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. Hours credit: 1. Concurrent enrollment in or previous completion of either Biology 1103, 1108, or 1118. Not open to students who have completed a 2200-level Biology Laboratory. (NS)
BIOL 1103 - Introductory Biology
A broad introduction to modern biology. Topics may include evolution and the origin of life, reproduction, genetics, cellular and molecular biology, biodiversity, ecology, environmental and population biology, and other current issues in biology. Biology 1100L may be taken concurrently. Hours credit: 3. Only one 1100-level biology lecture course 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. Hours credit: 3. Only one 1100-level biology lecture course counts towards the biology major. (NS)
BIOL 1118 - Evolution
A survey of the historical and scientific development of the modern theory of evolution. The contributions of Darwin and Wallace, the modern synthesis, recent refinements in evolutionary theory, and evidence for evolution are among the topics considered. Biology 1100L may be taken concurrently. Hours credit: 3.Only one 1100-level biology lecture course counts towards the biology major. (NS)
BIOL 2201 - Zoology
An introduction to the structure, ecology, behavior, and evolution of all major animal groups, including molluscans, annelids, arthropods, echinoderms, and chordates. Protistans, the origin of multicellular forms, and basic environmental factors affecting multicellular animals also are considered. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Biology 1100L and either Biology 1103; 1108; 1118; or the equivalent. Corequisite: Biology 2201L.
BIOL 2201L - Zoology Laboratory
Laboratory and field 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, dissection, and the study of live animals. Hours credit: 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. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisites: BIOL 1100L and either BIOL 1103; 1108; or 1118; 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. Hours credit: 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. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisites: BIOL 1100L and either BIOL 1103; 1108; or 1118; 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. Hours credit: 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 mendelian genetics, inheritance probabilities, the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA, mutation and repair, protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression, and fundamentals of genetic engineering. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: BIOL 1100L and either BIOL 1103; 1108; 1118; or the equivalent; sophomore standing recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 2204L
BIOL 2204L - Intro Genetics & Molecular Bio Lab
Laboratory exercises will involve multi-week projects implementing the fundamental tools of molecular biology and genetic engineering. Techniques include cloning, transformation, DNA isolation and restriction enzyme analysis, PCR, sequence analysis, and examination of protein expression, structure and function. Hours credit: 1. Corequisite: Biology 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. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2203-2203L. Offered alternate years.
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. Offered every fall semester.
BIOL 3308 - Genomics And Bioinformatics
Students in this course will use computational methods to analyze and manipulate large genomic, proteomic, and biomedical data sets. Topics may include: analysis of genomic sequences, comparative genomics, genome annotation, transcriptomics, network biology, proteomics, protein folding and structure prediction, protein-protein interaction, and statistical methods such as Monte Carlo simulation, Gibbs sampling, and hidden Markov models. Hours: 3. Prerequisite: Two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2204-2204L, or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 3308L - Genomics Bioinformatics Lab
Advanced laboratory exercises in classical and molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and biostatistics. Hours credit: 1. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3308.
BIOL 3316 - Developmental Biology
An introduction to the patterns of embryonic development in several organisms, including chordates. The origin of differentiated tissues and the development of organ systems are considered. Comparative reproductive patterns of vertebrates, metamorphosis in insects and amphibians, and stem cells are also discussed. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2204-2204L. Alternate years.
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 of plants, amphibians, birds, and mammals. In addition, the student observes the process of fertilization in sea urchins and ferns, studies the development of living amphibian and bird embryos and investigates insect metamorphosis. Hours credit: 1. Corequisite: BIOL 3316. Alternate years
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. Hours credit: 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. Hours credit: 1. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3319. Offered second semester.
BIOL 3320 - Microbiology
An introduction to microorganisms with an emphasis on bacteria and archaea. Topics may include microbial cell structure and function, metabolism, growth, evolution, classification, genomes, ecology, disease, and epidemiology. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2204-2204L. Corequisite: BIOL 3320L.
BIOL 3320L - Microbiology Laboratory
Exercises on laboratory methods and their underlying concepts. Exercises may include isolation and identification of bacteria, effects of environmental factors on microbial growth, enumeration of bacteria, food microbiology, and clinical microbiology. Hours credit: 1. Corequisite: BIOL 3320.
BIOL 3321 - Animal Behavior
An introduction to the biology of behavior. Topics include the genetic basis for behavior, neural anatomy, the evolution of behavior patterns, behavioral ecology, communication, orientation and navigation, and comparative vertebrate social behavior. Emphasis on results from animal studies which lead to a better understanding of human behavior. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including either Biology 2201-2201L or 2203-2203L. Alternate years: offered second semester.
BIOL 3321L - Animal Behavior Lab
Field and laboratory experiments in animal behavior, as well as projects and discussions supporting and complementing Biology 3321. Hours Credit: 1. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 3321. Alternate years: offered second semester.
BIOL 3324 - Ornithology-mammalogy
An examination of the evolution, structure, ecology, and behavior of birds and mammals. Topics include the impact of Pleistocene glaciations on avian and mammalian evolution and diversity, predator-prey relationships, mammalian thermoregulation and water economy, mammalian echolocation, and the mechanics of avian flight. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including Biology 2201-2201L. Corequisite: Biology 3324L. Offered alternate years.
BIOL 3324L - Ornithology-mammalogy Laboratory
Field and laboratory studies and experiments illustrating the concepts presented in Biology 3324. Topics include the comparative skeletal anatomy of major mammalian groups and basic avian anatomy and physiology. Students also gain experience with preparing study skins and identifying Virginia species of birds and mammals. Hours credit: 1. Corerequisite: Biology 3324. Offered alternate years.
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 analyzing primary literature. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level, including BIOL 2202-2202L, or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
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. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: two courses in biology at the 2200 level. Alternate years.
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. Hours credit: 3.0. 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
Hours credit: 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
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
BIOL 3390 - Independent Study
BIOL 4490 - Independent Study
BIOL 4495 - Senior Program
Topics in biology. 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. Hours credit: 4.
