Biology Courses
Required Courses for the B.A. in Biology
BIOL 3600
Evolution
Advanced study of the evolution of life on earth. Topics will include evolution at the molecular through population levels, human evolution, and the history of evolutionary thought. Prerequisites or corequisites: Junior or senior standing and BIOL 1501, BIOL 1502, and BIOL 1503.
BIOL 4501
Biology Capstone
A capstone experience for senior biology majors that will integrate material learned in the major. A project will be completed that includes reading, writing, synthesis, analysis and public speaking. Prerequisite: BIOL 2503 and Senior standing.
CHEM 1501
General Chemistry I
A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, bonding, and periodicity. Lecture and Laboratory.
CHEM 1502
CHEM 1502 Lab
BIOL 3600
Evolution
Advanced study of the evolution of life on earth. Topics will include evolution at the molecular through population levels, human evolution, and the history of evolutionary thought. Prerequisites or corequisites: Junior or senior standing and BIOL 1501, BIOL 1502, and BIOL 1503.
BIOL 4501
Biology Capstone
A capstone experience for senior biology majors that will integrate material learned in the major. A project will be completed that includes reading, writing, synthesis, analysis and public speaking. Prerequisite: BIOL 2503 and Senior standing.
CHEM 1501
General Chemistry I
A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, bonding, and periodicity. Lecture and Laboratory.
CHEM 1502
CHEM 1502 Lab
Two Courses - Must Be from Two Different Areas:
Area 1: Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIOL 3511
BIOL 3511 Lab
BIOL 3552
Biochemistry
Same as CHEM 3552. An introduction to the chemistry of cellular processes, to include protein conformation and function, the generation and storage of metabolic energy, and the biosynthesis of important cellular structures as the main themes. The course will include a seminar emphasizing representative case studies involving the clinical application of biochemical knowledge. Prerequisite: CHEM 2602.
BIOL 3562
Microbiology & Immunology
The biology of microorganisms including systematics, metabolism, pathogenic mechanisms, and industrial uses. The cellular and humoral immune responses of vertebrates are emphasized in lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1501.
BIOL 3590
Cell Biology
BIOL 3591
Genetics
A general study of the basic principles of inheritance, the chemical, structural, and functional bases of genetic material, and quantitative and population genetics. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1501.
Area 2: Organismal Biology
BIOL 3512
Topics in Organismal Bio
An upper level course on a topic in organismal biology not listed in the College Catalog. Credit will vary with the number or lectures and laboratories per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 1502 and permission of Instructor.
BIOL 3509
Dendrology
A study of woody plants, to include identification, classification, distinguishing characteristics, forest measurements, habits, ranges and habitats, with emphasis on the southeastern United States. Lecture, laboratory and field work. Prerequisite: BIOL 1101 or BIOL 1502 or ENV 1402.
BIOL 3521
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
A study of the past record of evolution (temporal diversity or phylogeny) and the present result of evolution (spatial diversity) of the organs and organ systems of vertebrates with consideration given to their functional adaptations. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502.
BIOL 3565
Parasitology
The biology of parasitic organisms and the interaction with their hosts. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502.
BIOL 3575
Plant Taxonomy
Classification and systematic survey of vascular plants, principles and methods of systematic botany, general evolutionary relationships and the development of technical keying skills. Lecture, Laboratory and overnight field trips. Prerequisites: BIOL 1502 and BIOL 1503 or ENV 1402 and BIOL 1503.
BIOL 3580
Animal Physiology
The study of function at the cellular, organ, and organismic level. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502.
Area 3: Ecology
BIOL 2450
Ornithology
A study of the biology of birds, to include their behavior, conservation, ecology, evolution, flight and migration. The lab will emphasize identification of birds in the wild and will also include opportunities to capture and band wild birds. One overnight weekend trip is required.
BIOL 2509
Field Botany
An introduction to the study of plants in the field, including winter botany, plant identification, reproductive ecology, useful and harmful plants, and a general treatment of the vegetation and plant communities of North Carolina. Lecture, laboratory and field work.
BIOL 3513
Topics in Ecology
An upper level course on a topic in ecology not listed in the College Catalog. Credit will vary with the number of lectures and laboratories offered per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 1503 and permission of Instructor.
BIOL 3527
Vertebrate Ecology
A study of vertebrate ecology, particularly how scientists learn about vertebrates by studying them in the wild. Topics will include vertebrate distribution, abundance, behavior, conservation, and evolution. Labs will emphasize sampling vertebrate populations and communities. Lecture and Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1503.
BIOL 3593
BIOL 3593 Lab
BIOL 3599
Behavioral Ecology
A study of the ways in which an animal's behavior contributes to the survival and reproductive success of individuals. Topics include social behavior, predator-prey interactions, foraging decisions, mate choice, and parental care. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1503.
Biology Electives (2000 level & above - 4 hours)
Required Courses for the B.S. in Biology
BIOL 1501
Molecules and Cells
An introduction to the chemical and cellular basis of life for natural science majors. This course will examine biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell division, genetics, molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1501.
BIOL 1502
Structure & Func of Organisms
An introduction to the morphology and physiology of plants and animals for natural science majors. This course will emphasize the diversity of structure and function among living organisms. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1502.
BIOL 1503
Ecology & Evolution
An introduction to principles of ecology and evolution for natural science majors. This course will examine ecosystems, populations, biogeochemical cycles, biogeography, natural selection, and speciation. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1503.
BIOL 2503
Biological Research Methods
An introduction to biological research including experimental design, data analysis, statistics, literature review, scientific writing and scientific speaking. Prerequisite: BIOL 1501, BIOL 1502, or BIOL 1503.
BIOL 3600
Evolution
Advanced study of the evolution of life on earth. Topics will include evolution at the molecular through population levels, human evolution, and the history of evolutionary thought. Prerequisites or corequisites: Junior or senior standing and BIOL 1501, BIOL 1502, and BIOL 1503.
BIOL 4501
Biology Capstone
A capstone experience for senior biology majors that will integrate material learned in the major. A project will be completed that includes reading, writing, synthesis, analysis and public speaking. Prerequisite: BIOL 2503 and Senior standing.
CHEM 1501
General Chemistry I
A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, bonding, and periodicity. Lecture and Laboratory.
CHEM 1502
CHEM 1502 Lab
PHYS 2521
General Physics I
An algebra-based introduction to Newtonian mechanics, conservation laws, motion, energy, and mechanical and thermal properties of matter. This course emphasizes quantitative problem-solving that requires mathematical skills comparable to MATH 1516 Pre-Calculus. Lecture and laboratory.
PHYS 2522
General Physics II
An algebra-based introduction to wave motion, sound, light, electricity magnetism, and nuclear processes. This course emphasizes quantitative problem-solving that requires mathematical skills comparable to MATH 1516 Pre-Calculus. Lecture and Laboratory.
Three Courses - Must Be from Three Different Areas:
Area 1: Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIOL 3511
BIOL 3511 Lab
BIOL 3552
Biochemistry
Same as CHEM 3552. An introduction to the chemistry of cellular processes, to include protein conformation and function, the generation and storage of metabolic energy, and the biosynthesis of important cellular structures as the main themes. The course will include a seminar emphasizing representative case studies involving the clinical application of biochemical knowledge. Prerequisite: CHEM 2602.
BIOL 3562
Microbiology & Immunology
The biology of microorganisms including systematics, metabolism, pathogenic mechanisms, and industrial uses. The cellular and humoral immune responses of vertebrates are emphasized in lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1501.
BIOL 3590
Cell Biology
BIOL 3591
Genetics
A general study of the basic principles of inheritance, the chemical, structural, and functional bases of genetic material, and quantitative and population genetics. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1501.
Area 2: Organismal Biology
BIOL 3512
Topics in Organismal Bio
An upper level course on a topic in organismal biology not listed in the College Catalog. Credit will vary with the number or lectures and laboratories per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 1502 and permission of Instructor.
BIOL 3509
Dendrology
A study of woody plants, to include identification, classification, distinguishing characteristics, forest measurements, habits, ranges and habitats, with emphasis on the southeastern United States. Lecture, laboratory and field work. Prerequisite: BIOL 1101 or BIOL 1502 or ENV 1402.
BIOL 3521
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
A study of the past record of evolution (temporal diversity or phylogeny) and the present result of evolution (spatial diversity) of the organs and organ systems of vertebrates with consideration given to their functional adaptations. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502.
BIOL 3564
Antibiotic Res & Drug Disc
A study of how the global use and abuse of antibiotics has profound consequences on the health of humans, animals, and the environment. With an emphasis on how antibiotics are discovered, tested in preclinical and clinical settings, and how regulatory authorities oversee the safety and efficacy of drugs. In the laboratory, students will become a part of the Mobile Discovery research program and learn how to screen samples from natural environments to discover novel antimicrobial agents. Prerequisites: BIOL 1501, BIOL 1502, and BIOL 1503.
BIOL 3565
Parasitology
The biology of parasitic organisms and the interaction with their hosts. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502.
BIOL 3575
Plant Taxonomy
Classification and systematic survey of vascular plants, principles and methods of systematic botany, general evolutionary relationships and the development of technical keying skills. Lecture, Laboratory and overnight field trips. Prerequisites: BIOL 1502 and BIOL 1503 or ENV 1402 and BIOL 1503.
BIOL 3580
Animal Physiology
The study of function at the cellular, organ, and organismic level. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502.
Area 3: Ecology
BIOL 2450
Ornithology
A study of the biology of birds, to include their behavior, conservation, ecology, evolution, flight and migration. The lab will emphasize identification of birds in the wild and will also include opportunities to capture and band wild birds. One overnight weekend trip is required.
BIOL 2509
Field Botany
An introduction to the study of plants in the field, including winter botany, plant identification, reproductive ecology, useful and harmful plants, and a general treatment of the vegetation and plant communities of North Carolina. Lecture, laboratory and field work.
BIOL 3513
Topics in Ecology
An upper level course on a topic in ecology not listed in the College Catalog. Credit will vary with the number of lectures and laboratories offered per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 1503 and permission of Instructor.
BIOL 3527
Vertebrate Ecology
A study of vertebrate ecology, particularly how scientists learn about vertebrates by studying them in the wild. Topics will include vertebrate distribution, abundance, behavior, conservation, and evolution. Labs will emphasize sampling vertebrate populations and communities. Lecture and Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1503.
BIOL 3593
BIOL 3593 Lab
BIOL 3599
Behavioral Ecology
A study of the ways in which an animal's behavior contributes to the survival and reproductive success of individuals. Topics include social behavior, predator-prey interactions, foraging decisions, mate choice, and parental care. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1503.
Two courses from among the following
CHEM 2501
Chemical Analysis
CHEM 2601
Organic Chemistry I
A study of the structure, classification, properties, and reactions of hydrocarbons (both aliphatic and aromatic), organic halides and alcohols. The stereochemistry of organic compounds will also be studied. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 1502.
CHEM 2602
Organic Chemistry II
A study of the structure, classification, properties, and reactions of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing organic compounds. The spectroscopic behavior of organic compounds will also be studied. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 2601.
CHEM 3511
Thermodynamics and Kinetics
A study of concentration, time, and energy changes in chemical systems and reactions. Includes theory and applications in chemical kinetics, reaction dynamics, thermodynamics, and equilibria. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: CHEM 1502, MATH 1801, and PHYS 2521.
CHEM 3521
Inorganic Chemistry
A study of the structure, properties, and reactions of inorganic and organometallic compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 2602.
