BIOLOGY COURSES (BLY)

BLY 101* Life Science I 5 cr
The first of a two-quarter 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 (usually taught in fall, winter, spring, and summer terms). Fee.
BLY 102* Life Science II 5 cr
A continuation of BLY 101. Organ systems, cell reproduction, plant and animal development, heredity, evolution, and ecology area studied. Prerequisite: BLY 101 (usually taught in the winter, spring, and summer terms). Fee.

BLY 134* Ocean Science 5 cr
An introduction to physical, chemical, and biological oceanography. Prerequisite: BLY 101 (usually taught in the spring term).
NOTE: BLY 141, 142, and 143, or the equivalents, are prerequisites to all courses numbered 300 or above except by permission of the Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. A year of college chemistry, or advanced high school preparation in biology and chemistry is highly recommended for these three introductory courses.

BLY 141 General Biology I 4 cr
Emphasis on molecular composition of cells, cell structure, metabolism, reproduction, and genetics. This is a rigorous course designed for biology majors. Students with an ACT composite score of less than 19 should first successfully complete BLY 101 before enrolling in 141. (usually taught in the fall, winter, and summer terms). Fee.

BLY 142 General Biology II 5 cr
A study of major invertebrate phyla and general vertebrate morphology. Fee. Prerequisite: BLY 141 (usually taught in the winter, spring and summer terms). Fee.

BLY 143 General Biology III 4 cr
Brief evolutionary survey of the plant kingdom. Basic morphology and physiology of plants. Introduction to ecology. Prerequisite: BLY 141 (usually taught in the fall and spring terms). Fee.
Credit will not be allowed for both the non-majors sequence (BLY 101/102) and the majors sequence (BLY 141/142/143).

BLY 151*, 152* Anatomy and Physiology I, II 5 cr each qtr
A two-quarter course covering the gross and microscopic anatomy and functions of the human body as well as basic biological principles applicable in nursing. Enrollment limited to students of the College of Nursing. Must be taken in sequence. No BLY prerequisite. (usually taught in the winter, spring, and summer terms). Fee.

BLY 163* Commercial Marine Fisheries of Alabama 3 cr
Exploitation and biology of commercial vertebrates and invertebrates of Alabama and the adjoining Gulf of Mexico, with emphasis on distribution, harvesting technology, processing, and economic values. Laboratory exercises include visits to local processing plants and trawling expedition aboard a research vessel. Credit not granted toward a major in biology. Course offered only through the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium (usually taught in the summer term).

BLY 203* Plants and People 5 cr
A survey of plants with emphasis on those of economic importance, such as food plants, commercial woods, spices and medicinal plants. A brief survey of structure and function in higher plants, of major plant groups, and of the importance of plants in natural ecosystems and in human affairs. Prerequisite: BLY 101 or 141 or equivalent course.

BLY 205 Environmental and Pollution Biology 3 cr
The biological effects of environmental modifications on ecosystems, wildlife, and man. Environmental changes studied include pollution, dredging, streambank modification, artificial lake construction, urban spread, highway construction, farming, forestry, and other types of land use. Outdoor recreation, aesthetic values, and the public health or medical effects of pollutants will also be considered. Course is designed primarily for biology majors, but others may enroll. Prerequisite: college biology or permission of the instructor (usually taught in winter term).

BLY 207* Biology of Aging 4 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 terms).

BLY 208* Biology of Drugs 4 cr
A descriptive study of drugs including their origins, forms, routes of administration, metabolism, actions and effects. Prerequisite: BLY 101, equivalent course, or permission of instructor (usually taught in the winter term).

BLY 213* Microbiology 4 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 (usually taught in the fall, spring, and summer terms).

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 4 cr
For students who desire knowledge of human genetics either to further their career goals or to enhance their liberal-arts education. Prerequisite: BLY 101 or permission of department chair (usually taught in the fall, winter, and spring terms).

BLY 251* Human Anatomy and Physiology 5 cr
Gross and microscopic anatomy and functions of the human body. Functional aspects of anatomy and physiology are stressed. Students in HPELS and certain other curricula who require anatomy and physiology should register in this course, after consultation with their advisor. (usually taught in the fall term).

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 141 for majors' topics.

BLY 311 Genetics 4 cr
Principles and processes involved in the transmission of heredity traits. Mendelian principles are correlated with modern genetic concepts. Category A or D (usually taught in spring term).
A student may receive BLY credit for only 151/152 or 251. *Credit not granted toward a major in biology.

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.

BLY 314 Molecular Microbiology (W) 5 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 116. Category A (usually taught in the winter term).

BLY 325 Ecology 5 cr
Basic ecological principles operating in terrestrial, fresh-water, 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 term).

BLY 332 Introduction to Non-Vascular Plants 5 cr
A survey of non-vascular plants; algae, fungi, liverworts, and mosses, with emphasis on morphology and taxonomy. Category B (usually taught in the winter term).

BLY 341 Cell Biology (W) 4 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 116. Category A (usually taught in the fall term).

BLY 345 Dendrology 5 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 term).

BLY 351 Animal Physiology 5 cr
Principles of general physiology. Emphasis on physiological functions of the nervous, muscular, endocrine, excretory, vascular, and respiratory systems. Category A (usually taught in the winter term).

BLY 352 Biology of Terrestrial Vertebrates 5 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 terms).

BLY 354 General Entomology 5 cr
Classification and habits of insects, including collection, preservation, and identification of those occurring in South Alabama. Category C.

BLY 360 The Invertebrates 5 cr
Detailed study of the invertebrate phyla: morphology, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships. Terrestrial, fresh-water, and marine forms are studied. Category C (usually taught in the winter or spring term).

BLY 363 Vertebrate Embryology 5 cr
Avian and mammalian histogenesis and organogenesis from fertilization to time of histological maturity. Category C (usually taught in the fall term).

BLY 365 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy 6 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 winter term).

BLY 367+ Marine Biology 6 cr
Local marine environments and the classification, morphology, and ecology of the locally occurring flora and fauna. Category D (usually taught in the summer term).
NOTE: Students enrolling in Biology courses numbered 400 or above must have completed a minimum of twenty quarter hours in biology, or the equivalent.

BLY 411 History of Biology (W) 3 cr
Events and ideas that have contributed to the development of modern biology. Designed to aid the biology major in identifying general concepts that are valuable in developing a career. A series of writing assignments and an oral report are included. Prerequisite: junior or senior status. (usually taught in the fall term).

BLY 420 Biometry 4 cr
The application of statistical methodology, primarily parametric, in the solution of biological problems. This course is not designed as a substitute for training in statistics. The laboratory will involve the use of a main frame computer to perform statistical procedures on biological data and subsequent interpretation of the results. Prerequisite: ST 275. Category D (usually taught in the winter term). Fee.

BLY 430+ Marine Botany 6 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 term).

BLY 431 Plant Physiology (W) 5 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 winter term).

BLY 432 Morphology of Vascular Plants 5 cr
Morphological features and possible relationships of psilophytes, club mosses, horsetails, ferns, and seed plants. Illustrated whenever feasible with local plants. Category B (usually taught in the winter term).

BLY 433 Taxonomy of Flowering Plants 6 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 term).

BLY 435 Biology of Fungi (Mycology) 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 term).

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 term).

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
+ Course is offered only at Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium, Dauphin Island, Alabama. special permission. Also cross-listed as CH 441. Category A (usually taught in the winter term).

BLY 443 Laboratory Studies in Biochemistry 3 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 4 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 term).

BLY 451+ Marine Vertebrate Zoology 6 cr
A study of marine vertebrates, with emphasis on fishes; their systematics, zoogeography, and ecology. Category C (usually taught in the summer term).

BLY 452 Systematic Ichthyology 4 cr
The evolution of major fish groups with emphasis on modern classification, speciation and zoogeography, comparative anatomy, and physiology.

BLY 453+ Coastal Ornithology 6 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. Overnight trips to offshore islands. Category C (usually taught in alternate summer terms).

BLY 455 Ornithology 5 cr
Principles of classification, structure, distribution, migration, natural history and adaptations of birds within an ecological context. Field & 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 terms).

BLY 459 General Parasitology 4 cr
Principles of parasitology and a survey of all major parasitic groups. Category C (usually taught in the fall term).

BLY 463 Vertebrate Histology 5 cr
Microscopic anatomy of organ systems, with emphasis on human tissues. Category C (usually taught in the winter term).

BLY 471+ Marine Invertebrate Zoology 6 cr
A study of the natural history, systematics, and morphology of marine invertebrates. Category C (usually taught in the summer term).

BLY 474+ Introduction to Oceanography 6 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 6 cr
The relationship of marine organisms to their environment. Category D (usually taught in the summer term).

BLY 478+ Marsh Ecology 6 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 term).

BLY 481+ Marine Technical Methods 3 cr
An introduction to instruments and procedures normally used aboard a marine research vessel, including physical, biological, chemical, and geological parameter measures and sample collection. (usually taught in the summer term).

BLY 483+ Field Marine Science I 3 cr
The Field Marine Science course will consist of an 8-12 day field exercise in representative coastal sites. The field exercise is conducted in the quarter break prior to the quarter of registration for the course. Faculty members with diverse interests will accompany the students, participate in pre-trip discussions and evaluate the project 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. The course is 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 taught in a different environment.

BLY 488+ Field Marine Science II 3 cr
The Field Marine Science course will consist of an 8-12 day field exercise in representative coastal sites. The field exercise is conducted in the quarter break prior to the quarter of registration for the course. Faculty members with diverse interests will accompany the students, participate in pre-trip discussions and evaluate the project 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. The course is 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 taught in a different environment.

BLY 490 Special Topics 3-5 cr
Small, interested groups of student 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 instructor.

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 department chair and instructor.
+ Course is offered only at Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium, Dauphin Island, Alabama.

BLY 511 Developmental Biology 4 cr
The genetic and biochemical interactions present in the early embryonic development of higher organisms. Emphasis on animal development. Prerequisites: BLY 311 and 363 or equivalent.

BLY 515 Ecotoxicology 4 cr
Dynamics and effects of toxic agents on ecosystems. Emphasis on application of toxicological principles to the environment, current problems, and state of art methodologies in evaluation of environmental health.

BLY 517 Phycology 4 cr
Identification, morphology, and life history of the various algal divisions, with special emphasis on those algae indigenous to the Gulf Coast region. Prerequisite: Non-Vascular Plants (BLY 332) or equivalent.

BLY 526 Limnology 4 cr
Biological, chemical, and physical processes that characterize aquatic ecosystems, as well as techniques used in water management and pollution control. Prerequisite: BLY 325.

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) 4 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 540/440 or concurrent enrollment in BLY 541/441. Credit for both BLY 543 and BLY 443 is not allowed.

BLY 544 Vascular Plant Systematics 6 cr
Evolution and classification of major groups of higher plants with consideration of sources of taxonomic evidence, specialization, nomenclature, and identification.

BLY 545 Aquatic Vascular Plants 5 cr
Classification, identification, and basic ecology of vascular plants occurring in fresh and saline water, especially in the Mobile region. Prerequisite: BLY 433 or equivalent.

BLY 548+ Marine Biogeochemical Cycles 3 cr
Detailed examination of elemental cycles in the marine environment (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, lead, thorium) with focus on the biological and geochemical processes that regulate them.

BLY 550/450 Animal Behavior 4 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 6 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 4 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 6 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: Permission of instructor and undergraduate degree in a science.

BLY 575/475+ Marine Ecology 6 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 4 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: GY 444 or BLY 475 and consent of instructor.

BLY 578/478+ Marsh Ecology 6 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 BLY 578 & BLY 478 not allowed.

BLY 580+ Marine Zoogeography 4 cr
Study of physical, chemical, and biological factors influencing the distribution of marine organisms. Emphasis on the Western North Atlantic Ocean. Prerequisite: BLY 367.

BLY 582 Classical Ecology 4 cr
An intensive study of the foundation and early concepts of ecology as conceived by biologists from the late 1800s until 1950. Prerequisite: BLY 325 or BLY 475.

BLY 583/483+ Field Marine Science I 3 cr
An 8-12 day field exercise in representative coastal sites. The field exercise is conducted in the quarter break prior to the quarter 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. Designed to
+ Course is offered only at Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium, Dauphin Island, Alabama. 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 4 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: BLY 325 or BLY 475.

BLY 585 Principles and Mechanisms of Evolution 4 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 3 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 3 cr
An 8-12 day field exercise in representative coastal sites. The field exercise is conducted in the quarter break prior to the quarter 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+ Phytoplankton Ecology & Physiology 3 cr
Examines the role of phytoplankton in the marine food web with focus on the interaction between physiological processes and observed ecological processes and distributions. Consists of lecture and discussion periods led both by the instructor and students. Typically, the first part of each class will be a discussion of specific examples of processes that were presented the previous week. The last hour will focus on new material in preparation for the following week's discussion.

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. Maximum of six credits may be granted for this course.

BLY 599 Thesis 1-9 cr
Prerequisite: Approval of research prospectus by student's graduate committee and the Director of Graduate Studies, College of Arts and Sciences.
+ Course is offered only at Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium, Dauphin Island, Alabama.

COURSES FOR ADVANCED
UNDERGRADUATES AND GRADUATES
See Degree Requirements for rules regarding upper-division (400-level) and dual-listed courses. The following courses may be taken for graduate credit up to a maximum of thirteen quarter hours.

BLY 426 Biological Literature and Terminology 3 cr

BLY 430+ Marine Botany 6 cr

BLY 431 Plant Physiology 5 cr

BLY 433 Taxonomy of Flowering Plants 6 cr

BLY 435/535 Biology of fungi (Mycology) 4 cr

BLY 440/540 Biochemistry I 3 cr

BLY 441/541 Biochemistry II 3 cr

BLY 443/543 Laboratory Studies in Biochemistry 1 cr

BLY 450/550 Animal Behavior 4 cr

BLY 451/551+ Marine Vertebrate Zoology 6 cr

BLY 455 Ornithology 4 cr

BLY 459 General Parasitology 4 cr

BLY 463 Vertebrate Histology 5 cr

BLY 471/571+ Marine Invertebrate Zoology 6 cr

BLY 474+ Introduction to Oceanography 6 cr

BLY 475/575+ Marine Ecology 6 cr

BLY 478/578+ Marsh Ecology 6 cr

BLY 481+ Marine Technical Methods 3 cr

BLY 483/583+ Field Marine Science I 3 cr

BLY 488/588+ Field Marine Science II 3 cr

BLY 490 Special Topics 3-5 cr

Courses of Instruction

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