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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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BI 304 Microbiology (1)
An introduction to basic and applied microbiology. Fundamentals of bacteriology,
virology, and immunology are covered. Laboratory work includes basic, clinical, and
diagnostic microbiology. Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory, and one TBA
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BI 125. Spring.
BI 308 Biochemistry (1)
An introduction to the structure, chemistry, and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins,
nucleic acids, and lipids. Areas of emphasis include enzyme catalysis, kinetics and
inhibition, protein structure and function, and detailed analysis of metabolic pathways.
Three lectures per week. (Also listed as CH 308, this course may be counted for credit in
either biology or chemistry.) Prerequisites: BI 125 and CH 211, or CH 212; and at least
junior standing. Fall, Spring.
BI 314 Conservation Biology (1)
A study of population and ecosystem level processes required to understand and conserve
biodiversity. Emphasis is placed upon the genetics and demographics of populations, the
implications of species interactions and community influences on conservation, and
management and sustainable development case studies. Prerequisite: BI 225. Fall of
even-numbered years.
BI 315 Animal Behavior (1)
An examination of the immediate causes and evolutionary explanations for the behavior
of animals. Emphasis is placed on exposure to historical perspectives and current ideas
about animal behavior, training in the methodology of behavioral experimentation, and
development of independent, critical thought. Topics include sexual selection, bird song
learning, and aggressive behavior. (Also listed as PY 315.) Prerequisites: BI 225 and PY
101. Spring of odd-numbered years.
BI 316 Experimental Research Design and Methods in Animal Behavior (1)
An intensive investigation into the development and execution of scientific research,
using the context of animal behavior. Students are given guidance on the process of
research, from identifying gaps in knowledge to developing hypotheses, conducting
experiments, and interpreting results. One three-hour meeting per week. Prerequisite: BI
225. Spring of even-numbered years.
BI 332 Vertebrate Field Zoology (1)
A field-oriented study of the native vertebrate animals of the southeastern United States
with special emphasis on identification, classification, and ecology. Two lectures and one
three-hour laboratory per week. One weekend field trip is required. Prerequisites: BI 115
and BI 225. Spring of odd-numbered years.
BI 350 Ethnobotany and Economic Botany (1)
An examination of the relationships between plants and people, historically as well as in
the twenty-first century. Topics include biochemistry and uses of natural plant products,