BIOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
A special fee is charged for all courses with
laboratories.
General Education Course *
Writing Intensive Course **
Biology 101.
Biological Concepts. An
inquiry into the common features of life at the molecular, cellular and
organismic levels including: osmosis, mitosis, meiosis, photosynthesis,
respiration, cytology, classical and molecular genetics, development,
evolution, and ecology. Biology majors entering prior to 1998 must make
at least a C- in this course before taking advanced biology courses. 3
lecture hours and one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits. *
Biology 112.
Fundamentals of Botany.
An inquiry into the common features of life at the molecular,
cellular, and organismic levels in plants. Emphasis on classification,
metabolic processes, ecology, evolution, cell biology, and importance to
society. For Liberal Studies majors or students seeking endorsement.
Does not meet the requirements for a biology major or minor. 3 lecture
and one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits.
Biology 113.
Fundamentals of Zoology. An
inquiry into the common features of life at the molecular, cellular, and
organismic levels in animals. Emphasis on life cycles, genetics,
ecology, evolution, and economics of the various phyla. For Liberal
Studies majors or students seeking teaching endorsement. Does not meet
the requirements for a biology major or minor. 3 lecture and one 2-hour
lab periods. 4 credits.
Biology 121.
The Unity of Life. The first
of a two-semester introduction to the college-level study of biology for
biology and health pre-professional majors. Major topics include the
molecular and cellular basis of life, energy and life, photosynthesis
and cellular respiration, classical and molecular genetics, mechanisms
of evolution, and classification schemes. Biology majors must make at
least a C- in this course before taking advanced courses. 3 lecture and
one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits.
Biology 122.
The Diversity of Life. The
second of a two-semester introduction to the college-level study of
biology for biology and health pre-professional majors. Major topics
include eubacteria and archaea; protists; fungi; plant structure,
reproduction and development; major animal phyla; animal reproduction
and development; and ecological relationships, populations, communities,
and ecosystems. Biology majors must make at least a C- in this course
before taking advanced courses. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 4
credits.
Biology 126.
Essential Laboratory Techniques (CHEMISTRY
126, EARTH SCIENCE 126, PHYSICS 126). Good laboratory techniques,
skills and safe practices are taught by actual practice in the
laboratory. 1 credit.
Biology 202. Animal Morphology.
A comparative study of embryonic development, anatomy and evolution in
representative vertebrate groups. 2 lecture and two 2-hour lab periods.
4 credits. **
Biology 206, 207.
Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Basic physiological principles and integrated anatomy and physiology of
the integumentary, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and lymphatic
systems (BIOL 206) and the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine,
excretory and reproductive systems (BIOL 207). BIOL 206 is recommended
as a prerequisite for 207. 3 lecture and one 2-hour laboratory periods.
4 credits each semester.
BIOLOGY 292.
Internship in Biology.
A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to
apply the principles of biology. 3-15
credits.
Biology 295.
Special Topics in Biology.
Specialized courses on a variety of topics that may be offered
periodically. 1-4 credits.
Biology 300.
Biostatistics and Experimental
Design. This course foucses on identifying and using proper
statistical analysis techniques to solve biological problems.
Scientifically valid methods of experimental design will also be
emphasized. Students will learn how to apply a broad range of
statistical tests commonly used in Biology and other scientific
disciplines, including but not limited to parametric and nonparametric
analysis of variance, simple and multiple linear regression, and
principal component analysis. Laboratory exercises will involve
extensive use of computer software to conduct statistical analyses. 3
lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits.
Biology 304.
Microbiology. A study of the
structure, physiology and activities of micro-organisms as related to
their role in nature, disease, immunological interactions, industrial
processes and human affairs. Basic concepts and fundamental techniques
for isolation, growth, identification and immunological reactions are
stressed. 3 lecture and two 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits.
Biology 306.
Vertebrate Physiology. The
principal functional processes in vertebrate organs and organ systems
including respiration, circulation, hormonal coordination, water
balance, thermoregulation, nervous coordination, and responses to
special environments. Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and BIOL 103 or 122. 3
lecture and one 3-hour lab periods. 4 credits. **
Biology 307.
Plant Form and Function. The
investigation of the relationship of morphology and anatomy to
physiological processes in vascular plants. Emphasis on respiration,
photosynthesis, hormonal interactions and other metabolic activities of
the cells, tissues, and organs of plants. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab
period. 4 credits.
BIOLOGY 310.
Diagnostic Microbiology.
A study of various human pathogens and the diseases they
cause, with emphasis on host-pathogen interaction including host defense
mechanisms, virulence factors, and an in-depth review of the major
bacterial and viral disease agents.
The lab will focus on the use of diagnostic media and
identification techniques used to identify disease agents.
Prerequisites: BIOL 304 and CHEM 305. 3
lectures and one 3-hour lab period.
4 credits.
BIOLOGY 311, 312.
Studies Abroad.
Primarily intended for transfer of credit earned abroad in
courses in biology. 1-18
credits.
Biology 321.
Plant Taxonomy. The
morphology, classification and systematics of the vascular plants with
emphasis on family characteristics. The laboratory stresses the
identification and herbarium preparation of local plants collected
during weekly field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 102 or 122. 2 lecture and
two 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits.
Biology 324.
Genetics. A study of classical
and modern genetics, including the mechanisms for the replication,
continuation, variation of regulation and expression of genetic
information. 3 lecture and one 3-hour lab periods. 4 credits. **
Biology 341.
General Ecology. The
principles underlying the interrelations of groups of organisms with
their environments, including the population, community and ecosystem
levels of organization. The lab normally includes local field trips.
Prerequisite: BIOL 122. 3 lecture and one 3-hour lab periods. 4 credits.
**
Biology 342.
Plant Ecology. The
relationships of plants to their physical and biological environment
with a consideration of plants in populations, communities, ecosystems
and plant associations within Virginia. The lab emphasizes local field
investigations and includes extended field trips to the coast and the
mountains. Prerequisite: BIOL 102 or 122. 3 lecture and one 3-hour lab
periods. 4 credits. **
Biology 352 (SCIENCE EDUCATION 352).
Methods in Biology for Secondary
Teachers. A study of the appropriate methods and materials for
teaching high school biology courses. 3 lecture periods. 3 credits.
Biology 360. Terrestrial Ecology.
An advanced study of ecological principles governing the operation of
terrestrial ecosystems. Major topics covered include plant and animal
responses to abiotic factors, species interactions, processes
controlling ecosystems structure and function, and major terrestrial
biomes. Research techniques and advanced statistical analysis at the
population, community, and ecosystem level will also be considered.
Laboratory normally includes local field trips and an extended field
trip to the mountains. Prerequisite: BIOL 341. 3 lecture and one 3-hour
laboratory periods. 4 credits.
Biology 361.
Aquatic Ecology. A study of
lakes, ponds and streams including their origin, development,
morphometry, geochemistry, energy balance, productivity, and the
dynamics of plant and animal communities. Laboratory includes a field
trip within Virginia. Prerequisites: BIOL 102, 103 or 122 and a semester
of Chemistry is recommended. 2 lecture and two 3-hour lab periods. 4
credits.
Biology 364.
Man and the Environment. A
consideration of local, national and international environmental
problems. Three lecture periods. 3 credits. **
BIOLOGY 390.
Directed or Independent
Study. Must be approved
by the head of the department. May be repeated as 391.
1-18 credits.
BIOLOGY 392.
Internship in Biology.
A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to
apply the principles of biology. 3-15
credits.
Biology 399.
Evolution. A study of the
basic processes of organic evolution including the historical
development of evolutionary theory, sources of variation, adaptation,
natural selection, speciation, the fossil record, biogeography and major
steps in evolution. Prerequisites: BIOL 324, 341. 3 lecture periods. 3
credits.
Biology 400.
Unifying Biological Principles.
An integrative study of phenomena common to all living creatures:
metabolism, homeostasis, reproduction, development, inheritance,
life’s interactions and the environment through time and space. Themes
are studied from the perspective of both cellular and organismic levels
of complexity. Open only to junior and senior biology majors and minors.
Prerequisites: BIOL 324, 341. 3 lecture periods. 3 credits. **
Biology 412 (CHEMISTRY 412).
Biochemistry. A study of the
chemistry of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids in
biological systems. Prerequisite: CHEM 305 or permission of instructor.
3 lecture and one 3-hour
lab period. 4 credits.
Biology 425.
Modern Genetics. A study of
the structure and function of hereditary material at the molecular
level. Topics include DNA-RNA structure and replication, protein
synthesis, and homeostasis. Prerequisite: BIOL 324. 3 lecture and one
3-hour lab periods. 4 credits.
Biology 426. Cell Biology.
A study of the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic
cells, including plant and animal cell types. Emphasis on the structure
and function of membranes, mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticula,
plastids, nuclei and nucleoli. Prerequisites: BIOL 102 and 103 or 122. 3
lecture and one 3-hour lab periods. 4 credits. **
Biology 461.
Biological Seminar. Short oral
presentations by students on selected, researched biological topics. May
be repeated. Open to junior and senior biology majors and minors. 1
lecture period. 1 credit.
Biology 471.
Ornithology. Identification,
classification and morphology of birds common to Virginia. Saturday
field trips. Prerequisites: BIOL 103 or 122 and permission of
instructor. 3 lecture/lab periods. 2 credits.
Biology 474.
Entomology. A study of
insects: morphology, ecology, evolution, physiology, or taxonomy of the
class or of a particular order. Prerequisites: BIOL 103 or 122 and
permission of instructor. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 4
credits.
Biology 485.
The Ethics of Biology. A study
of basic ethical principles coupled with student-led discussions of how
these principles apply to contemporary personal and professional
biological concerns. Open only to biology majors and minors. 1 credit. *
BIOLOGY 490.
Directed or Independent
Study. Must be approved
by the head of the department. 1-18 credits.
Biology 492.
Internship in Biology. A
semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the
principles of biology. 3-15 hours.
Biology 495.
Special Topics in Biology.
Specialized courses on a variety of topics that may be offered periodically. 1-4 credits.
Biology 496.
Research Projects in Biology.
With the approval of a faculty member and the department chair, a
student may carry out an individual research project. The nature of the
project must be determined between the student and faculty member and
approved by the department chair before the student may register for the
course. May be repeated. 1-4 credits.
Biology 498.
Honors Research in Biology.
Students conduct research in biology under the direction of a faculty
member and the Senior Honors Research Committee. May be repeated as 499.
3 credits. **
Biology 500.
Field Ornithology. A summer
field course for advanced undergraduates, graduates, teachers, and
naturalists. Students are expected to learn the techniques of censuring
breeding bird populations in Prince Edward County and other selected
sites. Identification of bird species by sight and by sound is
emphasized. The course includes a study of the behavior of breeding
birds, the habitat favored by each species, and ecological factors that
affect the efforts of birds to perpetuate their species. 6 credits.
Biology 501.
Advanced Field Ornithology. A
field course for advanced undergraduates, graduates, teachers, and
naturalists who have successfully completed BIOL 500. Identification of
100 birds by sight and sound is required by the end of the course.
Students must formulate and execute an original research project
involving birds in the field in Prince Edward or its surrounding
counties; projects may be chosen from bird population studies in areas
not previously censured, investigations of the decline of certain bird
species, interpretations of bird song and its meanings, studies of the
breeding behavior of selected bird species, or similar field research
problems. Prerequisite: BIOL 500. 6 credits.
Biology 505.
Field Mammalogy. An intensive
summer field course for advanced undergraduates, graduates, naturalists,
and teachers. An overview of the mammals of the world will be presented
with a detailed emphasis on the mammals of Virginia. Students are
expected to learn techniques for research in mammalogy including
censuring, tracking, and museum specimen preparation. The course will
also include a study of mammalian ecology, behavior, and evolution.
Students will prepare a written and oral “Species Report,” and are
expected to attend all field trips to different regions of
Virginia and to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. 6 credits.
Biology 541.
Field Ecology. A study of
ecosystems, communities, and populations for advanced undergraduates,
graduates, teachers, and others interested in their natural
surroundings. Students are expected to become familiar with ecological
sampling techniques. Prerequisites: Courses in General Botany and
General Zoology recommended. 6 credits.
Biology 543.
Field Botany. A field course
for advanced undergraduates, graduates, teachers and naturalists.
Emphasis is placed upon the ecology and the taxonomy of local plants in
their natural habitats. Daily trips are made to local biological
communities where some samples are examined and collected to enhance
future recognition of the plants. Identification to scientific names is
included for the most common bryophytes, pteridophytes, wildflowers,
shrubs and trees of the Piedmont. One or more extended field trips are
made to the mountains or coast to observe distinct but somewhat
different biological communities. Students are expected to attend all
field trips. 6 credits.
Biology 574.
Systematic Entomology.
A summer field course for advanced undergraduates, graduates,
teachers and naturalists. An introduction to the study of insects, their morphology,
evolution, life histories, physiology, ecology, and taxonomy. An
extensive insect collection is required. For advanced undergraduates and
graduates. 6 credits.
ENVIRONMENTAL
STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Environmental Studies 500.
Chemistry of the Environment.
This course reviews chemical concepts used in environmental chemistry
for both polluted and non-polluted environmental settings. The
consequences of industrial activities, as well as methods and processes
dictated by regulatory requirements are included. It also reviews
chemical concepts and applications as they relate to the natural and
man-made environment and will serve as a basis for more specialized
study of the atmospheric, lithospheric, and hydrospheric processes.
Hands-on work with field problems and problem solving, requiring
literature searches and individual experimentation, will be a major part
of the course. Two lecture and one 3-hour lab periods; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: CHEM. 111, 121, 351 and 381.
Environmental Studies 520.
Stream Processes and Landforms.
This field course will examine the dynamics of rivers and landforms
which result from streamflow. Watershed morphology, hydraulics and
channel form will be reviewed. The human impact on fluvial systems,
particularly urbanization and erosive land use, will be discussed with
regard to current models of river channel changes. Prerequisite:
EASC 354. 6 credits.
Environmental Studies 550.
Biostatistics and Experimental
Design. This course foucses on identifying and using proper
statistical analysis techniques to solve biological problems.
Scientifically valid methods of experimental design will also be
emphasized. Students will learn how to apply a broad range of
statistical tests commonly used in Biology and other scientific
disciplines, including but not limited to parametric and nonparametric
analysis of variance, simple and multiple linear regression, and
principal component analysis. Laboratory exercises will involve
extensive use of computer software to conduct statistical analyses.
Students will be required to give one oral presentation based on
statistical analyses conducted in a publication from a scientific
journal. A short written summary of this presentation will be required. 3
lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits.
Environmental Studies 564.
Environmental Issues.
An in-depth study of the major environmental issues challenging
modern society, including a close examination of the causes of these
issues and an analysis of corrective measures that could be applied to
each. Major topics addressed are population dynamics; resource use,
abuse, management, and conservation; consequences of pollution,
deforestation, biodiversity loss and climate alteration. Emphasis is
placed on establishing eccentric ethical viewpoints and developing
Earth-sustainable systems. 3 credits.
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