Biology

Degrees and Certificates

Course Descriptions

BIO 101: Introduction to Biology I

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 2

This is an introductory course designed for non-science majors.  It includes physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms.  These principles are explained through a study of the scientific method, biological organization, cellular structure, bioenergetics of a cell, cell reproduction, gene theory, inheritance, and evolution.  A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

BIO 102: Introduction to Biology II

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 2

This is an introductory course designed for non-science majors. It includes evolutionary principles and relationships, environmental and ecological topics, phylogenetics and classification, and a survey of biodiversity. A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 103: Principles of Biology I

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 2

This is an introductory course for both science and non-science majors. It covers physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms. These principles are explained through the study of cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, basic biochemistry, cell energetics, the process of photosynthesis, and Mendelian and molecular genetics. Also included are the scientific method, basic principles of evolution, and an overview of the diversity of life. A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

BIO 104: Principles of Biology II

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 2

This introductory course synthesizes basic ecological and evolutionary relationships while surveying plant, fungi, and animal diversity, comparing classification, morphology, physiology, and reproduction.  A 180-minute laboratory per week is required. 

Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in BIO 103.

BIO 105: Introduction to Biotechnology

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 2

This course is an introduction to biotechnology, including career exploration, historical development and current applications in the areas of medicine, forensics, agriculture, and the environment. Students will learn laboratory safety and documentation while acquiring skills in the maintenance and calibration of basic lab equipment, calculation, and preparation of lab solutions and media. 

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 107: Cell Structure

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 2 Lab Hours 4

The overall objective of this course is to provide a basic understanding to the growth to the field of biotechnology. Instruction will focus on growing techniques and long-term maintenance of various cell cultures, including both attached and suspension cell lines. Microbial life cycle and cell culture will be emphasized, including discussion of pathogenic aspects and utilization of microbial transformation and protein production for use in biotechnological processes. 

Prerequisites

C or higher in BIO 103 and BIO 105.

BIO 201: Human Anatomy Physiology I

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 2

This course covers the structure and function of the human body. Included is an orientation of the human body; a study of cells and tissues, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems; and the senses. Dissection, histological studies, and physiology may be featured in the laboratory experience. A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in BIO 103 or successful placement on the Alabama Community College System Biology Placement Exam.

BIO 202: Human Anatomy Physiology II

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 2

This course covers the structure and function of the human body. Included is the study of basic nutrition and metabolism; basic principles of fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base balance; and the endocrine, respiratory, digestive, urinary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and reproductive systems. Dissection, histological studies, and physiology may be featured in the laboratory experience. A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in BIO 103 or successful placement on the Alabama Community College System Biology Placement Exam and a grade of C or better in BIO 201.

BIO 203: Techniques in Molecular Biology

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 2 Lab Hours 4

This course is an introduction to the major topics in biochemistry and molecular biology. Topics include the major classes of biological molecules, an overview of the major metabolic pathways, advancing technologies, and bioethical issues. The laboratory will provide experience in the isolation and manipulation of DNA and RNA, DNA and protein electrophoresis, and enzymatic and immunological assays.

Prerequisites

C or higher in BIO 107 and CHM 111.

BIO 220: General Microbiology

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 2 Lab Hours 4

This course covers the fundamental principles of microbiology, which includes the characteristics of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses; cell functions and microbial genetics; chemical and physical control methods of microbial growth; and interactions between microbes and humans in relation to pathology, immunology, and the role of normal biota. The laboratory experience focuses on microbiological techniques including culturing, microscopy, staining, identification, and control of microorganisms. This course requires 240-minutes of laboratory per week.

Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in BIO 103 or successful placement on the Alabama Community College System Biology Placement Exam; or a grade of C or better in BIO 201.

BIO 250: Directed Studies in Biology I

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 8

This course allows independent study under the direction of an instructor. Topics to be included in the course material will be approved by the instructor prior to or at the beginning of the class. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics as specified by the instructor.

BIO 251: Directed Studies in Biology II

Program
Credits 4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 8

This course allows independent study under the direction of an instructor. Topics to be included in the course material will be approved by the instructor prior to or at the beginning of the class. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics as specified by the instructor.

Prerequisites

BIO 250

BIO 252: Directed Studies in Biotechnology

Program
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 2

This course allows independent study under the direction of an instructor.  Topics to be included in the course material will be approved by the instructor prior to or at the beginning of the class.  Typical projects will expose the student to the industry and provide practical application of laboratory procedures.  Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics as specified by the instructor.

Prerequisites

C or higher in BIO107 and ENG101. 

BIO 254: Advanced Topics in Biotechnology

Program
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 2

In this advanced course, students will design and implement an independent study that utilized biotechnological methods relevant to local industry or to expand the scope of previous laboratory experience.  The projects will include an expansion of previous experiences to design and implement an application as found in local biotechnology industries.

Prerequisites

C or higher in BIO252 

BIO 256: Biotechnology Internship

Program
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 2

The internship will provide advanced students the opportunity to develop job and career-related skills while in a work setting.  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply classroom knowledge to an actual work situation.  The work will be developed cooperatively with academic, industrial, and private institutional biotechnology laboratories.

Prerequisites

Student must have a 2.5 GPA or better in all coursework since enrolling in BIO105, and all prior Biotechnology courses (including BIO203) must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.