Department: Biology

Wayne Shew

Ada Rittenhouse Snavely Professor of Biology

Office:

Stephens Science Center 242

Contact Information:

Birmingham-Southern College
Division of Science and Mathematics
900 Arkadelphia Rd
Birmingham, AL 35254
Office Phone: (205) 226-4879
Office Fax: (205) 226-3078
E-mail: wshew@bsc.edu

Personal Web Page

Brief Career Background:

I have been a member of the biology faculty of Birmingham-Southern College since 1978 I served as Chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics (1989-1992) and as Interim Provost (2004-2005 & 2008-2009). I served as Associate Provost from June 2006-June 2008 and from June 2009-August 2010. I have now returned to teaching full-time in the Biology Department.

Educational Background:

B.A. in Biology from UNC-Wilmington (1971) M.A. in Botany from UNC-Chapel Hill (1974) Ph.D. in Botany from UNC-Chapel Hill (1977) Post Doctoral work at UAB (1984-85)

Areas of Academic Interest:

Mycology
Microbiology
Botany
Aerobiology
Forensic Science

Research interests:

Aerobiology: Pollen and Mold Spores

Courses Taught:

BI 103 Introduction to Forensic Science (1)
An introduction to the ﬁeld of criminalistics. Study will focus on the use of biology and chemistry in solving crimes. The course will consider actual criminal cases and how they were solved by use of forensic techniques. In addition, simulated crime scenes will be used to provide students an opportunity to "solve" crimes using forensic science. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. This course may not be counted toward the biology major. (Satisﬁes the Disciplinary Foundations requirement in a laboratory science.) 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 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 DHAR laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BI 115 and 125. Spring.

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. Two lecture and one three hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 105, 115, and 125 or consent. Fall.