UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents

Biology (BIOL)

Associate Professor Wilson (Chair); Professors Stuart, Kormanik, Petranka; Associate Professor Forrest; Assistant Professors Clarke, Horton, Meigs, Nicolay

The major in Biology is designed to give students a substantial foundation in biology with an emphasis on investigative methods. The courses provide a broad background for students who seek awareness of the living world and their role in it, as well as training preparatory to professional schools, graduate schools, or science education careers. Graduates may go directly into careers in biology or related fields.

They may also pursue advanced work in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, or enter graduate programs in disciplines such as microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, evolutionary biology, ecology and conservation biology.

Majors must complete one of three concentrations. Students who wish to pursue graduate studies in ecology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology or animal behavior should select the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology concentration. Those who wish to enter health-related professions or graduate studies in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology or related disciplines should select the Cell and Molecular Biology concentration. The General Biology concentration is designed for students seeking a more general education in the biological sciences and for students who do not have immediate plans to enter graduate or professional schools. Students seeking teacher licensure must fulfill all requirements listed under this concentration.

Requirements for All Biology Majors

1. Required courses in the major--18-19 hours including BIOL 115, 116, 210, 211; either 480 or 498. Individuals who are seeking teacher licensure should complete EDUC 396/496 in place of BIOL 480 or 498.
2. Required courses outside the major--17-20 hours, including: CHEM 111, 132 or placement, 144, 234; MATH 191; STAT 185.
3. Other departmental requirements--Completion of requirements in one of the concentrations listed below. Both the departmental and oral competencies are satisfied by completion of BIOL 480 or 498, or EDUC 396 and 496, with a grade of C or higher.

Additional course requirements for concentrations are as follows:

Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

31-36 hours, including PHYS 131, 231; BIOL 443; one course from either BIOL 338, 345, or 455; three courses from BIOL 321, 331-337, 340 or 348, 350, 351, 356, 360; ENVR 350, 360, 384, 443, 444; and either BIOL 444 or CHEM 235.

Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

29-32 hours, including PHYS 131, 231; two courses from BIOL 344, 423, 443, 444; one course from BIOL 338, 339, 345, 346, or 455; two additional 300-400 level BIOL electives; CHEM 235.

Concentration in General Biology

19-20 hours, including five 300-400 level Biology courses, at least one from each of the following groups:

1. BIOL 344, 423, 443, 444
2. BIOL 338, 339, 345, 346, 455
3. BIOL 321, 331-337, 340 or 348, 350, 351, 356, 360

Note: PHYS 131 may be substituted for one of these courses.

Students who wish to receive teacher licensure in 9-12 Biology or Comprehensive Science must complete all requirements for the Biology major with Concentration in General Biology including PHYS 131 and also all additional requirements indicated under the Education Section of the Catalog. Students who wish to receive licensure in 9-12 Comprehensive Science must also complete ENVR 105, 130 and PHYS 231. Students seeking middle school licensure should review requirements found in the Education section of the catalog and see the appropriate licensure advisor for additional information.

Declaration of Major in Biology

Declaring a major in Biology requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major form that must be signed by the department chair. Before declaring a major, students must satisfy the LANG 102 requirement.

Minor in Biology

18-20 hours in Biology, including BIOL 115, 116; BIOL 210 or 211; and 6-8 hours chosen from advanced offerings at the 300-level or higher. For teacher licensure, BIOL 333, 335, 344 and 443 are recommended.

Courses in Biology

105 Principles of Biology (5)

An introduction to ideas fundamental to an understanding of contemporary biology (cell theory, genetics, evolution and ecology). For non-Biology majors. Fall and Spring.

107 Principles of Biological Evolution (3)

An introduction to the basic principles of evolution, presenting an account of the scope and significance of biological evolution. Fall.

108 Human Biology (3)

A study of the form, function and behavior of humans in light of their evolutionary heritage. Every other Spring.

109 Current Issues in Biology (3)

An investigation of the scientific background, biological significance and societal impact of topical issues in biology, such as genetic engineering, radiation and human health. Spring.

110 Plants and Humans (3)

Non-technical study of plants, emphasizing topics of student interest and plants of Western North Carolina. Includes, growth, reproduction, interactions and uses that humans make of plants. Summer.

115 Concepts in Ecology and Evolution (4)

Introduction to basic concepts in evolutionary biology and ecology. Fall.

116 Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology (4)

Introduction to cell structure and function, and to basic concepts of genetics and molecular biology. Pre- or corequisite: CHEM 144. Spring.

210 Principles of Zoology (4)

Introduction to the study of animals. Emphasis will be on structure, function and phylogenetic concepts. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 116 for biology majors; ENVR 241 for environmental studies majors. Spring.

211 Principles of Botany (4)

Introduction to the study of plants. Emphasis will be on structure, function and phylogenetic concepts. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 116 for biology majors; ENVR 241 for environmental studies majors. Fall.

223 Human Anatomy (4)

Detailed study of adult human morphology. Includes some developmental and comparative aspects to clarify adult human structures. Prerequisite: BIOL 105. Fall.

234 Identification and Natural History of Ferns and Fern Allies (3)

Field course on the identification, distribution and reproduction of ferns and fern allies of North Carolina. Prerequisite: BIOL 211. See department chair.

321 Limnology (ENVR 321) (4)

Introduction to biology of major fresh water habitats. Involves determination of primary floral and faunal elements and physiochemical properties of these habitats. Prerequisite: BIOL 115. Even years Fall.

331 Entomology (4)

Introduction to the evolution, systematics, morphology, anatomy and physiology of insects. The laboratory includes field trips to collect and observe insects and to understand their life history, behavior and ecology. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 210. Even years Fall.

332 Invertebrate Zoology (4)

Designed to acquaint the student with morphology, taxonomy, ecology and phylogeny of invertebrate phyla. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 210; or permission of instructor. Odd years Fall.

333 Vertebrate Zoology (4)

Study of comparative morphology, taxonomy, zoo geography and ecology of vertebrate animals. Emphasis placed on evolution and adaptive mechanisms. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 210. Odd years Spring.

334 Biology of the Lower Plants (4)

A phylogenetic approach to lower plant divisions with special emphasis on morphology, ecology and systematics of algae, fungi, mosses, fern allies and ferns. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 211. Odd years Spring.

335 Biology of the Seed Plants (4)

Introduction to major groups of flowering plants and gymnosperms, stressing modern concepts of phylogeny, systematics, ecology and biogeography. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 211. Even years Spring.

336 Parasitology (4)

Study of comparative morphology, physiology, ecology, disease processes and systematics of major parasitic phyla. Emphasis is placed on understanding the ecology and adaptive mechanisms which enable a parasite to live within the body of a host. Prerequisites: BIOL 115 or 116; 210. Odd years Fall.

337 Mammalogy (4)

Study of the evolution, comparative morphology, ecology and systematics of the Class Mammalia. Emphasis is placed on understanding the ecology and adaptive mechanisms of the different mammalian orders. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 210. Even years Fall.

338 Mammalian Physiology (4)

Analysis of mammalian organ physiology using humans as the primary example. (Credit cannot be applied toward the Biology major if student has taken BIOL 455.) Prerequisite: BIOL 116; CHEM 132. Spring.

339 Microbiology (4)

Introduction to structure, physiology, metabolism and identification of some of the more important microorganisms. Prerequisites: BIOL 116; CHEM 132. Spring.

340 Ornithology (ENVR 340) (4)

Introduction to the evolution, behavior and ecology of birds. Laboratory will focus on the field identification of native species. At least one weekend field trip is required. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 340 and 348. Prerequisite: BIOL 210. Odd years Spring.

344 Cell Biology (4)

A study of cells as the fundamental units of life emphasizing the relationship between ultrastructure and function. Prerequisites: BIOL 116; CHEM 132. Fall.

345 Plant Physiology (4)

Internal and external influences on how higher plants grow and develop: photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, time-keeping and growth regulators. Prerequisites: BIOL 116, 211; CHEM 132. Even years Fall.

346 Control Mechanisms in Developmental Biology (4)

Survey of the more common patterns of higher plant and animal development and of factors which determine developmental patterns. Prerequisites: BIOL 116, 210, 211. Odd years fall.

348 Avian Ecology and Conservation (4) (ENVR 348)

An introduction to the identification, ecology and conservation of birds, particularly those of the Southern Appalachians. Laboratory will include several early morning field trips. At least one weekend field trip is required. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 340 and 348. Prerequisite: ENVR 130. Even years Spring.

350 Vertebrate Field Zoology (4)

Develops skills necessary for conducting field research with vertebrates. Emphasis is on identification, quantitative sampling, experimental design, data analysis and critical thinking. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 210. Odd years Fall.

351 Plant Identification (3)

Field identification of woody vegetation and flowering plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains, coupled with survey of principles of plant taxonomy, ecology and evolution. Prerequisites: BIOL 211. Fall.

356 Desert Ecology (4)

Study of the major aspects of the desert environment in the southwestern United States, including geologic formations and animal/plant adaptations to the harsh conditions. Course includes a field survey of desert conditions in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Prerequisite: BIOL 210, 211. Every other Summer.

360 Animal Behavior (4)

Current evolutionary models are used to discuss the significance of animal behavior in relation to ecology. Provides underlying theory along with examples to illustrate key concepts in behavior. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 210. Spring.

423 Molecular Biology (3)

Study of living organisms and their properties resulting from the structure, function, and interrelationships of their macromolecules. Prerequisites: BIOL 116; CHEM 234. Even years Spring.

442 Forest Ecology (ENVR 442) (4)

Study of the principles governing forest plant/animal populations and communities. Prerequisite: BIOL 211. Every third year Fall.

443 Genetics (4)

Study of fundamental principles of inheritance as applied to living organisms generally, covering modern concepts of the gene together with classical population, developmental and biochemical genetics. Prerequisites: BIOL 115, 116; CHEM 111, 144. CHEM 234 is recommended. Spring.

444 Biological Biochemistry (4)

Structure and function of biomolecules; important biological processes from the viewpoint of biochemistry; topics include isolation, characterization, enzyme kinetics, radioisotopes. Prerequisites: BIOL 116, 210; CHEM 111, 144, 234. Fall.

455 Principles of Animal Physiology (4)

Basic physiological principles with emphasis on the relationship of structure to function. Examples from both vertebrate and invertebrate phyla. Prerequisites: BIOL 116, 210; CHEM 111, 144. Fall.

480 Senior Seminar (3)

Students will apply biology theory and knowledge during the presentation and discussion of diverse topics chosen by the instructor. Demonstration of oral competency is a strong component of the course. Open to Biology majors of senior standing. Fall and Spring.

498 Undergraduate Research in Biology (2-3)

Independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Includes literature, laboratory preparation and completion of a research project. Students with ongoing research projects nearing completion, after consultation with their instructor, may opt to submit their work to the faculty as a demonstration of senior competency. A written research paper and oral presentation are required. Prerequisites: senior standing. An IP grade may be awarded at the discretion of the instructor. Fall and Spring.

499 Laboratory Assistantship in Biology (2)

Guided teaching experience in a laboratory setting. Under the direct supervision of a faculty member, the student will assist beginning students in an introductory biology laboratory. Students will present explanatory material to the class and will assist in preparation and operation of laboratory material and lab quizzes and practical examinations. Open to junior and senior biology majors who have a GPA of 3.0 or better. Will not count toward biology electives. May be repeated once, in conjunction with a different course. Departmental approval required. (Grading: S/U) Fall and Spring.

171-6, 271-6, 371-6, 471-6 Special Topics in Biology (1-6)

Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.

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