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

Biology (BIOL)

Professors Kormanik (Chair) and Perry; Associate Professors Petranka, Stuart, Wilson; Assistant Professors Forrest and Melroy; Lecturer Bernhardt

The major in Biology is designed to give students a substantial foundation in biology with an emphasis on research methods. The courses provide a liberal background for students who seek awareness of the living world and their role in it, as well as training preparatory to professional or graduate work.

Graduates may go directly into careers in field biology or paramedical sciences such as medical technology. They may also pursue advanced work in medical, dental and veterinary schools or in graduate programs such as botany, zoology, environmental science and physiology. Students are encouraged to undertake research of their own design and to round out their personal programs.

Major in Biology

1. Required courses in the major--15-16 hours, including: BIOL 105, 210, 211 and demonstration of Senior Competency via either BIOL 480 or BIOL 490.
2. Restricted electives in the major--11-12 hours. A student majoring in Biology must choose one course from each of the following groupings:
   1. Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity--BIOL 332, 333, 334, 335, 337, 350, 351, 356, 360
   2. Organismal Biology--BIOL 336, 338, 345, 346, 455
   3. Cellular Biology--BIOL 339, 344, 443, 444
3. Free electives--6-8 hours. A student must take two additional courses in Biology numbered 300 or above.
4. Required courses outside the major--19 hours, including: CHEM 111, 132, 144 and 231; MATH 163 or 167; STAT 185. Students not familiar with microcomputers are advised to take CSCI 107.
5. Special departmental requirements--Senior demonstration of competency met by completion of BIOL 480 with a grade of C or better or 490. Oral competency is an integral requirement of many biology courses. The departmental requirement for demonstration of oral competency will be met by successful completion of either BIOL 480 or 490.
6. It is strongly recommended that Biology majors take BIOL 443 (Genetics). Students planning on graduate careers should check for specific requirements at their schools of choice. Additional math (calculus), chemistry (one year of organic with lab) and physics are often required and strongly recommended.

Biology with Teacher Licensure

All Biology licensure students must complete the following program:

1. Required courses in the major--23-24 hours, including: BIOL 105, 210, 211, 443, 444 and either 480 or 490.
2. Restricted electives in the major--7-8 hours. A student majoring in Biology with Teacher Licensure must choose one course from each of the following listings:
   1. Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity--BIOL 332, 333, 334, 335, 337, 350, 351, 356, 360
   2. Organismal Biology--BIOL 338, 345, 346, 455
3. Required courses outside the major--33-35 hours: ASTR 105; CHEM 111, 132, 144 and 231; CSCI 107 or 141; ENVR 105; MATH 164, 167, or 191; SOC 240; STAT 185; and those requirements indicated under the Education section of the catalog.
4. Special departmental requirements--Senior demonstration of competency met by completion of BIOL 480 with a grade of C or better or 490. Oral competency is an integral requirement of many biology courses. The departmental requirement for demonstration of oral competency will be met by successful completion of either BIOL 480 or 490.

Students who wish to be licensed in Comprehensive Secondary Science (as distinct from biology) must also complete ATMS 103 and four additional hours in Biology at the 300 level or above. In addition, it is required that those seeking middle school licensure have a second area of concentration, preferably mathematics. Contact the Department of Education for specifics.

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 and Library Research requirements.

Minor in Biology

20-21 hours in Biology, including BIOL 105 and 15-16 hours chosen from advanced offerings. At least six hours must be at the 300-level or higher. At least one course must be chosen from : a) Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity or BIOL 241, 341, 442; and at least one course must be chosen from: b) Organismal Biology or c) Cellular Biology or BIOL 223. For teacher licensure, BIOL 333, 335, 344 and 443 are recommended.

105 Principles of Biology (5)
An introduction to ideas fundamental to an understanding of contemporary biology (cell theory, genetics, evolution and ecology). 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.

210 Principles of Animal Biology (4)
Introduction to the study of animals. Emphasis will be on structural, physiological and phylogenetic concepts. Prerequisite: BIOL 105 or permission of instructor. Spring.

211 Principles of Plant Biology (4)
Introduction to the study of plants. Emphasis will be on structural, physiological and phylogenetic concepts. Prerequisite: BIOL 105 or permission of instructor. 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 or permission of instructor. On demand.

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 105. Even years Fall.

332 Invertebrate Zoology (4)
Designed to acquaint the student with morphology, taxonomy, ecology and phylogeny of invertebrate phyla. Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 210 or permission of instructor. Odd years Spring.

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 105, 210 or permission of instructor. Even 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 105, 211 or permission of instructor. 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 105, 211 or permission of instructor. 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 105, 210 or permission of instructor. 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 105, 210 or permission of instructor. 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 105 or CHEM 132. Spring.

339 Microbiology (4)
Introduction to structure, physiology, metabolism and identification of some of the more important microorganisms. Prerequisites: BIOL 105 and CHEM 132. Spring.

344 Cell Biology (4)
A study of cells as the fundamental units of life emphasizing the relationship between ultrastructure and function. Prerequisites: BIOL 105 or CHEM 111, 144. Spring.

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 105, 211 or permission of instructor; CHEM 111, 144. 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 105, 210 or permission of instructor; CHEM 111, 144. Odd years fall.

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 105, 210 or permission of instructor. 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 105, 211 or permission of instructor. 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 105 or permission of instructor. 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 105, 210, or permission of instructor. Fall.

442 Forest Ecology (ENVR 442) (4)
Study of the principles governing forest plant/animal populations and communities. Prerequisites: BIOL 105 or permission of instructor; ENVR 130 or permission of instructor. 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 105; CHEM 111, 144. CHEM 231 is recommended. Fall.

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 105, 210, or permission of instructor; CHEM 111, 144, 231. 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 105, 210 or permission of instructor; CHEM 111, 144. Spring.

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 or by permission of the instructor. Fall and Spring.

490 Research in Biology (2-3)
Individual research project for students of senior standing. 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 and permission of instructor. (An IP grade may be awarded at the instructors discretion.) 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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