Biology Courses

NOTE: Complete undergraduate and graduate catalogs can be found here.

BIOL 103 (4)
Life Science by Inquiry
Students will examine aspects of the scientific method including careful observation, experimental design, and data analysis using life science concepts. Topics will include organismal biology, ecology, cell biology, evolution, and genetics. Students will conduct hands-on, inquiry-based investigations and gain experience in independent investigation and the development and implementation of an independent scientific research project. This course may not be counted towards the major or minor in biology.

BIOL 104 (3)
Plants and Human Affairs
An introduction to plants and their remarkable impact on diverse aspects of human activity. This course will explore the ways in which humans use plants for food, medicine and other products; the role of plants in our environment; and the implications of plants in areas such as economics and human culture. Some topics will be based on student interest and may include current concerns such as world hunger, use of chemicals in agriculture, use of genetically-engineered foods and uses of native plants. Three hours lecture. This course is not open to junior or senior biology majors or minors. V8a

BIOL 107 (1)
Laboratory in Plants and Human Affairs
An introduction to the scientific method and its application in plant biology. Observations and experiments will emphasize crop plants, plant growth and morphology, human impacts on natural systems, genetic engineering, and the properties of plant products. Students will present findings in oral and written form. This course is not open to junior or senior biology majors or minors. V8b

BIOL 111 (4)
Introduction to Organisms
An introduction to organismal and population biology. Topics include genetics, evolution and ecology, and the interactions of organisms with their environment. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. V8ab

BIOL 112 (3)
Introduction to Cells
An introduction to cell biology, including the chemistry of biological macromolecules, cell structure, function and reproduction. Additional topics include genetic engineering, viruses and cancer and the cellular basis of immunity. Three hours lecture. V8a

BIOL 113 (1)
Intro Laboratory Techniques
An introduction to basic methods and instrumentation in biology, emphasizing fundamental laboratory procedures. Techniques to be studied include light and electron microscopy, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, and chromatography. The use of computer applications for the basic analysis and presentation of data is also examined. One three-hour laboratory. IIIQ, V8

BIOL 147 (4)
Human Anatomy/Physiology I
Basic histology, anatomy (gross and microscopic) and physiology of the human integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems. Human anatomy is studied using chart and models. Superficial anatomy is studied on the human body, and dissection examines homologous structures on the cat. Offered alternate years. This course may not be counted towards the major or minor in biology.

BIOL 205 (3)
Genetics
An introduction to gene action and the principles of inheritance. Topics include Mendelian genetics, chromosome theory and molecular genetics, as well as recombinant DNA, extranuclear genomes and population genetics. Four hours lecture and discussion. V8a

BIOL 206 (1)
Laboratory in Genetics
A laboratory study of concepts in genetics ranging from classical to molecular genetics. Students learn to apply the tools of genetics to explore Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance patterns and to investigate the nature of DNA. The interpretation of quantitative data is explored using appropriate statistical analyses. One three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 209 (3)
Marine Biology
A survey of marine organisms and their adaptations to seawater chemistry, seafloor geology, and waves, tides, and currents. Our comprehensive survey of marine microbes, fungi, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates will then enable us to discuss the ecology of specialized marine communities, such as kelp forests, polar seas, the open ocean, intertidal zones, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and the deep sea.

BIOL 214 (4)
The Plant Kingdom
A survey of the plant kingdom with emphasis on the flowering plants. The structure, reproduction, evolution, adaptations and economic significance of the major plant groups will be covered. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. Offered alternate years. IIIW, V8a

BIOL 216 (4)
Insect Biology
An introduction to insects and other terrestrial arthropods, with an emphasis on evolution, morphology, physiology, ecology, and behavior. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. Offered alternate years.

BIOL 218 (4)
Field Natural History
This course will develop three important traits of a scientific naturalist: skill at seeing patterns in nature and framing interesting questions about them; knowledge of the names, classification and identifying characteristics of local organisms; and the understanding of a modern theoretical framework in ecology, evolution, and behavior. Offered alternate years. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory or field work. V8a

BIOL 222 (4)
Animal Behavior
An introduction to the causes, development, evolution, and function of behavior. Offered alternate years. Three hours lecture and a one-hour workshop. May be counted towards the major or minor in either biology or psychology. IIIW, V8

BIOL 228 (4)
Microbiology
Structure, physiology, and ecology of bacteria and other microorganisms. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. Offered alternate years.

BIOL 230 (4)
Comparative Vertebrate Morphology
Functional anatomy of vertebrates, with emphasis on evolutionary adaptations. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. V8a

BIOL 247 (4)
Human Anatomy/Physiology II
Basic histology, anatomy (gross and microscopic) and physiology of the human cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Human anatomy is studied using charts and models. Superficial anatomy is studied on the human body, and dissection examines homologous structures on the cat. Offered alternate years. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 261 (1)
Directed Study
The study of introductory level material by an individual student or by a small group of students under the immediate supervision of a faculty member.

BIOL 301 (4)
Plant Physiology
An exploration of how plants function, including the flowering process, dormancy, hormonal regulation, nutrition and behavior. Examples from applied areas of the plant sciences such as agriculture and horticulture will be discussed. Offered alternate years. Three hours lecture and one four-hour laboratory.

BIOL 303 (4)
Principles of Development
An examination of the processes by which a single cell, the fertilized egg, gives rise to a multi-cellular organism. The modern study of development relies heavily on the tools and perspectives of cell and molecular biology. This course will integrate these new methods and approaches with those of classical embryology in the study of several model organisms. Offered alternate years. IIIO, V8

BIOL 310 (4)
Evolution
As the unifying principle of all biology, evolution overlaps genetics, molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, behavior, ecology and development. This course will cover the processes responsible for the changes in living things over time; evidence demonstrating the shared evolutionary history of all living things; and the history of life on earth. Additional topics that may be covered include: co-evolution among species, human evolution, the origin of life and creationism. Three hours lecture and one hour discussion. IIIO

BIOL 316 (3)
Seminar in Conservation Biology
This advanced seminar will use case studies to explore the main threats to biological diversity: habitat loss and fragmentation, habitat degradation introduced species, and overharvesting. Although the emphasis is on biological science issues, these will be examined as well in their social, economic, and political contexts. Readings and discussions will concentrate on the primary literature. Offered alternate years. IIIO

BIOL 320 (4)
Biomathematics
This course addresses quantification skills for biomathematics, using mathematical models to investigate biological phenomena through analysis of experimental data. Skills developed include the ability to examine an unfamiliar problem, analyze it to determine the type of data necessary to address the problem, select the appropriate mathematical tools to be applied to the data, and evaluate the adequacy of the results. Offered alternate years. May be counted as a 300-level course towards the major or minor in mathematics. V8a

BIOL 324 (4)
Ecology
This course examines the interrelationships between individuals and their abiotic environment, among members of a population, and among populations in a given habitat or community. General principles and theories will be applied to a range of organisms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans. Labs emphasize the collection and evaluation of numerical data to test hypotheses, and include field problems, computer models, and student- designed experiments. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory/discussion. IIIQ, V8

BIOL 326 (4)
Comparative Animal Physiology
A study of animal function, with examples drawn from all major phyla. Emphasis is placed on functional adaptations used by animals to overcome common environmental challenges, such as obtaining sufficient quantitites of food, oxygen, and water. The roles of thermoregulation, osmoregulation, and animal sensory systems in maintaining homeostasis also are emphasized. Three hours lecture/discussion and one three-hour laboratory. Offered alternate years. IIIQ

BIOL 342 (4)
Cell and Molecular Biology
An examination of recent work in major areas of cell biology including membranes, regulation, cellular compartmentalization, signal transduction, and cellular and molecular aspects of immunology and cancer. Three hours lecture and one hour discussion. Offered alternate years. IIIW

BIOL 344 (2)
Experimental Laboratory in Cell and Molecular Biology
An introduction to current techniques and modern experimental approaches used in the study of cells and their components. Includes electrophoretic and chromatographic analysis of DNA and proteins, organelle characteriztion, advanced techniques in light microscopy and photomicrography and basic techniques of genetic engineering. Offered alternate years. One four-hour laboratory.

BIOL 351 (3)
Independent Research
An independent research project selected and carried out in consultation with a faculty sponsor. A written report and an oral presentation are required. IIIW

BIOL 361 (1)
Special Study
The study of an intermediate level topic by an individual student or by a small group of students under the immediate supervision of a faculty member.

BIOL 370 (3)
Junior Honors Research

BIOL 377 (1)
Internship

BIOL 450 (1)
Senior Exercise
An independent research project developed in conjunction with a 300-level biology course with permission of the instructor. The project may involve field, laboratory, or library work. The senior exercise will include a substantial paper.

BIOL 452 (1)
Senior Colloquium
A seminar on topic in biology. Required of all senior majors.

BIOL 461 (1)
Independent Study
Pursuit of an upper level research project determined in advance by the student in consultation with a faculty member who will act as the sponsor.

BIOL 470 (3)
Junior Honors Research

BIOL 472 (3)
Senior Honors Thesis

BIOL 503 (1)
Science/Inq:Water
Through an intensive inquiry based process involving hands-on investigation and discussion, in-service teachers will increase their content knowledge and ability to apply inquiry-based methods of teaching life and physical science with focus on grades 3-8. Topics include the structure and properties of water, the role of water in ecosystems, methods of water analysis, and water's unique importance to living systems.

BIOL 504 (1)
Science/Inq:Organisms
Through an intensive inquiry based process involving hands-on investigation and discussion, in-service teachers will increase their content knowledge and ability to apply inquiry-based methods of teaching science as related to the Virginia SOLs for grades 3-8. Topics will include classification of organisms, animal behavior, animal responses to environments, organism interactions in ecosystems, food webs, and functions of the human body.

BIOL 506 (1)
Biol/Inq:Animal-Plant Intractn