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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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 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,
material uses of plants, plants as food, poisonous plants, plant biotechnology, and
commercial applications of plants and plant products. Prerequisite: BI 225.
BI 402 Advanced Cell Biology (1)
A study of eukaryotic cells at the molecular level. Topics include protein biosynthesis,
membrane structure and function, gene expression and regulation, cellular and subcellular
structure, and the cell cycle. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: BI 215 or BI 220; and at least junior standing. Spring.
BI 405 Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (1)
A molecular lab techniques course investigating the impact of genetic engineering in the
biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on the techniques of gene cloning, editing, and
analysis, and how these techniques are used as tools in basic research in cell biology,
development, and evolution; and in applied research in agriculture, medicine, and
industry. The social impact of genetic engineering is also discussed. Prerequisites: BI 215
or BI 220; and CH 120 or CH 149. Fall of even-numbered years.
BI 411 General Ecology (1)
A study of organisms at the population, community, and ecosystem levels of biological
organization. Emphasis is placed on organism-environment and organism-organism
interactions. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
A service-learning
integrated course.
Prerequisites: BI 225 and at least junior standing. Fall of odd-
numbered years.
BI 416 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.