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• Course Syllabi
• Course Descriptions

Course Syllabi

Course Descriptions

Stated prerequisites are understood to mean “or equivalent” and may be waived by the course instructor for students who are adequately prepared. BIOL 101/101L is the prerequisite for most advanced work in biology. However, entering first-year students may earn placement credit for BIOL 101/101L by either 1) scoring 3 or higher on the Biology Advanced Placement examination or 2) taking and passing the Department of Biology placement test offered several times during the year.

Biology Class Number Patterns

Under 100: first-year seminars
100 to 199: first-year courses
200 to 299: second-year courses
300 to 399: advanced undergraduates only
400 to 499: courses for advanced undergraduates and graduate students
500 to 599: advanced courses for undergraduates and graduate students
600 to 699: courses for graduate students and well-prepared undergraduates

Under 100: first-year seminars

053 First-Year Seminar: Biotechnology: Genetically Modified Foods to the Sequence of the Human Genome (3). Restricted to first-year students. Introduction, in a first-year seminar, to recent advances in genetics and cell biology, and discussion and debate concerning how these advances are changing medicine, agriculture, and other aspects of our lives.

055 First-Year Seminar: The Roots and Flowering of Civilization: A Seminar on Plants and People (3).Restricted to first-year students. The focus of this first-year seminar will be on the transition from hunter-gatherer, the interchange of crops, medicinal and psychoactive plants, and organic vs. industrial farming methods.

057 First-Year Seminar: Detecting the Future: Human Diseases and Genetic Tests (3). Restricted to first-year students. A first-year seminar focusing on the future of human diseases and genetic tests.

061 First-Year Seminar: Sea Turtles: A Case Study in the Biology of Conservation (3). Restricted to first-year students. An examination of the biology and conservation of sea turtles, with an emphasis on how current scientific research informs conservation practices.

062 First-Year Seminar: Mountains beyond Mountains: Infectious Disease in the Developing World (3).Restricted to first-year students. In this course we will examine the challenges of treating infectious disease in the developing world, and explore the root causes of global health care inequity.

065 First-Year Seminar: Pneumonia (3). Restricted to first-year students. Pneumonia will be a lens to examine a thread of history of biology and medicine. Current research to understand the condition, discover treatment and enact prevention options will be examined.

081 First-Year Seminar: Intuition, Initiative, and Industry: Biologists as Entrepreneurs (3). Successful biologists are necessarily entrepreneurs. This course will explore the parallels between biology and entrepreneurship. We follow these steps: generating ideas, marketing those ideas, testing them, and producing a product.

089 First-Year Seminar: Special topics (3). Restricted to first-year students. This is a special topics course; content will vary.

100 to 199: first-year courses

101 Principles of Biology (3). Open to all undergraduates. This course is the prerequisite to most higher courses in biology. An introduction to the fundamental principles of biology, including cell structure, chemistry, and function; genetics; evolution; adaptation; and ecology. (See department concerning Advanced Placement credit.) Three lecture hours a week.

101L Introductory Biology Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite, BIOL 101. An examination of the fundamental concepts in biology with emphasis on scientific inquiry. Biological systems will be analyzed through experimentation, dissection, and observation. Three laboratory hours a week.

113 Issues in Modern Biology (3). For students not majoring in biology. Students who have taken any other course in the Department of Biology may not register for this course. Recent advances in the understanding of major principles in biology. Emphasis on genetics and medicine. Does not count as a course in the major. Three lecture hours a week.

128 Biology of Human Disease (PATH 128) (3). Open to all undergraduates. An overview of basic human molecular and cellular biology in the setting of common human diseases. The course emphasizes how an understanding of disease mechanisms provides the knowledge base for informed use of modern health care. Does not count as a course in the major.

159 Prehistoric Life (GEOL 159) (3). See GEOL 159 for description. Does not count as a course in the major.

159L Prehistoric Life Laboratory (GEOL 159L) (1). See GEOL 159L for description. Does not count as a course in the major.

190 Special Topics in Biology at an Introductory Level (3). Special topics in biology at an introductory level. This course does not count as a course in the biology major.

190L Laboratory in Special Topics in Biology at an Introductory Level (1). Laboratory in special topics in biology at an introductory level. This course does not count as a course in the biology major.

195 Introduction to Research (1). The research work must involve at least four hours per week of mentored research in a campus research laboratory. Does not count as a course in the major.

200 to 299: second-year courses

201 Ecology and Evolution (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and CHEM 101 or 102. A grade of C or better in BIOL 101 and CHEM 101 or 102 required. Principles governing the ecology and evolution of populations, communities, and ecosystems, including speciation, population genetics, population regulation, and community and ecosystem structure and dynamics. Three lecture hours and one recitation-demonstration-conference hour a week.

202 Molecular Biology and Genetics (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and CHEM 101 or 102. A grade of C or better in BIOL 101 and CHEM 101 or 102 is required. Structure and function of nucleic acids, principles of inheritance, gene expression, and genetic engineering. Three lecture hours and one recitation-demonstration-conference hour a week.

205 Cellular and Developmental Biology (4). Prerequisite, BIOL 202. Fundamentals of cell structure and activity in relation to special functions, metabolism, reproduction, embryogenesis, and with an introduction to the experimental analysis of cell physiology and development. Three lectures and one recitation-demonstration-conference hour a week.

211 Introduction to Research in Biology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 201 or 202. Not open to seniors. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Seminar based on current investigations at UNC. Students examine sources of scientific information, explore the logic of investigation, and develop proposals. Students with BIOL 211 credit may take a maximum of three hours of BIOL 395.

213 Evolution and Life (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 101. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. For students not majoring in biology. Introduction to the scientific study of biological evolution and its applications. The mechanisms that cause evolution and general patterns of evolution during the history of life. Does not count as a course in the major.

251 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (3). This course relates the way in which the human body is constructed to the way in which it functions and is controlled. Credit for only one of BIOL 251 and 252. Only offered through Continuing Studies.

251L Human Physiology Virtual Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite, BIOL 251. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. This is a course of simulated laboratory measurements exercises using typical data derived from actual physiological measurements on human subjects. Only offered though continuing education. May not be taken in addition to 252.

252 Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L. One biology course over 200 recommended. An introductory course emphasizing the relationship between and function of the body’s organ systems. Three lecture and three laboratory hours each week.

253 Mountain Biodiversity (ENST 404) (4). See ENST 404 for description.

262 Global Ecology: An International Perspective on Ecological and Environmental Problems (ENST 262) (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 201. Ecological basis of global environmental problems and their solutions. Topics include human population growth; food and water shortages; biodiversity loss; deforestation; desertification; emerging diseases; and climate change. These are elements in an interconnected ecological system at a global scale.

271 Plant Biology (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L. Designed for students with an interest in natural sciences. An introduction to the principles of botany including structure, function, reproduction, heredity, environmental relationships, evolution and classification of plants. Three lectures and three laboratory hours a week.

272 Local Flora (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L. Open to all undergraduates. North Carolina’s flora: recognition, identification, classification, evolution, history, economics, plant families, ecology, and conservation. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week

273 Horticulture (4). Prerequisite, BIOL 101. The cultivation, propagation, and breeding of plants, with emphasis on ornamentals. Control of environmental factors for optimal plant growth. Laboratory exercises include plant culture, propagation, pruning, and identification of common ornamentals. Two lecture, one recitation, and three laboratory hours a week.

274 Plant Diversity (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L. A survey of the major groups of plants emphasizing interrelationships, comparative morphology, and other topics of biological importance. Culturing techniques and some field work are included. Two lecture and four laboratory hours a week.

276 Evolution of Vertebrate Life (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. Evolutionary history of the vertebrates. Emphasis on anatomical, physiological, behavioral adaptations accompanying major transitions: the move from water to land, the development of complex integrating systems.

276L Vertebrate Structure and Evolution Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite, BIOL 276. Recommended preparation, BIOL 252 or familiarity with anatomy. Vertebrate comparative anatomy of organ systems and their evolution with emphasis on human anatomy. Three laboratory hours a week.

277 Vertebrate Field Zoology (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L. Introduction to the diversity, ecology, behavior, and conservation of living vertebrates. Three lecture hours a week.

277L Vertebrate Field Zoology Laboratory (1). Corequisite, BIOL 277. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the corequisite. Study of the diversity of vertebrates in the field. Three laboratory and field hours a week, including one or two weekend trips.

278 Animal Behavior (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L. Introduction to animal behavior with emphases on the diversity and adaptation of behavior in natural conditions. Three lecture hours a week.

278L Animal Behavior Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite, BIOL 278. Techniques of observation and experiments in animal behavior. Three laboratory hours a week.

279 Special Topics in Organismal Biology (2–3). Permission of the instructor. An undergraduate course devoted to consideration of pertinent aspects of a selected organismal biological discipline.

279L Special Topics in Organismal Biology Laboratory (1–2). Permission of the instructor. An undergraduate laboratory course covering aspects of a specific organismal biological discipline. Laboratory reports will be required. Research work is not included in this course.

290 Special Topics (1–3). Permission of the instructor. An undergraduate seminar course devoted to consideration of pertinent aspects of a selected biological discipline.

290L Special Topics Laboratory (1–2). Permission of the instructor. An undergraduate laboratory course covering aspects of a specific biological discipline. Laboratory reports will be required. Research work is not included in this course.

291 Laboratory Intern in Biology (1). Permission of the instructor. 3.0 or higher in course in question and all biology courses. Experience to include laboratory preparations, demonstrations, assistance, and attendance at weekly laboratory preparation meetings. Interns will not be involved in any aspects of grading. May be repeated with credit. Three laboratory hours a week.

292 Laboratory Teaching Assistant in Biology (2). Permission of the instructor. 3.0 or higher in course in question and all biology courses. Experience and duties include attendance at weekly laboratory preparation meetings, laboratory preparations, demonstrations, instruction, and grading in one section of laboratory course. May be repeated for credit. Three laboratory hours a week.

293 Undergraduate Internship in Biology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 201 or 202. Permission of the instructor. Biology majors only. The sponsored, off-campus work must involve at least 135 hours. Does not count as a course in the major.

294 Service Learning in Biology: APPLES (1–2). Permission of the instructor. APPLES service-learning component for students enrolled in biology courses.

295 Undergraduate Research in Biology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 201 or 202. Permission of the instructor. Majors only. The work must involve at least 135 hours of research effort in which students learn to ask appropriate questions and place results within suitable frameworks.

296 Directed Reading (1–3). Permission of the instructor. Extensive and intensive reading of the literature of a specific biological field directly supervised by a member of the biology faculty. Written reports on the readings, or a literature review paper will be required. Cannot be used as a course toward the major.

300 to 399: advanced undergraduates only

321 Introduction to Immunology (MCRO 321) (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 202 and 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. This course provides a general overview of the evolution, organization, and function of the immune system. Instruction will be inquiry-based with extensive use of informational and instructional technology tools.

324 Molecular Basis of Disease (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 202 and 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. This course covers the molecular mechanisms of human diseases, including genetic diseases, infectious diseases, immunodeficiencies, nutritional disorders, cancer, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.

350 Oceanography (ENVR 417, GEOL 403, MASC 401) (3). See MASC 401 for a description.

395 Undergraduate Research (1–3). Prerequisite, BIOL 201 or 202. Permission of the instructor. Biology majors only. Overall 3.0 grade point average required. Laboratory study addressing biological questions. Requires final written report. May be repeated for up to six credit hours. One through five hours counts as lecture course. Six (or BIOL 211 and three hours, or three hours and BIOL 691H) counts as lecture/laboratory course.  Should normally be taken for 3 hours per semester; requests to register for 1 or 2 hours require approval of the Biology advisor, and will only be granted under special circumstances.  See the Undergraduate Research section for additional information.

395H Undergraduate Research for Honors students (1–3) Prerequisite, BIOL 201 or 202. Students can choose to take either 395 or 395H, but not both. Permission of the instructor. Biology majors only. Overall 3.0 grade point average required. In addition to the laboratory study performed in a lab, students will meet once a week to develop their scientific skills. The course includes reading and discussing primary literature, student presentations and writing assignments.

396 Undergraduate Research (1–3). Prerequisite, BIOL 395. Permission of the instructor. Majors only. An overall 3.0 grade point average required. Laboratory study on a selected topic and directed readings. A final written report is required each term. May be repeated. This course is offered for pass/fail credit only.

396H Undergraduate Research for Honors students (1–3). Prerequisite, BIOL 395. Students can choose to take either 396 or 396H, but not both.Permission of the instructor. Majors only. An overall 3.0 grade point average required.In addition to the laboratory study performed in a lab, students will meet once a week to develop their scientific skills. The course includes reading and discussing primary literature, student presentations and writing assignments.

400 to 499: courses for advanced undergraduates and graduate students

402 Infectious Disease in the Developing World (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 202 and 205. We will explore the challenges of infectious disease in the developing world, focusing on tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria. We will also examine the economics of different approaches to health care.

410 Principles and Methods of Teaching Biology (4). Prerequisites, two of the three biology core courses: BIOL 201, 202, and/or 205. This course will develop the knowledge and skills teachers need to implement inquiry-based biology instruction: rich, conceptual knowledge of biology and mastery of inquiry-based teaching methods.

422 Microbiology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 202. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Bacterial form, growth, physiology, genetics, and diversity. Bacterial interactions including symbiosis and pathogenesis (animal and plant). Use of bacteria in biotechnology. Brief introduction to viruses.

422L Microbiology Laboratory (1–2). Pre- or corequisite, BIOL 422. Sterile technique, bacterial growth and physiology, bacterial genetics, bacteriophage, and bacterial diversity.

423L Laboratory Experiments in Genetics (4). Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Experiments using a range of organisms—from bacteria to Drosophila, higher plants, and man—to sample organismal and molecular genetics. One lecture hour, four laboratory hours.

425 Human Genetics (GNET 425) (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 202. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Pedigree analysis, inheritance of complex traits, DNA damage and repair, human genome organization, DNA fingerprinting, the genes of hereditary diseases, chromosomal aberrations, cancer and oncogenes, immunogenetics and tissue transplants. Three lecture hours a week.

426 Biology of Blood Diseases (PATH 426) (3). See PATH 426 for description.

427 Human Diversity and Population Genetics (3). Pre- or corequisites, BIOL 201 and 202. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. This course investigates the facts, methods, and theories behind human population genetics, evolution, and diversity. Specifically, it addresses questions of human origins, population structure, and genetic diversity.

430 Introduction to Biological Chemistry (CHEM 430) (3). See CHEM 430 for description.

431 Biological Physics (3). Prerequisites, PHYS 116 and 117. How diffusion, entropy, electrostatics, and hydrophobicity generate order and force in biology. Topics include DNA manipulation, intracellular transport, cell division, molecular motors, single molecule biophysics techniques, nerve impulses, neuroscience.

434 Molecular Biology (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 202 and CHEM 261. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. Emphasis is on prokaryotic molecular biology, plasmids, lambda-phage, and single-strand phages. Three lecture hours a week.

439 Introduction to Signal Transduction (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 202 and 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. This course presents an introduction to signal transduction pathways used by higher eukaryotes. Several signaling paradigms will be discussed to illustrate the ways that cells transmit information. Three lecture hours per week.

441 Vertebrate Embryology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 252 or 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Principles of development with special emphasis on gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, germ layer formation, organogenesis, and mechanisms, with experimental analysis of developmental processes. Three lecture hours a week.

441L Vertebrate Embryology Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite, BIOL 441. Descriptive and some experimental aspects of vertebrate development. Three laboratory hours a week.

443 Developmental Biology (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 202 or 205 and CHEM 261. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. An experimental approach to an understanding of animals and plants. The approach covers developmental processes, molecular, genetic, cell biological and biochemical techniques, with an emphasis on the molecules involved in development.

445 Cancer Biology (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 202 and 205. Selected examples will be used to illustrate how basic research allows us to understand the mechanistic basis of cancer and how these insights offer hope for new treatments.

446 Unsolved Problems in Cellular Biology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. A survey of areas of current interest in cytology, embryology, and genetics with concentration on problems that remain unsolved but that appear to be near solution. Three lecture and discussion hours a week.

447 Laboratory in Cell Biology (4). Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Required preparation, a grade of C or better in BIOL 205. Modern methods to study cells, technical skills necessary for research in cell and molecular biology, knowledge of good lab practice, operation of technical instrumentation. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week.

448 Advanced Cell Biology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. An advanced course in cell biology, with emphasis on the biochemistry and molecular biology of cell structure and function. Three lecture hours a week.

450 Introduction to Neurobiology (3). Recommended preparation, BIOL 205. Survey of neurobiological principles in vertebrates and invertebrates, including development, morphology, physiology, and molecular mechanisms. Three lectures a week.

451 Comparative Physiology (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L and either PHYS 104 and 105 or PHYS 116 and 117. An examination of the physiology of animals using a comparative approach. Both invertebrate and vertebrate animals are discussed in order to elucidate general principles.

451L Comparative Physiology Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite, BIOL 451. The fundamental principles of physiology are explored using physical models, animal experiments, and non invasive experiments on humans, reinforcing the understanding of concepts presented in lecture.

452 Mathematical and Computational Models in Biology (MATH 452) (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 201 and 202, MATH 231, and either MATH 232 or STOR 155. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. This course will introduce analytical, computational, and statistical techniques, such as discrete models, numerical integration of ordinary differential equations, and likelihood functions, to explore topics from various fields of biology. Laboratory is included.

453 Animal Societies and Communication (3). Pre- or corequisite, BIOL 278. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the pre- or corequisite. Comparative review of animal societies; diversity of social structure, social dynamics, communication, ecology, and evolution of social organization. Three lecture hours a week.

454 Evolutionary Genetics (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 201 and 202. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. The roles of mutation, migration, genetic drift, and natural selection in the evolution of the genotype and phenotype. Basic principles are applied to special interest topics. Three lecture hours a week.

455 Behavioral Neuroscience (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. The neurobiological basis of animal behavior at the level of single cells, neural circuits, sensory systems, and organisms. Lecture topics range from principles of cellular neurobiology to ethological field studies.

457 Marine Biology (MASC 442) (3). See MASC 442 for description.

458 Sensory Neurobiology and Behavior (3). Recommended preparation, BIOL 205. An exploration of sensory systems and sensory ecology in animals. Topics range from neurophysiological function of sensory receptors to the role of sensory cues in animal behavior.

459 Field Biology at Highlands Biological Station (1–4). Prerequisite, BIOL 101. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Content varies. Summer field biology at the Highlands Biological Station focuses on the special faunal and floristic processes and patterns characteristic of the southern Appalachian mountains. Five lecture and three to five laboratory and field hours per week, depending on credit.  http://www.wcu.edu/hbs/

461 Fundamentals of Ecology (ECOL 461, ENST 461) (4). Prerequisite, BIOL 201. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the field of ecology, including modern and emerging trends in ecology. They will develop literacy in the fundamental theories and models that capture ecological processes; emphasis will also be placed on the relevance of ecology and ecological research for human society.

462 Marine Ecology (MASC 440) (3). See MASC 440 for description.

463 Field Ecology (4). Prerequisite, BIOL 201. Application of ecological theory to terrestrial and/or freshwater systems. Lectures emphasize quantitative properties of interacting population and communities within these systems. Required laboratory teaches methodology applicable for analysis of these systems. Projects emphasize experimental testing of ecological theory in the field. Two lecture and six field hours a week.

464 Global Change Ecology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 201. Permission of the instructor. Responses of plants, animals, and communities to climate and other global changes, emphasizing ecology, physiology, behavior, and evolution. Investigation of past responses and tools for predicting future responses.

465 Global Biodiversity and Macroecology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 201. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. We will explore global patterns of diversity of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes, and the insights gained by taking a statistical approach to describing these and other broad-scale ecological patterns.

469 Behavioral Ecology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 201. BIOL 278 recommended but not required and can be taken concurrently. Behavior as an adaptation to the environment. Evolution of behavioral strategies for survival and reproduction. Optimality and games that animals play. Three lecture hours a week.

471 Evolutionary Mechanisms (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 201 and 202. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. Introduction to mechanisms of evolutionary change, including natural selection, population genetics, life history evolution, speciation, and micro- and macroevolutionary trends. Three lecture hours plus two hours of laboratory/recitation per week.

472 Introduction to Plant Taxonomy (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 271 and/or 272. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. Introduction to the taxonomy of vascular plants. Principles of classification, identification, nomenclature, and description. Laboratory and field emphasis on phytography, families, description, identification, and classification of vascular plant species. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week.

473 Mammalian Morphology and Adaptation (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 252 or 276. An in-depth examination of the morphological adaptations of mammals. Particular attention will be given to osteology, the locomotor system, and craniofacial structures.

473L Mammalian Morphology Laboratory (1–2). Prerequisite, BIOL 252 or 276L. Laboratory includes a detailed dissection of a representative mammal, emphasizing the common structure of mammals. Opportunity for independent investigation of specific functional adaptations of specialized forms.

475 Biology of Marine Animals (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L. Required preparation, one additional course in biology. An introduction to the major animal phyla emphasizing form, function, behavior, ecology, evolution, and classification of marine invertebrates. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

476 Avian Biology (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L; corequisite, BIOL 476L. A study of avian evolution, biogeography, ecology, and behavior with emphasis on North Carolina avifauna. Three lecture hours a week.

476L Avian Biology Laboratory (1). Corequisite, BIOL 476. Techniques for the study of avian evolution, ecology, and behavior with emphasis on North Carolina birds. Three laboratory or field hours a week, including one or two weekend field trips.

478 Invertebrate Paleontology (GEOL 478) (4). See GEOL 478 for description.

479 Special Topics in Organismal Biology at an Advanced Level (3). Special topics in organismal biology at an advanced undergraduate or graduate student level.

479L Laboratory in Organismal Biology: Advanced Special Topics (1–2). Laboratory in special topics in organismal biology for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.

490 Special Topics (3). Permission of the instructor. Content will vary. Three lecture and discussion hours per week by visiting and resident faculty.

500 to 599: advanced courses for undergraduates and graduate students

501 Ethical Issues in Life Sciences (3). Permission of the instructor. A consideration and discussion of ethical issues in life sciences including cloning humans, genetic engineering, stem cell research, organ transplantation, and animal experimentation. Counts as a course numbered below 400 for biology major requirements.

514 Evolution and Development (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 201, 202, and 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. The course examines the mechanisms by which organisms are built and evolve. In particular, it examines how novel and complex traits and organisms arise from interactions among genes and cells.

522 Bacterial Genetics (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 422. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Genetics of eubacteria with emphasis on molecular genetics including regulation of gene expression, transposons, operons, regulons, plasmids, transformation, and conjugation. Computer analysis of DNA sequences.

524 Strategies of Host-Microbe Interactions (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. There is great variety in how microbes colonize and live with their hosts. The course will summarize strategies of pathogenicity, symbiosis, commensalism and mutualism. Evolutionary, cellular, and molecular aspects will be analyzed.

526 Computational Genetics (4). Prerequisite, BIOL 202. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Honors course. Prior computer science and statistics coursework recommended. A study of the fundamental concepts underlying DNA/protein alignment, gene finding, expression analysis, genetic mapping, phylogenetics, and population genetics. Includes a one-hour laboratory.

527 Special Topics in Quantitative Biology (3). Prerequisites, COMP 114 and MATH 232 or 283. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. Special topics in quantitative biology for advanced students. The course counts as a quantitative biology course for the major.

527L Laboratory in Special Topics in Quantitative Biology (1). Laboratory in quantitative biology for advanced students. The laboratory will involve mathematical analysis and modeling of biological systems and processes.

529 Clinical and Counseling Aspects of Human Genetics (GNET 635) (3). See GNET 635 for description.

531 Senior Seminar in Basic Research Leading to Drug Discovery in HIV Treatment or Prevention (3).Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. This course will explore basic science approaches and primary scientific literature addressing the development of theraputics or prevention of HIV infection or symptoms.

535 Molecular Biology Techniques (4). Permission of the instructor. Recommended preparation, BIOL 434. Experiments with bacterial phage, nucleic acid isolation and properties, recombinant DNA techniques, and DNA sequencing. Additional hours in laboratory will be necessary to complete assignments.

542 Light Microscopy for the Biological Sciences (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 205 for undergraduates. Permission of the instructor. Introduction to various types of light microscopy, digital and video imaging techniques, and their application in biological sciences.

551 Comparative Biomechanics (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L, and PHYS 104 or PHYS 116. Recommended preparation, PHYS 105. The structure and function of organisms in relation to the principles of fluid mechanics and solid mechanics.

555 Paleobotany (GEOL 555) (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 101 and 101L. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. An introduction to the morphology, stratigraphic occurrence, and evolutionary relationships of fossil plants. Both macrofossils and microfossils will be considered. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week.

556 Seminar on the Evolution of Animal Flight (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 201 and PHYS 104 or 116. Additional required preparation, a 400-level BIOL course or permission of the instructor. An examination of the origin and evolution of animal flight and how scientific understanding of this topic has changed from the mid-1800s to the present day.

561 Ecological Plant Geography (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 101 or GEOG 110. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Description of the major vegetation types of the world including their distribution, structure, and dynamics. The principal causes for the distribution of plant species and communities, such as climate, soils, and history will be discussed.

562 Statistics for Environmental Scientists (ECOL 562, ENST 562) (4). See ECOL 562 for description.

563 Statistical Analysis in Ecology and Evolution (ECOL 563, ENST 563) (4). Prerequisites, MATH 231 and STOR 151. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. Application of modern statistical analysis and data modeling in ecological and evolutionary research. Emphasis is on computer-intensive methods and model-based approaches. Familiarity with standard parametic statistics is assumed.

565 Conservation Biology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 201. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. The application of biological science to the conservation of populations, communities, and ecosystems, including rare species management, exotic species invasions, management of natural disturbance, research strategies, and preserve design principles.

567 Evolutionary Ecology (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 471. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Advanced topics in the evolution of form and function. May include issues in life-history evolution, evolutionary physiology, evolutionary morphology, and the evolution of complexity. Three lecture hours per week.

568 Disease Ecology and Evolution (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 201 and MATH 231. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. Recommended preparation, one course above 400 in ecology or evolution. An advanced class covering the causes and consequences of infectious disease at the levels of whole organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.

579 Organismal Structure and Diversity in the Southern Appalachian Mountains (4). Permission of the instructor. An examination of the field biology of selected fungi, plants, or animals of the Appalachian Mountains. The morphology, taxonomy, ecology, life history, and behavior of the organisms will be explored both in the laboratory and in the field.

590 Advanced Special Topics in Biology (3). Special topics in biology for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students.

590L Laboratory in Advanced Special Topics in Biology (1). Laboratory at an advanced level in special topics in biology. Students should have had considerable previous laboratory experience.

600 to 699: courses for graduate students and well-prepared undergraduates

601 Advanced Topics and Literature in Biology (3). Examination in depth of the primary research literature of a selected biological discipline.

602 Professional Development Skills for Ecologists and Biologists (ECOL 602) (3). See ECOL 602 for description.

621 Principles of Genetic Analysis I (GNET 621) (3). Prerequisite for undergraduates, BIOL 202. Permission of the instructor for undergraduates. Genetic principles of genetic analysis in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes.

622 Principles of Genetic Analysis II (GNET 622) (4). Prerequisite, BIOL 621. Principles of genetic analysis in higher eukaryotes; genomics.

624 Developmental Genetics (GNET 624) (3). Permission of the instructor for undergraduates. Genetic and molecular control of plant and animal development. Extensive reading from primary literature.

625 Seminar in Genetics (GNET 625) (2). Permission of the instructor for undergraduates. Current and significant problems in genetics. May be repeated for credit.

631 Advanced Molecular Biology I (BIOC 631, GNET 631, MCRO 631, PHCO 631) (3). See GNET 631 for description.

632 Advanced Molecular Biology II (BIOC 632, GNET 632, MCRO 632, PHCO 632) (3). See GNET 632 for description.

639 Seminar in Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (2). Permission of the instructor for undergraduates. May be repeated for credit. Current and significant problems in plant molecular and cell biology are discussed in a seminar format.

642 Current Topics in Cell Division (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Permission of the instructor of students lacking the prerequisite. An advanced course in cell and molecular biology integrating genetic, biochemical, and structural aspects of the cell cycle. Principles derived from a variety of biological systems. Extensive reading of classic papers as well as recent literature.

643 Molecular Mechanisms of the Cytoskeleton (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 205 and CHEM 430. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. This seminar examines the cytoskeletal systems of eukaryotes and prokaryotes via primary literature. Architectures of cytoskeletal components are compared and contrasted along with their regulators, nucleators, and molecular motors.

648 Palynology (5). Permission of the instructor. A consideration of various aspects of palynology, including the morphology, structure, development, systematics, evolution, preparation techniques, and analysis of living and fossil pollen grains, spores, and other palynomorphs. Two lecture and six laboratory hours a week.

649 Seminar in Cell Biology (2). Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. May be repeated for credit.

657 Biological Oceanography (ENVR 520, MASC 504) (4). See MASC 504 for description.

659 Seminar in Evolutionary Biology (2). Permission of the instructor. Advanced topics in evolutionary biology.

661 Plant Ecology (4). Prerequisite, BIOL 201. Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. Consideration of terrestrial, vascular plant ecology including environmental physiology, population dynamics, and community structure. Laboratory stresses collection and interpretation of field data. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week.

662 Field Plant Geography (2). Prerequisite, BIOL 561 or 661. Permission of the instructor. Intensive literature and field study of the plant geography and ecology of a selected region. Weekly seminar-style discussion followed by approximately nine days of field experience. May be repeated for credit.

669 Seminar in Ecology (ECOL 669) (2). Prerequisite, BIOL 201 Permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. May be repeated for credit.

691H Senior Honors Thesis (3). Prerequisite, three hours of BIOL 395. Permission of the instructor. BIOL 395 must be in the same laboratory as 691H. Senior majors only. Students with six hours of BIOL 395 must take BIOL 692H. See the description of honors and highest honors. 691H or 692H is required of all candidates for honors or highest honors.

692H Senior Honors Thesis (3). Prerequisite, six hours of BIOL 395. Permission of the instructor. Senior majors only. BIOL 395 must have been in the same laboratory as 692H. See the description of honors and highest honors. 691H or 692H is required of all candidates for honors or highest honors. This course is offered for pass/fail credit only.