Department: Biology

Wayne Shew

Interim Provost/Professor of Biology

Office:

Munger 208 & Stephens Science Center 242

Contact Information:

Birmingham-Southern College
Division of Science and Mathematics
900 Arkadelphia Rd
Birmingham, AL 35254
Office Phone: (205) 226-4650
Office Fax: (205) 226-4627
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). I began my duties as Associate Provost June 2006, and continue to teach in a reduced role 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:

• Plant ecophysiology
• mycology
• microbiology
• plant tissue culture

Research interests:

• Tissue culture of plants
• Ecophysiology of primary dune plant called searocket or sea kale

Courses Taught:

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.