|
BIOLOGY COURSES (BLY) |
| |
| 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 251*,252* |
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.
Fee. |
| |
| BLY 163* |
Commercial
Marine Fisheries of Alabama |
2 cr |
|
| This
course is designed to provide an introduction
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.
Fee. |
| |
| 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. |
| |
|
|
| 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. |
| |
|
|
| Basic
ecological principles operating in terrestrial,
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).
Fee. |
| |
| 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).
Fee. |
| |
| 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). Fee. |
| |
| 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). Fee. |
| |
| 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 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, distribution, 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 485 |
Evolutionary
Biology |
3 cr |
|
| The
study of mechanisms and historical patterns of
evolutionary change in biological systems ranging
form genes to phylogeny. Prerequisite: BLY 311. |
| |
| 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.
Fee. |
| |
| 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 microorganisms
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 (Mycology) |
3 cr |
|
| 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 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 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 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 |
3 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 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 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 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, bacterioplankton 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. |
| |
|
|
| 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. |
| |
|
|
| 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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