BIO - Biology


BIO 105Biology in the Modern WorldUNITS: 3
Principles and concepts of biology including cellular structure and function, metabolism and energy transformation, homeostasis, reproduction, heredity, diversity of life, ecology, evolution and animal behavior. Emphasis on human affairs and human examples. For non-science students. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 105 and (BIO 115 or BIO 181 or BIO 183).


BIO 106Biology in the Modern World LaboratoryUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Corequisite: BIO 105
Laboratory experience in biological principles to complement BIO 105. For non-science students. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 106 and (BIO 116, BIO 181 or BIO 183).


BIO 115Issues in BiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Corequisite: BIO 116
Concepts in biology taught from the perspective of civically engaging issues or problems. Themes and topics of wide interest, such as global warming, stem cells and cloning, antibiotic resistance, evolution, and human health. Lecture and the corresponding laboratory are designed to deepen an appreciation for the connections between science and "real-world" issues. For non-science majors. Students cannot receive credit for both BIO 115 and BIO105 or BIO181 or BIO 183.


BIO 116Issues in Biology LabUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Corequisites: BIO 115
Corresponding laboratory for Issues in Biology (BIO 115). Activities and experimentation with biological concepts, designed to complement BIO 115. For non-science majors. Students cannot receive credit for both BIO 116 and BIO 106 or BIO 181 or BIO 183.


BIO 140Survey of Animal DiversityUNITS: 3
Classification and phylogeny of animals; patterns of diversification in body design and relationship between body design and the environment; study of selected animal assemblages.


BIO 141Animal Diversity LaboratoryUNITS: 1
Prerequisite: BIO 140
Observation of living animals, dissections of preserved specimens, and microscopy; emphasis on classification of animals, patterns of diversification in body design, and relationship between body design and the environment.


BIO 181Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and BiodiversityUNITS: 4
Emphasis on interactions of organisms with their environments, evolutionary change and role of natural selection in the evolution of life forms, biological diversity in the context of form and function of organisms, and on critical thinking, problemsolving, and effective communication. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 181 and (BIO 105 or BIO 106 or BIO 115 or BIO 116).


BIO 183Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular BiologyUNITS: 4
Prerequisite: BIO 181 or (CH 101 and sophomore standing)
Basic concepts and principles of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Emphasis will be on the physical basis of life, the cell as the fundamental unit of life, the mechanisms involved in the development of multicellular organisms and on critical thinking, problem solving, experimental design, and effective communication. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 183 and (BIO 105 or BIO 106 or BIO 115 or BIO 116).


BIO 212Basic Human Anatomy and PhysiologyUNITS: 4 - Offered in Fall and Summer
Prerequisite: BIO 183 or ZO 160
Major emphasis on structure and function of the muscular, skeletal, circulatory and nervous systems of humans. Credit in both BIO 212 and BIO 301 or BIO 302 is not allowed.


BIO (MEA) 220Marine BiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: MEA 200 or BIO 181
Introduction to marine plants and animals, their adaptations to life in the sea and ecological interactions in selected marine environments (e.g. coral reefs, deep sea, salt marshes). Interactions of man with the sea: food from the seas, biology of diving. Optional trip.


BIO (FOR) (FW) 221Conservation of Natural ResourcesUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Importance of natural resources and their role in human environment. Physical, biological and ecological principles underlying sustainability of natural resources with attention to consequences of human impacts while meeting society needs.


BIO 250Animal Anatomy and PhysiologyUNITS: 4
Prerequisite: BIO 183 or ZO 160
Roles of physical laws, environmental challenges, and evolutionary history in shaping animal structure and function. Selected examples from invertebrates and vertebrates. Laboratory in anatomy and physiology, hypothesis generation and testing and data analysis and presentation.


BIO 260Evolution, Behavior, and EcologyUNITS: 4
Prerequisite: (BIO 181 or ZO 150) and (BIO 183 or ZO 160)
Principles of evolution, animal behavior, and ecology. Mechanisms of microevolution and speciation, modes, and variation in animal behavior, and population, community, and ecosystem level processes. Methodology and logic of evolution, behavior andecology and applications to conservation and management issues.


BIO 295Special Topics in BiologyUNITS: 1-4
Experimental offerings in Biology.


BIO 315General ParasitologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BIO 181 or BIO 183 or ZO 150 or ZO 160
General principles of parasitic symbiosis. Emphasis on life cycles, epidemiology, and pathology of major parasites of humans and domestic animals.


BIO 317Primate Ecology and EvolutionUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BIO 181 & BIO 183, and one of the following courses: ANT 251, BIO 212, BIO 250, BIO/PB 330, BIO 350, BIO/PB 360, BIO 410 , BIO 422, BIO 424, or BIO 488
A comprehensive survey of the behavior, evolution, and ecology of nonhuman primates. Special emphasis will be placed in the evolution of cognitive abilities, social systems, and behavioral patterns that are unique to primates, including the evolution of language. Topics include primate taxonomy, evolution of the extant primates, geographic distribution, social behavior, reproductive behavior and strategies, parental behavior, communication, and cognitive. Classes will consist of interactive lectures, films, and class discussions.


BIO (PB) 330Evolutionary BiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: BIO 181, BIO 183
Principles and patterns of organic evolution. Topics will include the origin of life, patterns of genetic variation, adaptations, natural selection, and the formation of species, the relationship between micro and macroevolution, and the importance of evolution to humans and medicine.


BIO 333Captive Animal BiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
This course serves to introduce interested students to historical and current captive animal conservation efforts. We will discuss in detail a variety of issues essential to the management of wild animals in a captive setting including ethics, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, and population management.


BIO 350Animal Phylogeny and DiversityUNITS: 4
Prerequisite: BIO 181 and Sophomore standing
Phylogenetic history and adaptive radiation of animals; contrast of environmental determinants of biodiversity in tropical and polar regions; modern approaches to phylogeny; role of humans in influencing biodiversity. Students may not receive creditfor both BIO 350 and BIO 140 or ZO 150.


BIO (FW) 353Wildlife ManagementUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: BIO 181 or ZO 150
Historical development of Wildlife Management from anecdotal, observational practices to modern, scientific approaches used around the world. Principles of population analysis, management, protection and conservation of animals, particularly those of conservation, aesthetic, sport or food values in urban, rural and wilderness areas. Ethics of hunting and trapping. Contradictory objectives challenging modern wildlife managers.


BIO (PB) 360EcologyUNITS: 4 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: BIO 181
The science of ecology, including factors which control distribution and population dynamics of organisms, structure and function of biological communities, and energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems; contrasts among the major biomes; and principles governing ecological responses to global climatic and other environmental changes.


BIO 361Developmental BiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BIO 183 or ZO 160
In this course students will discover the amazing journey that cells must take to get from an egg to an embryo, form a mature adult, and reproduce in order to continue the life cycle. Students will relate science to everyday life using developmental biology as a forum to integrate many aspects of biology from the molecules in single cells to the complete organism and how it is influenced by evolution and the environment.


BIO 370Developmental Anatomy of the VertebratesUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BIO 181 or BIO 140 or ZO 150
An integrated study of the functional anatomy, phylogeny, and embryonic development of organ systems in vertebrate animals.


BIO 375Developmental Anatomy LaboratoryUNITS: 2 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BIO 181 or BIO 140 or ZO 150
A hands-on study of embryonic development and organ systems in vertebrate animals, utilizing microscopic examination of living and preserved embryos, demonstrations of skeletons and mammalian organs, and dissections of preserved shark, salamander, and mink.


BIO 402Invertebrate ZoologyUNITS: 2 - Offered Alternate Even Years, Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: (BIO 181 or ZO 150) and (BIO 183 or ZO 160)
Survey of invertebrate phyla, excluding the Protista, emphasizing their functional biology.


BIO 403Invertebrate Zoology LaboratoryUNITS: 2 - Offered Alternate Even Years, Offered in Spring Only
Corequisite: BIO 402
Examination of living and preserved invertebrates to study their distinguishing characteristics and to observe anatomical modifications for function.


BIO 405Functional HistologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Summer
Prerequisite: BIO 183 or ZO 160
Offered only as a distance education course via the internet. Functional Histology describes the cellular structure of tissues and organs. Human organs are emphasized, with brief consideration given to variation in other mammals. Tissue and organstructure is related to function, including examples of malfunction (histopathology). The course is especially appropriate for students planning a career in veterinary science, medicine, or allied health fields. Credit not allowed for both ZO 371 and ZO 405. Offered by distance education only.


BIO 410Introduction to Animal BehaviorUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: BIO 181 or ZO 260 or ZO 150
Studies of animal behavior in vertebrates and invertebrates including physiological mechanisms and adaptive significance.


BIO 412Human AnatomyUNITS: 4 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: (BIO 183 or BIO 212), and Junior or Senior standing
Study of the structure of the human body, utilizing a systems approach. Focus on gross anatomy, with reference to microanatomy and embryonic development as needed to understand gross morphology. Emphasis on the interrelationship of structure and function. Laboratory study facilitated through use of human skeletons, anatomical models, and electronic media as well as dissection of mammalian systems and selected organs.


BIO (PB) 414Cell BiologyUNITS: 3
Prerequisite: (BIO 183 or ZO 160) and CH 221
The chemical and physical bases of cellular structure and function with emphasis on methods and interpretations.


BIO 419LimnologyUNITS: 4 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: BIO 260 or PB 360
Structure and function of lakes and ponds, including physical, chemical and biological controls of productivity and species composition of aquatic plants and animals, and effects of pollution on water quality. One local weekend field trip is required.Credit in both ZO 419 and ZO 519 is not allowed


BIO (FW) 420Introduction to Fisheries ScienceUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: BIO 181 or ZO 150, BIO 260 or PB 360
Role of fish in aquatic ecosystems, fish biology, fish ecology, fisheries management and conservation. Emphasis on aquatic ecosystems and food webs, life history and ecology of important sport and commercial fishes, population and community dynamics, and theory and practice of fisheries management and conservation. Case studies from freshwater, estuarine and marine systems.


BIO 421Advanced Human Anatomy and PhysiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: (BIO 250 or BIO 212 or BIO 412) and CH 223
A comprehensive survey of the processes involved in the function of specialized cells, tissues and organ systems. Emphasis on basic concepts with orientation toward mammalian and human systems.


BIO 422Biological ClocksUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BIO 250
The anatomy, physiology, and development of biological clocks in a variety of organisms, including humans. Credit in both BIO 422 and ZO 522 is not allowed.


BIO (FOR) 423Introduction to Fisheries Sciences LaboratoryUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall Only
Corequisite: FW/BIO 420
General anatomy and identification of common freshwater, estuarine and marine fish, functional morphology, age and growth analyses, fish health and diets. Computer analyses of bioenergetic and population dynamics.


BIO 424EndocrinologyUNITS: 3
Prerequisite: BIO 250
This course will explore the function of hormones and bioactive compounds in regulating animal physiology and homeostasis. Topics will include a study of hormones and their mechanism of actions in regulating various biological processes including development and growth; reproduction; feeding, digestion and metabolism; ion and water balance; stress and immunity; and sex determination. The methods used to study hormones and their physiological functions will also be addressed. 80% of enrollment is restricted to Biological Sciences and Zoology students with the remaning 20% open for all other majors.


BIO (ENT) 425General EntomologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Summer
Prerequisite: BIO 181 or BIO 140 or BIO 150
Explores the science of entomology by focusing on the basic principles of systematics, morphology, physiology, development, behavior, ecology, and control of insects. Field trips provide opportunities to collect insects and study their adaptations to a wide variety of natural environments.


BIO 426Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology LabUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: BIO 212 or BIO 250; Corequisite: BIO 421
A comprehensive laboratory course surveying the process involved in the function and structure of specialized cells, tissues, and organ systems. Emphasis will be on problem solving and critical thinking skills.


BIO (FW) 430Fisheries and Wildlife AdministrationUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: PS 201, PS 202; FW/BIO 420, FW/BIO 353
Describes and compares the administrative structures and programs of federal and state fish and wildlife agencies and develops an understanding of the basis on which these agencies function. Evaluates the interrelationships that fisheries-wildlife professionals, special interest groups, public agencies and legislative bodies play in resource management programs.


BIO 441Biology of FishesUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: BIO 260 or PB 360
Behavior, evolution, physiology and ecology of fishes, emphasizing their adaptations for life in streams, lakes, and oceans.


BIO 442Biology of Fishes LaboratoryUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall Only
Corequisite: BIO 441
Field and laboratory exercises with the common fish species and communities of North Carolina. Field trips to local streams and lakes plus weekend trips to coastal, estuarine, and mountain habitats.


BIO (MEA) 449Principles of Biological OceanographyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Biological productivity and trophic relationships in plankton, nekton and benthos; community ecology of selected habitats (estuaries, intertidal zones, coral reefs, deep sea); and adaptation of organisms to the marine environment. Credit is not allowed for both MEA/BIO 449 and MEA/BIO 549


BIO 460Field Ecology and MethodsUNITS: 4
Prerequisite: ST 311; BIO 260 or PB 360/365
Field Ecology and Methods will expose senior students with interests in Ecology and Evolution to the diverse field approaches used to address ecological questions. The course considers and implements a variety of field approaches ranging from microcosm experiments to global studies of patterns and diversity. Course is restricted to seniors.


BIO 488NeurobiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: BIO 250 or BIO 301/302 or BIO 212 or (BIO 183 and Junior or Senior standing)
Overview of the neurosciences, with a focus on fundamental principles in the function, structure, and development of the nervous system. Topics include neuroanatomy, electrical signaling, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems, neural development, neural plasticity, and complex brain functions. Multiple levels of analysis, from molecular to behavioral, with an emphasis on the mammalian nervous system.


BIO 491Seminar on Professional Development in Biological SciencesUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall Only
Planning and analyzing strategies for professional development in the biological sciences utilizing discussion, guest lecturers, and field trips to nearby research laboratories and industrial plants. Intended primarily for juniors and seniors in anybiological discipline.


BIO 492External Learning ExperienceUNITS: 1-6 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Learning experience in agriculture and life sciences within an academic framework with facilities and resources external to the campus. Contact and arrangements with prospective supervisors by the student. Prior approval by faculty advisor, prospective supervisor, and departmental teaching coordinator.


BIO 493Special Problems in Biological SciencesUNITS: 1-6 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Learning experience in agriculture and life sciences within an academic framework with campus facilities and resources. Contact and arrangements with prospective supervisors by the student. Prior approval by faculty advisor, prospective supervisor, and department teaching coordinator.


BIO 495Special Topics in BiologyUNITS: 1-6 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Individualized study, under faculty supervision, of biological topics, and developmental course on a trial basis.


BIO 510Advanced Biology for Secondary TeachersUNITS: 6 - Offered in Summer
Prerequisite: Two years of college biology
Comprehensive review of important principles and concepts of biology for secondary teachers preparing to teach advanced placement biology. Emphasis on contemporary topics in biology; extensive laboratory and field work.


BIO (ZO) 518Experience and the BrainUNITS: 3
This seminar considers how an individual's behavioral interactions with the world (i.e., experience) can alter the structure and/or function of the adult brain. Emphasis will be on reading and critically discussing the primary research literature.