Department of Biology

The Department of Biology offers courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in biology, and biology-secondary education. The department supports a variety of pre-professional transfer programs and students are advised according to their career goals. The department offers advisement and courses in support of the following specializations: biology, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-forestry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physician assistant, and pre-respiratory therapy.

Students should consult their academic advisor for assistance in choosing courses that comply with degree requirements for the selected major and meet admission requirements for the career or professional program in which they have interest.

All baccalaureate degree programs at NGCSU require the satisfactory completion of at least 60 semester credit hours comprising the six areas of the core curriculum. A complete description of Areas A-E of the core curriculum can be found on page 80. Individual degree programs may specify exceptions and/or particular courses that must be taken within each Area A-E of the core curriculum. Those exceptions and/or course requirements, and Area F of the core curriculum, are shown below.

 

Area A	no exceptions
Area B	no exceptions
Area C	no exceptions
Area D	no exceptions
Area E	no exceptions

Students may not take the following courses in area D:

BIOL 1107	Principles of Biology I	4 hours
BIOL 1108	Principles of Biology II	4 hours
CHEM 1211	Principles of Chemistry I	3 hours
CHEM 1211L	Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I	1 hour
CHEM 1212	Principles of Chemistry II	3 hours
CHEM 1212L	Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II	1 hour

 

Area F. Biology Major

18 hours

BIOL 1107	Principles of Biology I (with lab)	4 hours
BIOL 1108	Principles of Biology II (with lab)	4 hours
CHEM 1211	Principles of Chemistry I	3 hours
CHEM 1211L	Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I	1 hour
CHEM 1212	Principles of Chemistry II	3 hours
LANG 1002	Second Semester Elementary Foreign Language	3 hours

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

Students completing Advanced Placement Biology and scoring four or higher on the examination may enroll in courses for which Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology II are prerequisites.

COURSES IN THE BIOLOGY MAJOR:

37 hours

Take one course from each of the following categories.

Botany:

BIOL 3221	General Botany	4 hours
BIOL 3222	Plant Diversity	4 hours
Zoology:
BIOL 3225	Invertebrate Zoology	4 hours
BIOL 3226	Vertebrate Zoology	4 hours
Microbiology:
BIOL 2280	Medical Microbiology	4 hours
BIOL 3290	General Microbiology	4 hours

Take all of these 3000-level courses:

BIOL 3320	Genetics	4 hours
BIOL 3330	Ecology	4 hours
BIOL 3350	Physiology	4 hours
BIOL 3430	Cell Biology	4 hours
Take 9 semester hours from the following elective courses:
BIOL 3331	Ecology Field Study	1 hour
BIOL 4310	Plant Taxonomy	4 hours
BIOL 4311	Plant Taxonomy Extended Field Study	1 hour
BIOL 4327	Wildlife Biology & Conservation	4 hours
BIOL 4390	Environmental Microbiology	4 hours
BIOL 4440	Limnology	4 hours
BIOL 4450	Evolutionary Biology	3 hours
BIOL 4460	Marine Biology	3 hours
BIOL 4461	Marine Biology Extended Field Study	1 hour
BIOL 4470	Human Histology	4 hours
BIOL 4471	Histology Laboratory Techniques	1 hour
BIOL 4480	Developmental Biology	4 hours
BIOL 4490	Medical Parasitology	4 hours
BIOL 4510	Animal Behavior	3 hours
BIOL 4700	Biology Seminar	1 hour
*BIOL 4800-4807	Independent Study	1 hour each
BIOL 4900	Experimental Biology	4 hours

* When based upon student research, a maximum of 4 independent study hours may be included in the 9 biology elective hours required in the major. Up to 4 additional hours of independent study may be included in the 9 biology elective hours required in the major if these additional hours are substituted for a 4000 level course.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
PHYS 1111 & 1112 Introductory Physics I & II with labs		8 hours
CHEM 1212L Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II		1 hour
Basic Physical Education requirements		3 hours
Military Science Requirements (for military students only)		12 hours

U.S. & Georgia Constitution and History Requirement

Regents' Test (see page 73)

ELECTIVES: To bring the total number of credit hours to at least 120 semester hours exclusive of the Basis Physical Education Requirement.

EXIT REQUIREMENTS: To assist the department in assessing the biology program, graduating seniors will be required to take an undergraduate assessment test in biology and complete exit questionnaires.

BIOLOGY MINOR

BIOL 1107 and 1108, eight semester hours from Genetics, Ecology, Physiology, or Cell Biology, and 3-4 hours of 3290 - 4000 level biology courses are required for the minor in biology.

(a 126-hour program)

 

Core Curriculum Requirements

60 Hours

All baccalaureate degree programs at NGCSU require the satisfactory completion of at least 60 semester credit hours comprising the six areas of the core curriculum. A complete description of Areas A-E of the core curriculum can be found on page 80. Individual degree programs may specify exceptions and/or particular courses that must be taken within each Area A-E of the core curriculum. Those exceptions and/or course requirements, and Area F of the core curriculum, are shown below.

 

Area A	no exceptions
Area B	no exceptions
Area C	no exceptions
Area D	no exceptions
Area E	no exceptions

Students may not take the following courses in Area D:

BIOL 1107	Principles of Biology I	4 hours
BIOL 1108	Principles of Biology II	4 hours
CHEM 1211	Principles of Chemistry I	3 hours
CHEM 1211L	Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I	1 hour
CHEM 1212	Principles of Chemistry II	3 hours
CHEM 1212L	Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II	1 hour
Area F. Biology-Secondary Education		18 hours
CHEM 1211 & 1212	Principles of Chemistry I & II (with labs)	8 hours
BIOL 1260L	Environmental Science Laboratory	1 hour, or
	one hour transferred from Area D surplus
Professional Education:
EDUC 2000	Educ. & Structure of Schools with Diverse Populations	4 hours
PSYC 2200	Human Growth and Development	2 hours
CSCI 1200	Technology and Learning	3 hours

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

Students completing Advanced Placement Biology and scoring four or higher on the examination may enroll in courses for which Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology II are prerequisites.

SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR (36 hours)

 

BIOL 1107 & 1108	Principles of Biology I & II (with labs)	8 hours
Take one course from each of the following categories:
Botany:
BIOL 3221	General Botany	4 hours
BIOL 3222	Plant Diversity	4 hours
Zoology:
BIOL 3225	Invertebrate Zoology	4 hours
BIOL 3226	Vertebrate Zoology	4 hours
Microbiology:
BIOL 2280	Medical Microbiology	4 hours
BIOL 3290	General Microbiology	4 hours
Take the following 3000-level courses:
BIOL 3320	Genetics	4 hours
BIOL 3430	Cell Biology	4 hours
Biology electives - 8 hours at the 3290-4000 level

U.S & Georgia Constitution and History Requirement

Regents' Test (see page 73)

EXIT REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for institutional recommendation for a Georgia teaching license in the desired field, students must successfully complete the appropriate PRAXIS I & II tests. Graduating seniors will be required to complete exit questionnaires to assist the department in assessing the biology program.

BIOLOGY COURSES

Number series indicate hours of lecture per week, hours of laboratory per week, and course credit hours; e.g. 3-2-4 means 3 hours of lecture per week, 2 hours of lab per week (1 two-hour lab), and 4 semester hours course credit.

BIOL 1010 Introductory Biology, 3 hours 3-0-3
Corequisite: Introductory Biology Laboratory. A biology course for non-science students that includes an introduction to scientific investigation, biological processes, and organismal biology. This course emphasizes a topical, human-oriented approach to the relevance of biology in the contemporary world.

BIOL 1010L Introductory Biology Laboratory, 1 hour 0-2-1
Corequisite: Introductory Biology. Using the scientific method, students conduct investigations and employ critical thinking to discover answers to biological questions.

BIOL 1107 Principles of Biology I, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: High school chemistry with a grade of C or above. An overview of biology that includes scientific methods, biological chemistry, cell biology, biological energy transformation, genetics, gene expression and regulation, population genetics, and evolution. Students conduct experiments in cellular and molecular biology using standard investigative techniques and critical thinking. This course is appropriate for students majoring in the sciences. With laboratory.

BIOL 1108 Principles of Biology II, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisite: Principles of Biology I or permission of the Head of the BiologyDepartment. A continuation of Principles of Biology I that includes ecology, and diversity, growth, reproduction, and physiology of major taxa. Students conduct hands-on investigations to explore biological diversity with an emphasis on experimental use of important model organisms, organ systems in animals, and dissection. This course is appropriate for students majoring in the sciences. With laboratory.

BIOL 1260 Environmental Science, 3 hours 3-0-3
An interdisciplinary study of the fundamentals of ecology and their application to societal issues emphasizing human interactions with the world environment. This course may be taken with or without the laboratory.

BIOL 1260L Environmental Science Laboratory, 1 hour 0-2-1
An interdisciplinary investigation of global environmental issues utilizing field experiences, laboratory simulations, and case studies.

BIOL 1260H Honors Environmental Science (W, O), 4 hours 3-2-4
An interdisciplinary study of the fundamentals of ecology and their application to societal issues emphasizing human interactions with the world environment. With laboratory.

BIOL 2250 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 hours 3-2-4
A study of the structure and function of the human body, from cell and tissue organization through certain organ systems. With laboratory.

BIOL 2251 Human Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisite: Human Anatomy & Physiology I or permission of the instructor. A continuation of Human Anatomy & Physiology I. A study of those organ systems not discussed in Human Anatomy & Physiology I. With laboratory.

BIOL 2280 Medical Microbiology: Infection & Immunity, 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II or Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II. Some chemistry is recommended. A basic course in microbiology emphasizing microbial control, epidemiology, pathogenicity, immunity, virulence and a survey of selected human communicable diseases. With laboratory.

BIOL 3221 General Botany, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II. A study of the morphology, anatomy, development, genetics, physiology, and ecology of plants. With laboratory.

BIOL 3222 Plant Diversity, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II. A study of diversity and evolution of organisms with cell walls, emphasizing the plant kingdom. Influence of plants on humans will be highlighted. With laboratory.

BIOL 3225 Invertebrate Zoology, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II. A study of the structure, activities, physiology, adaptations, ecology and relationships of invertebrate animals. With laboratory.

BIOL 3226 Vertebrate Zoology, 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II. An overview of the general taxonomy, morphology, physiology, ecology, and evolution of vertebrates. With laboratory.

BIOL 3290 General Microbiology, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II, plus one course in Chemistry. An introduction to the principles and techniques of microbiology that includes a study of microorganisms with emphasis on their relationship to humans. With laboratory.

BIOL 3320 Genetics (W), 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II, Principles of Chemistry I & II or permission from the instructor. A study of the classical principles of heredity in plants and animals with emphasis on the molecular basis of inheritance, gene regulation, and protein synthesis. With laboratory.

BIOL 3330 Ecology, 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: One of the following courses: Invertebrate Zoology, Vertebrate Zoology, General Botany, or Plant Diversity. A study of the interrelationships of organisms with their environment and the experimental analysis of interactions that determine distribution and abundance. With laboratory.

BIOL 3331 Ecology Field Study (O), 1 hour 0-2-1
Prerequisite or corequisite: Ecology. A study of the Okefenokee Swamp ecosystem in south Georgia via an extended (four day) field experience. Students must pay a portion of the expenses.

BIOL 3350 Physiology, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II, Principles of Chemistry I & II. A study of mammalian physiologic processes at the cell, organ, and organ system levels. Lab exercises emphasize data collection and interpretation. With laboratory.

BIOL 3430 Cell Biology, 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics and Principles of Chemistry I & II. A molecular approach to the study of the function and organization of the eukaryotic cell. With laboratory.

BIOL 4310 Plant Taxonomy, 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: General Botany or Plant Diversity. An introductory plant taxonomy course using local vascular plants to teach principles of plant systematics. The laboratory includes weekly field studies in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge of north Georgia.

BIOL 4311 Plant Taxonomy Extended Field Laboratory (O), 1 hour 0-2-1
Corequisite: Plant Taxonomy. A study of vascular plants in habitats of the coastal plain in south Georgia and north Florida via an extended (four-day) field study. Students are expected to pay a portion of the expenses.

BIOL 4327 Wildlife Biology & Conservation, 4 hours 2-6-4
Prerequisites: Ecology or permission of the professor. A study of the natural history of selected wildlife species, with emphasis on game species, conservation, and management. The laboratory will include field studies. Certain projects and required extended field trips will entail additional student expense.

BIOL 4390 Environmental Microbiology, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I
This course is designed to meet the needs of science majors who wish to understand fundamentals of the interaction of microorganisms within and with their environment, including terrestrial, air, aquatic and extreme environments. Topics discussed will include, but not be limited to, biogeochemical cycling, effects of anthropogenic influences, environmentally transmitted pathogens, domestic waste and waste treatment, drinking water treatment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how microbes in the environment are used to benefit society. With laboratory.

BIOL 4440 Limnology, 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Ecology and Principles of Chemistry I and II. An integrated approach to the study of inland waters, such as rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands with central focus on the structure and function of lakes. With laboratory.

BIOL 4450 Evolutionary Biology, 3 hours 3-0-3
Prerequisites: Ecology or genetics. A study of the principles of evolutionary biology, the history of evolutionary thought, the mechanisms of evolution, evidence of evolution, evolutionary theories, the early history of life on Earth and human evolution.

BIOL 4460 Marine Biology, 3 hours 3-0-3
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II. An overview of marine biology, including physical, chemical and biological oceanography, and marine ecology.

BIOL 4461 Marine Biology Field Laboratory (O), 1 hour 0-2-1
Corequisite or prerequisite: Marine Biology. A study of regional marine habitats and their physical and biological characteristics via an extended field study. Students must pay a portion of the expenses.

BIOL 4470 Human Histology, 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I & II. Cell Biology recommended. A detailed study of selected human tissues and organs. With laboratory.

BIOL 4471 Histological Techniques, 1 hour 0-4-1
Corequisite: Human Histology. An introduction to the practical application, procedures, and equipment utilized in the preparation of microscope slides of animal tissues. Laboratory work only.

BIOL 4480 Developmental Biology (O), 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Physiology or Cell Biology. An introduction to the patterns of organismal development, mechanisms of cellular differentiation, cell interactions, and the molecular basis of development. With laboratory.

BIOL. 4490 Medical Parasitology, 4 hours 2-4-4
Prerequisites: Invertebrate Zoology or permission of the instructor. A study of parasitism, the classification, morphology and life histories of protozoan and animal parasites of humans and the epidemiology, pathology, and diagnosis of human parasitic diseases. With laboratory.

BIOL 4510 Animal Behavior, 3 hours 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Invertebrate or Vertebrate Zoology. An introduction to the fundamental principles of ethology with an emphasis on the study of ecological and evolutionary processes that influence behavior.

BIOL 4700 Biology Seminar, 1 hour 1-0-1
Student presentations of advanced study in selected biological topics.
SPR: Junior or Senior status

BIOL 4800-4807 Independent Study/ Undergraduate Research, up to 8 hours in increments of, 1 hour. 0-0-1 (TBA)
An advanced study of special topics open to junior and senior biology majors. Study topics subject to approval by the supervising faculty member and the biology department head. Requires submission and approval of the Undergraduate Independent Study Research Plan prior to the end of DROP/ADD.

BIOL 4900 Experimental Biology, 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Two 3000-level biology courses. An experimental approach to the quantification and analysis of biological phenomena. To gain experience in biological research, students will design, perform, analyze and report on individual and group projects. With laboratory.