FURMAN BIOLOGY

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Furman's Biology Department Courses
As Described in the 2008-2009 Catalogue

Biology offers majors leading to both the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.

Students who plan to receive the B.S. degree with a major in biology must complete 10 or more biology courses, each of which must be at least 3
credits. They must also complete three additional science courses outside of the department:

BIO-111 (11), 221 (21), 222 (22) and 075 (75),
• BIO-83 or 85,
• at least one course from each of the following three groups:

Group I (Molecular and Cellular Biology):
BIO-300 (30) or 303 (33).

Group II (Physiology): BIO-320 (35), 321
(36) or 322 (37).

Group III (Ecology): 340 (40), 342 (42) or
343 (43), and

• CHM-110 (11), 120 (21) and either 210 (12) or 220 (22)

 Students who plan to receive the B.A. degree with a major in biology must complete 10 or more biology courses, each of which must be at least 3 credit hours:

• BIO-111 (11) and 075 (75),
• BIO-501 (80), 500 (83), or 502 (85), and
• at least eight other courses in biology.

The B.A. degree is provided for students who have a genuine interest in biology but do not plan graduate work or other advanced training.

Majors whose career preparations require enrolling in a significant number of science or mathematics courses outside of biology may, with approval of the chair, substitute up to two other courses in those areas for certain biology courses.

Students planning to teach biology in secondary schools must complete a major in biology in order to be certified. These students must also successfully complete CSC-101 (16), EDU-111 (11), 120 (20), 221 (21), 350 (50), 454 (54) (or equivalent in the major department), EDEP-670 (170), CHM-111 (11), 210 (12) and 120 (21), PHY-111 (11) or 104 (14), and one course from: PHY- 105 (15), EES-110 (11) or 111 (16), in addition to the prescribed courses in the major. The requirements for certification (teaching internship) will be completed on a postbaccalaureate, graduate credit basis, with the student becoming eligible for certification at the end of fall term following graduation. Refer to the Education section of this catalog for specific requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program and other pertinent information.

BIO 101 or 102 are recommended for non-majors who may want to become certified to teach. Non-biology majors applying to health professional schools that require eight semester hours of general biology are recommended to enroll in BIO 111 and 221.

Students preparing for professional and graduate schools should be careful to meet those schools' entrance requirements, which may include some courses not required for the degree. All biology majors are urged to take a standardized examination such as the Graduate Record Examination (Biology Subject Test) or the Medical College Admission Test.

Dual-degree programs in Forestry, Environmental Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and other health fields allow a student to enter a profesional school after three years at Furman. For further information, see the department chair or the health careers advisor.

Students interested in marine biology may study at the Duke University Marine Laboratory, where they may may enroll in up to four courses for a maximum of 16 semester hours of credit.  Opportunities are also available for study off campus at several colleges, research laboratories, and hospitals. Participating students  may receive credit for corresponding biology courses, BIO 500 or 502.

Biology (BIO) courses

101 Principles of Biology (formerly BIO-16)
GER: NW (Empirical Study of the Natural World)
The basic principles common to living organisms, including: cell and molecular biology, genetics, organismal physiology, ecology, evolution. Designed for non-science majors. BIO-101 (16) may not be enrolled after successful completion of BIO-111 (11). Helps satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in natural sciences. 4 credits.

 102 Biology and the Environment (formerly BIO-16)
GER: NW (Empirical Study of the Natural World) and NE (Humans and the Natural Environment)
The basic principles common to living organisms, with emphasis on environmental biology. Designed for nonscience majors. Topics include: ecology, evolution, biodiversity, and environmental issues, plus a synopsis of cellular biology, genetics, and physiology. Students may not receive credit for both BIO-101 (16) and BIO-102. BIO- 102 may not be enrolled after successful completion of BIO- 111 (11). 4 credits.

 111 Foundations of Biology (formerly BIO-11)
Introduction to the unifying concepts of biology. Topics include: cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution, and the diversity of life. Laboratories emphasize an investigative approach. Designed for science majors. Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in natural
sciences. 4 credits.

118 Human Anatomy (formerly BIO-18)
Descriptive study of major human organ systems with emphasis on functional characteristics, particularly the musculo-skeletal system. Laboratory includes identification of human bones and slides of human tissue, and dissection of cats and individual mammalian organs (e.g., hearts). Permission of the chair required for B.S. biology majors. 4 credits.

221 Genetics (formerly BIO-21)
Prerequisite: BIO-111 or 101
Introduction to the study of inheritance. Topics include: transmission of genes in cellular and organismal reproduction, structure and arrangement of genetic material in the cell, control and function of genes, and population genetics. Equal emphasis given to inheritance patterns and molecular genetics. Laboratories include testing the genetics of Drosophila and other organisms, and basic molecular techniques. 4 credits.

222 Research and Analysis (formerly BIO 22)
Prerequisite: any biology course enrolled at Furman
Introduction to purposes and methods of scientific inquiry. Topics include: philosophy of science, research design, use of biological literature sources, fundamental laboratory techniques, statistical analysis, and survey of careers in biology. Laboratory includes designing, performing, and reporting on research projects. 4 credits.

300 Cell Biology (formerly BIO-30)
Prerequisite: BIO-222 and CHM-111. CHM-120 and 210 are recommended
Comprehensive study of plant, animal, and microbial cell biology dealing with the chemistry of cells, bioenergetics, cell ultrastructure and its relation to function, specialized cell types, and cell-to-cell communication. Laboratory emphasis on investigations using modern cytological techniques. 4 credits.

301 Microbiology (formerly BIO-31)
Prerequisite: BIO-221
Investigation of the biochemistry, physiology, immunology, pathogenicity, isolation and identification of microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Laboratory work includes standard procedures for studying the physiology of bacteria and the identification of unknown bacteria. 4 credits.

302 Molecular Genetics (formerly BIO-32)
Prerequisite: BIO-221 and 222
Study of molecular genetics within living cells and viruses. Topics include: DNA replication, gene regulation and expression, and artificial manipulation of genes. Laboratory includes various techniques used in molecular genetics, such as isolating and cloning genes. 4 credits.

303 Intermediary Metabolism (formerly BIO-33)
Prerequisite: BIO-222 and CHM-120
The major biosynthetic and catabolic pathways in carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism and their control. Study of selected metabolic disorders and additional biochemical processes of physiological interest. Laboratory includes studies of the analysis and metabolic
reactions of the major types of biomolecules. 4 credits.

320 Animal Physiology (formerly BIO-35)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Comparative and environmental animal physiology. Organ systems studied in invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, with emphasis on physiological adaptation. Laboratory topics include metabolism, respiration, osmoregulation, stress physiology. 4 credits.

321 Plant Physiology (formerly BIO-36)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Comprehensive exploration of plant physiology, with topics emphasizing photosynthesis and respiration, plant water relations, organic and mineral nutrition, secondary metabolites, xylem and phloem transport, growth/development, and stress physiology. Laboratory exercises have extensive investigative components with open-ended activities. 4 credits.

322 Human Physiology (formerly BIO-37)
Prerequisite: BIO-111
Molecular and cellular biology in first several sessions, followed by survey of the functions of the various organ systems in the human body. Laboratory involves studies of humans, using computerized data acquisition systems. 4 credits.

 340 General Ecology (formerly BIO-40)
GER: NE (Humans and the Natural Environment)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
The interactions between organisms and their environments, and the consequences of these interactions for population dynamics, community structure, and the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems. Also, consideration of environmental issues and conservation. Laboratories include
local field work, experiments, and possibly one or two overnight/weekend field trips. 4 credits.

342 Tropical Ecology (formerly BIO-42)
GER: NW (Empirical Study of the Natural World) and NE (Humans and the Natural Environment)
The composition, structure, and function of tropical ecosystems, communities, and populations. Laboratories focus on ecological sampling methods. 4 credits.

343 Environmental Systems (formerly BIO-43)
GER: NE (Humans and the Natural Environment)
Prerequisite: BIO-111, CHM-111, EES-110 or EES-112.
Same as EES-343. Interdisciplinary examination of the physical, biological and chemical processes that control the flow of matter and energy in surface environments on planet Earth. Emphasis on the interactions between abiotic and biotic processes. Lab includes field studies and weekend field
trips. 4 credits.

344 African Ecology (formerly BIO-A39)
GER: NW (Empirical Study of the Natural World)
Prerequisite: any biology course and permission of instructor
Travel study course taught in South Africa that demonstrating ecological principles and examining conservation issues. Focus on the ecology of the region’s unique flora and fauna as well as the conservation challenges of South Africa’s cultural, political and economic situation. Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement. 4 credits.

400 Field Botany (formerly BIO-44)
Prerequisite: BIO-101 or 111
Natural relationships of vascular plants, practice in the use of identification keys, experience in recognizing species in the field, techniques used in collecting and preparing herbarium specimens, and exposure to pertinent literature. Laboratories include field trips. 4 credits.

401 Applied Plant Science (formerly BIO-45)
GER: NE (Humans and the Natural Environment)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Introduction to plant biology as it pertains to human society. Topics include: life cycles, structure/function relationships, and uses of plants in society. Emphasis on medicinally and economically important plants. Lab exercises reflect the importance of plants as sources of food and medicine. 4
credits.

420 Chordate Morphology & Development (formerly BIO-47)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Lecture and laboratory comparative study of the embryology and adult anatomy of representative chordates. Laboratory dissections include the dogfish shark and the cat. 4 credits.

421 Invertebrate Zoology (formerly BIO-48)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Survey of the major and minor phyla, with an emphasis on arthropods (arachnids, crustaceans and insects). Includes the taxonomy, ecology, behavior and physiology of representative organisms. Laboratories include field trips, specimen collection and preservation, and dissection. 4 credits.

422 Field Zoology (formerly BIO-49)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Taxonomic techniques, natural history and phylogenetic relationships of vertebrates. Emphasis on mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Frequent laboratories and field trips (including at least one overnight) to observe, identify and collect animals. 4 credits.

423 Marine Biology (formerly BIO-50)
GER: NE (Humans and the Natural Environment)
Prerequisite: any BIO course and permission of instructor
Travel study course focusing on biodiversity, ecology and physiology of marine organisms, especially as they relate to organismal adaptations to the environment. Includes examination of the influences of humans on the marine environment. 4 credits.

424 Biology of the Andes & Galápagos (formerly
BIO-53)
Prerequisite: BIO-342 and permission of instructor
Ecology of the Andes Mountains. Emphasis on the unique flora and fauna endemic to this region. Ecological and behavioral studies in the Galápagos Islands as viewed from an evolutionary prospective. Taught in South America. 4 credits.

425 Developmental Biology (formerly BIO-58)
Prerequisite: BIO-221 and 222
Embryonic changes studied at the genetic, biochemical, cellular, and spatial levels. Growth, metamorphosis, tumors, and aging are also studied. Emphasis is on mechanisms of developmental processes, rather than on anatomy. Laboratory involves handling and manipulating living
embryos of several species. 4 credits.

430 Natural Resource Management (formerly BIO- 54)
GER: NE (Humans and the Natural Environment)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Technical introduction to fisheries, forestry, wild-life, and land management. Laboratories include identifying common game species and learning techniques of forestry and wildlife management. Field trips (including two overnights) to view resource management and utilization in action. 4 credits.

432 Field Studies in Biology (formerly BIO-52)
GER: NE (Humans and the Natural Environment) and NW (Empirical Study of the Natural World)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. BIO-340 or 341 recommended.
Travel study course focusing on floral and faunal compositions and analysis of species interactions in a variety of habitats and ecological communities not found in South Carolina. Usually involves camping, hiking and travel by water in areas such as New England, Rocky Mountains, desert Southwest, Everglades or foreign countries. 1 credit.

440 Population Genetics and Evolution (formerly BIO-55)
Prerequisite: BIO-221 and 222
Evolutionary mechanisms that change the genetic structure of populations. Patterns of evolutionary change documented by the fossil record, iogeography, comparative anatomy and genetic similarity. Labs include experiments in Drosophila evolution, computer simulations, and at least one field trip (fossils). 4 credits.

450 Microanatomy (formerly BIO-56)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Extensive examination of the structural properties of animal tissues, with emphasis on human samples. Identifying cells and organs based on microscopic structural attributes. Laboratory includes histological preparation and the identification of unknown samples. 4 credits.

460 Neurobiology (formerly BIO-57)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Structure, function and interactions of neurons and supportive cells of the nervous system. Analysis of simple neuronal circuits and neuronal alterations in development, memory and neurological disorders. Laboratories include the study of nervous system cells in culture and groups of neurons in the rat. 4 credits.

470 Immunology (formerly BIO-59)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Study of the immune system dealing with both adaptive and innate immunity. Topics include cellular aspects of immunology, antibody-antigen interactions, the genetic basis of antigenic recognition, regulation of the immune response, tumor immunology and autoimmunity. Laboratory emphasis is on student research projects investigating various aspects of immunity. 4 credits.

475 Nutrition (formerly BIO-60)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
Composition, chemistry, digestion, absorption, and metabolism of foods. Other topics include energy balance, food additives, food sensitivities, and the role of diet in development and disease. The animal nutrition topics meet the needs of pre-veterinary students. 4 credits.

075 Seminar in Biology (Formerly BIO-75)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
Presentations of current topics in biology by students, faculty, and visiting scientists. Emphasis is on effective oral communication and critical examination of scientific information and ideas. 0 credit

501 Individualized Internship (formerly BIO-83)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. BIO-222 recommended.
Provides direct training and work experience in one or more aspects of the biological sciences at an off campus facility. Working with a faculty sponsor and an on-site supervisor,students develop objectives for the internship/preceptorship experience, write an agreement specifying what is expected, and keep a detailed log of their activities. In conjunction with this experience, students select a topic of biological significance, perform a thorough literature search, and write a significant paper describing the current understanding of the topic. A required oral presentation of the topic is usually done in the context of BIO-075. Variable credit.

502 Directed Research (formerly BIO-85)
Prerequisite: BIO-222 and permission of instructor
A project involving original and relatively independent research. Working with a faculty sponsor, the student poses a question of biological significance, writes an agreement specifying work expectations, devises the experimental protocol, and collects data to evaluate the question. Laboratory or field projects may be performed either on campus or at other locations. A research paper and oral presentation of the topic are required upon completion of
the project, with the oral presentation usually done in the context of BIO-075. Variable credit.

503 Directed Independent Study (formerly BIO-80)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. BIO-222 recommended.
An independent study project not involving laboratory or field research. Working with a faculty sponsor, the student chooses a topic of biological significance and writes an agreement specifying work expectations. The student then performs an exhaustive literature search and writes a
comprehensive paper describing current understanding of the topic. A required oral presentation of the topic is usually done in the context of BIO-075. Variable credit.