Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025
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4000
(2-2-3) Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor, PHSC 4010 recommended. A content course clarifying concepts in life science for middle grades teachers. Students acquire a depth of understanding of foundational life science concepts such as unity and biodiversity of life such that they can effectively assist others in learning. Course credit may not count toward B.S. Degree Biology Major Requirements. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
3
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200 with a grade of C or higher. The embryological development of vertebrates. Includes study of relevant biochemistry, germ cell production, fertilization, differentiation, and the origin of organ systems. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. An in-depth study of the mechanisms of hormone secretion and interactions with receptors, specific endocrine tissues and their secretions, assaying methodology, and diseases and dysfunctions that involve the endocrine glands.
3
(3-0-3) Prerequisites: BIOL 3200. An overview of the interaction of drugs with tissue receptors; topics include the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs.
3
(2-3-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3400. The microscopic anatomy of vertebrate tissues and organs, with an emphasis on human organ systems. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. The study of structure and function of human organ systems in health and disease.
3
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. The study of structural and functional organization of the brain and the spinal cord, and diseases and disorders of the nervous system with an emphasis on human neural organs.
3
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200 with a grade of C or higher. The structure and the normal and abnormal function of the vertebrate immune system, including the interactions of the cellular and humoral components.
3
(4-0-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2100 and BIOL 3200 with a grade of C or better are required while additional upper level molecular cellular courses are highly encouraged. This course satisfies the biology major requirement as an upper level course. This course is designed to introduce the mechanistic fundamentals as to how the cancer arises and how this disease should be treated in the future. Emphases are given on understanding fundamental cell signaling aspects of normal vs. abnormal cells as well as understanding of current cancer research directions based on reading and analyzing scientific literature and future perspectives.
4
Prerequisite: BIOL 2100 with a D or better. Course provides an overview of the structure and molecular biology of viruses (classes I-VII) and subviral particles known to exist. Major modes of infection of these viral and subviral agents in host organisms and the pathogenesis they cause in their hosts are surveyed. Basic laboratory methods will be applied in the lab to develop a better understanding of how virology research and diagnostics occurs. Additional laboratory fee required.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 2100 and BIOL 3200. A study of bacteria and viruses. Emphasis on physiologic processes that are peculiar to non-eukaryotic cells and their usefulness as model biological systems. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-3-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2100 with a grade of C or higher. This course will focus on mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the host response, and the scientific approaches that are used to investigate these processes. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Prerequisite: BIOL 2100 with a grade of C or better. An advanced study of the molecular basis of inheritance, with emphasis on selected human genes and disease. DNA structure, replication, transcription and translation will be presented in detail.
3
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. The cellular biology of membrane components and key processes like membrane transport and membrane trafficking will be examined. An emphasis will be placed on literature supporting this field.
3
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200 with a grade of C or higher. The study of yeast as models for the investigation of basic eukaryotic cell biology; genetic, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms and techniques are emphasized.
3
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200 or BIOL 4351 or CHEM 3510 with a grade of C or above. The biology of amyloids and prions will be examined. A special emphasis will be placed on a global understanding of how science is learned and practiced. Course may be offered as a CAPSTONE.
3
(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 3400 and CHEM 1211, or CHEM 2100, or CHEM 1211K, or CHEM 1311 with a grade of C or better. A presentation of the principles of plant physiology through lecture topics, lab demonstrations, and experiments. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Prerequisite: BIOL 2180 or BIOL 4180 or BIOL 4750. An exploration of the extent of biodiversity in the microbial world and the functions of microorganisms in the global ecosystem. An emphasis will be placed on the detection of bacteria in environmental samples. Current methods used in microbial community assessment including PCR, DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA sequencing and insitu-PCR will be presented. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
3
(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 2100, BIOL 3700, and BIOL 2800. The field of molecular ecology encompasses various sub-disciplines within the biological sciences. At its heart, molecular ecology employs molecular variation in nucleic acid and/or protein data to answer question involving populations and communities of organisms. Given this breadth, the principles learned in molecular ecology are directly applicable to both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and can be utilized to address questions in nearly any research area.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisites: BIOL 2100 and BIOL 3700. This course is designed to familiarize students with the field of population genetics, the branch of evolutionary biology concerned with the genetic structure of populations and how it changes through time. In a broad sense, population genetics examines the interaction of basic evolutionary processes in determining the genetic composition and evolutionary trajectories of natural populations. Upon completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic population genetic principles.
3
(1-6-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2100 with a grade of C or higher. A laboratory-intensive course designed to introduce the student to experimental techniques, instrumentation, and methodology commonly used in the laboratory investigation of molecules and cells. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200. An introduction to the physiology of the vertebrate nervous system, primarily from a cellular point of view.
3
(3-0-3) Prerequisites: CHEM 1211 or CHEM 1211K, and BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3200. This course will provide students with a general understanding of toxicology as related to the environment. Fundamental concepts to be covered include the fate, transport, and biotransformation of toxic compounds; their biological targets and mechanisms; and risk assessment as related to the environmental sustainability. (ENSC 4260 is equivalent to this course).
3
Cross Listed Courses
ENSC 4260
(4-0-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 2100 or 2800. This course will provide students with a general understanding of waterborne pathogens and their relation to public health. Fundamental concepts to be covered include their ecology, physiology, geography and sources; their routes of transmission, biological targets and disease mechanisms; and methods of prevention and removal. This course is equivalent to ENSC 4265.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200 with a grade of C or higher. The signals and signaling pathway components commonly observed in basic cellular mechanisms will be investigated; an emphasis will be placed on how signaling pathways regulate the metabolic, genetic, and developmental mechanisms of higher eukaryotes.
3
(3-0-3) This course is designed to provide an examination of drugs and drug use, human sexuality and reproduction from a biological perspective. Various historical and social issues related to these topics will also be discussed.
3
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3200 with a grade of C or better (or BIOL 2100 with a grade of C or better and permission of instructor). Yeast are examined as an experimental model for the study of eukaryotic cell physiology and as cellular components of the biopharmaceutical, food, and brewing industries. Genetic, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms as well as the practical uses of yeast are emphasized in lab. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 2100 with a grade of C or higher. The course will serve as an introduction to a wide array of bioethical dilemmas faced by researchers, physicians, and the general public. There will be a focus on proper construction of moral arguments, logical reasoning, and an exploration of all sides to different issues. In addition, analysis of these topics will occur by using biological and biotechnological knowledge and performing literature-based research.
3
Prerequisites: CHEM 3361 and CHEM 3361L. CHEM 3362 and CHEM 3362L are recommended. An introduction to the basic concepts of biological chemistry from the perspectives of structural biology and reaction mechanisms. Laboratory focuses on biomolecular techniques and enzyme assays.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3700. A study of taxonomy and systematics and the reasons why we name biological organisms and what classifications represent. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Prerequisite: BIOL 3400 with a C or better. This course will consist of an in-depth study of reproduction, with an emphasis on vertebrate animals. Specific topics will include maturation of the reproductive system, environmental influences on reproductive activity, reproductive endocrinology, gametogenesis, fertilization, parturition, and early development. A comparative approach will be used to illustrate the evolution of reproductive strategies in different environments.
3
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 3400. Symptomatology, pathogenesis, epidemiology and treatment of the major protozoans, trematodes, cestodes and nematodes that most commonly infect humans.
3
(2-4-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3400. Comparisons of organ function in both invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Interactions with environmental factors and control mechanisms emphasized. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 3700. A study of the gross anatomy, biomechanics, and evolutionary relationships of the chordates. Several types of vertebrates are dissected. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 1108. A study of the natural history, morphology, physiology, taxonomy, evolutionary relationships and behavior of insects. Covers the economic and medical importance of insects. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-2-4) Principles of evolution, classification, structure, distribution, adaptation, and life history of amphibians and reptiles. Laboratory and field work deals with various aspects of Georgia species. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. Taxonomy, morphology, life history, ecology, and distribution of fishes. Laboratory deals with taxonomy and natural history of fishes found in central Georgia. (ENSC 4480 is equivalent to this course). Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Cross Listed Courses
ENSC 4480
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 with a grade of C or better. Taxonomy, morphology, life history, ecology, and distribution of algae. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 1108 or permission of instructor. A study of invertebrate animals covering anatomy, physiology, ecology, taxonomy, evolutionary relationships and behavior. This course is non-repeatable for credit. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3700. A study of the phylogeny, adaptations, and natural history of mammals worldwide. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1108. An introduction to the scientific study of birds, which includes the fossil record, anatomy, identification, systematics, and biogeography. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(2-4-4) A comprehensive survey of the morphology, anatomy, economic importance and evolution of vascular and nonvascular plants. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisites: PHYS 1111 and BIOL 3700. An advanced study of the structure and function of the vertebrate musculoskeletal system.
3
(3-2-4) A study of the classes of vertebrates in relation to taxonomy, life history, population, and evolution. Includes laboratory and field collections emphasizing Georgia vertebrates. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 with a C or better. This course will explore the ecological interactions of soil-dwelling organisms with each other and their physical and chemical environment. Students will gain knowledge of the biology and systematics of soil biota and experience with techniques used to study soil processes mediated by biological activity. This course focuses on organisms in the soil environment, with emphasis on macrobiota and their functional roles in belowground food webs and ecosystem processes. Lab activities will emphasize quantifying soil fauna communities and ecological processes.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. An introduction to quantitative, theoretical and applied population and community ecology including population dynamics, species interactions and community structure. Crosslisted as: ENSC 4705.
3
(4-0-4) Theories and principles concerning regional patterns of plant and animal distributions. Crosslisted as ENSC 4710 and GEOG 4710.
4
Cross Listed Courses
GEOG 4710, ENSC 4710
Prerequisite: BIOL 1108 with a C or better. This course will provide a broad overview of Physical, Chemical, and Geological Oceanography and functions as a complementary course to Marine Biology (BIOL 3500). The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the main ideas, theories, techniques and accomplishments of the scientific study of the ocean. Although we call our planet "Earth", it truly is a water planet, with oceans covering almost 71 percent of its surface. Water is an absolutely necessary ingredient for the development and sustenance of living organisms, including humans. The oceans have a great deal to tell us about the development of the planet and origin of life forms on it. Students will develop a basic but clear understanding of the physics, chemistry, geology, and biology contributions that make the ocean such a unique environment, influencing all of our daily activities
4
(2-3-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. The ecological study of community structure, function and the interrelated dynamics. Major communities of Georgia and the major biomes of North America will be studied. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Prerequisite: BIOL 3700. The behavior of organisms ranging from bacteria to humans from the standpoint of genetics, evolution, physiology, ecology, and social organization.
3
Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 with a grade of C or higher. This course will explore the roles that fire plays in natural and managed systems from the individual to ecosystem level, including historical, cultural, economic, ecological, evolutionary, and policy perspectives. Students will learn the principles, techniques, and methods used to apply prescribed fire. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. A consideration of major environmental questions of today's world and the ecological aspects relating to the conservation of man's renewable and non-renewable resources. Cross-listed as: ENSC 4740 and GEOG 4740.
3
Cross Listed Courses
GEOG 4740, ENSC 4740
Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 with a grade of C or higher or instructor permission. Natural History builds understanding of biology through detailed observational study of organisms within their environmental context. Students will learn and apply practical skills for observation and documentation of organisms in the field. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisites: BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3200. A study of interaction of microorganisms with their environment. Emphasis on microorganisms of terrestrial and aquatic environments, and environmental determinants that control their distribution, activities, and cross-interactions in these environments. Crosslisted as: ENSC 4750.
3
(3-2-4) Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1108. A course using local flora to teach principles of plant systematics. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(2-3-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 1108 with a grade of C or better. This course is intended to provide students with a field-oriented, interpretive introduction to botany in the regional outdoors. Emphasis is given to identification, uses, habit, habitat, and communities of flowering plants, in the context of local terrestrial and aquatic environments, while recognizing their global/worldwide distribution.
4
(2-4-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3700 or permission of the instructor. An introduction to field techniques for studying birds, e.g., field identification by sight and song, census taking, developing a field study. Crosslisted as: ENSC 4770. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Cross Listed Courses
ENSC 4770
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. The study of freshwater organisms, their identification, natural history, and environmental relationships. Particular emphasis will be given to lotic systems. Crosslisted as: ENSC 4780. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Cross Listed Courses
ENSC 4780
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. This course introduces students to the principles of wetland science and our practices in managing them, with emphasis on the ecosystem perspective. Students will be expected to develop an understanding of physical, chemical, and biological aspects of wetlands including the processes that form wetlands and their associated plant and animal communities and how we manage these ecosystems. Crosslisted as: ENSC 4785. Additional laboratory fee requried; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. This is an advanced course designed to familiarize students with the ecology of freshwater and coastal ecosystems (both "lotic" and "lentic"). This course will introduce students to field and laboratory techniques, current theory regarding structure and function, important areas of research and applied issues regarding conservation and management of aquatic habitats. The course will consist of a mixture of lectures and group discussions, coupled with field and laboratory exercises. Crosslisted as: ENSC 4795. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: ANTH 1102 or BIOL 1100 or BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1120 or permission of instructor. Critical examination of the role neotropical plant resources have played in the culture, economics, and history of Latin America and the world.
3
Cross Listed Courses
ANTH 4800, IDST 4800
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: BIOL 4540. An advanced course in ornithology with varying course topics (to be announced before term, e.g., origin of birds, fossil record of birds, migration, avian anatomy). This course is repeatable for credit.
3
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 or BIOL 3700 or permission of the instructor. A detailed study of the evolution and phylogenetic relationships of the major groups of vertebrates. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(2-4-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 1108. A survey of field techniques used to sample nongame wildlife to include experimental design, data collection, field notes, and final report writing. Group field project required. (ENSC 4860 is equivalent to this course). Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
Cross Listed Courses
ENSC 4860
Prerequisite: BIOL 2800 with a C or better in Ecology. An overview of the ecology and evolution of animal movement behavior with focus on variable strategies for survival and reproduction. Includes experiences applying techniques for quantifying animal movement in nature, and processing and analyzing associated data. Lab fee is required.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: BIOL 2800. Survey of the techniques and methodologies used in wildlife management of game and nongame animals. Field project required. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: Senior Standing. A senior level field-intensive course designed to allow the student to draw on knowledge and skills gained from previous courses. The course is designed to allow the student to implement experimental design, instrumentation, sampling techniques, and general methodologies needed to implement and complete a field based research project on a naturally occurring vertebrate population. Also, methods of reporting the results of the research in a manuscript form and orally will be required by the student. This course satisfies the course option for a senior capstone in biology or environmental science.Crosslisted as: ENSC 4890. This course is repeatable for credit. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisites BIOL 3700, Senior Standing. An examination of significant stages in the evolution of life from a scientific perspective working backward in time from the origin of human intelligence to the big bang. This course satisfies the course option for a senior capstone in biology or environmental science.
3
(3-0-3) Prerequisites: Senior standing and either BIOL 3700 or GEOL 1122. A multidisciplinary examination of the creation-evolution controversy from the perspectives of natural history, U.S. history, legislation an constitutional law, theatre and cinema, theology, comparative creation mythology, and the philosophy of science, pseudoscience, and public education. Formal team debates are required at the course conclusion. This course satisfies the requirement for a Senior Capstone in biology or environmental science.
3
(VAR 1-4) Independent work arranged by the instructor according to the individual student's preparation, background, and needs. This course is repeatable for credit.
1 - 4
(VAR 1-4) Consideration of topics in which courses are not offered otherwise, but for which there is current need. Subject matter varies. This course is repeatable for credit.
1 - 4
(3-2-4) Consideration of topics in which courses are not offered otherwise, but for which there is current need. Subject matter varies. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount. This course is repeatable for credit.
4
(3-0-3) Prerequisite: Senior Standing. This course counts towards senior capstone requirement for Biology majors. The goal of a senior capstone is to allow students to bring together their knowledge gained from specific subareas of their majors and other disciplines for the integrative understanding of the science and the global understanding of the world around them. Although each course will have specific prerequisites and requirements, in general writing, primary literature reading and oral communication components will be highly emphasized. This course is repeatable for credit.
3
(3-2-4) Prerequisite: Senior Standing. This course counts towards senior capstone requirement for Biology majors. The goal of a senior capstone is to allow students to bring together their knowledge gained from specific subareas of their majors and other disciplines for the integrative understanding of the science and the global understanding of the world around them. Although each course will have specific prerequisites and requirements, in general writing, primary literature reading and oral communication components will be highly emphasized. Additional laboratory fee required; see semester course schedule for amount. This course is repeatable for credit.
4
(VAR 1-6) Prerequisite: Selection for participation in a University-approved Internship program. An individually designed off-campus course involving study, research and/or work in a science position. This course is repeatable for credit.
3 - 6
(3-0-3) This course counts towards the senior capstone requirement for Biology majors. The goal of a senior capstone is to allow students to bring together their knowledge gained from specific subareas of their majors and other disciplines for the integrative understanding of the science and the global perspective. Approved internship that allows students to demonstrate broad scientific training and problem solving skills is encouraged. Students are expected to fill out an online form to set up the internship and get approved by the faculty advisor prior to starting of internship. Regular performance report from the onsite supervisor and formal presentation of internship experience are expected. Credit is granted for work conducted in the concurrent semester.
3
(VAR 1-15) See the International Studies section of the catalog for details. This course is repeatable for credit.
1 - 15
(3-0-3) Prerequisites: a minimum of 1 hour in independent research course BIOL 3999 or BIOL 4999, Senior Standing. This course counts towards the senior capstone requirement for Biology majors. The goal of a senior capstone is to allow students to bring together their knowledge gained from specific subareas of their majors and other disciplines for integrative understanding of the science and the global perspective. Students are expected to have basic understanding of the research topic of their choice based on previous research experience. Writing in appropriate format and formal presentation of research results will be expected. This course is repeatable for credit.
3
(VAR 0-4) Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor. Individual or small group research project in the area of the instructor's expertise. This course is repeatable for credit.
0 - 4