BIO (Biology)

BIO 110 Biological Inquiry (5 hours)
This course uses an active learning approach to introduce students to the broad, fascinating, and rapidly-advancing study of living things.  We will use the scientific method to explore biological principles operating at scales ranging from molecules to communities.  Specific topics will include biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, micro- and macro-evolution, physiology and anatomy of plants and animals, organismal diversity, and ecology.  Class will meet for 6 hours per week in 3 or 4 sessions, allowing ample time for student-designed research, structured—but participatory—lectures, demonstrations, collaborative exercises, and observation of live organisms in the lab or their habitat.  Many of these activities will draw from related material in BIO 111 Biostatistics. Pre-requisite: satisfaction of the mathematics proficiency requirement (see Sec. 6.4.1. and Sec. 6.4.2.). Co-requisite for students planning to pursue a Biology major: BIO 111. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 111 Biostatistics (3 hours)
This course uses active learning exercises, short lectures, and directed readings to teach management, statistical analysis, and reporting of trends in quantitative data from biological studies. As such, it prepares students to design and conduct their own biological studies and to evaluate published studies in BIO 110 Biological Inquiry (co-required) and upper level biology courses. Pre-requisite: satisfaction of the mathematics proficiency requirement (see Sec. 6.4.1. and Sec. 6.4.2.). Co-requisite: BIO 110.

BIO 200 Independent Study in Biology (1-5 hours)
This course provides the opportunity for an intense study of diverse topics under the direct supervision of the instructor. The student and instructor will collaborate to develop the content of the course, which must be approved as outlined by the Independent Study Policy. (Sec. 6.15.) A non-refundable laboratory fee may be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 201 Genetics (5 hours)
An introduction to the study of inheritance. Classical patterns of Mendelian inheritance are explored and related to modern molecular genetics, human genetic disorders, ethics and issues of conservation. Includes lecture and laboratory. Laboratory work encourages independent inquiry and requires experimental follow-up outside of dedicated class time. Offered annually in the fall. Prerequisites: BIO 110, BIO 111 and CHM 102 (with laboratory, CHM 102L).  Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHM 201 (with laboratory, CHM 201L). Declared Biopsychology majors who have completed the BIO 110, CHM 102 and CHM 102L prerequisites and who have taken, or plan to co-enroll in, PSY 209 will be granted permission to register for BIO 201 even if they have not satisfied all the prerequisites. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 202 Microbiology (5 hours)
An introduction to the biology of microorganisms with a focus on prokaryotes, particularly bacteria. The morphological, metabolic, and genetic characteristics are explored and utilized for identification in the laboratory. Consideration is also given to phylogenetic relationships, and taxonomy, establishing relationships among microbes. Includes lecture and laboratory. Laboratory work includes cultivation and identification of an unknown microorganism. Usually offered annually in the spring. Prerequisites: BIO 110 and CHM 101 (with laboratory, CHM 101L). A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 215 Animal Behavior (5 hours)
This course considers the function, development and evolution of animal behavior, including the physical and physiological bases of behavior, behavioral genetics, social behavior and behavioral ecology. The laboratory component applies the issues addressed in lecture in a hands-on interactive and field-oriented setting. An integrated speaker’s series is part of the interactive intellectual environment cultivated by the course. Includes lecture and laboratory. Usually offered biennially in fall of odd years. Prerequisites: BIO 110. Declared Biopsychology majors who have completed PSY 101 will be granted permission to register even if they have not satisfied the prerequisite. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 224 Cancer Biology (5 hours)
Cancer Biology is a synthetic course that provides students with a comprehensive introduction to cancer and that ranges in scope from causes to cures.  By conceptualizing the cellular and molecular basis of known cancer diseases, the students will be prepared to engage in discussions of drug development and clinical strategies.  The course also considers public health and epidemiological approaches that are used to monitor environmental exposures associated with increased cancer risk. Includes lecture and laboratory. Lab exercises, service learning projects, guest speakers from the Atlanta-based cancer community and field trips to relevant off-campus sites will be arranged to allow students to engage in discussion of state-of-the-art cancer research, treatment, policy, prevention and care. Pre-requisites: completion of BIO 201. BIO 224 is an SL-X designated course requiring each student to perform 25 hours of course-related volunteer work. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 252 Biology Seminar (1 hour)
This course introduces students to the mechanics and intellectual components of being a scientist. During this class, students cultivate the skills for framing, researching, preparing and presenting a formal presentation on a topic of biological interest (from the scientific primary literature). Offered annually in the spring and occasionally in the fall. Prerequisites: BIO 110, BIO 111, and sophomore or higher standing.

BIO 280 Conservation Biology in Hawaii (4 hours)
This course is a field-based, intensive version of BIO 380 Conservation Biology that focuses on the rare and unique biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands. It moves quickly from the basic goals and methods of Conservation Biology to their application to terrestrial, wetland, and coastal marine ecosystems. The course is comprised of ~three introductory lectures/discussion and a ~13-day learning adventure in the Hawaiian archipelago. Usually offered biennially in January of odd years. Prerequisites: Declared Biology Major or Minor or Environmental Studies Minor, at least sophomore standing, instructor’s permission, and paid trip fee.

BIO 290A Special Topics in Cellular/Molecular Biology (1-5 hours)
Courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. Prerequisites: BIO 110 and CHM 101 (with laboratory CHM 101L) A four or five credit hour offering of this course will count in “Category A – Cellular & Molecular” for the Biology major’s degree requirements. A non-refundable laboratory fee may be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 290B Special Topics in Organismal Biology (1-5 hours)
Courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. Prerequisites can vary based on the topic selected. See individual course listings for each semester for the specific topic and any prerequisites.  This course will count in “Category B – Organismal” for the Biology major’s degree requirements.

BIO 290C Special Topics in Ecological Biology (1-5 hours)
Courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. Prerequisite: BIO 110. A four or five credit hour offering of this course will count in “Category C – Ecological” for the Biology major’s degree requirements. A non-refundable laboratory fee may be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 290D Special Topics in Biology (1-5 hours)
Courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. Prerequisites can vary based on the topic selected. See individual course listings for each semester for the specific topic and any prerequisites. This course may count toward requirements for category A, B or C electives or may not count in any of the prescribed categories of the Biology major’s degree requirements as indicated at the time of registration. A non-refundable laboratory fee may be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 301 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (5 hours)
This course is an intensive study of the structural aspects of selected vertebrate types. These organisms are studied in relation to their evolution and development. Includes lecture and laboratory. The laboratory involves detailed examination of representative vertebrate specimens. Usually offered annually in the fall. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and CHM 201 (with laboratory, CHM 201L). Junior or senior standing and co-registration in BIO 201 and CHM 201 (with laboratory, CHM 201L) may be acceptable prerequisites with instructor’s permission. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 313 Developmental Biology (5 hours)
This course deals with the dynamic developmental processes in animals that start at fertilization and continue through to the formation of an adult organism. Classical observations in embryology are combined with genetic, cellular and molecular practices to provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental themes and pathways enabled during development. Course work will allow for students to extrapolate from various development models to the human condition. Includes lecture and laboratory. In the laboratory, living and prepared examples of developing systems in representative invertebrates and vertebrates will be studied using both classical and molecular approaches. Usually offered biennially in spring of even years. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and CHM 201 (with laboratory, CHM 201L). A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 317 Biochemistry (5 hours)
As an introduction to the chemistry of living systems, this course will investigate the structures and functions of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Central metabolic pathways and enzyme reaction mechanisms also will be studied. Includes lecture and laboratory. Usually offered annually in fall. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and CHM 201 (with laboratory, CHM 201L). A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 320 Urban Ecology (5 hours)
The science of Urban Ecology is more than the study of ecology in urban landscapes. It is the integration of natural and social sciences for greater understanding of the emergent phenomena that we call cities. This course describes the state of urban ecological knowledge and best practices for promoting and implementing sustainable development using lectures, readings, discussions, guest speakers, research, and labs. Includes lecture and laboratory. Some labs involve travel to many sites around Atlanta. Usually offered biennially in fall of odd years. Cross-listed as UEP 320. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 380 Conservation Biology (5 hours)
Conservation biology is an interdisciplinary science that attempts to protect and restore biodiversity by describing its spatial and temporal patterns, identifying its threats, and removing its threats. This course covers these goals, philosophies underlying the science, and relevant public policy with lectures, readings, exercises and research. Exercises and research typically involve travel around Atlanta and Georgia. Includes lecture and laboratory. Usually offered biennially in fall of even years. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 201. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 400 Advanced Independent Study in Biology (1-5 hours)
This course provides the opportunity for an advanced, intense study of diverse topics under the direct supervision of the instructor. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. The student and instructor will collaborate to develop the content of the course, which must be approved as outlined by the Independent Study Policy.  (Sec. 6.15.)

Specifically, this Biology course is supervised research on a selected project or paper. To qualify, students must propose a topic that requires consultation and analysis of the primary scientific literature germane to the topic. Students enrolling in this course for more than 3 semester hours must propose original research that includes review of relevant primary literature, data collection in the field and/or lab, data analysis, and a formal research presentation. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and one elective in the relevant area (Category A, B, or C); junior or senior standing. A non-refundable laboratory fee may be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 402 Human Physiology (5 hours)
This course is a detailed analysis of human functions that deals primarily with the interactions involved in the operation of complex human systems. Includes lecture and laboratory. Usually offered annually in the spring. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and CHM 201 (with laboratory, CHM 201L). A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 418 Cell Biology (5 hours)
This course is an in-depth consideration of cellular evolution, cellular ultra-structure and the molecular mechanisms of cell physiology. Students will practice techniques involving the culturing and preparation of cells and tissues for examination by fluorescence microscopy, biochemical analysis and cell behavioral assays. The course culminates with each student designing and executing an independent research project. Includes lecture and laboratory. Usually offered biennially in spring of odd years. Prerequisites: BIO 201, CHM 201 (with laboratory, CHM 201L). A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 423 Ecology (5 hours)
This course investigates the features of the environment that dictate where an organism lives and what density its population can achieve. It takes a quantitative approach and uses a variety of model organisms (for example, salamanders and students) in lecture and lab. Laboratories involve considerable fieldwork and travel to sites around Atlanta and the Southeast. Usually offered biennially in spring of even years. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and junior or senior standing. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 450 Genetic Engineering (5 hours)
This seminar-style course focuses on the primary literature- learning several molecular genetic techniques and the cutting-edge biotechnology used to genetically engineer an organism. The lab portion of this course is dedicated to a novel cloning research experience that is in synergy with faculty research. Prerequisite: BIO 201. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 455 Research in Epigenetics (4 hours)
This class is a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) delivered primarily in a laboratory setting. With guidance from a practicing researcher, students will be introduced to current topics in chromatin and epigenetic inheritance using lectures and readings in the primary literature. The majority of coursework will consist of novel research using C. elegans as a model. Prerequisites: BIO 201, CHM 201 (with laboratory, CHM 201L) and junior or senior standing. A non-refundable laboratory fee is billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 490A Advanced Special Topics in Cellular/Molecular Biology (1-5 hours)
Advanced courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and junior or senior standing. A four or five credit hour offering of this course will count in “Category A – Cellular & Molecular” for the Biology major’s degree requirements. A non-refundable laboratory fee may be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 490B Advanced Special Topics in Organismal Biology (1-5 hours)
Advanced courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and junior or senior standing. A four or five credit hour offering of this course will count in “Category B – Organismal” for the Biology major’s degree requirements. A non-refundable laboratory fee may be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 490C Advanced Special Topics in Ecological Biology (1-5 hours)
Advanced courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and junior or senior standing. A four or five credit hour offering of this course will count in “Category C – Ecological” for the Biology major’s degree requirements. A non-refundable laboratory fee may be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 490D Advanced Special Topics in Biology (1-5 hours)
Advanced courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and junior or senior standing. This course will not count in any of the prescribed categories of the Biology major’s degree requirements. A non-refundable laboratory fee may be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

BIO 495 Internship in Biology (1-12 hours)
An internship designed to provide a formalized experiential learning opportunity to qualified students. The internship generally requires the student to have an application (which satisfies all internship requirements developed by the academic program that oversees the internship) and to obtain a faculty supervisor in the relevant field of study. All internships are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites are determined by the academic program overseeing the internship course.

BIO 499 Evolution Seminar (1 hour)
Evolution is the fundamental and unifying theme of modern Biology. As such, it is the focus of our one credit hour seminar capstone for Biology majors with senior status. The seminar is team taught by the Biology faculty. Each instructor uses the primary literature and discussion to lead a multi-week, in-depth exploration of up to three evolution-oriented topics in their areas of expertise or current interest. Topics will vary by offering. Offered annually in fall. Prerequisite: senior standing.