Biological Sciences
Tammi Richardson, Chair
The field of biological sciences examines the nature of living organisms and how they interact with and create their environment. The Department of Biological Sciences strives to advance knowledge and discoveries in biology, from the cellular and genetic level to the organismal and environmental. Students in our program study the complexities of life on Earth, from DNA and cell functions to the diversity of living organisms and ecosystems, in order to better understand the world.
With our Bachelor of Science degree, students complete first-rate courses and community engagement that will prepare them to achieve their professional and personal goals. A biology degree offers a comprehensive education in the sciences and empowers students with knowledge critical for fields like medicine, management of natural resources, teaching, public health, pre-health* and more. Our biology minor offers fundamental life science courses that can supplement any major and is ideal for students planning to pursue graduate studies or those interested in careers in the sciences.
*Pre-health students may especially benefit from the interdisciplinary neuroscience degrees offered at the university.
Courses
BIOL 101 - Biological Principles I (3 Credits)
Introductory survey of macromolecules, cell structure and function, genetics, and molecular biology.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 101A - Biological Principles I (3 Credits)
BIOL 101L - Biological Principles I Laboratory (1 Credit)
(Recommended concurrent with BIOL 101). Experimental examination of basic principles of cell biology, genetics and metabolism.
Three hours per week.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 102 - Biological Principles II (3 Credits)
Introductory survey of plant and animal development, physiology, ecology, and evolution.
Corequisite: BIOL 102L.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 102A - Biological Principles II (3 Credits)
BIOL 102L - Biological Principles II Laboratory (1 Credit)
BIOL 110 - General Biology (4 Credits)
Basic biological concepts and issues for non-biology majors. Credit may not be given for both this course and BIOL 120. Three lecture, two laboratory hours per week.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 110A - General Biology (Audio-Tutorial) (1 Credit)
Addendum to BIOL 110.
BIOL 120 - Human Biology (3 Credits)
BIOL 120L - Laboratory in Human Biology (1 Credit)
Exercises dealing with basic concepts of human biology. Not for major credit.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 120.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 200 - Plant Science (3 Credits)
An introduction to plant science for the non-major. This course does not carry major credit, and is not designed as a prerequisite for other biology courses. Plant development, physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology will be considered. Three lecture hours per week.
BIOL 200L - Plant Science Laboratory (1 Credit)
BIOL 202 - Infectious Diseases, Human Health, and Ethics (3 Credits)
An introduction to pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. Basic elements of the immune system coupled with discussion of how pathogens cause disease. This information is placed in the context of how scientific research leads to the discovery, treatment, and prevention of the disease. The ethical implications of each pathogen and its treatment strategies are discussed.
Carolina Core: SCI, VSR
BIOL 206 - Genetics and Society (3 Credits)
(Designed for non-major students.) Genetic principles, emphasizing human heredity. Relevance of recent advances in genetics. Three lecture hours per week.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 208 - Our Hungry World from Malthus to McDonalds (3 Credits)
Scientific and social issues concerning the interrelationship of culture and agricultural biotic diversity and technology, climate change, resources management, food security, and human health.
Carolina Core: SCI, VSR
BIOL 220 - Elementary Life Science (4 Credits)
This course will ensure that elementary education majors will understand the fundamental concepts of Biology. Cannot be used for biology major credit.
BIOL 232 - Anatomy (3 Credits)
Functional anatomy of the human body and its relation to disease processes. Not for biology major credit.
BIOL 232L - Anatomy Laboratory (1 Credit)
The principles of anatomy as demonstrated by microscopic studies and animal dissection. Three hours per week.
Corequisite: BIOL 232.
BIOL 240 - Applied Human Physiology (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of functional human biology and knowledge of contemporary medical problems. Not for major credit.
BIOL 242 - Human Physiology (4 Credits)
Functional biology of organ systems in the maintenance of the whole organism; homeostatic relationships. Not available for biology major credit.
Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 232.
BIOL 243 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 Credits)
Functional anatomy and physiology of the human body, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Not available for biology major credit. Three lecture hours per week.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 243L - Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory (1 Credit)
The principles of anatomy and physiology as demonstrated by microscopic studies, animal dissection, and physiological experiments.
One three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 243.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 244 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3 Credits)
Functional anatomy and physiology of the human body, including the cardiovascular, endocrine, excretory, reproductive, digestive, and respiratory systems. Not available for biology major credit. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 243.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 244L - Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory (1 Credit)
BIOL 250 - Microbiology (3 Credits)
An introduction to bacteria and viruses, emphasizing structure, metabolism, and pathogenesis. Discussion of infectious diseases, antigen-antibody relationships, and anti-microbial agents in chemotherapy. Not available for biology major credit. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: College-level Biology and Chemistry.
BIOL 250L - Microbiology Laboratory (1 Credit)
Not available for biology major credit. Three hours per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 250.
BIOL 260 - Physiology (3 Credits)
Physiology of human systems especially susceptible to disturbance: immunobiology, circulation, excretion, metabolism, endocrinology, and muscle physiology. Not for biology major credit. Intended for pharmacy students.
Prerequisites: BIOL 102.
BIOL 270 - Introduction to Environmental Biology (3 Credits)
Basic ecological principles and the impacts of human population growth and technology. Not for major credit.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 270L - Introduction to Environmental Biology Laboratory (1 Credit)
Demonstrations, data analyses, discussions, and films relating to human ecology, resource use, and environmental impact. Not for major credit.
Two hours per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 270.
Carolina Core: SCI
BIOL 301 - Ecology and Evolution (3 Credits)
BIOL 301L - Ecology and Evolution Laboratory (1 Credit)
Experiments, exercises, and demonstrations. Three hours per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 301.
BIOL 302 - Cell and Molecular Biology (3 Credits)
Principles of eukaryotic cell structure, molecular organization, and physiology. Genome organization and expression. Cell growth, division,
and cell-cell interactions.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
BIOL 302L - Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory (1 Credit)
Experiments, exercises, and demonstrations. Three hours per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 302.
Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Opportunity
BIOL 303 - Fundamental Genetics (3 Credits)
Basic principles of transmission and molecular genetics; quantitative inheritance; recombination; biochemical aspects of gene function and regulation; developmental genetics and population genetics. Three lecture hours per week.
BIOL 303L - Fundamental Genetics Laboratory (2 Credits)
BIOL 351 - Introduction to Animal Science (3 Credits)
Exploration of current careers in the animal industry including a brief overview of the sciences involved in animal production such as genetics and selection, behavior, physiology, reproduction, and nutrition of cattle (beef and dairy), horses, swine, sheep, poultry, and others.
Prerequisites: C or better in BIOL 102.
BIOL 398 - Laboratory Teaching Experience (1 Credit)
Participation in preparation and teaching of undergraduate biological sciences laboratories.
Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Opportunity
BIOL 399 - Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department head is required for undergraduate students.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
BIOL 405 - Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (3 Credits)
Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development and functions of the nervous system, such as nervous system patterning, neuronal differentiation/migration, formation of neuronal projections, development of synapses, apoptosis, refinement of neuronal circuits, and how cells and neurons respond to signals from the environment.
Prerequisites: BIOL 302.
BIOL 415 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4 Credits)
BIOL 420 - Survey of the Plant Kingdom (3 Credits)
Phylogenetic survey of the major plant divisions; consideration of the structure and development of flowering plants.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
BIOL 420L - Survey of the Plant Kingdom Laboratory (1 Credit)
Three hours per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 420.
BIOL 423 - Medicinal Botany (3 Credits)
BIOL 425 - Plant Form and Function (3 Credits)
Basic introduction to plants, including cellular biology, energetics, structure-function relationships, development, nutrition, and diversity.
Prerequisites: BIOL 302.
BIOL 425L - Plant Form and Function Laboratory (1 Credit)
Illustration of principles of introductory botany and plant physiology using experiments, exercises, and demonstrations. Three laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 425.
BIOL 450 - Principles of Biological Oceanography (3 Credits)
BIOL 460 - Advanced Human Physiology (3 Credits)
BIOL 460L - Advanced Human Physiology Laboratory (1 Credit)
Experiments on organ system functions using different animal models.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 460 (with a grade of D or better if used as a prerequisite).
BIOL 461 - Advanced Human Anatomy (3 Credits)
BIOL 461L - Advanced Human Anatomy Laboratory (1 Credit)
Practical exercises in structure, function, and development of anatomy using digital and animal models.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 461 (with a grade of D or better if used as a prerequisite).
BIOL 462 - Advanced Microbiology (3 Credits)
The taxonomy, morphology, metabolism, genetics, and ecology of microorganisms.
Prerequisites: C or better in BIOL 302.
BIOL 462L - Advanced Microbiology Laboratory (1 Credit)
Practical exercises with the taxonomy, morphology, metabolism, genetics, and ecology of microorganisms.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: D or better in BIOL 462.
BIOL 465 - Domestic Animal Nutrition (3 Credits)
Elements of nutrition and animal feeding in veterinary practice. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 302.
BIOL 497 - Undergraduate Seminar in Biological Sciences (1 Credit)
BIOL 498 - Biological Research: An Introduction (4 Credits)
Methodologies of biological research with emphasis on hypothesis formation, research design, and data collection, and current issues in biology.
Two lecture and six laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: one 300-level or higher biological laboratory.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
BIOL 502 - Environmental Microbiology (3 Credits)
An overview of the microbial world including a survey of the distribution, functioning, and diversity of microorganisms in natural systems. Discusses the crucial roles that microorganisms play in ecosystem function, biogeochemical cycles, and environmental quality.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 503
BIOL 505 - Developmental Biology (3 Credits)
An introduction to how cell-cell communication, gene expression, cell division, cytoskeletal dynamics, and interactions with the extracellular matrix result in the differentiation, pattern formation, morphogenesis, and growth necessary to generate a new individual.
Prerequisites: C or better in BIOL 302.
BIOL 505L - Developmental Biology Laboratory I (1 Credit)
Descriptive and experimental exercises related to embryology. One three-hour laboratory per week.
Corequisite: BIOL 505.
BIOL 506 - Developmental Biology II (3 Credits)
Molecular aspects of development from gamete formation through tissue and organ differentiation in plants and animals. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 505.
BIOL 506L - Developmental Biology Laboratory II (1 Credit)
A series of experimentally oriented laboratory exercises will be performed. One three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 506.
BIOL 510 - Invertebrate Zoology (4 Credits)
BIOL 523 - Plant Development (3 Credits)
BIOL 523L - Plant Developmental Laboratory (1 Credit)
Experiments utilizing a genetic approach to the study of plant development. Three laboratory hours per week.
Corequisite: BIOL 523.
BIOL 524 - Mycology (4 Credits)
Taxonomy and morphology of fungi; cultivation, life histories, and economic importance; all classes and major orders considered.
Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
BIOL 525 - Marine Plants (4 Credits)
BIOL 526 - The Fall Flora (4 Credits)
Two lecture and four laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
BIOL 527 - The Spring Flora (4 Credits)
Two lecture and four laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
BIOL 528 - The Summer Flora (4 Credits)
Two lecture and four laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
BIOL 530 - Histology (4 Credits)
An introduction to the tissues that make up the human body. The microscopic anatomy of tissues is examined and discussed in terms of function and physiology. Three lecture hours and four laboratory hours per week.
BIOL 531 - Parasitology (4 Credits)
BIOL 534 - Animal Behavior (3 Credits)
BIOL 534L - Animal Behavior Laboratory (1 Credit)
Observational and experimental methods used in classifying animal behavior patterns and in determining underlying control mechanisms.
One three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 534.
BIOL 535 - Fishery Management (3 Credits)
Management and conservation of aquatic and marine resources, with emphasis on fisheries. Data procurement and analysis; commercial and recreational fisheries; sociological, political, legal, and environmental factors that affect fishery management; and fish biodiversity.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 535
BIOL 536 - Ichthyology (4 Credits)
BIOL 537 - Aquaculture (3 Credits)
BIOL 538 - Behavior of Marine Organisms (4 Credits)
BIOL 541 - Biochemistry (3 Credits)
BIOL 541L - Biochemistry Laboratory (1 Credit)
BIOL 543 - Comparative Physiology (3 Credits)
BIOL 543L - Comparative Physiology Laboratory (1 Credit)
BIOL 545 - Biochemistry/Molecular Biology I (3 Credits)
BIOL 546 - Biochemistry/Molecular Biology II (3 Credits)
BIOL 549 - Plant Physiology (4 Credits)
BIOL 550 - Bacteriology (3 Credits)
Introduction to bacteria and viruses emphasizing ultrastructure, physiology, genetics, and growth. Discussion of public health, industrial, and environmental microbiology. Three lecture hours per week.
Corequisite: BIOL 550L.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
BIOL 550L - Bacteriology Laboratory (1 Credit)
Three laboratory hours per week.
Corequisite: BIOL 550.
BIOL 552 - Population Genetics (3 Credits)
BIOL 553 - Genomics (3 Credits)
BIOL 558 - Stem Cells and The Physiological Environment (3 Credits)
Discussion of how physiological factors, like nutritional status, influence systemic signals to alter stem cell activity, and the physiological stimuli that impact stem cell activity in a variety of organisms (from worms to humans).
Prerequisites: C of higher in BIOL 302.
BIOL 570 - Principles of Ecology (3 Credits)
BIOL 570L - Principles of Ecology Laboratory (1 Credit)
Three hours per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 570.
BIOL 571 - Conservation Biology (3 Credits)
BIOL 572 - Freshwater Ecology (3 Credits)
BIOL 574 - Marine Conservation Biology (3 Credits)
Exploration of how human activities affect marine natural populations, species, communities and ecosystems, including threats to biodiversity; approaches to marine conservation; and ecological and evolutionary responses to anthropogenic disturbance.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 574
BIOL 575 - Marine Ecology (3 Credits)
BIOL 575L - Marine Ecology Laboratory (1 Credit)
BIOL 576 - Marine Fisheries Ecology (3 Credits)
BIOL 577 - Ecology of Coral Reefs (4 Credits)
BIOL 588 - Genomic Data Science (3 Credits)
This course focuses on quantitative knowledge for interdisciplinary applications in genetics as well as hands-on experience in analyzing genetic data. In this course, students will have programming exercises in using analysis tools to conduct genome-wide analysis, annotation, and interpretation of genetic data using R/Bioconductor packages.
Prerequisites: C or better in STAT 201 or higher.
Cross-listed course: STAT 588
BIOL 599 - Topics in Biology (1-3 Credits)
Current developments in biological sciences. Readings and research on selected topics. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.
BIOL 610 - Hallmarks of Cancer (3 Credits)
BIOL 612 - Virology - Classical and Emerging Concepts (3 Credits)
Advanced study of viruses with regard to biochemical, molecular, pathological, epidemiological, and biotechnological aspects. Focus on animal viruses with particular emphasis on human pathogens.
Prerequisites: C or better in BIOL 302.
BIOL 614 - Stem Cell Biology (3 Credits)
Focuses on the understanding of how stem cells can be used to make fundamental biological discoveries with a special focus in neuroscience.
Prerequisites: C or better in BIOL 302.
BIOL 620 - Immunobiology (3 Credits)
Basic immunological concepts including antibody structure, function, and genetics; cellular immunology; transplantation; hypersensitivity; autoimmunity; and immunity to infectious diseases.
Prerequisites: BIOL 302.
BIOL 625 - Medical Mycology (3 Credits)
Advanced study of infectious diseases caused by fungi. Etiology, symptoms, and treatment of fungi related illnesses.
Cross-listed course: ENHS 625
BIOL 627 - Marine Phytoplankton (3 Credits)
Examines the physiology and ecology of phytoplankton, including environmental controls on community composition, primary productivity, and detection and characterization of water quality (eutrophication) and harmful algal blooms.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 627
BIOL 630 - Biology of Birds (3 Credits)
BIOL 634 - Biology of Neurological Diseases (3 Credits)
BIOL 635 - Neurophysiology (4 Credits)
Descriptive and experimental aspects of the neural basis of behavior, emphasizing cellular and molecular mechanisms. Two lecture and six laboratory hours per week. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 302.
BIOL 640 - Microbial Ecology (3 Credits)
BIOL 641 - Biophysical Ecology (3 Credits)
BIOL 650 - Biochemical Evolution (3 Credits)
BIOL 651 - Limnology (4 Credits)
A study of the aquatic environment and its biota. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
BIOL 652 - Evolutionary Biology (3 Credits)
BIOL 653 - Bioinformatics (3 Credits)
BIOL 654 - Speciation (3 Credits)
BIOL 655 - Biotechnology (3 Credits)
BIOL 656 - Experimental Biotechnology (4 Credits)
BIOL 660 - Biology of Mammals (4 Credits)
BIOL 662 - Signal Transduction and Pathogenesis (3 Credits)
Signaling pathways involved in human diseases, such as cancer, AIDS, autoimmune diseases and diabetes, and cellular processes involving apoptosis, cell cycle, cell-cell adhesion, growth factors, hormones, G protein-couples receptors, cytokines and immune response.
BIOL 665 - Human Molecular Genetics (3 Credits)
BIOL 667 - Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Disease Pathogenesis (3 Credits)
BIOL 668 - Metabolic Biochemistry of Human Disease (3 Credits)
BIOL 670 - Plant Ecology (3 Credits)
Structure and dynamics of plant populations and communities, including life histories, adaptations, and plant interactions. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
BIOL 670L - Plant Ecology (1 Credit)
Laboratory and field exercises in plant ecology. Four hours per week.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 670.
BIOL 671 - Plant Responses to the Environment (3 Credits)
Physiological, molecular, and genetic examination of induced plant responses to various biotic and abiotic environmental stresses.
Prerequisites: BIOL 302.
BIOL 690 - Ultramicroscopy (3 Credits)