The Department of Biology offers two majors, the bachelor of science and the bachelor of arts in Biology, and contributes to the concentration in biochemistry and molecular biology. The curriculum of the Biology Department is designed:

• to increase the student's understanding of the unifying principles and subject content of biology;

• to develop the student's basic skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, computer use, and library and laboratory research;

• to introduce students to the personal, social, and ethical aspects of biology;

• to emphasize the role of liberal education in enhancing personal and professional development; and

• to assure that students have the background experiences necessary to pursue graduate education, professional studies, or employment.

Biology Majors

Bachelor of Science degree
Bachelor of bcience degree in Biology consists of 36 semester credit hours including BIO 211, 212, 310, 370, at least one course from 300, 301, or 302, at least one 400-level laboratory course and additional biology courses numbered above 212. Additional courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, or computer science are often strongly recommended or necessary for students wishing to pursue graduate work in biology or for preparation for professional study, such as medical school. Students interested in graduate work or professional school should seek appropriate advisement early in their careers to plan carefully for these additional courses. Successful completion of a senior comprehensive examination is required. Currently, the Department uses the Major Field Achievement Test for this purpose. (Full details on requirements for this major are available in the Catalogue.)

Bachelor of Arts degree
Bachelor of arts degree in Biology consists of 36 semester credit hours including BIO 211, 212, 310, 370, at least one course from 300, 301, or 302, at least one 400-level laboratory course and additional biology courses numbered above 212. Students are advised that a bachelor of arts major in biology is usually not appropriate for those interested in graduate work in biology, professional school, or industry positions. Successful completion of a senior comprehensive examination is required. Currently, the Department uses the Major Field Achievement Test for this purpose. (Full details on requirements for this major are available in the Catalogue.)

Biology Minor

Minors in Biology must take at least 17 semester hours, to include BIO 211 and 212. At least seven hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above. Only one non-laboratory course can count in the minor.

Concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Since Watson and Crick discovered the structure of DNA in 1953, the interface between chemistry and biology has become increasingly important to understanding fundamental processes of Life. This concentration allows students to explore thoroughly the phenomenon at this interface that might escape notice or emphasis in a traditional major.

Courses

BIO 105. Human Genetics and DNA Technology (2 hours)
Prerequisite: SCI 105
This eight-week science laboratory module will focus on classic and modern genetics using the human organism as the research model. Development of the field's major concepts will be examined from an historical perspective in which students will analyze and interpret the classic experiments of the pioneering geneticists. Laboratory exercises will emphasize current techniques in molecular biology and will be complemented by class discussions of related bioethical issues. A lecture and laboratory course. 

BIO 106. Piedmont Natural History (2 hours)
Prerequisite: SCI 105
This eight-week science laboratory module is a study of the natural history of the Piedmont physiographic province. This course provides an introduction to the biological and geological processes that have led to the development of the unique ecosystems found in the Piedmont. Field identification and experimentation with organisms that inhabit this region are emphasized. Students are required to arrange transportation to off-campus locations each week for the duration of the course. A lecture, laboratory, and field course.

BIO 202. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 hours)
This course represents an introduction to the structure and function of the human body from the cellular to the organismal levels. Subjects include tissue and integumentary, skeletal muscular and nervous body systems. This course may not be used for a biology major or minor. It is not recommended for pre-medical students. A lecture and laboratory course. 

BIO 203. Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 202
This course continues the introduction to the structure and function of the human body from the cellular to the organismal levels. Subjects include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. This course may not be used toward a biology major or minor. It is not recommended for pre-medical students. A lecture and laboratory course.

BIO 205. Introduction to Biology for Biomedical Engineers (4 hours)
Prerequisites: MAT 133 and CHM 112 or CHM 115
An introduction to selected principles of the biological sciences for biomedical engineering students. Subjects include bioenergetics, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, cell biology, and physiology and homeostasis. The course may not be used for a biology major or minor. This course is not recommended for pre-medical students. A lecture and laboratory course.

BIO 210. Introduction to Biology I through 2006-07 (5 hours)
Pre- or corequisite: CHM 112 or CHM 115
An introduction to the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Subjects include evolution, genetics, basic biochemistry, energy transfer, cell biology, and development. A lecture, recitation, and laboratory course.

BIO 211. Introduction to Biology I (5 hours)
Pre- or corequisite: CHM 112 or CHM 115
An introduction to the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Subjects include evolution, systematics, biodiversity, animal form and function, homeostasis, and ecology. A lecture, recitation, and laboratory course.

BIO 212. Introduction to Biology II (5 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 211 or CHM 222
Continues the introduction to the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Subjects include basic biochemistry, energy transfer, cell biology, physiology, genetics and the vertebrate immune system. A lecture, recitation, and laboratory course. 

BIO 220. Introduction to Biology II through 2006-07 (5 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 210
Continues the introduction to the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Subjects include physiology and homeostasis, biodiversity, and ecology. A lecture, recitation, and laboratory course.

BIO 250. Current Issues in Biology (1 hour)
Pre- or corequisite: BIO 211
A seminar focusing on current research problems in all disciplines of the biological sciences. Student analysis, discussion, and presentation of primary literature are required.This course may be repeated for a maximum of three semester credit hours; however, no more than two credit hours may be counted as part of the biology major.

BIO 299. Research in Biology (1-2 hours)
Participation in an on-going research program directed by one or more faculty members. One-hour credit will be awarded for a minimum of three hours per week per semester of participation. A maximum of two credit hours can be earned per semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of three semester credit hours.

BIO 300. Invertebrate Zoology (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 212
A systematic study of the invertebrate taxa with emphasis on phylogeny, comparative morphology and physiology, behavior, and ecology. A library research paper is required. A lecture and laboratory course.

BIO 301. Vertebrate Zoology (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 212
A systematic study of vertebrate organisms with emphasis on comparative morphology, behavior, ecology, and phylogeny. A library research paper is required. A lecture and laboratory course.

BIO 302. Plant Biology (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 212
A systematic study of photosynthetic organisms, including unicellular and multicellular protistans, bryophytes, seedless vascular plants, and seed plants. May include study of fungi. Emphasis is placed on anatomy, morphology, physiology, and evolutionary relationships. A library research paper is required. A lecture and laboratory course. 

BIO 303. Microbiology (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 212. Organic chemistry recommended.
A course in general microbiology covering activities and distinguishing characteristics of microorganisms, including viruses. Laboratory work deals with isolation, identification and cultivation of microorganisms, their metabolic activities, and responses to environmental factors. A lecture and laboratory course.

BIO 310. Genetics (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 212
A study of the mechanics of heredity considering molecular, cellular, organismal, and population phenomena. Formal laboratory writing is required. A lecture and laboratory course.

BIO 315. Field Studies in Biology (3 hours)
(Same as EES 315)
The biological study of a given region of the world through travel, field work, reading, and lecture. Specific topics (e.g., ecology, animal behavior, zoology, botany, and/or environmental issues) will reflect the expertise of the instructor and the characteristics of the region. As appropriate, field experience will be supplemented by informal lectures, seminars, demonstrations, discussions, experimentation, and directed study. A library research paper as well as other forms of writing will be required. A lecture and field course.

BIO 322. Identification of Vascular Plants (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 212 or consent of instructor.
A study of the families, genera, and species of vascular plants represented in the flora of Georgia and the southeastern United States. Independent work in the field is required. A field, laboratory, and lecture course.

BIO 325. Comparative Animal Physiology (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 212 or 205. Organic chemistry strongly recommended.
A study of the diverse ways in which different kinds of animals meet their functional requirements. Attention will be paid to the evolutionary relationships of animals by comparing physiological and biochemical characteristics. Formal laboratory writing may be required. A lecture and laboratory course.

BIO 330. Vertebrate Histology (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 212
An observation and discussion of the structure and function of vertebrate cells and tissues. The course involves microscopic examination of selected tissues and the preparation of microscope slides. A lecture and laboratory course.

BIO 370. Principles of Ecology (4 hours)
(Same as EES 370)
Prerequisite: BIO 212
A study of relationships between organisms and their physical and biological environment. Ecological relationships will be considered from the perspectives of individuals, populations, and communities.Work in the field is required and oral presentations are emphasized. A lecture, laboratory, and field course.

BIO 375. Organic Evolution (3 hours)
Prerequisite: BIO 212
A study of the principles of evolutionary theory. The course covers the historical development of evolutionary thought, the nature of organic diversity, variation, adaptation, natural selection, and other mechanisms of evolutionary change. A lecture course.  

BIO 390. Special Topics in Biology (Subtitle) (1-4 hours) 
Prerequisites: to be specified. Study of a topic not available through normal departmental offerings.
Topics will be announced in advance. Credit hours and prerequisites will be determined by the nature of the topic, with a maximum of 4 credit hours per course. No more than 4 credit hours may be counted as part of the biology major.  

BIO 410. Molecular Genetics (4 hours) 
Prerequisites: BIO 212 and CHM 222
A detailed study of the molecular aspects of gene structure, function, and evolution. Laboratory work will focus on recombinant DNA technology and other molecular tools used by modern geneticists. Experimental design and formal laboratory writing are required. A lecture and laboratory course.  

BIO 440. Aquatic Biology (4 hours) 
Prerequisite: BIO 212
Aquatic ecosystems encompass a wide spectrum of habitats, ranging from the world's major oceans and rivers down to the smallest tidal pools and mountain streams. Course content will reflect this diversity as well as the fundamental principles unifying these systems, emphasizing the adaptations of representative communities to the physicochemical characteristics of the varied habitats. The laboratory component will combine field trips to local middle Georgia aquatic environments with wet labs, where collected plant and animal samples will be identified. Experimental design and formal laboratory writing are required. A lecture, laboratory, and field course.  

BIO 450. Development (4 hours) 
Prerequisite: BIO 212
A study of the developmental process in animals and plants with emphasis on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which development is regulated in animals. Experimental design and formal laboratory writing are required. A lecture and laboratory course.  

BIO 460. Eukaryotic Cell Biology (3 hours) 
Prerequisite: BIO 212
Organic chemistry strongly recommended. A study of the structure and function of eukaryotic organelles as distinct compartments. Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of each organelle in the overall functioning of the individual cell. Electron micrographs are used extensively.  

BIO 460L. Eukaryotic Cell Biology Laboratory (1 hour) 
Investigative laboratory component to complement BIO 460.
Techniques include gel electrophoresis, centrifugation, cell culturing, Western blotting, chromatography, and microscopy. Experimental design and formal laboratory writing are required. The course includes one four-hour laboratory each week.  

BIO 465. Biochemistry I (3 hours) 
Prerequisites: BIO 212 and CHM 222
A course on the nature of the chemical and physiochemical properties of living organisms. Includes an overview of the synthesis and structure of biological macromolecules, enzyme kinetics, mechanisms of reactions, metabolism, and energy exchange. This course includes three one-hour lectures per week.  

BIO 465L. Biochemistry I Laboratory (1 hour) 
Corequisite: CHM/BIO 465
Investigative laboratory component to complement CHM/BIO 465. Techniques used include electrophoresis, analysis of enzyme kinetics, chromatography, centrifugation, and protein analysis and centrifugation. Experimental design and formal laboratory writing are required. The course includes one four-hour laboratory each week.  

BIO 466. Biochemistry II (3 hours) 
Prerequisite: CHM/BIO 465
A continuation of CHM/BIO 465 covering the chemistry of cellular metabolism. Topics include biosynthesis and degradation of lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides; photosynthesis; the chemistry of DNA and RNA; and the concepts of molecular physiology. The course includes three one-hour lectures each week.  

BIO 466L. Biochemistry II Laboratory (1 hour) 
Corequisite: CHM/BIO 466
Investigative laboratory component to complement CHM/BIO 466. The course focuses on the analytical tools used in the modern biochemical laboratory. Experimental design and formal laboratory writing are required. The course includes one four-hour laboratory each week.  

BIO 470. Population Biology (4 hours) 
Prerequisites: BIO 212, and MAT 141 or MAT 191
A study of the structure, growth, and genetics of theoretical, laboratory, and natural populations of all types of organisms. Physical limitations, competition, predation, parasitism, and mutualism will be considered from theoretical, practical, and evolutionary perspectives. Experimental design and formal laboratory writing are required. A lecture, laboratory and field course.  

BIO 490. Advanced Topics in Biology (Subtitle) (1-4 hours) 
Prerequisites: BIO 212 and other courses to be specified. 
A detailed study of an advanced topic not available through normal offerings. Topics will be announced in advance. Credit hours and additional prerequisites will be determined by the nature of the topic with a maximum of 4 credit hours per course. May be taken more than once as part of the biology major. Can be used as the 400-level laboratory course in the major requirements only if a laboratory with experimental design and formal laboratory writing is included.  

BIO 499. Senior Research in Biology (1-4 hours) 
A special problem or research project will be arranged according to the qualifications of the student. The student should plan to extend this work over a period of at least two semesters, with the credit being assigned in the second semester. Credit hours to be determined by the nature of the problem or research, with a maximum of 4 credit hours for a single topic. No more than 4 credit hours of BIO 499 can apply toward the major. This project can also be used as part of an Honor Program in Biology.