DESCRIPTIONS OF BIOLOGY COURSES

F = FALL S = SPRING

Note: BIOL 111, 111L, 112, 112L are prerequisites for all upper-division biology courses except for BIOL 204, which has no prerequisites. Students who have completed BIOL 101, 101L, 102, 102L and wish to take upper-level Biology courses may do so only with permission for the department. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 101 and 111, or for both 102 and 112, or for both BIOL 111/112 and Honors Biology.

101 ELEMENTS OF BIOLOGY (3) F & S

A course for non-science majors on living systems with an emphasis on the concepts of structure and function at the molecular and cellular levels. Topics include biochemistry, cell structure and function, respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, and molecular biology. Provides a background to understanding and evaluating critically issues facing society. Topics are considered in relation to technology, societal issues, and the history and limits of science. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Corequisite: Biology 101L

101L ELEMENTS OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY (1) F &S

A laboratory course to accompany Biology 101. Laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Corequisite: Biology 101

102 ELEMENTS OF BIOLOGY (3) F & S

A course for non-science majors on living systems with an emphasis on evolution, ecology, and the structure and functions of the major groups of organisms. Provides a background to understanding and evaluating critically issues facing society. Topics are considered in relation to technology, societal issues, and the history and limits of science. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Corequisite: Biology 102L

102L ELEMENTS OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY (1) F & S

A laboratory course to accompany Biology 102. Laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Corequisite: Biology 102

111 INTRODUCTION TO CELL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3) F & S

A foundation course for science majors emphasizing the concept of structure and function of biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels. Topics includes biochemistry, biochemical and molecular evolution, cell function, respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, and molecular biology. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Corequisite: Biology 111L

111L INTRODUCTION TO CELL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY (1) F & S

A laboratory course to accompany Biology 111. Laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Corequisite: Biology 111

112 EVOLUTION, FORM AND FUNCTION OF ORGANISMS (3) F & S

A foundation course for science majors providing an introduction to evolution and a study of the major groups of organisms with an emphasis on their structure, form and function. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite: Biology 111/111L
Corequisite: Biology 112L

112L EVOLUTION, FORM AND FUNCTION OF ORGANISMS (1) F & S

A laboratory course to accompany Biology 112. Laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite: Biology 111/111L
Corequisite: Biology 112

201 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (4) F & S

An introduction to the structure and function of the major organ systems of the human body. This course is specifically intended for pre-allied health, physical education, and pre-nursing majors. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

202 HUMAN ANATOMY (4) F & S

An introduction to the gross morphology and microscopic anatomy of the major organ systems of the human body. This course is specifically intended for pre-allied health, physical education, and pre-nursing majors. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

204 MAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT (3) F & S

A study of the interdependence of man and his environment. Emphasis will be on man's place in nature, man-modified habitats, pollution and environmental protection. Note: Students may apply this course toward the Minimum Degree Requirements in natural science; however, they may also take laboratory courses. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

209 MARINE BIOLOGY (4) SUMMER

An introduction to the study of marine organisms and their environment. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

211 BIODIVERSITY, ECOLOGY & BIOLOGY OF ORGANISMS (4)

A foundation course for intermediate-level biology majors. Students will explore synthetic biological concepts, including evolution, population-community-ecosystem ecology, behavior, biodiversity and conservation.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111/111L, BIOL 112/112L
Corequisite: BIOL 211D

211D BIODIVERSITY, ECOLOGY & BIOLOGY OF ORGANISMS (1)

A one(1) hour recitation section to accompany BIOL 211. Students will be required to read, discuss, and critique scientific literature (both popular and primary) related to these topics.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111/111L, BIOL 112/112L
Corequisite: BIOL 211

212 GENETICS (3)

The basics of the science of heredity. The course encompasses Mendelian genetics, the molecular basis of inheritance, changes in chromosome number and structure, gene mapping, mutations and population genetics. Population and quantitative genetic approaches are applied to clarify the understanding of evolution.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111/111L, BIOL 112/112L.

212L GENETICS (1)

An introduction to the principles of heredity using common experimental organisms. Recent techniques in molecular genetics are also covered. Laboratory 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111/111L, BIOL 112/112L
Co- or prequisite: BIOL 212

250 SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY (1-4)

Lectures and discussions on selected topics of biological interest.

Prerequisites: One year of biology or permission of the instructor

300 BOTANY (4) F & S

Gross morphology, life history, taxonomy, and evolution of representative algae, fungi, bryophytes, and vascular plants. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

301 PLANT TAXONOMY (4) S

The collection, identification and classification of vascular plants with special emphasis on local flora. The student will have practice in the use of keys and herbarium techniques. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

302 PLANT ANATOMY (4) F

A comparative study of the anatomy of representative vascular plants relating the anatomical features to functions and evolution. The laboratory will include an introduction to the techniques of plant histology and wood anatomy. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

303 PHYCOLOGY (4) F

A survey of the algae from the ultraplankton to the kelps. The laboratory experience will involve extensive field collecting and identification, preparations of herbarium materials, and culturing for life-history studies. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

304 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY (4) F & S

A study of plant function. Topics will include metabolism, hormones, mineral nutrition, transpiration, translocation, and flowering. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and one year of Chemistry

310 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY (4) F & S

An introduction to the microbial world with a special emphasis on bacteria. Topics include cellular structures, bacterial metabolism, virology, microbial genetics, bacterial growth and its control, and the epidemiology and pathogenicity of disease-producing microorganisms. The laboratory emphasizes proper handling techniques, identification methods, and properties or microorganisms. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111/111L, 112/112L and BIOL 211, BIOL 212(co-requisite). CHEM 232 can be substituted for BIOL 211 and 212.

312 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3) F & S

An in-depth study of important cellular macromolecules and the techniques used in their analysis, gene structure, and regulation. Special topics include discussions of molecular immunology, mobile genetic elements, virology, and the biology of cancer. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111/111L, 112/112L and BIOL 211, BIOL 212(co-requisite). CHEM 232 can be substituted for BIOL 211 and 212.

312L MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY (1) F & S

A comprehensive study of the methods used in the isolation and analysis of important cellular macro-molecules. Techniques covered will include electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids, Southern and Western blotting, liquid chromatography, and those involved in the formation and analysis of recombinant molecules. Laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and one year of Chemistry

313 CELL BIOLOGY (3) F & S

A study of the structural and functional correlates in cell biology. Topics include membrane specialization, cytoskeleton, structure and function of cellular organelles, adhesion, motility, mitotic mechanisms, transport mechanisms, immunology, and energetics. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111/111L, 112/112L and BIOL 211, BIOL 212(co-requisite). CHEM 232 can be substituted for BIOL 211 and 212.

313L CELL BIOLOGY LABORATORY (1) F & S

The laboratory exercises introduce the student to some of the modern methods used to study cell function.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111/111L, 112/112L and BIOL 211, BIOL 212(co-requisite). CHEM 232 can be substituted for BIOL 211 and 212.

314 IMMUNOLOGY (3) F

A comprehensive study of the cellular and molecular aspects of the immune response. Subjects covered will include antibody structure and function, immunogenetics, the biology of cell-mediated responses, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, and the evolution of the immune system.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and one year of chemistry

320 HISTOLOGY (4) S

A detailed study of the microscopic structure of mammalian tissues and organs. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

321 GENERAL & COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY (4) F & S

A study of the principles of the functional mechanisms that underlie the life processes of all organisms with the emphasis on the ways in which diverse organisms perform similar functions. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111/111L, 112/112L, one year of chemistry to BIOL 111/111L, 112/112L and BIOL 211, BIOL 212. CHEM 232 can be substituted for BIOL 211 and 212

322 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY (4) F & S

Comparative gametogenesis, fertilization, and embryology of the vertebrates. Organogenesis in frog, chick, and pig embryos studies in detail. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

323 COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF VERTEBRATES (4) F & S

Lectures of phylogeny of vertebrate organ systems and laboratory dissection of dogfish, necturus, and cat. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

332 VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY (4) F

Life histories, adaptations, ecology, and classifications of vertebrate animals. Laboratory work emphasizes living material from the local fauna. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

333 ORNITHOLOGY (4) S

An introduction to the biology of birds. Laboratory work will emphasize the identification, classification, behavior, and ecology of local species. Lectures - 2 hours per week; laboratory - 4 hours per week.

  Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

334 HERPETOLOGY (4) F

An introduction to the biology of amphibians and reptiles. The laboratory will emphasize the identification, classification, behavior and ecology of local species. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

335 BIOLOGY OF FISHES (4) F

A brief survey of gross morphology with emphasis on the structures used in identification and more detailed considerations of some aspects of physiology, ecology, life histories, and behavior. Instructions is held at the Grice Marine Laboratory. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

  Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

336 PARASITOLOGY (4) F

Morphology, physiology, epidemiology, ecology, and life cycles of parasites of vertebrates and invertebrates. Laboratory work will center on living and preserved material and will include methods of fecal, blood, histological, and serodiagnostic examinations. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

337 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY (4) F & S

Classification, morphology, physiology, and live histories of invertebrates. Laboratory work will emphasize the study of living material from the local fauna. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

  Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

338   ENTOMOLOGY (4) F

A course designed to introduce students to the diversity of insects and their lifestyles. Lectures include taxonomic topics covering the orders and major families, structure and function, basic physiology, ecology, and the interaction of insects with humans. Laboratory work concentrates on collecting insects in the field and doing short field trips accompanied by identification in the lab. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

340 BIOGEOGRAPHY (3) F

An introduction to the study of animal distribution patters, their origins, and their significance for ecology and evolution. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

341 GENERAL ECOLOGY (4) F & S

Consideration of organisms and their environmental relationships. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

342 GENERAL OCEANOGRAPHY (4) F & S

An introduction to the study of the marine environment. Lecture and laboratory work will emphasize the interrelationships of physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes in the sea. Instruction is held at the Grice Marine Laboratory. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and one year each of Chemistry and Mathematics

343 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (4) F

An introduction to the mechanisms and evolution in behavior of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

350 EVOLUTION (3) F & S

A study of the mechanisms and patterns of plant and animal evolution with an emphasis on the species level of organization. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents

360 INTRODUCTION TO BIOMETRY (3) F

Introduction to the basic statistical methods and their applications in the analysis of biological and physical data. Introduction to distribution, experimental design, testing of hypothesis, regression, correlation, analysis or variance, covariance, and factorial agreements. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and precalculus (Math 111) or equivalent

399 TUTORIAL (1-3, repeatable up to 3), F & S

Individual instruction given by a tutor in regularly scheduled meetings.

Prerequisites: Junior standing, 3.0 GPA in all Biology courses, plus permission of the tutor and the Department Chair

406 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (3) S

A course exploring the origin, maintenance and preservation of biodiversity at all levels: genetic, population, community, ecosystem and biosphere. The focus will be on applying ecological, genetic and evolutionary principles to problems in conservation. Optional field trips will make use of the rich biota of the Charleston area. Lectures - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biology 341, and either Biology 311, 350 or permission of the instructor

410 APPLIED & ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY (4) S, EVEN YEARS

A lecture and laboratory study of the special application of microbiology to domestic water and waste water, solid wastes, food and dairy products, agriculture, and industrial processes. Include microbial dis-tribution and role in various marine freshwater, terrestrial, animal, atmospheric, and product environments. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Microbiology (Biology 310)

411 MICROTECHNIQUE & CYTOCHEMISTRY (4) OCCASIONALLY

A study of the history, theory, and application of microscopy and microscopy techniques applicable for the study of cells, tissues, and macro- and microorganisms. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: Biol 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and one year of chemistry

420 GENERAL & COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY (4) OCCASIONALLY

A study of the comparative anatomy and physiology of the ductless glands of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Laboratory experiments are designed to demonstrate classical as well as modern approaches to the study of hormone actions. Lectures - 3 hours per week; laboratory - 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: A course in Physiology or permission of the instructor

421 TOPICS IN PHYSIOLOGY, CELL, AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
OF MARINE ORGANISMS (3) SUMMER

A course for students who are interested in cellular, molecular, and physiological approaches to do research in marine biology. Specific lecture topics center on environmental bioindicators, developmental biology, organismal and environmental physiology, immunology, and population genetics of marine organisms.

Prerequisites: Biology 312 or 313, 321, and permission of the instructor  

444 PLANT ECOLOGY (4) F

This course will explore the population ecology of plants covering the genetic, spatial, age, and size structure of plant populations. The focus will be on understanding the origins of these different kinds of structures, understanding how they influence each other, and understanding why they change with time.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and Biology 341 or permission of the instructor

445 SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY (3) OCCASIONALLY

An in-depth study of the principles of systematics with emphasis on reconstruction of relationships and evolutionary history of organisms. Topics include current theories of systematic and evolutionary biology, methods of phylogenetic systematics, and critical evaluation of phylogenetic hypothesis.

Prerequisites: Junior standing and at least one upper division course in organismal biology (e.g., Biology 300, 301, 303, 322, 333, 334, 335, 336 or 337)

446 BIOLOGY OF CORAL REEFS (S)

An introduction to the biology and ecology of reef-building corals and coral reefs.
Topics to be covered include coral ecology (physical environment, nutrition, reproduction, growth, population structure), taxonomy, systematics, diversity, biogeography, reef-building processes, and natural and human induced disturbances.

Prerequisites: General Biology (111, 112, 211, 212) and Ecology (BIOL 341 or equivalent) Open to undergraduates of junior or senior standing, who have completed at least 15 semester hours in biology and have a GPA of at least 3.0 in all biology courses. Students not meeting these requirements may enroll with permission of the instructor and department chair.

450/  PROBLEMS IN BIOLOGY (1-4) F & S
451   PROBLEMS IN MARINE BIOLOGY (1-4) F & S

Literature and laboratory investigations of specific problems in biology and marine biology. The nature of the problem(s) are to be determined by the interests of the student after consultation with departmental faculty. Open to exceptional students with junior or senior standing who are interested in continuing toward a graduate degree in biology or related sciences. Credit value is determined by the type of problem. Special note: Before entering either of these independent study courses, students must have (1) at least junior standing [60 semester hours], (2) a minimum GPR of 3.0 in all science courses [Biology, Chemistry, Physics], and (3) a completed study plan prior to the beginning of the semester in which the independent study is to be done. This study plan requires the signature of the student, the faculty supervisor, and the department chairperson. Forms for completion of the study plan are available in the department office.

452 SEMINAR (1) F & S

Students will attend the biological seminars in which they will be exposed to a variety of subdisciplines within the life sciences as well as methods that can be employed to examine biological questions. Each student must attend a minimum of ten (10) seminars and prepare a literate analysis of each.

Prerequisites: Students who have junior or senior standing, who have completed at least 15 credit hours in biology, and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in their biology courses

453 SPECIAL TOPICS (1-3) OCCASIONALLY

Special topics developed departmental members designed to supplement an offering made in the depart-ment or to investigate an additional area of biological research.

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor

455 SEMINAR IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (2) S

Required capstone course for majors emphasizing molecular biology.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and Biology 312 or Biology 313

466 BIOLOGY OF CORAL REEFS (3) S

An introduction to the biology and ecology of reef-building corals and coral reefs.
Topics to be covered include coral ecology (physical environment, nutrition, reproduction, growth, population structure), taxonomy, systematics, diversity, biogeography, reef-building processes, and natural and human induced disturbances.

Prerequistes: General Biology (BIOL 111,112, 211, 212) and Ecology (BIOL 341 or equivalent). Open to undergraduate student of junior or senior standing who have completed at least 15 semester hours in biology and have a GPA of at least 3.0 in all biology courses. Students not meeting these requirements may enroll with permission of the instructor and departmental chair.

499 BACHELOR'S ESSAY (6) F & S

A year-long research and writing project done during the senior year under the close supervision of a tutor from the department. The student must take the initiative in seeking a tutor to help in both the design and the supervision of the project. A project proposal must be submitted in writing and approved by the department prior to registering for the course. Must have a GPA of at least a 3.0 in all Biology courses.

501 BIOLOGY OF THE CRUSTACEA (4) OCCASIONALLY

A study of the biology of crustacean arthropods. Topics include evolution, taxonomy, functional morpho-logy, physiology, embryology, ecology, behavior, commercial management, and agriculture. Instruction is held at the Grice Marine Laboratory, typically during a summer session. Open to students with a junior or senior standing who have completed at least 15 hours in biology and have a GPA of at least 3.0 in all biology courses. Students not meeting these requirements may enroll with permission of the instructor and department chair.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and Biology 337

502 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MARINE BIOLOGY (1-4)

Special topics designed to supplement an offering made in the program or to investigate an additional specific area of marine biological processes in the sea. Open to students with junior or senior standing who have completed at least 15 semester hours in biology and have a GPA of at least 3.0 in all biology courses. Students not meeting these requirements may enroll with permission of the instructor and the department chair.

503 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECOLOGY (3-4). This course may sometimes include a lab in which case the number of credits will be 4.

Investigation of advanced, specific areas of ecology beyond General Ecology (Biology 341). Examples of offerings may include marine microbial, phytoplankton ecology, benthic ecology, community ecology, and population ecology.

Prerequisites: Biology 111/111L, 112/112L or equivalents and Biology 341 and/or permission of the instructor, Must have Junior or Senior Standing

GENERAL GUIDE FOR COMPLETION OF
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Visit the Department of Biology office to declare your advisor and be assigned an advisor.
    
2. All general education requirements should be completed no later than the end of your junior year.
    
3. You should try to complete as many of your specified course requirements as possible (e.g., chemistry, physics, geology, and required biology courses) before your senior year. If you need a course your last semester and it is not offered or you can not schedule it, you do not graduate.
    
4. Biology 111/111L, 112/112L, 211/211D, and 212 should be completed before the end of your sophomore year.
    
5. If you wish to take Biology 450 or 451, you must contact a faculty member under whom you want to do a research project before registering for the semester. A student must be accepted by a specific faculty member to do research under his/her direction. Biology 450 and 451 forms are available in the Department office.
    
6. Those students who are planning to pursue graduate work should successfully complete the most rigorous academic program they are capable of.