BIOLOGY 101 GENERAL BIOLOGY I
A course presenting many of the central principles of biology and relating them to everyday experience. Areas of study include biology at the sub-cellular and cellular levels, principles of inheritance, and processes of energy production and utilization with an emphasis on their relationships to human anatomy and physiology. Three lectures per week.
BIOLOGY 102 GENERAL BIOLOGY II
A course emphasizing the diversity of life through a survey of the diversity of organisms inhabiting the biosphere. Emphasis is placed on ecology, evolution, and behavior,
BIOLOGY 141 GENERAL BIOLOGY I LAB
Laboratory exercises designed to illustrate the principles considered in BIO-101. Topics include cellular structure, respiration and photosynthesis, DNA structure and function, cellular and organismal reproduction, and genetics.
BIOLOGY 142 GENERAL BIOLOGY II LAB
A selection of laboratory exercises designed to illustrate the basic principles presented in BIO 102, including the study of representative organisms of the groups studied in class. Dissection of preserved animals is required.
BIOLOGY 203 - DEATH, DISEASE AND SEX IN THE LATE MEDIEVAL PERIOD
This course investigates how epidemic diseases shape human societies, and how continued cultural and technological innovation creates conditions favorable for such epidemics, Two disease complexes constitute the primary focus of this course; Black Death for the Middle Ages and Syphilis for the Renaissance. These will also serve as historical models for understanding current emerging diseases such as HIV, SARS, West Nile Virus, Mad Cow and Ebola. (Writing intensive)
BIOLOGY 211 PLANT BIOLOGY
Plant Biology emphasizes seed plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution, and systematics, but surveys all other plant groups as well as fungi and algae.
BIOLOGY 222 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
A comparative phylogenetic study of invertebrate animals. For each group, structural and functional consideration will be given to systems of maintenance, activity and continuity. The ecological and economic importance of invertebrates is emphasized. Three lectures per week.
BIOLOGY 234 PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY
A study of the interactions between plants and animals and their environments. The effects of environmental factors on living systems are considered at the individual, population, and community levels.
BIOLOGY 241 PLANT BIOLOGY LAB
Laboratory study of plants to illustrate and supplement lecture material presented in BIO-211. Laboratory exercises will deal with life cycles and morphology of the major groups of the plant kingdom, anatomy and morphology of higher plants, and experiments in plant physiology.
BIOLOGY 242 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY LAB
Laboratory studies include specific reference to classification, structure, function, ecology, and phylogeny of the major invertebrate phyla. Special emphasis is placed on the observation of living animals. Students are required to rear or culture several species of invertebrates. In addition, experience in using and constructing dichotomous keys will be given.
BIOLOGY 244 PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY LAB
COURES DESCRIPTION: Laboratory studies of ecosystems to supplement lecture material presented in BIO-234 and illustrate techniques involved in current ecological studies. Laboratory exercises will combine studies of plant, animal, and environmental interactions with experimental manipulations of selected ecosystems.
BIOLOGY 251 CELL BIOLOGY
The fundamental unit of life is the cell; therefore cell biology forms the base upon which all modern biology and medicine is built. This course will emphasize the study of eukaryotic cell structure and function, including bioenergetics, membrane transport, cellular communication, flow of genetic information, immune responses and cell division. Experimental techniques used in understanding cell biology will be discussed along with the cellular basis of diseases.
BIOLOGY 252 HUMAN GENETICS
A presentation of the basic concepts of human genetics including discussion of fundamental genetic principles, impacts of recent advances, and ethical issues related to human genetics.
BIOLOGY 254 EVOLUTION OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
A study of the emergence and history of life on earth. Emphasis is put on the mechanisms that result in evolutionary change at the cellular, population, and ecosystem level. Areas covered include genetics, population ecology, speciation, and extinction.
BIOLOGY 256 TECHNIQUES IN MICROSCOPY
The microscope and microscopy (techniques) are central to the development and practice of modern biology. This course provides an historical outline of microscopy and a review of its modern techniques.
BIOLOGY 258 TECNIQUES IN TISSUE CULTURE
A presentation of current methods in plant tissue culture. Discussion and research experiments to develop understanding and expertise in such areas as sterile technique, plant propagation, nutritional effects, isolation and fusion of protoplasts, and other current plant tissue culture techniques.
BIOLOGY 299, 498 HONORS THESIS AND BIOLOGY 499 SENIOR RESEARCH
CORSE DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of a faculty member, each student participates in a laboratory, field, or literature research project for two semesters. Students are expected to commit to at least nine hours of research per week during the semester. Students are required to present their findings orally and in written form.
BIOLOGY 311 HISTOLOGY
The microanatomy of mammalian tissues and organs at both the light and electron microscope level are surveyed. Histology by its nature is highly visual, therefore, lecture and laboratory work will be integrated into a unified format. Students are introduced to the basics of microscopy and microtechnique, and are responsible for tissue and organ recognition and critical interpretation. Students are given a comprehensive set of prepared slides for detailed study.
BIOLOGY 314 PARASITOLOGY
A combined lecture-laboratory course. This course is a comprehensive investigation of protozoan, helminth, and arthropod parasites with special emphasis to those of medical and veterinary importance. The techniques of parasitology are covered, including egg sedimentation, life cycle studies, animal necropsy, and the use of taxonomic keys. Students are given a comprehensive set of prepared slides for detailed study.
BIOLOGY 321 COMPARARTIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY
A course investigating the comparative morphology of chordates. Topics include: protochordate and vertebrate origin, diversity, embryology, and vertebrate organ systems. The phylogeny and ontogeny of vertebrates will be of major importance.
BIOLOGY 322 AND 342 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY AND LABORATORY
Study of the structure and function of the major tissues, organs, and organ systems of the human body.
BIOLOGY 323 & 343 VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY AND LAB
A comprehensive study of the principal processes involved in vertebrate cells, tissues, and organ systems, including circulation, respiration, excretion, acid-base and fluid balances, digestion, reproduction, and muscle-nerve coordination and integration. Anatomy is studied as necessary to understand the functions of the different systems.
BIOLOGY 334 MICROBIOLOGY
This upper-level course will introduce students to the basic biology of prokaryotic organisms and viruses. Upon successful completion of the semester, students should be knowledgeable about bacterial cell structure, microbial diversity, microbial growth and energy acquisition, and applications of microbiology.
BIOLOGY 344 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY
This course will introduce laboratory techniques used for studying prokaryotic organisms. Upon successful completion of the lab, students should be proficient in basic: safety, sterile technique, bright-light microscopy, staining, biochemical analysis, culturing of bacteria, and identification techniques used in microbiology labs.
BIOLOGY 345 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY LABORATORY
LABORATORY DISSECTIONS OF VERTEBRATE SYSTEM
A vertebrate dissection course. A comparative systems approach is used in the detailed dissection of the lamprey, dogfish shark, mudpuppy, and cat. The course also includes the microscopic and gross examination of hemichordates and protochordates.
BIOLOGY 352 SYMBIOLOGY
The study of symbiosis (living together) between different species of organisms. Long term and less permanent relationships will be studied. Examples from all biological kingdoms will be use and the diversity of those relationships will be examined.
BIOLOGY 356 BIOTECHNOLOGY
This course will give students an opportunity to learn about biotechnology, a comprehensive area that includes the use of living organisms or their substances to make or modify products or organisms. In both the class and lab components, we will primarily explore recombinant DNA and molecular biology techniques as well as the background, biology, applications, and ethics of biotechnology.
BIOLOGY 358 AQUATIC FIELD STUDIES
This course provides experience in the techniques required for research in aquatic environments. Aspects of organism identification, habitat classification, water chemistry, and sampling technique will be included.
BIOLOGY 359 TERRESTRIAL FIELD STUDIES
This course provides experience in the techniques required for research in the terrestrial environment. Aspects of organism identification, community classification, soil study, and sampling techniques will be included.
BIOLOGY 431 GENETICS
A course designed to provide an understanding of the principles of classical, population, and molecular genetics and the relationship of these principles to human heredity, agriculture, evolution, and selected environmental problems.
BIOLOGY 436 BIOCHEMISTRY
A study of chemistry of biological systems including metabolic interrelationships, reaction rates, control mechanisms, and integration of these reactions within the structural framework of the cell.
BIOLOGY 446 BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY
A collection of laboratory exercises designed to provide practical exposure to some of the general principles and methodology of biochemistry. Techniques include photometry, polarimetry, electrophoresis, centrifugation, and various chromatographic technique.
BIOLOGY 461 GENETICS LABORATORY
Collection of laboratory exercises designed to provide practical exposure to some of the general principles considered in Genetics. Laboratory work will be based upon a number of organisms including bacteria, fungi, higher plants, fruit flies, and man.
BIOLOGY 940 WOMEN IN SCIENCE
This course will address the historical aspect of women in science as well as current philosophical feminist approaches to science. The changing roles of women in science as influenced by women's place in society will be examined and discussed. Current theories of feminist science will be studied and analyzed. The epistemology of feminist theory as applied to scientific theory will be explored.
BIOLOGY 941 AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT
Students will study African environments as they have occurred in the past, as they are today, and as they may be in the future. Examples of ways that students will engage in the study include, but are not limited to the following: writing about readings of their own choosing; reports on assigned readings; video reports; reports on local African exhibitions, lectures, or other activities; projects that illustrate topics visually; reports on visiting lectures. All major areas of Africa will be included in the material to be discussed. The class will be carried on as a discussion of the topics where everyone contributes what she has learned. The role on the professor during the class is to guide the discussions.
BIOLOGY 942 BIO 101/141 HONORS MODULE
The course will consist of 1 hour per week discussion sessions and three two-hour laboratory modules. The lab enables honor scholars and teaching fellow to fulfill the honors laboratory requirement.
BIOLOGY 943 AROUND THE WORLD WITH DARWIN
Charles Darwin's presence on the voyage of the HMS Beagle made this possibly the most famous scientific voyage of the 19th Century. Lasting nearly five years (1831-1836), it was a voyage of discovery for the young man who was to become a famous scientist. It can also be a voyage of discovery for students of the 21st Century. We will read Darwin's diary of the voyage and compare what he saw with the way these places look today. The instructor has traveled and photographed nearly all the places that Darwin visited and will emphasize changes in these ecosystems since Darwin saw them.
BIOLOGY 946 SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
The course is a comprehensive introduction to the theory and use of scanning electron microscope and its techniques for students from a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to biology, chemistry, art, and human environmental science. Theory and application will be taught together. Topics covered will include history of SEM, electron optics (gun, lenses, probes, current), electron beam interactions (scattering and volume), image processing and optimization, critical point drying, and sputter coating. The course is primarily an instrumentation course and students will gain a hands-on knowledge of the SEM scope and support equipment. A successful student project is required.
BIOLOGY 947 ANATOMY FORM AND CULTURE
This is a linked course with ART 944: The Figure in Art. Students must be cross enrolled in both courses. In this course students will explore five main themes: scientific depiction and representation of living forms: human, other mammals, and vascular plants; biology of human skeletal-muscular systems and surface features; the two and three dimensional expression of human anatomy; the relationship of functional morphology to culture and art; and the role of the anatomical sciences in society. The expression of he human form, whether it be portraiture or figurative, is at the center of our experience and describes how we see the world and how we see our selves in it. Throughout human history, the depiction of the human figure has had measurable impacts on society and culture; and society's current perception of the normal, desirable, and/or perfect form impacts our lives through how we as individuals and a society determine and view our diet, nutrition, conditioning, role models, visual and performing arts, stereotypes, gender roles, and in many case, our friends and our enemies.
Understanding the functional anatomy of the various systems that create our morphology, such as the skeletal system, integumentary system, and the muscular system are not only important in the portrayal of human form but are required to understand and potentially remedy modern human stresses such as the impacts of space travel, extreme sports, performance arts, and increased longevity.
CORE 946 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN RIVERS
An introduction to environments and biology of rivers, followed by comparative case studies of the geography, natural history, and human exploitation, pollution, management, and efforts to conserve and restore rivers. Reports and presentations are required on environmental conditions and issues in rivers selected from among the world's largest and most important ones. Comparative examples from North Carolina's rivers will be introduced in class and on an optional field trip.
CORE 947 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
The focus of this course will be on interdisciplinary sub-Saharan issues in bioscience with the unifying theme being on two of the universal problems of humankind: Disease and Nutritional Health. The course will include four crucial topics for education and research: 1). HIV/AIDS, 2) The Great Neglected Diseases, 3) Nutrition, and 4) Competition with Wildlife. Each topic is connected in thematic content around the two issues of Disease and Nutritional Health.
SCI 764 THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE
This course is designed to prepare both Science (6-9) and Biology/Chemistry (9-12) licensure students for the effective teaching of science. While acknowledging the developmental differences in students in the middle grades and those in the secondary schools, the purpose of this course is to demonstrate that the teaching of science embodies a repertoire of skills that can be learned, and that these skills can be used effectively at both the middle school and the secondary school level. These skills can enable science teachers to help students achieve three basic goals: 1) to understand the processes of scientific thinking, or inquiry, 2) to learn facts that are needed in understanding the concepts , generalizations and unifying themes of science, and 3) to form values and attitudes consistent with scientific inquiry that can be applied not only to the solution of the problems of science, but to questions that humans ask about themselves, their condition, and their environment.
Upon completion of this course, the prospective teacher is expected to understand that the teaching of science is a reflective process that involves applying and adapting educational theories and teaching strategies in the constantly changing environment of the classroom; that the public school classroom is a mosaic composed of individuals with different cultural, developmental, attitudinal, and motivational backgrounds; that science cannot be taught in isolation from other academic areas or from individual, technological, or societal issues that confront or will confront her students; that the teacher must be forever a student, seeking ways to improve her professional skills and to increase and update her scientific knowledge; and that she must serve as a good role model for her students as a good citizen, an effective leader, and as both a helpful guide and curious learner in all areas of the pursuit of knowledge.
SEMINAR: ENVIRONMENTS OF CHINA
All classes in this course will be taught in seminar format. The concept of "seminar" implies that all participants share the responsibility for teaching and learning. Students in this course will learn about natural Chinese environments by giving attention to the geographical and physiological features of the country. The instructor accepts the main responsibility for selection of topics and for guiding the work of the other participants.
The success of the semester will be gauged by the progress that each person makes toward a better understanding of the subject considered throughout our semester of work. The instructor has chosen to require individual students to emphasize particular regions of the country since it is difficult for us all to study every region in depth, given constraints of resources and time. Each person is expected to encourage others to learn about her focus region by being well prepared for each meeting. A number of references will be made available for student use; however, finding additional sources will be a part of the student's responsibility.
