| Prerequisites for all courses may be waived with permission of the instructor.
BLY 101* Life Science I 4 cr
The first of a two-semester sequence designed for the non-major. The
basic principles of biological phenomena are emphasized by examples
relating to the human. Cell structure and function, energy, and organ
systems are studied. Fee. Core Course.
BLY 102* Life Science II 4 cr
A continuation of BLY 101. Organ systems, cell reproduction, plant
and animal development, heredity, evolution, and ecology are studied.
Prerequisite: BLY 101. Fee. Core Course.
BLY 121 General Biology I 4 cr
A study of molecular composition of cells, cell structure, metabolism,
genetics, microevolution. Monera, Protista, and Fungi. Students with
an ACT composite score of less than 19 should first successfully complete
BLY 101 before enrolling in 121. BLY 101 credit may be applied as
elective credit toward a degree but cannot be included in the 28 hours
required for a biology major. Fee. Core Course.
BLY 122 General Biology II 4 cr
A study of plants, major invertebrate phyla, vertebrate morphology,
plant and animal physiology, animal behavior, macroevolution, and
ecology. Prerequisite: BLY 121. Fee. Core Course. NOTE: BLY 121 and
122, or the equivalents, are prerequisites to all courses numbered
300 or above except by permission of the Chair of the Department of
the Biological Sciences. A year of college chemistry, or advanced
high school preparation in biology and chemistry is highly recommended
for these two introductory courses. Credit will not be allowed for
both the non-majors sequence (BLY 101/102) and the majors sequence
(BLY 121/122.)
BLY 134* Ocean Science 4 cr
An introduction to physical, chemical, and biological oceanography.
Prerequisite: BLY 101 (usually taught in the spring semester).
BLY 151*, 152* Anatomy and Physiology I, II 4 cr each
Structure and function of the normal human body, ranging from cells
through systems, with emphasis on integration and regulation at all
levels. Take in sequence. (151 usually taught in Fall & Spring, 152
in Spring & Summer semesters.) Fee.
BLY 163* Commercial Marine Fisheries of Alabama 2 cr
This course is designed to provide an intro- duction to the exploitation
and biology of economically important vertebrates and invertebrates
of Alabama and the adjoining Gulf of Mexico, with emphasis on management
processes of major species. Laboratory activities include visits to
local processing plants and a trawling expedition aboard a research
vessel.
BLY 205 Introduction to Environmental Science 3 cr
Environmental science, including the fundamentals required to understand
how ecosystems work, how environmental modifications affect ecosystems
and living things, and how living things affect their environment.
Topics to be emphasized include the effects of pollution, habitat
modification, and other environmental changes, on ecosystems, plants,
wildlife, man, outdoor recreation, and the future. Public health and
medical effects will also be considered. Many topics covered are of
special significance to this region: wetlands, the effects of dredging
and filling, artificial lake construction, development, agricultural
and forestry practices on ecosystems, plants, and animals. Prerequisite:
college biology, or permission of instructor.
BLY 207* Biology of Aging 3 cr
A descriptive review of processes of aging. Emphasis is placed on
studying structural and functional changes that could occur with increase
in chronological age. Prerequisite: BLY 101, equivalent course, or
permission of instructor (usually taught in the fall, spring, and
summer semesters).
BLY 213* Microbiology 3 cr
A survey of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses with emphasis on
host-microbe interactions, immune responses, and control mechanisms.
Prerequisite: BLY 101 or BLY 152.
BLY 214* Laboratory Studies in Microbiology 1 cr
A series of laboratory experiments designed to provide practical experiments
in basic microbial techniques. Prerequisite: BLY 213 or concurrent
enrollment.
BLY 215* Human Genetics 3 cr
For students who desire knowledge of human genetics either to further
their career goals of to enhance their liberal-arts education. Prerequisite:
BLY 101 or permission of chair.
BLY 290 Special Topics 3-5 cr
Introductory study of special biological subjects not treated in other
departmental courses. May be repeated once when content varies. Does
not fulfill “category” requirements for majors. Prerequisites: BLY
101 for non-majors’ topics, BLY 121 for major topics.
BLY 311 Genetics 4 cr
Principles and processes involved in the transmission of heredity
traits. Mendelian principles are correlated with modern genetic concepts.
Enrollees must register for recitation section. Genetics Laboratory
(BLY 312) is recommended but not required. Category A or D. Prerequisites:
BLY 121 (usually taught in the spring semester).
BLY 312 Laboratory Studies in Genetics 2 cr
Designed to illustrate classical and molecular principles through
laboratory experiences. Studies in eukaryotic and prokaryotic genetics
are utilized. Prerequisite: BLY 311 or concurrent enrollment in BLY
311 (usually taught in the spring semester.) Fee.
BLY 314 Molecular Microbiology (W) 4 cr
Study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms and their relationship
to their environment. Molecular, genetic, and biochemical aspects
of each will be emphasized. Prerequisite; CH 131.
BLY 325 Ecology 4 cr
Basic ecological principles operating in ter-restrial, freshwater,
and marine ecosystems. Field trips to representative biotic communities
of the Mobile region constitute an integral part of the course. Category
D (usually taught in the fall semester).
BLY 332 Introduction to Non-Vascular Plants 4 cr
A survey of non-vascular plants; algae, fungi, liverworts, and mosses,
with emphasis on morphology and taxonomy. Category B.
BLY 341 Cell Biology 3 cr
A course designed to integrate cell structure and function: the study
of the ultrastructure, organization, physiology, genetics, and other
functions of the cell. Prerequisite: CH 131. Category A (usually taught
in the fall semester).
BLY 342 Cell Biology Laboratory (W) 2 cr
Laboratory experience with instrumentation and techniques utilized
in modern cell biology research including organellar isolation, protein
analysis, and microscopic techniques. Prerequisite: BLY 341 or concurrent
enrollment (usually taught in the fall semester).
BLY 345 Dendrology 4 cr
Collection, identification, and ecology of the woody plants of the
United States, with emphasis on species indigenous to the Mobile Bay
region. Category B (usually taught in the fall semester).
BLY 352 Biology of Terrestrial Vertebrates 4 cr
Evolution, characteristics, classification, life history, ecology,
and behavior of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Laboratory
and field work emphasize local species. Category C (usually taught
in alternate spring semester).
BLY 354 General Entomology 4 cr
Classification and habits of insects, including collection, preservation,
and identification of those occurring in South Alabama. Category C.
BLY 360 The Invertebrates 4 cr
Detailed study of the invertebrate phyla: taxonomy, ecology, and phylogenetic
relationship. Terrestrial, freshwater, and marine forms are studied.
Category C.
BLY 363 Vertebrate Embryology 4 cr
Avian and amphibians histogenesis and organogenesis from fertilization
to time of histological maturity. Category C.
BLY 365 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy 5 cr
Anatomy and evolution of the organ systems of the major vertebrate
groups. Laboratory includes dissections of dogfish sharks and cats.
Category C (usually taught in the fall semester).
BLY 367** Marine Biology 4 cr
Local marine environments and the classification, morphology, and
ecology of the locally occurring flora and fauna. Category D (usually
taught in the summer semester). NOTE: Students enrolling in Biology
courses numbered 400 or above must have completed a minimum of twelve
semester hours in biology, or the equivalent.
BLY 426 Freshwater Ecology 3 cr
This course examines four aspects of freshwater ecology; physical
and chemical properties of water, biotic communities, links among
freshwater systems, and human influence on freshwater ecosystems.
Students will be required to submit a collection of local freshwater
invertebrates. Prerequisite: Ecology (BLY 325). This prerequisite
may be waived at the discretion of the instructor. Category D (usually
taught in the spring semester).
BLY 430** Marine Botany 4 cr
A general survey of marine algae and vascular and non-vascular plants
associated with the marine environment. Distribution, identification,
structure, ecology, and reproduction will be considered. Course offered
only through marine Environmental Science Consortium. Category B (usually
taught in the summer semester).
BLY 431 Plant Physiology (W) 4 cr
A critical study of higher plant function. This course includes a
study of water relations, plant biochemistry, and plant development.
Category A (usually taught in the spring semester).
BLY 432 Morphology of Vasculars Plant 4 cr
Morphological features and possible relationships of psilophytes,
club mosses, horsetails, ferns, and seed plants. Illustrated whenever
feasible with local plants. Category B.
BLY 433 Taxonomy of Flowering Plants 4 cr
Principles of classification of flowering plants; survey of major
plant families; collection and identification of representative local
plants. Field trips. Category B (usually taught in the spring semester).
BLY 435 Biology of Fungi 4 cr
Identification and morphology of fungi with some emphasis on their
relation to human affairs. Collection required. Category B (usually
taught in the spring semester).
BLY 436 Animal Physiology (W) 4 cr
Comparative approach to animal physiology, proceeding from molecular
and cellular levels to the organismal level. Focuses on the relationships
between structure and function. Will include examinations of both
invertebrates and vertebrates. Prerequisites BLY 341, CH 131, and
132. Category A (usually taught in the spring semester).
BLY 440 Biochemistry I 3 cr
Principles of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and nucleotide chemistry;
membrane phenomena; enzyme kinetics and bioenergetics. Prerequisite:
CH 223. Also cross-listed as CH 440. Category A (usually taught in
the fall semester).
BLY 441 Biochemistry II 3 cr
Course is sequential to Biochemistry I and focuses on reactions and
regulation of intermediary metabolism; molecular genetics, hormonal
action, and nutrition. Prerequisite: BLY 440. Requires special permission.
Also cross-listed as CH 441. Category A (usually taught in the spring
semester).
BLY 443 Laboratory Studies in Biochemistry 2 cr
Course familiarizes the student with basic laboratory techniques commonly
employed in biochemical research. Prerequisite: BLY 440 or concurrent
enrollment in BLY 441. Requires special permission. Also cross-listed
as CH 443. Fee.
BLY 450 Animal Behavior 3 cr
Introductory animal behavior from a biological viewpoint, emphasizing
behavioral adaptation of animals to their environment. Orientation,
migration, rhythms, communication, territoriality, experimental techniques,
and ecological and evolutionary aspects of behavior will be considered.
Category D (usually taught in the spring semester).
BLY 451** Marine Vertebrate Zoology 4 cr
A study of marine vertebrates, with emphasis on fishes; their systematics,
zoogeography, and ecology. Category C (usually taught in the summer
semester).
BLY 452 Biology of Fishes 4 cr
The evolution of major fish groups with emphasis on modern classification,
speciation and zoogeography, comparative anatomy, and physiology.
BLY 453** Coastal Ornithology 4 cr
Study of coastal and pelagic birds with emphasis on ecology, taxonomy,
and distribution. This course includes identification, population
dynamics, and behavior of coastal birds and overnight trips to offshore
islands. Category C (usually taught in alternate summer semester).
BLY 455 Ornithology (W) 4 cr
Principles of classification, structure, dis-tribution, migration
natural history, and adaptions of birds within an ecological context.
Field and laboratory identification of birds by habitat, size, form,
color, and sound. Some field activities may occur at times other than
regularly scheduled laboratory hours. Category C (usually taught in
alternate spring semester).
BLY 459 General Parasitology 3 cr
Principles of parasitology and a survey of all major parasitic groups.
Category C (usually taught in the fall semester).
BLY 463 Vertebrate Histology 4 cr
Microscopic anatomy of organ systems, with emphasis on human tissues.
Category C.
BLY 471** Marine Invertebrate Zoology 4 cr
A study of the natural history, systematics, and morphology of marine
invertebrates. Category C (usually taught in the summer semester).
BLY 474** Introduction to Oceanography 4 cr
A general introduction to the oceans, with emphasis on chemical, physical,
and geological processes, and their relation to biological systems.
BLY 475** Marine Ecology 4 cr
The relationship of marine organisms to their environment. Category
D (usually taught in the summer semester).
BLY 478** Marsh Ecology (W) 4 cr
A study of floral and faunal elements of various marsh communities.
Interaction of physical and biological factors will be emphasized.
Course is structured to provide actual field experience in addition
to lecture material. Category D (usually taught in the summer semester).
BLY 481** Marine Technical Methods 2 cr
An introduction to instruments and procedure normally used aboard
a marine research vessel, including physical, biological, chemical,
and geological parameter measures and sample collection (usually taught
in the summer semester).
BLY 483** Field Marine Science I 2 cr
The Field Marine Science course consists of a 10-day field exercise
in the tropical southeastern Gulf of Mexico (Florida Keys) and the
temperate north Atlantic. Sites alternate annually. Faculty members
with diverse interests accompany the students, participate in pretrip
readings and discussion sessions and evaluate the product developed
by each student. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing in a major
related to marine sciences and permission of the instructor.
BLY 488** Field Marine Science II 2 cr
The Field Marine Science course consists of a 10-day field exercise
in the topical southeastern Gulf of Mexico (Florida Keys) and the
temperate north Atlantic. Sites alternate annually. Faculty members
with diverse interests accompany the students, participate in pretrip
readings and discussion sessions and evaluate the product developed
by each student. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing in a major
related to marine sciences and permission of the instructor.
BLY 490 Special Topics 3-5 cr
Small, interested groups of students will study specialized topics
not generally listed in the course offerings. Faculty and visiting
professors will offer courses in their areas of specialization. Prerequisite:
Permission of the department.
BLY 494 Directed Studies 1-4 cr
This course is designed to enable the capable student to pursue independent
research under the direction of a member of the faculty. Prerequisite:
Permission of the department.
BLY 499 Honors Research in Biology (W) 1-6 cr
Experience in planning, conducting, and reporting a research project
under the direction of the faculty. Prerequisites: BLY 121/122, CH131/132,
overall GPA 3.0, biology GPA 3.5, and permission of the department
chair.
BLY 511 Developmental Biology 3 cr
The genetic and biochemical interactions present in the early embryonic
development of higher organisms. Emphasis on animal development. Prerequisites:
BLY 311, 341, 363.
BLY 515 Ecotoxicology 3 cr
Dynamics and effects of toxic agents on ecosystems. Emphasis will
be on application of toxicological principles to the environment,
current problems, and state of art methodologies in evaluation of
environmental health.
BLY 526 Freshwater Ecology 3 cr
This course examines four aspects of freshwater ecology; physical
and chemical properties of water, biotic communities, links among
freshwater systems, and human influence on freshwater ecosystems.
Students will be required to submit a collection of local freshwater
invertebrates. Prerequisite: Ecology (BLY 325). This prerequisite
may be waived at the discretion of the instructor
BLY 530 Marine Microbial Ecology 3 cr
A general survey of the types of micro-organisms found in the marine
environment. Emphasis will be on the interaction of microorganisms
with each other and with their environment. In particular, the role
of microorganisms in carbon cycling and biogeochemical processes will
be stressed. Readings from current literature will expose students
to the latest techniques and research. Cross listed with Marine Sciences.
BLY 533 Topics in Parasitology 3 cr
Theoretical aspects of parasite ecology, evolution, and physiology,
with emphasis on current literature. BLY 535/435 Biology of Fungi
3 cr (Mycology) Identification and morphology of fungi with some
emphasis on their relation to human affairs. Collection required.
Credit for both BLY 535 and BLY 435 is not allowed.
BLY 540/440 Biochemistry I 3 cr
Principles of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and nucleotide chemistry;
membrane phenomena; enzyme kinetics and bioenergetics. Prerequisite:
one year of organic chemistry. Credit for both BLY 540 and BLY 440
is not allowed.
BLY 541/441 Biochemistry II 3 cr
Sequential to Biochemistry I and focuses on reactions and regulation
of intermediary metabolism; molecular genetics, hormonal action, and
nutrition. Prerequisite: BLY 540/ 440. Credit for both BLY 541 and
BLY 441 is not allowed.
BLY 543/443 Laboratory Studies in Biochemistry 3 cr
Familiarizes the student with basic laboratory techniques commonly
employed in biochemical research. Prerequisite: BLY 541 Credit for
both BLY 543 and BLY 443 is not allowed.
BLY 544 Vascular Plant Systematics 4 cr
Evolution and classification of major groups of higher plants with
consideration of sources of taxonomic evidence, specialization, nomenclature,
and identification. Prerequisite: BLY 433 or equivalent.
BLY 545 Aquatic Vascular Plants 4 cr
Classification, identification, and basic ecology of vascular plants
occurring in fresh and saline water, especially in the Mobile region.
Prerequisite: BLY 433.
BLY 548** Marine Biogeochemical Processes 2 cr
This course will examine the interactions between biological, chemical
and geological processes in the marine environment. By first reviewing
the cycling of several of the major elements (e.g. carbon, nitrogen,
phosphorus, sulfur, and iron) in the sea; and examining how these
cycles differ between various marine ecosystems. The focus will be
on developing an understanding of how biogeochemical processes serve
to regulate ecosystem function in these various habitats.
BLY 550/450 Animal Behavior 3 cr
A study of behavior from a biological point of view, with emphasis
on experimentation and behavioral ecology. Credit for both BLY 550
and BLY 450 is not allowed.
BLY 551/451** Marine Vertebrate Zoology 4 cr
A study of marine vertebrates with emphasis on fishes; their systematics,
zoogeography, and ecology. Students will have an opportunity to assemble
a collection of vertebrate species. Credit for both BLY 551 and BLY
451 is not allowed.
BLY 552/452 Biology of Fishes 3 cr
The evolution of major fish groups with emphasis on modern classification,
specialization and zoogeography, comparative anatomy, and physiology.
Prerequisite: Vertebrate Zoology or Fishery Biology. Credit for both
BLY 552 and BLY 452 is not allowed.
BLY 571/471** Marine Invertebrate Zoology 4 cr
A study of the natural history, systematics and morphology of marine
invertebrates. Credit for both BLY 571 and BLY 471 is not allowed.
BLY 573** Oceanology of the Gulf of Mexico 2 cr
A descriptive study of the oceanology of the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent
waters, including coastal zone, continental shelf, and deep ocean.
Prerequisite: Degree in a science. Fee.
BLY 575/475** Marine Ecology 4 cr
The relationship of marine organisms to their environment. Credit
for both BLY 575 and BLY 475 is not allowed.
BLY 576** Marine Benthic Ecology 3 cr
Comprehensive examination of Benthic Faunal populations, with respect
to major taxa, community composition, diversity, and limiting environmental
factors, with emphasis on local habitats. Prerequisite: General Biology.
BLY 578/478** Marsh Ecology 4 cr
Study of floral and faunal elements of various marine marsh communities.
Interaction of physical and biological factors emphasized. Structured
to provide actual field experience in addition to lecture material.
Credit for both BLY 578 and BLY 478 is not allowed.
BLY 580** Marine Zoogeography 3 cr
Study of physical, chemical, and biological factors influencing the
distribution of marine organisms. Emphasis on the Western North Atlantic
Ocean. Prerequisite: Marine Biology.
BLY 582 Classical Ecology 3 cr
An intensive study of the foundation and early concepts of ecology
as conceived by biologists from the late 1800s until 1950. Prerequisite:
Ecology or Marine Ecology.
BLY 583/483** Field Marine Science I 2 cr
An 8-12 day field exercise in representative coastal sites. The field
exercise is conducted in the break prior to the semester of registration
for the course. Faculty members with diverse interests will accompany
the students, participate in pretrip discussions and evaluate the
product developed by each student. Designed to familiarize students
with habitats and research conditions different from those they experience
on the Northern Gulf Coast. Field trip locations selected on the basis
of faculty/student interest, economics, and availability of logistical
support. Students pay their room and board costs for the field exercise.
Primarily for graduate students, but advanced undergraduates may enroll
with consent of instructor. Both BLY 483/583 and 588/488 may be taken
for credit when each is taught in a different environment.
BLY 584 Modern Ecology 3 cr
Advanced study of concepts in ecology covering theories arising from
1950 to the present. Covers topics such as energy flow, modeling,
and problems of the environment. Prerequisite: Ecology.
BLY 585 Principles and Mechanisms of Evolution 3 cr
Examination of the principles by which changes are effected in biological
populations and study of the principal mechanisms accomplishing these
changes.
BLY 587** Seagrass Ecosystems Ecology 2 cr
Survey of current literature on topics related to the ecology of seagrass
ecosystems. Students will read assigned papers to be analyzed in a
faculty-led discussion format.
BLY 588** Field Marine Science II 2 cr
An 8-12 day field exercise in representative coastal sites. The field
exercise is conducted in the break prior to the semester of registration
for the course. Faculty members with diverse interests will accompany
the students, participate in pre-trip discussions and evaluate the
product developed by each student. The course is designed to familiarize
students with habitats and research conditions different from those
they experience on the Northern Gulf Coast. Field trip locations are
selected on the basis of faculty and student interest, economics,
and availability of logistical support. Students pay their room and
board costs for the field exercise. Primarily for graduate students,
but advanced undergraduates may enroll with consent of instructor.
Both BLY 483/583 and 488/588 may be taken for credit when each is
taught in a different environment.
BLY 589** Marine Plankton 3 cr
The course familiarizes the student with the taxonomic breadth of
phytoplankton, bacte-rioplankton and zooplankton in estuaries, coastal
seas and open oceans. Though the focus is on taxonomic familiarization,
basic biology of all major taxa represented in the plankton will be
covered. Students will learn fundamental, as well as “cutting-edge”
field, lab and statistical techniques. Prerequisite: Graduate status
in one of the physical or biological sciences.
BLY 590 Special Topics 1-4 cr
Specialized topics not generally listed in the course offerings.
BLY 592 Seminar 1 cr
Recent research in areas of special academic interest to students
and faculty.
BLY 594 Directed Studies 1-4 cr
Independent research under the direction of a member of the graduate
faculty. Primarily intended for non-thesis graduate students. A maximum
of six credits may be granted for this course.
BLY 599 Thesis 1-4 cr
Prerequisite: Approval of research prospectus by student’s graduate
committee.
*Course not counted toward a major in biology.
**Course is usually offered at Sea Lab, Dauphin Island.
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