100 The World of Biology (3)
An introduction to biology. The course presents an
overview of the study of life. Emphasis is placed on how
biology affects our daily lives, including such topics as
biodiversity, genetic engineering, and problems associated
with the expansion of the human population. Designed for
non-science majors. Offered each semester.
101 The World of Biology Laboratory (1)
Compliments BIO 100. Students observe living systems
and perform basic experiments that demonstrate
fundamental biological principles using the scientific
method as one way to acquire knowledge about our world.
Designed for non-science majors. Laboratory session meets
three hours each week. Prerequisite/co-requisite: BIO 100.
$50 lab fee. Offered each semester.
115 Human Genetics (3) (E)
An introduction to the science of genetics. Emphasis is
placed on human genetics and the genetics of organisms
that are important to mankind. A course for everyone
concerned about how our genetic makeup affects what we
are, what we do, and what we transmit to future
generations. Areas such as evolution, reproduction,
different types of inheritance and population genetics are
explored. Designed for the non-science major. Offered each
spring.
120 Microbes and Man (3)
An introductory biology course using microbiology as
the unifying concept to explore many of the facets of the
study of life. Topics include: the evolution and classification
of life, cell structure and metabolism, the major roles
microbes play in ecosystems, molecular genetics, control of
microbial growth, biotechnology, the human immune
system, and major viral and bacterial diseases of humans.
Designed for non-biology majors. Corequisite: BIO 121.
Offered each fall.
121 Microbes and Man Laboratory (1)
An introductory biological science lab course designed
to accompany BIO 120. Students have the opportunity to
learn a number of basic scientific techniques including: the
correct use of microscopes, basic aseptic techniques, how to
handle microbial cultures, basic bacterial identification, cell
structure and function, and how to design simple
experiments using microorganisms. Designed for nonbiology
majors. Corequisite: BIO 120. $50 lab fee. Offered
each fall.
131 Principles of Biology I:Evolution and Ecology (4)
An introduction to the biological sciences. Lecture
topics include Darwinian evolution, the origin and
diversity of life, functional morphology, and ecology. This
course is designed specifically for students intending to
pursue a major in biology or EES. $50 lab fee. Offered each
fall.
132 Principles of Biology II:
Cell Biology and Genetics (4)
Completes the introduction to the biological sciences
for biology and other natural science majors. Lecture topics
include biochemistry, cell structure and processes, cell
respiration, fermentation, photosynthesis, cell division,
Mendelian genetics, gene expression, cancer biology, and
animal physiology. $50 lab fee. Offered each spring.
150 Introduction to Marine Biology (3)
An introduction to the organisms and communities of
marine and estuarine areas. Students examine the basic
physical and ecological processes that are pertinent to
marine habitats and will focus on the diversity of marine
organisms and ecosystems. Designed for non-science
majors. Offered each fall.
151 Introduction to Marine
Biology Laboratory (1)
An introductory laboratory study of the organisms and
communities of marine and estuarine areas. The lab
includes field and laboratory identification of local
organisms and investigations in a variety of local field
habitats. Designed for non-science majors. Corequisite:
BIO 150. $50 lab fee. Offered each fall.
207 Environmental Biology (4) (E)
A study of specific environmental issues, especially those
that influence biodiversity and the abundance of organisms.
Emphasis is placed on basic ecological principles,
overpopulation, air and water resources, environmental
monitoring, and biodiversity. Designed for majors in the
sciences or students minoring in EES. Lecture three hours,
laboratory three hours each week. $50 lab fee. Offered each
spring.
221 Anatomy and Physiology (4)
An integrated lecture/laboratory experience which
examines the anatomy and physiology of humans. A survey
of the major organs and organ systems of the body from
both the histological and gross anatomical perspective is
featured. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each
week. $50 lab fee. Offered each fall.
250 Field Experiences in Biology (3) (E)
(Winter Session)
Provides students with an intensive field experience in
particular habitats. Studies are conducted to examine the
interrelationship between organisms and their environment
within specific habitats. May be repeated for credit as
topics change. Does not fulfill the Natural Science
requirement for Latin Honors. Lab fee. Prerequisite:
consent. Offered in selected Winter Sessions or summers on
demand.
280 General Horticulture (3)
A course designed to acquaint students with factors
necessary to grow and maintain plants. Ideal for those
interested in learning applied skills in botany. Students will
apply knowledge gained in lecture to projects in the
greenhouse. Offered on demand.
285 Plants and Man (3)
Introduces students to how mankind uses plants and
how plants have influenced human cultures. This course is
appropriate for both the non-major and major in science.
Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
300 Plant Morphology (4)
A morphological and evolutionary study of plants from
bacteria to flowering plants. Designed to give the student a
view of the structure and modes of reproduction of plants.
Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in BIO 132 or consent.
Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week.
Offered spring of odd-numbered years.
311 Genetics (4)
Principles of heredity as applied to both plants and
animals. Prerequisites: CHEM 105 or 117 and a grade of C
or better in both BIO 131 and 132 or one year of general
biology. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each
week. Offered each spring.
316 General Ecology (4) W
A study of plant and animal communities in relation to
habitat with emphasis on the effect of the environment on
community structure and distribution. Prerequisites: BIO
131 and 132 or one year of general biology or 207. MATH
106 is recommended. Lecture three hours, laboratory/field
three hours each week. Offered each fall.
332 Taxonomy of Vascular Plants (4)
Emphasis is on the classification and identification of
the plants of southern Virginia. The characteristics of the
major families of plants of North America are discussed.
Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in BIO 132 or consent.
Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week.
Offered spring of even-numbered years.
355 Marine Biology (4)
A study of organismal adaptation and community
organization in marine and estuarine habitats. A variety of
marine habitats, with the laboratory primarily focusing on
local species and habitat types is examined. Prerequisite:
one year of general biology or BIO 207. Offered each fall.
370 Vertebrate Zoology (4)
A comparative study of the morphology, life histories,
and evolutionary relationships of the major vertebrate
lineages. This course includes laboratory examinations and
field observations of representative vertebrate animals.
Prerequisite: BIO 131. Lecture three hours, laboratory three
hours each week. Offered on demand.
371 Histology (4)
Features a detailed study of the cells, tissues, and organs
that comprise the mammalian body. It is especially
intended for students seeking careers in biology, medicine,
or veterinary sciences. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in
BIO 131 or consent. Lecture three hours, laboratory three
hours each week. Offered spring of even-numbered years.
372 Comparative Anatomy (4)
A study of the evolution, morphology, and physiology
of vertebrates. An intensive laboratory directed examination
of the major organ systems of vertebrates as exemplified by
the lamprey, dogfish, salamander, and cat is featured. It is
intended for students seeking careers in biology, medicine,
or veterinary sciences. Prerequisite: BIO 131 with a grade of
C or better or consent. Lecture three hours, laboratory three
hours each week. Offered spring of odd-numbered years or
on demand.
373 Invertebrate Zoology (4)
A survey of the invertebrate phyla, with a focus on the
classification, evolution, ecology, morphology, and life
histories of these organisms. This course includes laboratory
examinations of representative groups and field sampling of
local invertebrate fauna. Prerequisite: BIO 131. Lecture
three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered fall
of odd-numbered years.
375 Topics in Tropical Biology (3)
Features an intensive field experience in neotropical
ecosystems (e.g., sea caves, mangrove swamps, coral reefs
and rainforests). Descriptive field studies of representative
plants and animals is required. Field activities require
strenuous exercise and considerable hiking. Destinations
may include Trinidad, Belize, Costa Rica, U.S. Virgin
Islands, or the Galapagos Islands. Prerequisite: a grade of C
or better in BIO 131 and BIO 132 or BIO 207, and
consent. Lab fee. Offered summer on demand.
380 Comparative Animal Physiology (4)
A study of the basic mechanisms by which different
animals function. Emphasis is placed on how organisms,
both invertebrates and vertebrates, make changes in these
basic mechanisms to deal with differing environmental
conditions. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in BIO 131
or consent. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each
week. Offered spring of even-numbered years.
385 Animal Behavior (4)
A study of the mechanisms and evolution of animal
behavior. Topics include genetics and development of
behavior, neural and physiological mechanisms of behavior,
communication, social behavior, habitat selection,
reproductive behavior, and parental investment. Laboratory
exercises provide hands-on experience for many of these
concepts. Prerequisites: BIO 131 or consent. Lecture three
hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered spring
odd-numbered years.
410 Evolution (3)
A study of the theories of evolution and their
proponents in both vegetable and animal kingdoms.
Prerequisite: junior/senior status. Offered each fall.
420 Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
A study of the structure and function of prokaryotes and
eukaryotes at the cellular and molecular level. Emphasis is
placed on the molecular nature of cellular structure,
metabolism and physiology. Prerequisite: a grade of C or
better in CHEM 311, 312, 321 and 322. Offered each fall
with sufficient demand.
445 Limnology (3) W
Introduces the study of fresh waters, including lake,
pond, river, and stream ecosystems. Emphasis is placed
on physical processes, primary and secondaryproductivity, biogeochemical cycling, and food web
interactions across all trophic levels. Prerequisite: BIO
131 and 132 or equivalent or BIO 207, with a grade of C
or better. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.
460 Zymurgy: the Science of Fermentation (3) (I)
Introduces the science and art of fermentation and a
consideration of the use of alcohol by human societies.
Prerequisite: senior status or consent. Offered in selected
Winter Sessions.
470 Internship in the Natural Sciences (3)
An intensive study of a particular field of science
through on-site field experience. Internships involve handson
opportunities in the sciences that are relevant to that
particular site. Students are expected to devote a minimum
of at least 120 hours for three semester hours, but some
placements may require more time. Students must
coordinate their internship placement with the supervising
faculty member at least two months prior to placement.
Pass/fail grading. Prerequisites: junior/senior status and
consent. Offered each semester.
475 Natural & Social History
of the Chesapeake Bay (3) (I)
Gives students a comprehensive view of one of the
largest and most diverse estuaries in the world, the
Chesapeake Bay. Students examine the relationships among
the natural history (flora and fauna), human history,
including social and political aspects, use of the bay by
different societies, their impact on and preservation of the
bay. Saturday field trips required. Prerequisite: junior/senior
status. Offered each spring.
480 Readings in Biology (1)
An advanced seminar that discusses readings from the
primary literature on various announced topics in biology.
May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite:
senior/junior status and consent. Offered on demand.
482 Microbiology (3)
Teaches basic microbiological concepts and the role of
microorganisms in various applied areas. Topics include:
microbial physiology, cell structure, microbial genetics,
pathogenic microorganisms and human diseases, and
environmental and applied microbiology. Corequisite: BIO
484. Prerequisites: BIO 311. Offered each spring.
484 Microbiology Laboratory (1)
Techniques of culturing and identifying microorganisms
are taught. Procedures include: culturing,
staining, determination of microbial numbers, effect of
environmental influences, identification of enzymatic
reaction, and isolation and identification of bacterial
cultures. Corequisite: BIO 482. Prerequisites: BIO 311.
Offered each spring.
485 Seminar in Biology (1)
An advanced seminar on various topics in biology. Each
student will conduct in-depth library research on a topic
of interest and present a seminar to the department.
Prerequisite: senior/junior status and a major or minor in
the natural sciences. Offered each spring.
489 Research in the Natural Sciences (3)
Provides students with the opportunity to conduct
original scientific research in an area of interest. Students
work closely with one or more members of the natural
science faculty to develop and conduct a research project.
Students present their findings orally during the semester’s
undergraduate research symposium and as a formal research
paper. Students are encouraged to present their findings at
a conference. Prerequisite: junior/senior status and a major
in the natural sciences, prior approval by the project
adviser, and consent of the instructor. May be repeated once
for a total of 6 semester hours. Identical to CHEM 489 and
EES 489. Offered each semester.
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