Description of Courses
BIO BIOLOGY(School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences)
103. Biological Inquiry - 3-2-4
A practical application of the scientific method in the modern world. Laboratories include scientific observation, fieldwork, projects, dissection and experimentation.
105. Human Organism - 3-2-4
Human origins, development, anatomy and physiology, behavior and relationship to Earth through pollution and overpopulation. Labs involve examination of biological principles and human characteristics and processes.
106. Biological Diversity - 3-2-4
Evolutionary relationships of major taxonomic groups-bacteria, protozoans, fungi, plants and animals. Conservation of endangered species and communities. Laboratory includes collection and study of organisms on the Berry College campus.
107. The Great Neglected Diseases - 3-2-4
Introduction to the world's parasitic and infectious diseases that constitute the dominant health concerns in most Third-World countries. This integrative biology course examines anatomical, physiological, ecological, behavioral and other aspects of the host-parasite relationship. Laboratory involves hands-on experience in solving diagnostic, pathologic and forensic problems.
108. Understanding Human Genetics - 3-2-4
Introduction to basic genetics and biotechnology; the biology of the gene including the genetic code and cloning, featuring throughout the impact and ethics posed by biotechnology. Laboratory introduction to techniques in gene manipulation.
111. Principles of Cell Biology - 3-2-4
Introductory chemistry, cell biology, enzymes, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, molecular biology, meiosis/mitosis, and Mendelian genetics.
202. Principles of Zoology - 3-2-4
Evolution, speciation, and animal diversity and physiology. PR: BIO 111 or EVS 104 or CI.
204. Genetics - 3-3-4
Basic genetic concepts including classical Mendelian inheritance, population genetics and molecular concept of gene action. Plant, animal and human genetics are emphasized. PR: BIO 111.
206. Human Anatomy and Physiology I - 3-2-4
Study of cell and tissue structure, function and biochemistry, with a detailed study of the histology, physiology and gross anatomy of the human integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.
207. Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 3-2-4
Continuation of Human Anatomy and Physiology I with a detailed study of the histology, physiology and gross anatomy of the cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, lymphatic, digestive and reproductive systems. PR: BIO 206 or CI.
215. Principles of Microbiology and Botany - 3-2-4
Virus, prokaryote, protist, fungus and plant diversity, and basic plant physiology. PR: BIO 111 or EVS 104 or CI.
300. Cell Biology - 3-3-4
Morphology and physiology of cells; membrane and organelle structure, cell biochemistry, cancer. PR: BIO 111.
301. Microbiology - 2-4-4
Biology and control of microorganisms important in health, agriculture and industry. Chemistry helpful. PR: BIO 111.
303. Comparative Animal Physiology - 3-3-4
The physiological functions and capacities of cells, organs and organ systems in animals. PR: BIO 202.
305. General Ecology - 3-3-4
The relationships of animals, plants and their abiotic environment. Concepts of energy flow, food chains, population dynamics, predator/prey relations and competition. Review of major aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Field work emphasized in laboratory. PR: BIO 202 or 215.
307. Entomology - 3-3-4
General introduction to biology and ecology of insects, including environmental, medical, veterinary and agricultural aspects. Laboratory work emphasizes field studies. PR: BIO 202.
311WI. Field Botany - 2-4-4
Focuses on the physiology, ecology, systematics and evolution of flowering and nonflowering plants. Emphasis on field observation and study on the Berry campus and in other local areas. PR: BIO 215.
313WI. Forest Ecology - 2-4-4
Population, community and ecosystem analysis of temperate forests. Emphasis is on the ecology of forest plants, field-study techniques and data analysis. Laboratories involve an extended field research project focusing on longleaf pines on the Berry campus. PR: BIO 215 and 305.
330WI. Developmental Biology - 3-3-4
Principles and processes of embryonic development, including molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms of differentiation and morphogenesis in animals and plants. PR: BIO 300.
331WI. Invertebrate Zoology - 3-3-4
Survey of the invertebrates, including anatomy, classification, adaptive physiology, behavior and ecology. Laboratory work including dissections and field studies. PR: BIO 202.
332WI. Vertebrate Zoology - 3-3-4
An overview of the morphology, physiology, systematics, behavior and evolution of vertebrate taxa. Laboratory emphasis on species identification of Georgia vertebrates and on aspects of animal behavior and ecology. PR: 202.
335. Parasitology - 3-3-4
Biology of parasites of medical and veterinary importance. PR: BIO 202 or 215.
339WI. Plant Physiology - 3-3-4
Physiological processes of plants, including water relations, carbon fixation, utilization and translocation, growth and development, mineral nutrition, and hormone action. Particular attention to plant/environment interactions. PR: BIO 215.
345WI. Evolutionary Biology - 3-3-4
Introduction to evolutionary processes and the history of evolutionary thought. Emphasis on natural and sexual selection, evolutionary genetics, molecular evolution, adaptation, speciation, evolutionary medicine, and the history of life. Laboratories include field work on campus, trips to local museums, and use of phylogenetic and image-analysis software. PR: BIO 202 and 204.
352WI. Immunology - 3-3-4
Introduction to the essential physiological components, mechanisms and functions of the mammalian immune system, including innate versus acquired immunity, antigen/antibody interactions, B- and T-cell activation, inflammation, tolerance, cytokine signaling, immunity to microbes, immune-based pathology and vaccine strategies. PR: BIO 202.
383. Tropical Biodiversity and Conservation - 2-4-4
An introduction to tropical biodiversity and conservation, including an intensive three-week research-based experience at contrasting field sites in Costa Rica. Lectures and labs focus on the ecology and conservation of tropical ecosystems, while permitting exposure to the politics, culture and language of a developing country. Provides an introduction to field research and to the physical and ecological concepts pivotal to the sustainable management of ecosystems. PR: BIO 202 or 215, or CI. Need authorization form.
405. Conservation Biology - 3-3-4
Practical and theoretical problems facing conservationists, considering ecological principles, fragmentation of habitats, captive breeding and exploitation of resources. Labs will focus on the use of computer modeling in conservation decisions and field trips. PR: BIO 305.
415WI. Behavioral Ecology - 3-3-4
Survival value of animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective; optimization, aggressions, mate choice, parental care, communication and altruism. Labs will focus on data gathering techniques, classic animal behavior, experiments and field trips . PR: BIO 305.
436WI. Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology - 3-0-3
Analysis of the molecular biology of eukaryotic cells. Detailed examination of basic cellular processes, along with the techniques needed to conduct such research. Textbook and lecture supplemented with current research literature. PR: BIO 300.
451. Molecular Biology - 2-4-4
An advanced course in the methods of molecular biology, with emphasis on modern techniques and their application in the laboratory. Examples of topics covered: gene cloning, protein expression systems, sequence analysis and hybridization. PR: either BIO 204 or 300 or CI.
455. Advanced Ecology - 3-0-3
Topics include tropical biology, plant/animal interactions, primatology, canid biology and global change. PR: BIO 305.
465WI. Aquatic Biology - 3-2-4
A field-oriented course that examines current methods in limnology, aquatic sampling techniques, examination of local flora and fauna, aquaculture, stream and lake management and aquatic conservation. Laboratory includes field sampling in local waters and field trips. PR: BIO 305.
480. Advanced Topics in Biology - 1 to 5 hours
Instruction in advanced topics of current interest in biology. May be repeated for credit during separate terms provided the topic is different. Elective for biology major or minor. Course may not be taken more than one time per term.
482. Coral Reef Ecology - 2-4-4
Intensive, field-oriented experience designed to familiarize the student with the coral reef biome, including corals, invertebrates, fishes, algae and macrophytes. PR: BIO 305 and CI.
490. Seminar in Biology - 1-0-1
Special topics and current literature in the biological sciences, including proper use of library resources for literature review and computer search.
496. Academic Internship - 3 to 12 hours
Problem-oriented experiences on specific academic projects relating to the individual student's program of study, planned in consultation with the student's advisor. Departmental approval required; no more than four credit hours may be applied to the biology major as a biology elective. PR: See general provisions for academic internships in this catalog.
498. Directed Study - 1 to 5 hours
Advanced study or individual research of specific problems. Departmental approval required; no more than four credit hours may be applied to the biology major as a biology elective. PR: JS or SS and approval of school dean.
499. Senior Thesis - 2 hours
An optional senior research project with a mentor of the student's choice. Open to seniors with a GPA of 3.3 or better. Two semesters required.