Courses & Requirements

BIO-110: Integrative Biology I (3.00)

An integrated study of biological form and function as they relate to ecology, evolution and genetics. Inquiry-based approaches to problem solving in science. Lecture, 3 credits.

Course requisites: BIO-110 & BIO-110L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-110L: Integrative Biology I LAB (1.00)

Laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-110; must be taken concurrently with BIO-110.

Course requisites: BIO-110 & 110L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-111: Integrative Biology II (3.00)

An integrated study of biological form and function using one or more current problems such as addiction and cancer as a central theme. Molecular, cellular and organismal biology and the relationship of biological issues to science and society. Lecture, 3 credits.

Course requisites: Req'd prereqs: BIO-110 & 110L; req'd coreq 111L BIO-111 & 111L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-111L: Integrative Biology II Lab (1.00)

Laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-111; must be taken concurrently with BIO-111.

Course requisites: BIO-111 & 111L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-491: Senior Seminar in Integrative Biology (4.00)

Integrative experience for senior biology majors. Connects knowledge and skills with current interdisciplinary topics in biology. Involves primary literature study and analysis that result in written and oral products. Taught by two members of the biology faculty. Topic depends on the interface of the instructors' expertise and includes: Ecoimmunology, Microbial Ecology, Evolution and Development, Environmental Developmental Biology, Evolutionary Genetics/Genomics, Neurobiology and Behavior, Developmental Neuroscience, Developmental Genetics, Ecology/Evolution of Infectious Diseases, Conservation Genetics.

Course requisites: Senior Biology majors or permission of instructors.

CHE-150: Introduction to Chemistry (3.00)

This course delves into the world of atoms and molecules in order to study the structure of matter and the changes it undergoes. The course will provide an introduction to the field of chemistry. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, acids and bases, enthalpy, and equilibrium. In addition, contemporary problems and applications of these topics may be explored. Examples may include atomic and molecular structure relevant to the design of new material such as memory metals; stoichiometry as a means of achieving green chemistry; acids and bases in the context of biochemical and environmental reactions; enthalpy in the context of energy generating fuels; and equilibrium and its role in energy storing batteries.

Course requisites: Take CHE-150L

CHE-150L: Intro Basic Chemical Lab Techniques (1.00)

This lab course focuses on the experimental methods in basic scientific measurements, elementary reactions and analysis arranged around a theme such as forensics or the environment.

Course requisites: CHE-150 prereq or coreq for CHE-150L

CHE-220: Foundations of Inorganic & Physical Chem (3.00)

This foundation course focuses on introductory aspects of inorganic and physical chemistry. Topics may include fundamental chemical reactions, nuclear structure and radioactivity, molecular shapes, trends as seen in the periodic table, equilibrium, gas laws, molecular collision theory, the laws of thermodynamics, phases, reaction rates and reaction mechanisms. To illustrate the role of chemistry in fundamental physical and chemical behaviors, examples are chosen from a variety of areas including environmental, medical, and forensic applications.

Course requisites: CHE-150 and CHE-150L, minimum grade C- Take CHE-220L

CHE-220L: Foundation Inorganic & Physical Chem Lab (1.00)

Labs introduce students to the analysis and interpretation of observations. This course will also illustrate fundamental principals of chemistry including: reactivity of main group and transition metals; bonding and its relation to behavior; solution behavior; gas laws; heat capacity and enthalpy changes; and kinetics of reactions.

Course requisites: CHE-150 CHE-150L; Take CHE-220

CHE-230: Analytical Chemistry I (4.00)

This foundational course centers on quantitative chemical analysis. Students will study chemical equilibria including acid base chemistry, buffers, and solubility as well as various methods used to measure chemical species in solution such as titrimetry, electrochemistry, absorption, spectroscopy, and chromatography.

Course requisites: CHE-150 CHE-150L;

CHE-240: Organic Chemistry I (3.00)

The systematic study of the chemistry of organic compounds with emphasis on theories of structure and reactivity. Specific topics include basic organic molecular structure and bonding, isomerism, stereochemistry, molecular energetics, substitution and elimination reactions, and reactions of biologically relevant functional groups.

Course requisites: CHE-150 CHE-150L; Take CHE-240L

CHE-240L: Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (1.00)

Introduction to fundamental experimental techniques of carbon based molecules, including organic synthesis, purification and separation techniques, and theory and interpretation of infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Course requisites: CHE-150 CHE-150L; Take CHE-240

CHE-300: Introduction to Biochemistry/Lab (4.00)

Fundamentals of biochemistry, including structure and function of biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, catabolic and anabolic pathways and regulation of biochemical processes. Fundamental biochemical laboratory techniques including spectroscopy, enzymology, chromatographic separations, and protein detection methods. Cross-listed with BIO-300.

Course requisites: CHE-240 & 240L (BIO-110/L & 111/L also prereqs for BIO mjrs)

CHE-300L: Biochemistry I Laboratory (1.00)

BY SPECIAL PERMISSION ONLY. Since CHE-300 is a standard 4-credit course combining lecture and lab, this lab-only section of CHE-300L lab allows a student with special permission to take the 1-credit lab alone. The lab experience description is: fundamental biochemical laboratory methods including the study of acid-base properties of amino acids and proteins, spectro- photometric characterization, chromatographic separation techniques and electrophoresis.

Course requisites: CHE-300

MAT-115: Elementary Statistics (4.00)

Statistical measures and distributions, probability and its application to statistical inference, linear correlation, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals and applications in the natural and social sciences.

MAT-117: Functions and Modeling (4.00)

A study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, and their applications and use in modeling real-world situations in the natural and social sciences. Functions are studied from numerical, graphical and algebraic viewpoints. Emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem solving.

MAT-118: Calculus I (4.00)

Introduction to the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, emphasizing conceptual understanding and applications. Topics are covered from a graphical, algebraic and numerical perspective. Mathematical writing is emphasized.

MAT-119: Calculus II (4.00)

Continuation of 118. Topics include the integral and its applications, techniques of integration, improper integrals and an introduction to series and differential equations.

Course requisites: 118 with a minimum grade of C-

BIO-201: Microbiology/Lab (4.00)

Cell biology, metabolism, genetics and phylogeny of bacteria and archaea. Introduction to eukaryotic microbes and viruses. Principles of pathogenesis, immunology and environmental microbiology. Applications in biotechnology, medicine and industry. Individual laboratory project and use of representative literature in the discipline. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111

BIO-222: Human Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab (4.00)

Covers the basics of human anatomy and physiology including anatomical terminology, cells and tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110/Lab and BIO-111/Lab

BIO-223: Human Anatomy & Physiology II/Lab (4.00)

Covers the basics of human anatomy and physiology including the lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Introduces common human disease processes. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-222 (Human Anat & Phys I)

BIO-240: Vertebrate Biology/Lab (4.00)

Morphology of the vertebrate body and evolution of vertebrate groups. Comparative anatomy and histology. Includes dissection of selected animals. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111

BIO-270: Invertebrate Biology/Lab (4.00)

Of the millions of living and extinct animal species, more than 95% are animals without backbones. These extraordinary animals encountered innumerable physical and physiological challenges as they evolved and colonized the air, land and aquatic environments. Their evolution produced many different body plans and, along the way, "invented" significant systems such as brains, skeletons, flight mechanisms, water balance and vascular systems and more. These evolutionary "inventions" led to the abundant diversity we have today. This course studies these beautiful and fascinating animals and the solutions that have evolved to allow life in diverse environments. It draws heavily on the themes of form, function and evolution, and illustrates the importance of these animals for environmental stability, as model organisms for biological research and as a resource for innovative solutions for problems faced by humans. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-192 Prerequisite

BIO-351: Foundations of Neuroscience II (3.00)

This course requires students to understand the basics of the nervous system at the systems level and equips students with scientific tools such as critical analysis of primary literature, development of an inquiry based project, and presentation of scientific research. Cross-listed with PSY-351.

Course requisites: BIO-351 & BIO-351L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-351L: Inquiry Based Research Neurosci II Lab (1.00)

INQUIRY BASED RESEARCH IN NEUROSCIENCE II LAB--In this laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-351, students are given background material and generate their own line of scientific inquiry with tools and specific techniques explained and taught. Based on their questions and the techniques available, they will design experiments and analyze the results.

Course requisites: BIO-351 & 351L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-215: Marine Biology (4.00)

The course takes an ecological approach to the study of marine organisms as exemplified in temperate, semitropical, and tropical environments. During the spring semester, students will attain an essential understanding of the principles of marine biology as it applies to a broad range of marine ecosystems, and learn field study techniques appropriate for comparative investigation of marine environments. This knowledge and these skills will be used during the field study part of the course in the summer where students will study temperate barrier island beach and salt march ecosystems on the Georgia coast, and tropical coral reefs, rocky intertidal, and mangrove ecosystems on Roatan Island, Bay Islands, Honduras. Special fees are required for the international travel component and for scuba diving at Roatan. Consult with the Center for Global Learning for the application process and timeline. Limited to 14 students. Prerequisite: One biology course and the instructor's permission.

Course requisites: One course in biology and permission of the instructor

BIO-230: Evolutionary Biology (4.00)

Processes and patterns of adaptation and speciation. Population genetics and population biology as they relate to evolutionary biology.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111

BIO-308: Ecology/Lab (4.00)

Interactions of organisms with their abiotic and biotic environments. Populations, communities and ecosystems from ecological and environmental perspectives. Laboratory and field studies, environmental analysis. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 111 & one 200-level BIO course; BIO-108 is prereq for ESS minors; Mathematics 117, 118 or 119 recommended

BIO-308L: Ecology Lab (0.00)

Course requisites: Take BIO-308

BIO-310: Behavioral Ecology/Lab (4.00)

The study of the origins, causes, and functions of animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective. Inquiry-driven lab research emphasizes experimental design, analysis, and communication of quantitative tests of hypotheses carried out in the lab and the field. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111

BIO-311: Disease Ecology (4.00)

Hosts, pathogens, and vectors are parts of complex ecosystems. In order to understand the impacts of disease, this course will examine the effects of disease on ecosystems (including humans) and explore the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive disease dynamics.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111 - OR - PH-101 and PH-211

BIO-216: Molecular Biology (3.00)

Genes and their activities at the molecular level in viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Mechanisms of gene expression and regulation in health and disease. Advanced topics in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Emphasis on experimental strategies and data analysis. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111 BIO-216 & BIO-216L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-216L: Inquiry-Based Research Molecul Bio/Lab (1.00)

One-credit inquiry-based research experience/laboratory corequisite course to BIO-216 Molecular Biology.

Course requisites: BIO-216 & 216L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-220: Genetics/Lab (4.00)

Principles of classical and molecular genetics, including the chemical nature of hereditary material, its regulation, and its patterns of inheritance. Analysis of genetic variation and evolution. Genetic engineering and its applications in plants and animals, including humans. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and 111

BIO-300: Biochemistry I/Lab (4.00)

Fundamentals of biochemistry, including structure and function of biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, catabolic and anabolic pathways, signal transduction and regulation of biochemical processes (lecture plus lab). Fundamental biochemical laboratory methods including the study of acid-base properties of amino acids and proteins, spectro-photometric characterization, chromatographic separation techniques and electrophoresis. Cross-listed with CHE-300.

Course requisites: CHE-240 & 240L (BIO-110/L & 111/L also prereqs for BIO mjrs)

BIO-309: Cells & Tissues/Lab (4.00)

This course bridges the biological spectrum from molecular biology to organs by focusing on cells as the fundamental units of life and their differentiation and organization into functional tissues. It evaluates contemporary knowledge of organelle ultrastructure and function in the context of normal tissues and cellular-based pathologies. Students investigate a variety of cell types to discover the principles that govern solitary cells and cells as tissues. Because "the solution to all biological problems will ultimately be found in the cell" (E.B. Wilson), this comprehensive course will prepare students for biological research and health-related careers. Class and laboratory include quantitative analysis. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110, BIO-111 & one 200-level BIO course

BIO-309L: Cells and Tissues Laboratory (0.00)

Course requisites: Take BIO-309

BIO-317: Immunology/Lab (4.00)

Study of mammalian immune system at cellular and molecular level. Topics include: recognition of antigen, development of lymphocyte repertoire, innate and adaptive immune responses, and immune disorders such as autoimmunity and immunodeficiency. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110, BIO-111 & one 200-level BIO course

BIO-318: Developmental Biology/Lab (4.00)

This course explores how developmental mechanisms are orchestrated to guide an egg to produce a particular animal body plan. Specific topics covered include fertilization, induction and cell differentiation, organizing the body plan, pattern formation, regeneration, the role of the environment in development, how evolution works through development to create biodiversity and, finally, development in health and disease (birth defects, endocrine disruptors and cancer). In the laboratory, students investigate aspects of development using multiple developmental model organisms. Collectively, this course helps prepare students for both graduate research in developmental biology and for medically related fields.

Course requisites: BIO-192 and CHE-150

BIO-350: Foundations of Neuroscience I (3.00)

This course requires students to understand the basics of the nervous system at the cellular and subcellular level as well as equip students with scientific tools such as critical analysis of primary literature, development of an inquiry based project, and presentation of scientific research. Cross-listed with PSY-350.

Course requisites: BIO-350 & BIO-350L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-350L: Inquiry Based Research Neuroscience Lab (1.00)

INQUIRY BASED RESEARCH IN NEUROSCIENCE LAB--In this laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-350, students are given background material and generate their own line of scientific inquiry with tools and specific techniques explained and taught. Based on their questions and the techniques available, they will design experiments and analyze the results.

Course requisites: BIO-350 & 350L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-385: Advanced Biochem & Molecular Biology (4.00)

Advanced, project-based interdisciplinary course involving laboratory research and analysis of primary literature in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Cross-listed with CHE-385.

Course requisites: BIO-216 or CHE-300 (both are recommended)

BIO-260: Bioinformatics (4.00)

An introduction to the theory and practice of bioinformatics and computational biology. Topics include: the analysis of genome sequences, comparative genomics, gene expression arrays, and proteomics. As part of this course, students carry out original, independent, computer-based bioinformatics research by annotating portions of newly sequenced genomes.

Course requisites: BIO-110, BIO-111 & MAT-115 (or higher math course)

BIO-285: Animal Behavior (4.00)

Development, ecology and causation of animal behavior. Emphasis on comparative analysis of mechanisms underlying the production of species-specific behavior. 3 LEC, 1 LAB. Cross-listed with PSY-285.

Course requisites: BIO-111 (or 192) or PSY-101

BIO-296: Topics in Neuroscience (4.00)

New technologies emerging from neuroscience such as designer drugs, MRI use as lie-detector, and gene therapy for neural disorders. Examination of the basic science behind these and other technologies as well as important social, political, and ethical implications. May not be used to fulfill minimum requirements for the biology major. May be used as elective credit in the psychology major. Cross-listed with PSY-296.

Course requisites: BIO-110, PSY-101 or PSY-102 (1 course)

BIO-301: Medical Biochemistry (4.00)

Fundamentals of biochemistry topics with clinical significance for pre-medical students, including structure and function of biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, catabolic and anabolic pathways and regulation of biochemical processes. Does not include a lab component. Cross-listed with CHE-301.

Course requisites: BIO-111/L and CHE-240/L

BIO-303: Data Intensive Ecology/Lab (4.00)

This is a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in ecological research, data analysis, and computational methods. Students will gain hands-on experience using multiple publicly available ecological data sets to generate their own authentic research questions in the fields of behavioral ecology, community ecology, biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. Students will be exposed to and gain experience using R, Python, and spatial analysis software while completing and presenting a semester-long group research project.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 110L, 111 and 111L

BIO-324: Neuroendocrinology (4.00)

The course provides comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of the inter-relationship between the nervous and endocrine systems in mammals. Topics covered include endocrine regulation of reproductive behavior, aggressive behavior, biological rhythms, energy balance, stress, and learning and memory. Cross-listed with PSY-324.

Course requisites: BIO-110 & 111 (& labs)

BIO-325: Addiction (4.00)

This is a course about addiction to drugs and other behaviors. General topics will include cellular and molecular foundations of neuropharmacology, receptors, and modulation of neural signaling. In addition, we will discuss other topics such as government policy and susceptibility to addiction. Cross-listed with PSY-325.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 111 & one 200-level BIO course; CHE-150 recommended

BIO-330: Diseases of the Nervous System (4.00)

This course examines the cell types that make up the human brain and how the cells function properly to make us who we are. We will examine the sub-cellular nature of different diseases to understand how brain cells function.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 111 & one 200-lev BIO crs (216 or 220 recommended)

BIO-110: Integrative Biology I (3.00)

An integrated study of biological form and function as they relate to ecology, evolution and genetics. Inquiry-based approaches to problem solving in science. Lecture, 3 credits.

Course requisites: BIO-110 & BIO-110L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-110L: Integrative Biology I LAB (1.00)

Laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-110; must be taken concurrently with BIO-110.

Course requisites: BIO-110 & 110L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-111: Integrative Biology II (3.00)

An integrated study of biological form and function using one or more current problems such as addiction and cancer as a central theme. Molecular, cellular and organismal biology and the relationship of biological issues to science and society. Lecture, 3 credits.

Course requisites: Req'd prereqs: BIO-110 & 110L; req'd coreq 111L BIO-111 & 111L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-111L: Integrative Biology II Lab (1.00)

Laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-111; must be taken concurrently with BIO-111.

Course requisites: BIO-111 & 111L must be taken concurrently.