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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
one of the natural sciences and/or who are pre-health. Three lectures and one three-hour
laboratory per week. Fall, Spring.
BI 115 Organismal Biology (1)
An introduction to the biology of organisms. Topics include levels of biological
organization, biological diversity, plant and animal structure and function, and
comparative study of structure and function relationships in living organisms. Designed
for students who plan to major in biology or one of the natural sciences and/or who are
pre-health. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BI 110 or
HON 126. Fall, Spring.
BI 150 Paleoanthropology (1)
An overview of human evolution, highlighting how ideas on human evolution are tested
using the fossil record, comparative studies of living primates, and ethnographies of
modern human populations. An emphasis on hands-on experiences and working with
actual data to improve critical thinking and reasoning skills. This course may not be
counted towards the biology major.
BI 206 Field Botany (1)
A study of the plants and fungi native to the southeastern United States, particularly
Alabama, with special emphasis on identification, classification, distribution, and
ecology. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. One weekend field trip is
required. Prerequisite: BI 115. Spring of even-numbered years.
BI 215 Principles of Genetics (1)
A thorough introduction to the structure, function, and transmission of genetic material.
Topics from classical and molecular genetics are covered. Students may not earn credit
for both BI 215 and BI 220. Three one-hour lectures per week. Prerequisite: BI 115. Fall,
Spring.
BI 220 Principles of Genomics (1)
A thorough introduction to the molecular structure, function, recombination, and
transmission of the genetic material with an emphasis on bioinformatics. Techniques for
acquiring and analyzing data at the genome-wide level will be addressed. Students may
not earn credit for both BI 215 and BI 220. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory
per week. Prerequisite: BI 115. Fall of odd-numbered years.
BI 225 Evolutionary Ecology (1)
A study of the basic concepts of evolution and ecology as a gateway to upper-level
coursework in ecology and organismal biology. Emphasis is placed on an understanding
of natural selection and how it shapes speciation, population dynamics, and community
interactions and composition. Prerequisites: BI 215, BI 220, or UES 150, and at least
sophomore standing. Fall, Spring.
BI 232 Invertebrate Zoology (1)
An introduction to the invertebrate animals with an emphasis on their diversity,