Biology Curriculum
The curriculum of the Department supports both the liberal arts and career interests of the student.
Stressing current trends in biology and laboratory investigation, the curriculum for the major includes core courses in zoology, botany, physiology, and molecular biology; a wide variety of upper-level subjects; opportunities for independent study, experiential learning, and honors study in related areas; and a senior program focusing on topics in contemporary biology.
Students majoring in biology may focus their major in
- field biology,
- molecular and cell biology,
- organismal biology,
- health-related biology,
- or choose a more general program.
For the non-major, the Department offers courses, without prerequisite, in human biology as well as introductory biology.
In addition to laboratory work, the Department also supports an active program of field studies.
The location of the College in the Piedmont region of Virginia permits access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway, to two National Forests, to the Atlantic Ocean and coastal plain, and to the Washington, D.C., area for trips to the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution. Local trips are made to the Blackwater Creek Natural Area and to the College’s nature preserves.
Course Offerings
Below is a list of available courses offered by the Biology Department. Consult the Registrar’s Office and the College Catalog for registration information.
BIOL 1100L - Biological Principles Lab
An introduction to fundamental principles in biology. Students explore cell structure and function, cell division, genetics, evolution, symbiotic relationships, and biodiversity, and learn basic laboratory techniques. Credit hours: 1. Concurrent enrollment in or previous completion of either BIOL 1103 or 1108. Not open to students who have completed a 2200-level Biology Laboratory. (NS)
BIOL 1103 - Introductory Biology
A broad introduction to modern biology. Topics include evolution and the origin of life, biological molecules, cells, genetics, molecular biology, biodiversity, ecology, and current issues in biology. Biology 1100L may be taken concurrently. Credit hours: 3. Only one 1100-level biology lecture course (BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1108) counts towards the biology major. (NS)
BIOL 1108 - Human Biology
Fundamentals of modern biology in a human context. Human evolution, genetics, development, physiology, population biology, ecology, and behavior are all considered in this examination of Homo sapiens. Biology 1100L may be taken concurrently. Credit hours: 3. Only one 1100-level biology lecture course (BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1108) counts towards the biology major. (NS)
BIOL 1127 - Medical Terminology
This course focuses on the history and structure of words of the majority of technical terms in medicine, the sciences, law, and beyond that use Greek and Latin roots as their building blocks. Students will learn elements of word formation (prefixes, suffixes, and bases) to develop word-analytical techniques and build vocabulary and recognition. By the end of the course, students will build a working vocabulary specific to the medical professions by choosing the units most relevant to their disciplines. Emphasis on knowledge of terms for the the anatomy and physiology of body systems, along with command of roots, prefixes, and suffixes that will allow students to interpret new terms. Does not count towards the Biology major. Identical with CLAS 1127. Credit hours: 4.
BIOL 2201 - Zoology
An introduction to the structure, ecology, behavior, and evolution of all major animal groups, including poriferans, molluscans, annelids, arthropods, echinoderms, chordates and more. Protistans, the origin of multicellular forms, and environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting animals also are considered. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisite: BIOL 1100L and either BIOL 1103 or 1108; or the equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL 2201L.
BIOL 2201L - Zoology Laboratory
Laboratory studies illustrating the structure, ecology, behavior, and evolution of many of the organisms discussed in Biology 2201. Students evaluate the major animal groups on a comparative basis through microscopy, and dissection. Credit hours: 1. Corequisite: Biology 2201.
BIOL 2202 - Botany
An introduction to the structure, function, physiology, evolution, and life history of plants. A comparative survey of the diversity found among other organisms including bacteria, fungi, and algae, formerly classified as plants, is also considered. Vascular plant morphology anatomy and physiology are explained. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisites: BIOL 1100L and either BIOL 1103 or 1108; or the equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL 2202L.
BIOL 2202L - Botany Laboratory
A survey of the diverse life histories of organisms studied in a botanical framework, including photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants. Emphasis is also placed on developing student's experimental design capabilities. Students design, conduct, and monitor plant experiments over the course of the semester. Credit hours: 1. Corequisite: BIOL 2202.
BIOL 2203 - Physiology
An introduction to the functional processes of animals. Physical and chemical principles that dictate physiological function are explored. Nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive systems are examined at different levels of organization. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisites: BIOL 1100L and either BIOL 1103 or 1108; or the equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL 2203L.
BIOL 2203L - Physiology Laboratory
Exercises in cardiovascular, muscular, nervous, and respiratory physiology, as well as basic investigations in microscopy, cell function, and histology. Emphasis is on critical skills such as technical writing and data analysis. Credit hours: 1. Corequisite: Biology 2203.
BIOL 2204 - Intro Genetics & Molecular Biology
Examination of cellular processes involved in the storage, transfer, and expression of genetic information. Topics include transmission genetics and inheritance probabilities; the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA; mutation and repair; gene expression and protein synthesis; regulation of gene expression; and evolution. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisite: BIOL 1100L and either BIOL 1103 or 1108; or the equivalent; sophomore standing recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 2204L.
BIOL 2204L - Intro Genetics & Molecular Bio Lab
Laboratory exercises involve multi-week projects implementing the fundamental tools of molecular biology. Techniques include molecular cloning, transformation, DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, PCR, DNA sequence analysis, and examination of proteins. Credit hours: 1. Corequisite: BIOL 2204.
BIOL 2290 - Independent Study
BIOL 3306 - Immunology
A presentation of the fundamentals of immunology blending theory with practical application. Topics include development of the cells of the immune system, antigens, antibodies, immunization, allergic reactions, organ transplants, immunology of cancer, the autoimmune phenomenon, and immunodeficiency diseases. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2203-2203L.
BIOL 3306L - Immunology Lab
Advanced and applied laboratory course integrating the principal methods of cell biology and immunology. Techniques covered include, but are not limited to, immunoblotting, SDS-PAGE, PCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, microscopy, and working with murine models. Credit hours: 1. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3306.
BIOL 3309 - Genomics And Bioinformatics
An in-depth examination of cellular, organellar, and viral genomes and bioinformatic methods used to analyze genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Topics may include: analysis of genomic sequences, genome assembly and annotation, comparative genomics, evolution, transcriptomics, network biology, proteomics, protein folding and structure, protein-protein interaction, and computational and statistical methods used in bioinformatics. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: Two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2204-2204L, or permission of instructor.
BIOL 3316 - Developmental Biology
An introduction to the mechanisms of embryonic development in several organisms, including chordates. The origin of differentiated tissues and the development of organ systems are considered. Gametogenesis, fertilization, sex determination, and stem cells are also discussed. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2204-2204L.
BIOL 3316L - Developmental Biology Lab
Laboratory studies and experiments illustrating the concepts presented in Biology 3316. The student gains familiarity with the important stages in the development invertebrates, birds, and mammals. In addition, the student observes the process of fertilization and embryonic development in sea urchins, studies the development of bird embryos and investigates patterns of regeneration in planarians. The effects of teratogens on development are also observed. Credit hours: 1. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3316.
BIOL 3318 - Conservation Biology
This course covers many of the scientific and ethical considerations relevant to the field of conservation biology and its numerous stakeholders. We address key biological and sociological principles that are important to the management and conservation of plants, animals, and the ecosystems upon which we all depend, such as anthropogenic stressors and resource sustainability. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: Two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2201-2201L, or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 3319 - Ecology
The relationships of organisms to their environments are examined from an evolutionary perspective. Topics include speciation, adaptation, population dynamics, competition, predator/prey relationships, mutualism, productivity, succession, trophic dynamics, and biogeography. Students may also enroll in BIOL 3319L but it is not required. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2202-2202L. Offered second semester.
BIOL 3319L - Ecology Laboratory
Field study of local natural history and an introduction to instrumentation and ecological methods.Credit hours: 1. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3319.
BIOL 3320 - Microbiology
An introduction to microorganisms, including microbial cell structure and function, growth and metabolism, genetics, evolution, classification, ecology, disease, and epidemiology. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2204-2204L. Corequisite: BIOL 3320L.
BIOL 3320L - Microbiology Laboratory
Laboratory exercises in microbiology, including: aseptic technique, bacterial isolation and cultivation, slide staining and microscopy, growth curves and growth rate kinetics, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, culture-based identification of clinical isolates, and immunological and serological detection of pathogens. As part of this lab, students will also design, conduct, and formally present the results of a multi-week semi-independent research project. Credit hours: 1. Corequisite: BIOL 3320.
BIOL 3321 - Animal Behavior
An introduction to the biology of animal behavior. Topics include the genetic basis for behavior, the evolution of behavioral patterns, behavioral ecology, communication, orientation and navigation, mating systems, and comparative social behavior. Emphasis is placed on the results from animal studies that support major concepts discussed. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including either BIOL 2201- 2201L.
BIOL 3321L - Animal Behavior Lab
Field and laboratory experiences examining animal behaviors, as well as projects and discussions supporting and complementing Biology 3321. Credit hours: 1. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3321.
BIOL 3329 - Economic Botany
An examination of how agriculture, industry, and medicine rely on plant diversity and their products. Topics include origin of crops, medicinal plants, plant fibers, spices, and industrial uses of plants. Emphasis is placed on written analysis of primary literature and student presentations. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2202-2202L, or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 3351 - Topics In Biology
This course is intended to develop and enhance student research skills through analysis of primary literature, presentation, class discussion, and written assignments. Research papers will be analyzed through a global lens and real world ramifications will be discussed. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level.
BIOL 3385 - Biology One Time Only
Exploration of topic areas of interest in contemporary biology. The course will draw from areas of interest of enrolled students. Students will critically examine primary literature, and respond to it both verbally and in writing. Credit hours: 3. Prerequisite: at least two 2200-level courses or permission of the instructor. One time only.
BIOL 3385L - Biol Oto Lab
One-time-only lab.
BIOL 3385S - One Time Only Summer
One time only course (summer)
BIOL 3386 - Biology One Time Only
Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2201-2201L. One time only.
BIOL 3386L - Biol Oto Lab
BIOL 3387 - Biol One Time Only
Credit hours: 4. One time only.
BIOL 3390 - Independent Study
BIOL 4490 - Independent Study
BIOL 4495 - Senior Program
Students perform in-depth library research on a contemporary topic in biology that is relevant to their own post-graduate goals or general interests. Students present their findings in a formal paper and in an oral presentation. Credit hours: 4.
