Biology, the study of life from molecules to ecosystems, is one of the most interesting and important areas of modern scientific inquiry, with profound implications for society. Breakthroughs in basic research in biology are leading to practical applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental management. The biology faculty of Birmingham-Southern College offers its students the opportunity to participate in the excitement of biology as part of a learning community of faculty and students through investigative study in the classroom, laboratory, field, and library; through collaborative undergraduate research projects; and through formal and informal consultation, advising, and discussions. By participating in these activities, students actively learn both the process and content of modern biological science.

The introductory three-course sequence of the biology major introduces students to some of the major concepts and approaches of biology: genetics, evolution, ecology; biological organization and diversity, comparative structure-function relationships; cell structure and function, energetics and metabolism, gene structure and expression. The only upper-level course required, genetics, emphasizes the centrality of this area to all of biology. Other upper-level elective courses allow students to investigate more thoroughly what interests them most among the many facets of biological science. An increasing number of students are undertaking undergraduate research projects as a capstone experience for their studies, becoming biological scientists in the process.

In addition to preparation for medical and dental schools, a biology major at Birmingham-Southern College also provides pre-professional training for students interested in various paramedical fields (e.g. physical therapy, and medical or surgical assistant's programs). A biology major will also prepare students for additional coursework and research in graduate school in areas as diverse as molecular biology, physiology, environmental studies, and conservation biology. Biology majors may enter public school teaching with the appropriate courses in education for certification. Immediate employment opportunities are available in academic and industrial laboratories.

An interdisciplinary major in biology and psychology is available as are pre-professional programs in biology/environmental studies, biology/pre-nursing, and biology-psychology/pre-nursing (see the Interdisciplinary Majors section of this catalog). Courses in biology can be combined with courses in other disciplines for an interdisciplinary or individualized major to meet special career goals.

Major Requirements

The following courses are required (12 units):
BI 105, 115, and 125
BI 301
five elective units in BI, excluding BI 199, 299, 399, 298, 398, and 498
BI 499
CH 121 and 122

Three of the ten units in BI must be at the 400 level, one of which may be BI 499; only one unit of 293, 393, 493 credit may be applied toward the major; only one non laboratory course (363 or 415) may be applied toward the major.

The following courses are strongly recommended:
CH 211 and 212
PH 121 and 122
MA 231 and/or 207

As part of the senior interim experience, all students participate in an assessment process. This may include, but is not limited to, a standardized test, an exit interview, an oral examination, or some combination of the above.

Students majoring in biology with the intention of pursuing a health career such as medicine or dentistry must meet the requirements indicated above. Additional course requirements may be needed for entrance into medical, dental or other professional programs. Students should consult with the pre health advisor to ensure that they meet all additional requirements.

Chemistry courses required for the biology major may be used to meet minor requirements in chemistry.

Minor Requirements

Internships, interim projects, and teaching experience may not count toward the minor.

The following courses are required (6 units):
BI 105, 115, and 125
BI 301
one additional unit in BI at the 300 level or above
CH 121

Graduation with Disciplinary Honors in Biology

The faculty of biology invite and challenge our majors to move beyond their coursework and truly embrace the discipline. We strive to establish and maintain a community of learners actively and personally involved in science. Excellence in courses is needed, but only research experience can transform a science student into a student scientist. We are committed to offering an intense research experience to motivated students and to recognize their efforts as deserving of "Honors in Biology."

The biology faculty as a whole decides on honors for each candidate, based on the student's academic performance at the College, in the biology major, and in the Honors in Biology Program. Candidates for Honors in Biology must meet the following requirements:

(1) Earn a grade point average of 3.30 in all courses at the College and a grade point average of 3.30 in courses in the biology major at the end of the junior year (24 regular term units) to enter the program.

(2) Score at or above the 65th percentile nationally on the E.T.S. Major Field Achievement Test in Biology.

(3) Complete a minimum of 2 units of graded research in biology with a faculty member during the senior year.

(4) Make an oral presentation of their research results and analysis to the faculty of biology and the college community.

(5) Write a thesis in formal research style presenting the experimental results and analysis (a committee of three faculty members must read and approve the thesis).

Courses in Biology

BI 102 Earth Sciences (1)

An introduction of basic earth science concepts that are fundamental to the understanding of current environmental problems. Emphasis is placed upon the physical environment and the processes that support life. Basic principles of Alabama geology, geography, oceanography, botany, and zoology are covered. This course may not be counted toward a biology major. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall.

 

BI 105 Population and Ecosystem Biology (1)

An introduction to genetics, evolution, and ecology. Topics include classical genetics, mechanisms of evolution, and ecosystem structure, dynamics, and diversity. Designed for students who plan to major in biology or one of the natural sciences and/or who are pre health. Also recommended for non science majors interested in ecology or conservation. 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 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. Fall, Spring.

 

BI 125 Cell and Molecular Biology (1)

An investigation of the fundamental properties of cells. Topics include cell structure and function, energetics and metabolism, gene structure and expression, and the techniques used to study these phenomena. 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. Prerequisites: BI 115 and CH 121. Fall, Spring.

 

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. Prerequisites: BI 105 and 115 or consent. Spring.

 

BI 208 Archaeology (1)

An introduction to the prehistory of the southeastern United States with emphasis on Alabama prehistory. Students participate in a mock archaeological dig, artifact analysis, and site report preparation. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.

 

BI 232 Invertebrate Zoology (1)

An introduction to the invertebrate animals with an emphasis on their diversity, morphology, physiology and ecology. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. One weekend field trip is required. Prerequisites: BI 105 and 115.

 

BI 301 Genetics (1)

A study of the structure, function, and transmission of the genetic material. Topics from classical and molecular genetics are covered. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory, and one DHAR laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 105, 115, and 125, MA 115 or equivalent, and junior standing. Fall.

 

BI 303 Physiology (1)

A study of the functions of organ systems and their role in regulation of body processes. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory, and one DHAR laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 105, 115, and 125. Spring.

 

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. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory, and one DHAR laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BI 115 and 125. Spring.

 

BI 311 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. One weekend field trip is required. Prerequisites: BI 105 and 115 or ES 150. Fall.

 

BI 322 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 105, 115, 125. Spring.

 

BI 363 Current Topics in Biology (1)

An in-depth study of the current literature on a topic or topics selected by the instructor. Prerequisites: Junior standing as a BI major and consent.

 

BI 402 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, one three-hour laboratory, and one DHAR laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 115 and 125, CH 122, and junior standing; BI 301 is strongly recommended. Fall.

 

BI 405 Recombinant DNA Technology (1)

A course investigating the impact of genetic engineering in the biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on the techniques of gene cloning and analysis, and how these techniques are used as tools in basic research in signal transduction, oncogenes, evolution, and nervous system function; and in applied research in agriculture, medicine, and industry. The social impact of recombinant DNA technology is also discussed. Three lecture/discussions and one three hour laboratory each week. Some laboratory work outside the scheduled laboratory time is also required. Prerequisites: BI 105, 115, 125, and 301; CH 121. Spring.

 

BI 408 Biochemistry (1)

An introduction to the structure, chemistry, and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory, and one DHAR laboratory per week. (Also listed as CH 408, this course may be counted for credit in either biology or chemistry.) Prerequisites: BI 115 and 125, and CH 212, or consent. Spring.

 

BI 414 Conservation Biology (1)

A study of the 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. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: BI 105, 115, 125, and 301; BI 311 recommended. Fall.

 

BI 415 Evolution (1)

A study of the basic theories and processes of organic evolution with emphasis on sources of variability and the organization of variability in populations, population genetics, and the origin of species by natural selection. Prerequisites: BI 105, 115, 125, and 301.

 

BI 425 Comparative Vertebrate Embryology (1)

A descriptive study of the development of vertebrates from gametogenesis through organogenesis. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory, and one DHAR laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 105, 115, and junior standing. Spring.

 

BI 442 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (1)

A study of the phylogenetic development of chordate systems with special emphasis on the comparative morphology of a series of vertebrates. Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory, and one DHAR laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 105, 115, and junior standing. Fall.

 

BI 293, 393, 493 Independent Study (½, 1)

Directed research for advanced students. Prerequisite: Consent.

 

BI 298, 398, 498 The Teaching Experience in Biology (½, 1)

 

BI 499 Senior Project in Biology (1)

An in depth laboratory or field based study in a specific area of biology designed by the instructor, or a project designed by the student in collaboration with a faculty supervisor. A minimum of 30-40 hours of work per week must be demonstrable. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent. Interim.