs, systems, and whole organisms. In addition, students will investigate the underlying physiological processes of major body systems through inquiry-based physiological experiments and analysis of scientific literature. BIO 311 and BIO 311L are corequisites and must be taken in the same semester. Prerequisite: Biology 201 & 200/205 with grades of “C-” or higher; or consent of professor Credit: 4 hours

This course is the second of a two-semester sequence that builds on principles from Biology 311. It focuses on cellular communication and feedback mechanisms associated with the endocrine system used by cells, tissues, organs and interactions between multiple body systems to maintain homeostasis. Special emphasis will be placed on water, ion, nutrient, and metabolic balance, blood and hemodynamics, immune responses, respiration and gas exchange, chemical and physical digestion, waste excretion, and reproduction. The laboratory session will focus on how structure relates to physiological function through histological identification and detailed dissection of mammalian organs and tissues. In addition, students will investigate the underlying physiological processes of major body systems through inquiry-based physiological experimentation and analysis of scientific literature. BIO 312 and BIO 312L are corequisites and must be taken in the same semester. Course Prerequisites: Biology 311 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 4 hours

Anatomy and physiology of human organ systems. Laboratory includes whole organ and whole animal dissections, and measurements of physiological processes. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. This one-semester course serves as a prerequisite for graduate professional programs that require only 4 credit hours of Human Anatomy and Physiology, such as Pharmacy. Course Prerequisites: Biology 101 and Chemistry 101 with grades of “C-” or higher Credit: 4 hours

Biology of microorganisms with emphasis on microbial cell structure, physiology, metabolism, genetics, medical and ecological importance, basic virology and immunology. Laboratory includes the use of classical techniques including culturing, microscopy, staining, and aseptic technique; evaluation of microbial samples – pure, and environmental. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 201 & 200/205 with grades of “C-” or higher; or consent of professor Credit: 4 hours

Study of the Earth’s marine life and ocean ecosystems; ecological relationships among different forms of sea life and their interactions with the physical environment of the world’s oceans. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Environmental Biology 115 or Biology 115 with “C-” or higher or Biology 200/205 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours

This course is designed to educate students about major issues in the food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences and to expose students to a variety of methods used to critically evaluate contentious issues and effectively communicate, inform, and influence decisions made about these issues. Credit: 3 hours

Intermediate to advanced coverage of the structure and function of nucleic acids. Principles of genomic analysis and recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory focus on techniques of biotechnology and bioinformatics. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 240 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 4 hours (Fall and Spring)

Animal communication, development of behavior, animal-plant interactions, adaptations, and other fundamental topics in ethology will be explored. Standard lecture and student participation in scientific article discussions in the field of animal behavior. Designing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting group research projects involving animal behavior and presenting results to class in various formats. This course is designed for upper level advanced biology majors and will both introduce many new aspects of animal behavior while reinforcing major topics from other Biology courses. Active participation and attendance in class meetings, discussions, and lectures is essential and mandatory. Prerequisite: Biology 200 or 205 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours

Principles of veterinary and medical parasitology. Diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infection. Taxonomy and anatomy of parasitic organisms. Prerequisite: Biology 200 with grade of “C-” or higher; Microbiology strongly recommended Credit: 3 hours (Spring, even years)

Introduction to the study of amphibian and reptile diversity, life history, ecology, and evolution using a phylogenetic approach, with an emphasis on North Carolina herpetofauna. This course will include required local and regional field excursions and short-term research studies. In addition, this course will include scientific journal discussions relevant to the field of herpetology. Three hours lecture. For Biology/Environmental Biology majors only. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Biology 101 & Biology 160 with a grade of “C-” or higher; or Biology 115 & Biology 101 with a grade of “C-” or higher; or permission of instructor. Credit: 3 hours

Focus on plant family characteristics using a phylogenetic approach, nomenclature, structural characteristics, and identification of species using a dichotomous key. Laboratory emphasizes identification of regional flora focusing on gymnosperms and angiosperms. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Biology 205 & 240 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 4 hours

Study of advanced cell structure and mechanisms that regulate cell function. Topics include protein trafficking, signal transduction, and cellular migration, cell cycle control and apoptosis, & stem cells, differentiation and gene regulation with an emphasis in health and disease. Laboratory will utilize current methodologies for the manipulation, purification, identification, and functional analysis of cellular components. Prerequisite: Biology 240 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 4 hours (Spring)

Theory and application of environmental microbiology. Basic principles of microbiology are applied to the study of microbial ecology in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and microbial interactions within organismal populations. Laboratory course explores current techniques in studying microbial ecology. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 320 & Chemistry 101 & Chemistry 102 with grade of “C-” or higher; or consent of professor Credit: 4 hours

Introduction to basic principles of virology. Virus-host interactions; bacteriophages; viral pathogens of Eukaryotic cells. Viral diseases; cancer virology; impact of viruses on human health and society. Viruses as research systems. Viruses as tools for genetic manipulation of host cells. Prerequisite: Biology 340 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours

Selected topics in biology involving student presentations and discussions. Capstone course in the major. Two hours lecture. Prerequisite: Consent of professor. Credit: 3 hours

Focus on the evolution, diversity, behavior and physiology of insects. The laboratory component focuses on identification of insects to the ordinal and family level, and will include a collection of at least 75 specimens, prepared and mounted via professional methods. Prerequisite: Biology 200 with a grade of “C” or higher; or consent of professor. Credit: 4 hours (Fall, odd years)

Functional and anatomical processes that control reproduction in mammals and avian species. Laboratory will include gross anatomical dissection and microscopic study of the male and female reproductive system, studies of endocrinology associated with embryonic development and pregnancy, palpation and ultrasonography of pregnancy, and reproductive management of mammals. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 312 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 4 hours (Fall, odd years)

A conceptual course focusing on underlying principles of pathophysiology. Course topics will include cell injury, inflammatory processes, neoplasia, metabolic disturbances, pain, degenerative processes, and general dysfunction of organ systems. Prerequisite: Biology 312 & Biology 320 or Biology 340 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours

Comparative study of the diverse functional characteristics of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms; special emphasis given to physiological adaptations to aquatic and terrestrial environments. Topics include temperature acclimation, osmoregulation, excretion, circulation and respiration. Laboratory includes computer assisted analysis of physiological mechanisms using animal models’ systems. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 312 with grade of “C-” or higher, or consent of professor Credit: 4 hours (Spring, even years)

Microscopic anatomy and identification of cells, tissues, and organs; introduction to histological techniques and preparation. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 312 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 4 hours (Fall, even years)

Integrated study of the immune system including the molecules, cells, and tissues that coordinate the development, activation, effector functions, and regulation of an immune response. Connections to disease models and applications of immunological techniques will be emphasized. Three hours lecture. Prerequisites: Biology 340 or 380 with “C-” or higher. Credit: 3 hours (Fall, even years)

Patterns of distribution and abundance of animals, stressing natural selection, adaptation, population dynamics, community interactions, community structure, and ecosystem function. Includes fieldwork during lab. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Biology 200 with “C-” or higher, Biology 205 strongly recommended. Credit: 4 hours

Biotic & abiotic factors affecting the distribution, abundance, and diversity of plant species at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Theoretical and applied aspects of plant ecology and evolution will be considered. Includes a significant writing component for lecture and laboratory. Laboratory emphasizes field data collection methods. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Biology 205 with grade of “C-” or higher, Biology 200 strongly recommended Credit: 4 hours

Study of transport of water and solutes, metabolism, and growth and development of plants. Topics include water uptake and balance, mineral nutrition, solute transport, photosynthesis and respiration, stress physiology, hormones, flowering, and tropisms. Laboratory emphasizes plant physiology at the whole-plant level. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Biology 205 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours

Structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Pathways of intermediary metabolism; thermodynamics, and regulation of rate-limiting enzymes. Signal transduction across membranes, and integration and regulation of metabolism. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: Biology 101 & Chemistry 201 with grade of “C-” or higher; Biology 340 highly recommended Credit: 3 hours (Fall)

Basic principles of wildlife management; study of how wildlife populations are maintained in natural and disturbed communities. Prerequisite: Environmental Biology 115 or Biology 115 or Biology 101 & Biology 200 Credit: 3 hours

Principles of modern evolutionary thought; an investigation of the molecular mechanisms, patterns, and consequences of genetic change at the cellular, organismic, and population level. Prerequisite: Biology 340 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours

The study of core operational principles of the nervous system with special emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms in the organization and functions of the nervous system. Topics include membrane potentials, neuronal circuits, synaptic structure and transmission, signal transduction, sensory systems, development and plasticity, learning and memory, and neurological diseases. Laboratory component examines the gross anatomy and microscopic study of the central nervous system, computer-assisted neurophysiology experimentation and a semester long behavior project. 3 hours lecture; 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 312 with grade of “C-” or higher, or with consent of instructor Credit: 4 hours

Study of cell and molecular processes altered by genetic, epigenetic, and micro environmental changes that contribute to cancer initiation, tumor development, and its progression into a metastatic disease. These topics will be evaluated in alignment with the Hallmarks of Cancer as established by Hanahan and Weinberg to determine the cellular changes that are required in order for a cancer cell to thrive. Implications to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment explored through primary literature. Prerequisite: Biology 380 with grade of “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours (Fall, odd years)

Individual study of a topic of interest and concern to the student. May involve directed reading and/or experimental work in consultation with and supervision by a biology faculty member. May be repeated for credit (with approval of biology faculty). Offered on demand. Prerequisite: 2.0 GPA; approval of Biology chairperson and Dean of the College 30 days prior to study Credit: 1-4 hours

The course is designed to encourage Biology majors to enroll as a Supplemental Instructor or Laboratory Assistant to gain teaching assistant experience. Students must have made an A or B in the course of interest. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: Overall 3.0 GPA; consent of professor Credit: 1-2 hours

Special topics of interest in Biology. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and consent of professor. Credit: 1-4 hours

Required of majors in the last semester before graduation. Graded on P/F basis. Credit: 0 hours