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Biology Undergraduate Course Descriptions


BIOL 101 General Biology I
BIOL 102 General Biology II
BIOL 111 General Biology Lab I
BIOL 112 General Biology Lab II
BIOL 130 Intro to Biology I
BIOL 131 Intro to Biology Lab I
BIOL 140 Intro to Biology II
BIOL 141 Intro to Biology II Lab
BIOL 203 Intro to Plant Biology
BIOL 204 Human Genetics

BIOL 205
Cell Biology
BIOL 208 Evolution
BIOL 209 Environmental Science

BIOL 301 Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 302 Comp. Vert. Anatomy
BIOL 307 Animal Behavior
BIOL 308 Genetics
BIOL 310 Microbiology
BIOL 314 Vascular Flora
BIOL 317 Human A&P I
BIOL 318 Human A&P II
BIOL 320 Intern Research
BIOL 322 History of Biology
BIOL 327 Human A&P Lab I
BIOL 328 Human A&P Lab II
BIOL 401 Developmental Biology
BIOL 402 Descriptive Histology
BIOL 403 Animal Physiology
BIOL 406 Ecology
BIOL 408 Ornithology
BIOL 409 Marine Biology
BIOL 410 Vertebrate Natural History
BIOL 412 Special Topics
BIOL 414 Environmental Physiology
BIOL 419 Economic Botany
BIOL 421 Toxicology
BIOL 424 Molecular Genetics
BIOL 426 Freshwater Biology
BIOL 427 Immunology
BIOL 429 Literature Seminar

BIOL 101

General Biology I

Three Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 111
  • Non-majors course
  • Lecture: three credit hours

The introductory course in biology is designed for the non-majors that emphasizes the importance of biology and its impact on human society. Topics include the methods of science, cell structure and function, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, molecular biology, and genetics.

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BIOL 102

General Biology II

Three Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 112
  • Non-majors course
  • Lecture: three credit hours

Continuation of the introductory course for non-majors that covers topics including evolution, the diversity of life, plant and animal form and function, and principles of ecology. It is recommended that students complete BIOL 101 and 111 before taking BIOL 102 and 112.

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BIOL 111

General Biology I Laboratory

One Credit Hour
  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 101
  • Non-majors course
  • Laboratory: two credit hours

The laboratory is designed to parallel the lecture content of BIOL 101.

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BIOL 112

General Biology II Laboratory

One Credit Hour
  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 102
  • Non-majors course
  • Laboratory: two credit hours

The laboratory is designed to parallel the lecture content of BIOL 102.

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BIOL 130

Introduction to Biology I

Three Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 131
  • Required majors course
  • Lecture: three credit hours

An introductory course required of all biology majors and eduction majors whose teaching field is biology; recommended for students of other majors who are interested in medicine or other health professions. Topics include the scientific method and data analysis, cell and molecular biology, and genetics.

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BIOL 131

Introduction to Biology I Laboratory

One Credit Hour
  • Prerequisite or Corequisite : BIOL 130
  • Required majors course
  • Laboratory: three credit hours

Laboratory exercises designed to parallel the lecture content of BIOL 130.

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BIOL 140

Introduction to Biology II

Three Credit Hours

A continuation of the introductorycourse for biology majors. Topics include evolution, the diversity of life, plant and animal biology, and ecology.

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BIOL 141

Introduction to Biology II Laboratory

One Credit Hour
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 130 and BIOL 131
  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 140
  • Required majors course
  • Laboratory: three hours

Laboratory exercises designed to parallel the lecture content of BIOL 140.

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BIOL 203

Introduction to Plant Biology

Four Credit Hours

A general survey of the vascular and nonvascular plants. Lecture and laboratory experiences will include a study of the characteristics, life cycles, evolutionary trends, ecological importance, and economic value of each plant group.

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BIOL 204

Human Genetics

Three Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 101
  • Non-majors course
  • Lecture: three hours

This course will introduce students to a variety of genetic issues that they will encounter during their lives including: 1) the genetics basis of disease; 2) genetically modified organisms; 3) genetic screening and prenatal diagnosis; 4) cancer; 5) the human genome; 6) genetically modified organisms; and 7) DNA fingerprinting. In addition to gaining a scientific understanding of these issues, the ethical and societal impacts will be discussed.

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BIOL 205

Cell Biology

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and BIOL 141
  • Required majors course
  • Lecture: three hours
  • Laboratory: three hours

An introduction to the morphological, biochemical and biophysical properties of cells and their significance in life processes.

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BIOL 208

Evolution

Three Credit Hours

A basic course in the concepts of evolution and population dynamics. The history of evolutionary thought, the processes of organic evolution, and systematics are conducted.

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BIOL 209

Environmental Science

Three Credit Hours
  • Non-majors course
  • Lecture: three hours

Human impact on our environment has never been so intesive or so far-reaching. Fundamental conditions in global nutrient cycling, biological diversity, atmospheric composition, and climate are changing at an unprecedented rate. This course will use real world case studies to investigate the complex interactions, among ecology, geology, chemistry, ethics, policy, and economics.

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BIOL 301

Invertebrate Zoology

Four Credit Hours

A general study of the invertebrate animals, including taxonomy, morphology, and ecology.

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BIOL 302

Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and BIOL 141
  • Lecture: three hours
  • Laboratory: three hours

A study of the functional anatomy of representative vertebrate animals. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of the vertebrate body and adaptations in form and function in response to environmental pressures.

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BIOL 307

Animal Behavior (Ethology)

Three Credit Hours

This course deals with the description, development, and adaptive nature of behavior in free-living animals. The laboratory will emphasize the description and qualifications of behavior patterns.

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BIOL 308

Genetics

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or approval of the instructor
  • Strongly Recommended Prerequisite: STAT 160
  • Required majors course
  • Lecture: three hours
  • Laboratory: three hours

A study of inheritance, including Mendelian genetics. molecular genetics, changes in chromosome structure and number, cytogenetics. and population genetics.

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BIOL 310

Microbiology

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or approval of instructor
  • Lecture: three hours
  • Laboratory: three hours

A general study of microorganisms and their importance to humans with special emphasis on their fundamental life processes. Includes a brief introduction to epidemiology and immunology.

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BIOL 314

The Vascular Flora of South Carolina

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and BIOL 141 or approval of instructor
  • Lecture: two hours
  • Laboratory: four hours

An introductory study of the native vascular flora of South Carolina, emphasizing the identification and collection of native plants. The student will have practice in use of taxonomic keys and in preparation of specimens for The Citadel Herbarium.

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BIOL 317

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Three Credit Hours

An introduction to the integrated structure and function of human organ systems covering cells and tissue; integumentary, skeletal, and nervous systems; and sensory organs.

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BIOL 318

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Three Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 317
  • Recommended Corequisite: BIOL 328
  • Non-majors course
  • Lecture: three hours

A continuation of the study of integrated structure and function of the human organ systems covering muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

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BIOL 320

Intern Research

Three Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: Permission of the department head and supervising instructor
  • Eight hours per week

Students will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research projects with faculty at The Citadel, The Medical University of South Carolina, National Marine Fisheries Services, and The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, etc. Students must plan their schedule to allow two free afternoons per week, totaling eight hour per week in the laboratory, excluding travel. Students are expected to maintain a weekly laboratory notebook and write a research paper detailing their work.

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BIOL 322

History of Biology

Three Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and BIOL 141 or permission of the instructor
  • Lecture: three hours

Major aspects of the development of biological sciences and their relation ship to other scientific disciplines. Special attention will be paid to the development and content of theories and to changes in the methods of biological research.

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BIOL 327

Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

One Credit Hour

Laboratory exercises designed to illustrate and support lecture content of BIOL 317.

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BIOL 328

Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab

One Credit Hour
  • Prequisite: BIOL 317
  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 318
  • Non-majors course
  • Laboratory: two hours

Laboratory exercises designed to illustrate and support lecture content of BIOL 318.

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BIOL 401

Developmental Biology

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 205
  • Lecture: two hours
  • Laboratory: four hours

Contemporary experimental theories are combined with classical observations which focus on the mechanisms of early development in invertebrates and vertebrates. Laboratories include use of such model systems as sea urchins, frogs, and other indigenous species to explore fertilization strategies and aspects of egg-sperm interactions and early development of the embryo.

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BIOL 402

Descriptive Histology

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and BIOL 141
  • Lecture: three hours
  • Laboratory: three hours

A detailed study of the chief types of animal tissues and a description of the histology and organs. Laboratory work includes microscopic study of cells, tissues, and organs of animals.

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BIOL 403

Animal Physiology

Four Credit Hours

A systematic study of the general physiology of animal organ systems.

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BIOL 406

Ecology

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and BIOL 141
  • Recommended Prerequisite: STAT 160
  • Required majors course
  • Lecture: two hours
  • Laboratory: four hours

An introduction to the study of biological interrelationships and the effects of the environment on the structure and function of animal populations. Laboratory will emphasize methods and materials of ecological investigations.

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BIOL 408

Ornithology

Four Credit Hours

A study of the structure, function, and ecology of birds. Field trips and bird specimens will give students a working knowledge of birds common to South Carolina.

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BIOL 409

Marine Biology

Four Credit Hours

The lectures cover major ecological factors and the fundamentals of oceanography. Laboratory work stresses the familiarities with species, taxonomic methods, sampling procedures, experimental design, use of equipment and data handling.

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BIOL 410

Vertebrate Natural History

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and BIOL 141
  • Lecture: three hours
  • Laboratory: two hours

An introduction to the classification, ecology, evolution and distribution of the vertebrates. Laboratory with emphasis on identification and field study techniques, especially with respect to the vertebrates of South Carolina.

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BIOL 412

Special Topics in Biology

Three Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: permission of the instructor
  • Lecture: three hours

A course designed for the study of specialized topics in modern biology.

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BIOL 414

Environmental Physiology

Four Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 205
  • Recommended Prerequisite: BIOL 403
  • Lecture: three hours
  • Laboratory: three hours

This course will cover the physiological adaptations of organisms to physical and chemical parameters of the environment. It includes molecular mechanisms which help organisms adapt to environmental factors.

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BIOL 419

Economic Botany

Three Credit Hours
  • Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and BIOL 141 or approval of instructor
  • Lecture: three hours

An introductory course in economic botany devoted to the consideration of plants which are useful or harmful to humans; their origins and history, botanical relationships, chemical constituents which make them economically important, and their roles in prehistoric and modern cultures and civilizations.

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BIOL 421

Toxicology

Four Credit Hours

An overview of the basic science of poisons, including the disposition of chemicals in the body, the role of metabolism in enhancing or reducing their toxicity, mechanisms of toxicity, and the effects of toxicants on major morgan systems.

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BIOL 424

Molecular Genetics

Four Credit Hours

Coordinated lecture/laboratory class covering classical molecular and cellular biochemistry as well as modern molecular genetics. Study of the manner in which genetic information is carried in DNA and how DNA directs the synthesis of proteins in bacterial and eucaryotic cells and their associated viruses. Specific topics to be covered include mechanisms governing gene expression, metabolic control system, gene therapy, oncogenesis, molecular genetics of genetic diversify, molecular basis of human diseases, and a review of known disease-causing genes such as the cystic fibrosis gene, Huntington's chorea gene, and the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy gene.

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BIOL 426

Freshwater Biology

Four Credit Hours

The study of freshwater organisms and their environment. Instruction will cover the biological diversity, ecological and physiological adaptations, and the physical setting of freshwater systems. Local systems of interest include large coastal rivers and lakes, upper portions of estuaries and old rice fields.

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BIOL 427

Immunology

Three Credit Hours

A description of the immune system including the cells and organs involved in immunity; antigen-antibody reactions; immunoglobulin structure function: organization and expression of immunoglobulin genes; the major histocompatibility complex; immune regulation and tolerance. These basic concepts will be applied to understanding the role of the immune system in vaccinations; infectious disease; organ transplantation; autoimmune disease; immunodeficiency diseases; AIDS and cancer.

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BIOL 429

Literature Seminar

One Credit Hour

A current topics course thaqt involves discussions of relevant journal articles and related materials.

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