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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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material uses of plants, plants as food, poisonous plants, plant biotechnology, and
commercial applications of plants and plant products. Prerequisites: BI 125 and BI 225.
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: biology major and at least junior standing.
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 125 and at least junior standing. BI 215 or BI 220 is strongly
recommended. 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
125; BI 225; 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. Prerequisites: BI 225
and at least junior standing. Fall of odd-numbered years.
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. Three lectures, one three-hour
laboratory, and one TBA laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 115 and at least junior
standing. Fall.
BI 463 Current Topics in Biology (1)
An in-depth study of the current literature on a topic or topics selected by the instructor.
Prerequisites: biology major and at least junior standing.
BI 470 Directed Research I (1)
An advanced exploration of the practices and techniques of biological research focusing
on the design, execution, and presentation of experiments, data analysis, and information
retrieval. This course is the first of two required units of senior capstone research.
Instructor consent required. Fall, Spring, Summer.