Biology Course Descriptions

Principles of genetics, physiology, ecology, taxonomy, and evolution with special reference to contemporary life situations. Intended for non-science majors. This course does not fulfill requirements for medical and dental schools or for a biology major.

Fall. Prerequisite or co-requisite: Chemistry 141 or 171. Major topics include: cell structure and function, cell reproduction, and Mendelian genetics. Along with Biology 142 meets the requirements for medical and dental school and the biology major.

Spring. Prerequisite: Biology 141; prerequisite or co-requisite: Chemistry 142 or 172. Major topics include: molecular genetics, population genetics and evolution, cellular metabolism and photosynthesis, signal transduction and development.

Fall. Permission of instructor. Covers biochemistry and cell biology, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, and evolution. Discussion format and guided laboratory explorations will challenge the honors student. The laboratory component will focus on scientific reasoning, experimental design and guided exploration of biological phenomena.

Spring. Permission of instructor. Focuses on organismal physiology and development, behavior, and ecology. Advanced readings, inquiry-based labs, and discussion of current research will challenge the advanced student.

Fall and spring. Freshmen only. Variable topics.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Comparative studies of phylogeny and anatomy of vertebrates from both an evolutionary and functional perspective. Cat and shark dissected in laboratory.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Protozoan, helminthic, and arthropod parasites of medical significance. Topics addressed include basic principles of parasitology, evolutionary trends, host-parasite ecological considerations, therapeutic measures, and control programs.

Fall. Prerequisites: Biology 142 and Chemistry 222. An integrated approach to the synthesis, structure, and function of macromolecular biomolecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, DNA, and RNA. First half of two semester biochemistry sequence organized with Chemistry Department.

Spring. Prerequisites: Biology 142 and Chemistry 222; completion of Biology/Chemistry 301 strongly recommended. Topics will include nitrogen and fatty acid metabolism, glycolysis, and respiration. The evolution of the pathways associated with these processes will be explored.

(Same as Psychology 320.) Prerequisite: Biology 142. Provides an overview of major research areas in the field of animal behavior. The behavior of animals will be analyzed from an evolutionary and comparative perspective. Some of the topics included are orientation and migration, genetic and environmental influences on behavior, population regulation, courtship and mating strategies, and parental behavior.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Intensive laboratory investigation of development at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. Working in groups, students design and perform experiments using current research techniques.

(Same as Psychology 325.) Prerequisite: Biology 142. Following a general introduction to primatology, the course will cover recent progress in the growing field of primate social behavior. Topics range from aggression and dominance to affiliation, sex, and peaceful coexistence.

Spring. Prerequisite: Biology 142 and permission of instructor. Emphasizes basic principles of coastal ecology, human impact on coastal ecosystems, and the diversity of invertebrates living in these ecosystems. Students complete the course with a ten-day laboratory/field activity at the end of spring term at St. Simons Island, Georgia.

(Same as Chemistry 330.) Spring. Prerequisites: Chemistry 171, 172, or 221. The course is designed to put to use what you already know about chemistry and to extend it in two directions. On the one hand, we will examine the world around us as reflected by the media, the web, and encounters in your own lives. Thus, we'll examine issues around natural and unnatural molecules, the environment, disease, and society in the context of topics such as drugs, molecules for Mars, aging, AIDS, bioterrorism, and crime in the courtroom. On the other hand, we will examine these ideas by means of computer graphics, the molecular structure of small molecules and proteins, and energy.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. A study of human physiology emphasizing integrated body functions. Topics include respiration, circulation, contractility, osmoregulation, endocrinology, and neurophysiology.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. The concept of organic evolution is taken up from the standpoint of its history, factual basis, and scientific importance; the operation of evolution is examined in the light of population genetics and ecology.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. A combination of short topical lectures and intensive lab. Computer and field experiments introduce students to experimental approaches used by evolutionary biologists. Areas covered include population genetics, molecular evolution, and evolutionary ecology.

(Same as ENVS 345.) Prerequisites: Biology 141 or 142 or Environmental Studies 120 or 131 or permission of instructor. This course focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and introduces students to ways that ecological and evolutionary principles can be used to conserve and protect species and ecosystems at risk. Specific topics include the causes and consequences of biodiversity, systematics, and endangered species, the demography and genetics of small populations, invasive species, habitat loss and fragmentation, design of reserves, and restoration ecology.

(Same as ENVS 345.) Prerequisites: Biology 141 or 142 or Environmental Studies 120 or 131 or permission of instructor. This course focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and introduces students to ways that ecological and evolutionary principles can be used to conserve and protect species and ecosystems at risk. Specific topics include the causes and consequences of biodiversity, systematics, and endangered species, the demography and genetics of small populations, invasive species, habitat loss and fragmentation, design of reserves, and restoration ecology.

(Same as Chemistry 346L.) Spring. Credit, two hours. Prerequisite/co-requisite: Chemistry/Biology 301 or consent of instructor. Experiments involve analysis and characterization of the major classes of biological compounds. One three-hour laboratory and one lecture per week. Additional laboratory training option available for two additional credits.

Prerequisites: Biology 142, 336 or 360 and, Chemistry 141 and 142. A survey of current topics in neural development and neural basis of behavior. Emphasis is on research work that uses a combination of physiological, genetic, cellular, and molecular techniques to understand neural systems and their evolution and development.

(Same as Environmental Studies 349.) Prerequisites: Environmental Studies 120, 131, 132, or Biology 120, 142, or permission of instructor. This course will familiarize students with principles of ecological invasions and methods for assessing the spread and impacts of invasive species on a global scale. Students will also become familiar with major sources of exotic species introductions and methods available for prevention and control.

(Same as Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology 301.) Prerequisites: Biology 142; Chemistry 141 and 142. An introduction to cellular and integrative neurobiology. Topics include the electrochemical and biophysical mechanisms for neuronal signaling, synaptic transmission, and the neural bases of behavior and perception.

(Same as Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology 301.) Prerequisites: Biology 142; Chemistry 141 and 142. An introduction to cellular and integrative neurobiology. Topics include the electrochemical and biophysical mechanisms for neuronal signaling, synaptic transmission, and the neural bases of behavior and perception.

[Prior to Fall 2010, this course carried the number BIOL 385.]

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Introduction to the concepts of microbial physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and evolution.

Credit, two hours. Prerequisites: Biology 142 and 370 (or co-requisite). Introduction to basic laboratory techniques in microbiology. Experiments dealing with the physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology of microbes will be included.

(Same as Environmental Studies 371.) Spring. Credit, two hours. No prerequisites. Explores the diverse biomes of the tropics. Focus will be on tropical forests and grasslands, with an emphasis on ecological processes, biodiversity, human impact in the tropics, indigenous peoples, and ethnobotany.

(Same as Environmental Studies 372.) Spring. Credit, two hours. Pre- or co-requisite: Biology/Environmental Studies 371. Permission required. This is the field course to accompany the lecture course on tropical ecology. Field trip will take place during the spring recess.

Prerequisite/co-requisite: Biology 360/NBB 301. Recent research publications by Emory neuroscientists will be read and discussed in preparation for talks by the authors in class. Writing assignments will accompany this work.

Prerequisites: Biology 142, Chemistry 221, and Math 111. The biological mechanisms regulating cell growth, differentiation, and migration will be examined through a focus on the mechanisms by which cancers grow and spread.

Prerequisites: Biology 142 and Chemistry 221. Principles and techniques used in the cloning, characterization, and analysis of genes. Topics to be covered include restriction modification systems, shotgun cloning techniques, clone characterization, DNA sequencing, transcriptional analysis, overexpression of cloned genes, and blotting techniques.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Course covers human genome projects. Geared toward developing independent thinking through solving human genetic problems and critically reviewing literature on human diseases.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Course covers human genome projects. Geared toward developing independent thinking through solving human genetic problems and critically reviewing literature on human diseases.

(Same as Psychology 440S.) Prerequisite: Biology 142. Functions, evolution, ecology, and significance of animal communication systems in a wide taxonomic range, from insects to primates.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Course covers population genetics, molecular evolution, and genomics. Geared toward developing independent thinking by solving molecular biology and evolutionary genetics problems in natural populations.

Prerequisites: Biology 360 or IBS 502 or equivalent. Exploration of single neurons and biological neural networks with computer simulations. Each class consists of an introductory lecture followed by computer tutorials using the GENESIS software under UNIX. Specific topics include passive cable theory, compartmental modeling, voltage-gated and synaptic conductances, motor pattern generation, and cortical networks.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. The basic principles of immunology, the causes of pathogenesis during the course of infection with microparasites, and the limitations to the understanding of infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria) caused by viruses, bacteria, and unicellular eukaryotes.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Explores our current understanding of the mechanisms that regulate development of the nervous system. Topics covered include neurogenesis, axon guidance, programmed cell death, and synapse formation.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Application of basic principles of population genetics and population biology to the study of infectious diseases, aging, and cancer.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Genetic mechanisms in eukaryotes, regulation of gene expression, recombinant DNA research.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Variable credit, one to four hours per semester. A seminar or lecture series or special course for advanced students on topics of special biological concern. May be repeated for a total credit of eight hours when topic varies.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. A course designed for juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are interested in a basic understanding of the eye. This course will review basic principles and state-of-the-art information on ocular anatomy, embryology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology.

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Will cover the construction and analysis of mathematical models of cellular and population processes in biology.

Credit, two hours. This laboratory course must be taken concurrently with the lecture course Biology 480.

Fall, spring, summer. Credit, one to four hours. Prerequisite: consent of departmental honors coordinator. Independent research for students invited to participate in the biology department Honors Program.

Fall, spring, summer. Prerequisite: consent of departmental honors coordinator. Final semester of independent research for students invited to participate in the biology department Honors Program. WR is satisfied by submission and acceptance of completed honors thesis based on this research.

Credit, one to four hours per semester. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Credit, one to four hours per semester. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Research participation open to juniors and seniors.