|
BIOLOGY (BLY) |
| |
| Prerequisites
for all courses may be waived with permission
of the instructor. |
| |
| BLY 101* |
Life Science
I |
3
cr |
|
| The
first of a two-semester sequence designed for
the non-major. The basic principles of biological
phenomena are emphasized by examples relating
to the human. Cell structure and function, energy,
and organ systems are studied. Core
Course. |
| |
| BLY
101L |
Life
Science I Laboratory |
1
cr |
|
| Laboratory
exercises associated with BLY 101. BLY 101 must
be taken concurrently or as a prerequisite. Together,
BLY 101 and BLY 101L count as one laboratory science
course, partially fulfilling general education
requirements. Fee. |
| |
| BLY 102* |
Life Science
II |
3
cr |
|
| A
continuation of BLY 101. Organ systems, cell reproduction,
plant and animal development, heredity, evolution,
and ecology are studied. Prerequisite: BLY 101.
Core Course. |
| |
| BLY
102L |
Life
Science II Laboratory |
1
cr |
|
| Laboratory
exercises associated with BLY 102. BLY 102 must
be taken concurrently or as a prerequisite. Together,
BLY 102 and BLY 102L count as one laboratory science
course, partially fulfilling general education
requirements. Fee. |
| |
| BLY 121 |
General
Biology I |
3
cr |
|
| A
study of molecular composition of cells, cell
structure, metabolism, genetics, microevolution,
Monera, Protista, and Fungi. Students with an
ACT composite score of less than 21
should first successfully complete BLY 101 or
CH 100 or CH 131 before enrolling in BLY 121.
BLY 101 credit may be applied as elective credit
toward a degree but cannot be included in the
28 hours required for a biology major. Core
Course. |
| |
| BLY
121L |
General
Biology I Laboratory |
1
cr |
|
| Laboratory
exercises associated with BLY 121. BLY 121 must
be taken concurrently or as a prerequisite. Together,
BLY 121 and BLY 121L count as one laboratory science
course, partially fulfilling general education
requirements. Fee. |
| |
| BLY 122 |
General
Biology II |
3
cr |
|
| A
study of plants, major invertebrate phyla, vertebrate
morphology, plant and animal physiology, animal
behavior, macroevolution, and ecology. Prerequisite:
BLY 121. Core Course. |
| |
| BLY
122L |
General
Biology II Laboratory |
1
cr |
|
| Laboratory
exercises associated with BLY 122. BLY 122 must
be taken concurrently or as a prerequisite. Together,
BLY 122 and BLY 122L count as one laboratory science
course, partially fulfilling general education
requirements. Fee. |
| |
| NOTE:
BLY 121 and BLY 122, or the equivalents, are prerequisites
to all courses numbered 300 or above except by
permission of the Chair of the Department of the
Biological Sciences. A year of college chemistry,
or advanced high school preparation in biology
and chemistry is highly recommended for these
two introductory courses. |
| |
Credit
will not be allowed for both the non-major sequence
(BLY 101, BLY 101L and BLY 102, BLY 102L) and the major/minor sequence (BLY 121, BLY 121L, BLY 122, BLY 122L.)
|
| |
| BLY 134 |
Ocean Science |
3 cr |
|
| An introduction to physical, chemical, and biological oceanography. Prerequisite: BLY 101 (usually taught in the spring semester). |
| |
| BLY 134L |
Ocean Science Laboratory |
1 cr |
|
| Laboratory experiences associated with BLY 134. Prerequisite: BLY 134 or concurrent enrollment. Fee. |
| |
| BLY 205 |
Introduction
to Environmental Science |
3 cr |
|
| Environmental
science, including the fundamentals required to
understand how ecosystems work, how environmental
modifications affect ecosystems and living things,
and how living things affect their environment.
Topics to be emphasized include the effects of
pollution, habitat modification, and other environmental
changes, on ecosystems, plants, wildlife, man,
outdoor recreation, and the future. Public health
and medical effects will also be considered. Many
topics covered are of special significance to
this region: wetlands, the effects of dredging
and filling, artificial lake construction, development,
agricultural and forestry practices on ecosystems,
plants, and animals. Prerequisite: college biology,
or permission of instructor. |
| |
| BLY 207* |
Biology
of Aging |
3 cr |
|
| A
descriptive review of processes of aging. Emphasis
is placed on studying structural and functional
changes that could occur with increase in chronological
age. Prerequisite: BLY 101, equivalent course,
or permission of instructor (usually taught in
the fall, spring, and summer semesters). |
| |
| BLY 213* |
Microbiology |
3 cr |
|
| A
survey of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses
with emphasis on host-microbe interactions, immune
responses, and control mechanisms. Prerequisite:
BLY 101. |
| |
| BLY 214* |
Laboratory
Studies in Microbiology |
1 cr |
|
| A
series of laboratory experiments designed to provide
practical experiments in basic microbial techniques.
Prerequisite: BLY 213 or concurrent enrollment.
Fee. |
| |
| BLY 215* |
Human
Genetics |
3 cr |
|
| For
students who desire knowledge of human genetics
either to further their career goals of to enhance
their liberal-arts education. Prerequisite: BLY
101 or permission of chair. |
| |
|
|
| Principles
and processes involved in the transmission of
heredity traits. Mendelian principles are correlated
with modern genetic concepts. Enrollees must register
for recitation section. Genetics Laboratory (BLY
312) is recommended but not required. Category
A or D. Prerequisite:
BLY 121 (usually taught in the spring semester). |
| |
| BLY 312 |
Laboratory
Studies in Genetics |
2 cr |
|
| Designed
to illustrate classical and molecular principles
through laboratory experiences. Studies in eukaryotic
and prokaryotic genetics are utilized. Prerequisite:
BLY 311 or concurrent enrollment in BLY 311 (usually
taught in the spring semester). Fee. |
| |
| BLY 314 |
Molecular
Microbiology (W) |
4 cr |
|
| Study
of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms and
their relationship to their environment. Molecular,
genetic, and biochemical aspects of each will
be emphasized. Prerequisite: CH 131. |
| |
|
|
| Basic
ecological principles operating in terrestrial,
freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Field work
in representative biotic communities of
the Mobile region constitute an integral part
of the course. Category D (taught in the
spring semester).
Fee. |
| |
| BLY 332 |
Biology of Algae |
4 cr |
|
| A
survey of non-vascular plants; algae, fungi, liverworts,
and mosses, with emphasis on morphology and taxonomy.
Category B. |
| |
| BLY 341 |
Cell Biology |
3 cr |
|
| A
course designed to integrate cell structure and
function: the study of the ultrastructure, organization,
physiology, genetics, and other functions of the
cell. Prerequisites: CH 131 and CH 132. Category A (usually
taught in the fall semester). |
| |
| BLY 342 |
Cell Biology
Laboratory (W) (C) |
2 cr |
|
| Laboratory
experience with instrumentation and techniques
utilized in modern cell biology research including
organellar isolation, protein analysis, and microscopic
techniques. Prerequisite: BLY 341 or concurrent
enrollment (usually taught in the fall semester).
Fee. |
| |
| BLY 352 |
Biology
of Terrestrial Vertebrates (W) |
4 cr |
|
| Evolution,
characteristics, classification, life history,
ecology, and behavior of amphibians, reptiles,
birds, and mammals. Laboratory and field work
emphasize local species. Category C (usually taught
in alternate spring semester). |
| |
| BLY 354 |
General
Entomology |
4 cr |
|
| Classification
and habits of insects, including collection, preservation,
and identification of those occurring in South
Alabama. Category C. (taught
in the fall semester). |
| |
| BLY 360 |
The Invertebrates |
4 cr |
|
| Detailed
study of the invertebrate phyla: taxonomy, ecology,
and phylogenetic relationship. Terrestrial, freshwater,
and marine forms are studied. Category C. |
| |
| BLY 363 |
Vertebrate
Embryology |
4 cr |
|
| Avian
and amphibian histogenesis and organogenesis
from fertilization to time of histological maturity.
Category C. |
| |
| BLY 365 |
Comparative
Vertebrate Anatomy |
5 cr |
|
| Anatomy
and evolution of the organ systems of the major
vertebrate groups. Laboratory includes dissections
of dogfish sharks and cats. Category C (usually
taught in the fall semester). |
| |
| BLY 367** |
Marine
Biology |
4 cr |
|
| Local
marine environments and the classification, morphology,
and ecology of the locally occurring flora and
fauna. Category D (usually taught in the summer
semester). |
| |
| BLY 368** |
Dolphins And Whales |
2 cr |
|
| Classification, anatomy, and ecology of cetaceans and manatees. Category C. (Usually taught in summer semester). |
| |
| BLY 370** |
Marine Aquaculture |
2 cr |
|
| Techniques and issues involved with the commercial culture of marine organisms including nutrition, reproductive biology, production, water quality, processing, marketing, and economics. Category D (Usually taught in summer semester). |
| |
| BLY
425 |
Chemical
Ecology (W) |
3
cr |
|
| This
class focuses on chemically mediated interactions
between, among, and within organisms in both the
aquatic and terrestrial environments. The topics
covered include: chemoreception, chemical defense,
chemical attraction, and the impact of chemical
ecology on humans. This course includes a writing
component. Students will gain experience in critical
analysis, research development, grant writing
and computer based presentation. Category D. Prerequisites: BLY 325, BLY 341, BLY 436, and CH 201. |
| |
| BLY 426 |
Freshwater
Ecology |
3 cr |
|
| This
course examines four aspects of freshwater ecology;
physical and chemical properties of water, biotic
communities, links among freshwater systems, and
human influence on freshwater ecosystems. Students
will be required to submit a collection of local
freshwater invertebrates. Prerequisite: Ecology
(BLY 325). This prerequisite may be waived at
the discretion of the instructor. Category D (taught every second fall
semester). |
| |
| BLY 430** |
Marine
Botany |
4 cr |
|
| A
general survey of marine algae and vascular and
non-vascular plants associated with the marine
environment. Distribution, identification, structure,
ecology, and reproduction will be considered.
Course offered only through Marine Environmental
Science Consortium. Category B (usually taught
in the summer semester). |
| |
| BLY 431 |
Plant
Physiology (W)(C) |
4 cr |
|
| A
critical study of higher plant function. This
course includes a study of water relations, plant
biochemistry, and plant development. Category
A (usually taught in the spring semester). Fee. |
| |
| BLY 432 |
Morphology
of Vascular Plants |
4 cr |
|
| Morphological
features and possible relationships of psilophytes,
club mosses, horsetails, ferns, and seed plants.
Illustrated whenever feasible with local plants.
Category B. |
| |
| BLY 433 |
Taxonomy
of Flowering Plants |
4 cr |
|
| Principles
of classification of flowering plants; survey
of major plant families; collection and identification
of representative local plants. Field trips. Category
B (usually taught in the spring semester). |
| |
| BLY 435 |
Biology
of Fungi |
4 cr |
|
| Identification
and morphology of fungi with some emphasis on
their relation to human affairs. Collection required.
Category B (usually taught in the spring semester). |
| |
| BLY 436 |
Animal
Physiology (W)(C) |
4 cr |
|
| This class will take a comparative approach to animal physiology. Comparisons of structural and functional relationships in the body systems of invertebrates and vertebrates, including humans, will be made. A basic foundation in chemistry and cell biology is required for this course. This course incorporates writing and computer components. Students will gain experience in critical analysis, research development and analysis, word processing, computer based statistical and graphical analysis, and in computer based presentation programs. Prerequisites BLY
341, BLY 342, CH 131, and CH 132. Category A (usually taught
in the spring semester). Fee. |
| |
| BLY 440 |
Biochemistry
I |
3 cr |
|
| Principles
of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and nucleotide
chemistry; membrane phenomena; enzyme kinetics
and bioenergetics. Prerequisite: CH 201. Also
cross-listed as CH 440. Category A (usually taught
in the fall semester). |
| |
| BLY 441 |
Biochemistry
II |
3 cr |
|
| Course
is sequential to Biochemistry I and focuses on
reactions and regulation of intermediary metabolism;
molecular genetics, hormonal action, and nutrition.
Prerequisite: BLY 440. Requires special permission.
Also cross-listed as CH 441. Category A (usually
taught in the spring semester). |
| |
| BLY 443 |
Laboratory
Studies in Biochemistry |
3 cr |
|
| Course
familiarizes the student with basic laboratory
techniques commonly employed in biochemical research.
Prerequisite: BLY 440 or concurrent enrollment
in BLY 441. Requires special permission. Also
cross-listed as CH 443. Fee. |
| |
| BLY 450 |
Animal
Behavior |
4 cr |
|
| Introductory
animal behavior from a biological viewpoint, emphasizing
behavioral adaptation of animals to their environment.
Orientation, migration, rhythms, communication,
territoriality, experimental techniques, and ecological
and evolutionary aspects of behavior will be considered.
Category D (usually taught in the spring semester). |
| |
| BLY 451** |
Marine
Vertebrate Zoology |
4 cr |
|
| A
study of marine vertebrates, with emphasis on
fishes; their systematics, zoogeography, and ecology.
Category C (usually taught in the summer semester). |
| |
| BLY 455 |
Ornithology
(W) |
4 cr |
|
| Principles
of classification, structure, distribution, migration
natural history, and adaptions of birds within
an ecological context. Field and laboratory identification
of birds by habitat, size, form, color, and sound.
Some field activities may occur at times other
than regularly scheduled laboratory hours. Category
C (usually taught in alternate spring semester). |
| |
| BLY 459 |
General
Parasitology |
3 cr |
|
| Principles
of parasitology and a survey of all major parasitic
groups. Category C (usually taught in the fall
semester). |
| |
| BLY 463 |
Vertebrate
Histology |
4 cr |
|
| Microscopic
anatomy of organ systems, with emphasis on human
tissues. Category C. |
| |
| BLY 466** |
Introduction To Neurobiology |
4 cr |
|
| Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of marine invertebrates and vertebrates. Topics include resting and action potentials, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters, sensory transduction, muscle innervation, sensorimotor transformations, and the neurophysiological basis of behavior. Category A (Usually taught in summer semester). |
| |
| BLY 468** |
Coral Reef Ecology |
4 cr |
|
| Ecology and evolution of coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove communities. An additional assessment will cover transportation, meals, and lodging for a one-week field trip to Andros Island, Bahamas. Updated information at http://www.disl.org. Prerequisite: Ecology. Category D (Usually taught in summer semester). |
| |
|
|
| A field course that emphasizes the ecology, evolution, natural history, characteristics, structure, function, geographic distribution, behavior, and systematics of amphibians and reptiles. Course includes structured writing assignments and focuses on good writing skills and forms. Laboratory and field work emphasize identification of specimens by name, habit, and characteristics. Some field activities will occur at time other than the scheduled laboratory hours. |
| |
| BLY 471** |
Marine
Invertebrate Zoology |
4 cr |
|
| A
study of the natural history, systematics, and
morphology of marine invertebrates. Category C
(usually taught in the summer semester). |
| |
| BLY 472** |
Marine Behavioral Ecology |
4 cr |
|
| The ecological and evolutionary significance of animal behaviors in the marine environment. Exercises will include analysis of data collected from laboratory and field experiments. Statistics recommended. Category D (Usually taught in summer semester). |
| |
| BLY 474** |
Introduction
to Oceanography |
4 cr |
|
| A
general introduction to the oceans, with emphasis
on chemical, physical, and geological processes,
and their relation to biological systems. |
| |
| BLY 475** |
Marine
Ecology |
4 cr |
|
| The
relationship of marine organisms to their environment.
Category D (usually taught in the summer semester). |
| |
| BLY 481** |
Marine
Technical Methods |
2 cr |
|
| An
introduction to instruments and procedures normally
used aboard a marine research vessel, including
physical, biological, chemical, and geological
parameter measures and sample collection (usually
taught in the summer semester). |
| |
| BLY 483** |
Field
Marine Science |
2 cr |
|
| The
Field Marine Science course consists of a 10-day
field exercise in the tropical southeastern Gulf
of Mexico (Florida Keys) and the temperate north
Atlantic. Sites alternate annually. Faculty members
with diverse interests accompany the students,
participate in pretrip readings and discussion
sessions and evaluate the product developed by
each student. Prerequisites: Senior or graduate
standing in a major related to marine sciences
and permission of the instructor. |
| |
| BLY 484 |
Conservation Biology |
3 cr |
|
| The study of preserving biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems using a multidisciplinary approach. Primary emphasis will focus on the development of strategies for preservation and management using scientific principles and theory. Prerequisite: BLY 325. |
| |
| BLY 485 |
Evolutionary Biology |
3 cr |
|
| The study of mechanisms and historical patterns of evolutionary change in biological systems ranging form genes to phylogeny. Prerequisite: BLY 311. |
| |
| BLY 490 |
Special
Topics |
1-4 cr |
|
| Small,
interested groups of students will study specialized
topics not generally listed in the course offerings.
Faculty and visiting professors will offer courses
in their areas of specialization. Prerequisite:
Permission of the department. |
| |
| BLY 494 |
Directed
Studies |
1-4 cr |
|
| This
course is designed to enable the capable student
to pursue independent research under the direction
of a member of the faculty. Prerequisite: Permission
of the department chair. |
| |
| BLY 499 |
Honors
Research in Biology (W) |
1-6 cr |
|
| Experience
in planning, conducting, and reporting a research
project under the direction of the faculty. Prerequisites:
BLY 121/BLY 122, CH131/CH 132, overall GPA 3.0, biology
GPA 3.5, and permission of the department
chair. |
| |
| BLY 511 |
Developmental
Biology |
3 cr |
|
| The
genetic and biochemical interactions present in
the early embryonic development of higher organisms.
Emphasis on animal development. Prerequisites:
BLY 311, BLY 341, BLY 363. |
| |
| BLY 515 |
Ecotoxicology |
4 cr |
|
| The impact of chemicals as toxic agents on ecosystems. Students will understand types, sources, and effects of environmental toxicants, methods of testing and interpretation, and regulation of environmental toxicants. This material will be presented in the context of ecosystem health rather than human health. This is a core course for M.S. degree students in the Environmental Toxicology program. |
| |
|
|
| The
application of statistical methodology, both univariate
and multivariate techniques, to the solution of
biological problems. This course is not designed
as a substitute for instruction in statistics,
but rather to complement previous course work.
The laboratory will involve the use of PC computers
to perform procedures on biological data and subsequent
interpretation of the results. Prerequisites: ST
210, BLY 121, BLY 122, ONE 300 level course. Prerequisites
can be waived at the discretion of the instructor.
Category D (Taught every second spring semester).
Fee. |
| |
| BLY
525 |
Chemical
Ecology |
3
cr |
|
| Chemical
Ecology focuses on chemically mediated interactions
within organisms in both aquatic and terrestrial
environments. The topics covered include: chemoreception,
chemical defense, chemical attraction, and the
impact of chemical ecology on humans. This course
includes a writing component. Students will gain
experience in critical analysis, research development,
grant writing and computer based presentation. Prerequisites: BLY 325, BLY 341, BLY 436 and CH 201. |
| |
| BLY 526 |
Freshwater
Ecology |
3 cr |
|
| This
course examines four aspects of freshwater ecology;
physical and chemical properties of water, biotic
communities, links among freshwater systems, and
human influence on freshwater ecosystems. Students
will be required to submit a collection of local
freshwater invertebrates. Prerequisite: Ecology
(BLY 325). This prerequisite may be waived at
the discretion of the instructor. (taught
every second fall semester). |
| |
| BLY 530** |
Marine
Microbial Ecology |
3 cr |
|
| A
general survey of the types of microorganisms
found in the marine environment. Emphasis will
be on the interaction of microorganisms with each
other and with their environment. In particular,
the role of microorganisms in carbon cycling and
biogeochemical processes will be stressed. Readings
from current literature will expose students to
the latest techniques and research. Cross listed
with Marine Sciences. |
| |
| BLY 533 |
Topics
in Parasitology |
3 cr |
|
| Theoretical
aspects of parasite ecology, evolution, and physiology,
with emphasis on current literature. |
| |
| BLY 535/435 |
Biology
of Fungi (Mycology) |
4 cr |
|
| Identification
and morphology of fungi with some emphasis on
their relation to human affairs. Collection required.
Credit for both BLY 535 and BLY 435 is not allowed. |
| |
| BLY 540/440 |
Biochemistry
I |
3 cr |
|
| Principles
of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and nucleotide
chemistry; membrane phenomena; enzyme kinetics
and bioenergetics. Prerequisite: one year of organic
chemistry. Credit for both BLY 540 and BLY 440
is not allowed. |
| |
| BLY 541/441 |
Biochemistry
II |
3 cr |
|
| Sequential
to Biochemistry I and focuses on reactions and
regulation of intermediary metabolism; molecular
genetics, hormonal action, and nutrition. Prerequisite:
BLY 540 or BLY 440. Credit for both BLY 541 and BLY
441 is not allowed. |
| |
| BLY 543/443 |
Laboratory
Studies in Biochemistry |
3 cr |
|
| Familiarizes
the student with basic laboratory techniques commonly
employed in biochemical research. Prerequisite:
BLY 541. Credit for both BLY 543 and BLY 443 is
not allowed. |
| |
| BLY 550 |
Animal Behavior |
4 cr |
|
| This course will examine animal behavior from a biological and empirical viewpoint, with an emphasis on behavioral adaptations of animals to their environment. Orientation, migration, rhythms, communication, territoriality, social and courtship behaviors will be considered within the context of ecology and evolution. Credit for both BLY 450 and BLY 550 is not allowed. |
| |
| BLY 551/451** |
Marine
Vertebrate Zoology |
4 cr |
|
| A
study of marine vertebrates with emphasis on fishes;
their systematics, zoogeography, and ecology.
Students will have an opportunity to assemble
a collection of vertebrate species. Credit for
both BLY 551 and BLY 451 is not allowed. |
| |
| BLY 554 |
Advanced Entomology |
4 cr |
|
| This course emphasizes form, function, classification, behavior, taxonomy and evolution of insects. In addition, the student is required to make an insect collection of adult and immature insects. (Taught every second semester.) |
| |
| BLY 568** |
Coral Reef Ecology |
4 cr |
|
| Ecology and evolution of coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove communities. An additional assessment will cover transportation, meals, and lodging for a one-week field trip to Andros Island, Bahamas. Updated information at http://www.disl.org. Prerequisites: Ecology. Credit for BLY 568 and BLY 468 is not allowed. |
| |
| BLY 570/470 |
Herpetology |
4 cr |
|
| A field course that emphasizes the ecology, evolution, natural history, characteristics, structure, function, geographic distribution, behavior, and systematics of amphibians and reptiles. Course includes structured writing assignments and focuses on good writing skills and forms. Laboratory and field work emphasize identification of specimens by name, habit, and characteristics. Some field activities will occur at time other than the scheduled laboratory hours. Oral classroom presentations required. |
| |
| BLY 571/471** |
Marine
Invertebrate Zoology |
4 cr |
|
| A
study of the natural history, systematics and
morphology of marine invertebrates. Credit for
both BLY 571 and BLY 471 is not allowed. |
| |
| BLY 572** |
Marine Behavioral Ecology |
4 cr |
|
| The ecological and evolutionary significance of animal behaviors in the marine environment. Exercises will include analysis of data collected from laboratory and field experiments. Statistics recommended. Credit for BLY 572 and BLY 472 is not allowed. |
| |
| BLY 573** |
Oceanology
of the Gulf of Mexico |
3 cr |
|
| A
descriptive study of the oceanology of the Gulf
of Mexico and adjacent waters, including coastal
zone, continental shelf, and deep ocean. Prerequisite:
Degree in a science. |
| |
| BLY 575/475** |
Marine
Ecology |
4 cr |
|
| The
relationship of marine organisms to |
