Department of Biology
The Department of Biology offers courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in biology, and biology-secondary education. In addition to courses, the department offers advisement for application to a variety of graduate and professional programs, e.g., in biology, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and respiratory therapy and forestry. Students should consult their academic advisor for assistance in choosing courses that both comply with degree requirements for a major in Biology and meet the admission requirements for the graduate career or professional program in which they have interest.
MAJOR IN BIOLOGY
Curriculum Requirement
A grade of C or better in Principles of Biology I and II, Genetics, Ecology, and Cell Biology is required for a student to progress to any 3300-4000 level biology course.
Core Curriculum Requirements - 60 Hours
All baccalaureate degree programs at NGCSU require the satisfactory completion of at least 60 semester credit hours comprising the six areas of the core curriculum. A complete description of Areas A-E of the core curriculum can be found on page 86. Individual degree programs may specify exceptions and/or particular courses that must be taken within each Area A-E of the core curriculum. Those exceptions and/or course requirements, and Area F of the core curriculum, are shown below.
Area A no exceptions
Area B no exceptions
Area C no exceptions
Area D no exceptions
Area E no exceptions
Students may not take the following courses in area D:
| BIOL 1107 K |
Principles of Biology I |
4 hours |
| BIOL 1108 K |
Principles of Biology II |
4 hours |
| CHEM 1211 |
Principles of Chemistry I |
3 hours |
| CHEM 1211L |
Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I |
1 hour |
| CHEM 1212 |
Principles of Chemistry II |
3 hours |
| CHEM 1212L |
Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II |
1 hour |
Area F. Biology Major
|
18 hours |
| BIOL 1107 K |
Principles of Biology I (with lab) |
4 hours |
| BIOL 1108 K |
Principles of Biology II (with lab) |
4 hours |
| CHEM 1211 |
Principles of Chemistry I |
3 hours |
| CHEM 1211L |
Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I |
1 hour |
| CHEM 1212 |
Principles of Chemistry II |
3 hours |
| LANG 1002 |
Second Semester Elementary Foreign Language |
3 hours |
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Students completing Advanced Placement Biology and scoring four or higher on the examination may enroll in courses for which Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology II are prerequisites.
| COURSES IN THE BIOLOGY MAJOR: |
40 hours |
Take these courses as prerequisites to all 3300 - 4000 level courses
| BIOL 3220 |
Genetics |
4 hours |
| BIOL 3230 |
Ecology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 3240 |
Cell Biology |
4 hours |
| |
|
|
Take one course from each of the following categories.
Botany:
| BIOL 3321 |
General Botany |
4 hours |
| BIOL 3322 |
Plant Diversity |
4 hours |
| |
|
|
| Zoology: |
|
|
| BIOL 3325 |
Invertebrate Zoology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 3326 |
Vertebrate Zoology
|
4 hours |
| |
|
|
| Microbiology: |
|
|
| BIOL 2280 |
Medical Microbiology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 3390 |
General Microbiology |
4 hours |
Take these courses:
| BIOL 3350 |
Physiology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4450 |
Evolutionary Biology |
3 hours |
Take 9 semester hours from the following elective courses:
| BIOL 3331 |
Ecology Field Study |
1 hour |
| BIOL 4310 |
Plant Taxonomy |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4311 |
Plant Taxonomy Field Study |
1 hour |
| BIOL 4327 |
Wildlife Biology and Conservation |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4380 |
Environmental Microbiology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4435 |
Immunology |
3 hours |
| BIOL 4440 |
Limnology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4460 |
Marine Biology |
3 hours |
| BIOL 4461 |
Marine Field Study |
1 hour |
| BIOL 4470 |
Human Histology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4471 |
Histology Laboratory Techniques |
1 hour |
| BIOL 4480 |
Developmental Biology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4490 |
Medical Parasitology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4510 |
Animal Behavior |
3 hours |
| BIOL 4520 |
Herpetology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4540 |
Biotechnology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4550 |
Experimental Biology |
4 hours |
| BIOL 4700 |
Biology Seminar |
1 hour |
| BIOL 4710 |
Biogeography (W,O) |
3 hours |
| BIOL 4760 |
Bioinformatics |
4 hours |
| *BIOL 4800-4807 |
Independent Study |
1 hour each |
| |
|
|
* When based upon student research, a maximum of 4 independent study hours may be included in the 9 biology elective hours required in the major. With permission of the biology department head, up to 4 additional hours of independent study may be included in the 9 biology elective hours required in the major if these additional hours are substituted for a 4000 level course.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
PHYS 1111 and 1112 Introductory Physics I and II with labs - 8 hours
CHEM 1212L Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hour
CHEM 3441K Organic Chemistry I - 4 hours
CHEM 3442K Organic Chemistry II - 4 hours
or CHEM 4841K Biochemistry - 4 hours
Basic Physical Education requirements- 3 hours
Military Science requirements (for military students only) - 12 hours
U.S. and Georgia Constitution and History requirement
Regents' Skills Test or exemption (see pages 79-80)
ELECTIVES: To bring the total number of credit hours to at least 120 semester hours exclusive of the Basic Physical Education Requirement.
EXIT REQUIREMENTS: To assist the department in assessing the biology program, graduating seniors will be required to take an undergraduate assessment test in biology and complete exit questionnaires.
BIOLOGY MINOR
Principles of Biology I and II, Genetics, Ecology, and a minimum of 3 hours of 3000-4000 level biology courses.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY -SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATION
(a 139-hour program)
Core Curriculum Requirements - 60 hours
All baccalaureate degree programs at NGCSU require the satisfactory completion of at least 60 semester credit hours comprising the six areas of the core curriculum. A complete description of Areas A-E of the core curriculum can be found on page 86. Course requirements for Area A-E of the core curriculum and biology component (Area F) of the biology-secondary education degree are shown on pages 103-105.
COURSES FOR THE BIOLOGY MAJOR -
SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATION
(79 hours)
Courses for the biology-secondary education certification degree include those for biology majors (40 hours) and those for professional education certification (39 hours). Courses for the biology major are listed on page 103-105. Canditates for the Biology-Secondary Education Certification Degree are required to take CHEM 1211 / 1211L and CHEM 1212 / 1212L, but are not required to take Organic or Biochemistry. Courses for the secondary education concentration required for certification are listed below.
Professional Education (courses required for certification) - 36 hours
| EDUC 2001 |
Introduction to Education |
3 hours |
| EDUC 2002 |
Introduction to Exceptional Children |
3 hours |
| PSYC 2103 |
Introduction to Human Growth and Development |
3 hours |
| CSCI 1200 |
Technology and Learning |
3 hours |
| EDUC 3002 |
Educational Assessment |
2 hours |
| EDUC 3003/L |
Classroom Management |
3 hours |
| LART 3106a |
Teaching Reading in the Content Areas |
3 hours |
| EDUC 3540 |
Applied Classroom Data Analysis |
3 hours |
| EDUC 4000b |
Curriculum |
4 hours |
| EDUC 4101b |
Methods and Materials |
3 hours |
| EDUC 4103 |
Internship, Planning |
3 hours |
| EDUC 4104 |
Internship, Classroom Performance |
3 hours |
| EDUC 4105 |
Internship, Professionalism |
3 hours |
a - Offered in spring, only.
b - Offered in fall, only.
EXIT REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for institutional recommendation for a Georgia teaching license in the desired field, students must successfully complete the appropriate PRAXIS I and II tests. Graduating seniors will be required to complete ETS exit exams and exit questionnaires to assist the department in assessing the biology program.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS and ELECTIVES: Same as for the major in biology; see page ??. (i.e., 1 hour CHEM 1212L)
BIOLOGY COURSES
Number series indicate hours of lecture per week, hours of laboratory per week, and course credit hours; e.g. 3-2-4 means 3 hours of lecture per week, 2 hours of lab per week (1 two-hour lab), and 4 semester hours course credit.
BIOL 1010 Introductory Biology 3 hours 3-0-3
Corequisite: Introductory Biology Laboratory. A biology course for non-science students that includes an introduction to scientific investigation, biological processes, and organismal biology. This course emphasizes a topical, human-oriented approach to the relevance of biology in the contemporary world.
BIOL 1010L Introductory Biology Laboratory 1 hour 0-2-1
Corequisite: Introductory Biology. Uses the scientific method to conduct investigations and employ critical thinking to discover answers to biological questions.
BIOL 1107K Principles of Biology I 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisite: High school chemistry with a grade of C or above. An overview of biology that includes scientific methods, biological chemistry, cell biology, biological energy transformation, genetics, gene expression and regulation, population genetics, and evolution. Students conduct experiments in cellular and molecular biology using standard investigative techniques and critical thinking. This course is appropriate for students majoring in the sciences. With laboratory.
BIOL 1107K Honors Principles of Biology I 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisite: Admission to the Honors Program; high school chemistry with a grade of C or above. An overview of biology that includes scientific methods, biological chemistry, cell biology, biological energy transformation, genetics, gene expression and regulation, population genetics, and evolution. Students conduct experiments in cellular and molecular biology using standard investigative techniques and critical thinking. This course is appropriate for students majoring in the sciences. With laboratory.
BIOL 1108K Principles of Biology II 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisite: Principles of Biology I; corequisite or prerequisite: Principles of Chemistry I, or permission of the Head of the Biology Department. A continuation of Principles of Biology I that includes ecology, and diversity, growth, reproduction, and physiology of major taxa. Students conduct hands-on investigations to explore biological diversity with an emphasis on experimental use of important model organisms, organ systems in animals, and dissection. With laboratory.
BIOL 1260 Environmental Science 3 hours 3-0-3
An interdisciplinary study of the fundamentals of ecology and their application to societal issues emphasizing human interactions with the world environment. This course may be taken with or without the laboratory.
BIOL 1260L Environmental Science Laboratory 1 hour 0-2-1
An interdisciplinary investigation of global environmental issues utilizing field experiences, laboratory simulations, and case studies.
BIOL 1260H Honors Environmental Science (W, O) 4 hours 3-2-4
An interdisciplinary study of the fundamentals of ecology and their application to societal issues emphasizing human interactions with the world environment. With laboratory.
BIOL 2250 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 hours 3-2-4
A study of the structure and function of the human body, from cell and tissue organization through certain organ systems. With laboratory.
BIOL 2251 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisite: Human Anatomy and Physiology I or permission of the instructor. A continuation of Human Anatomy and Physiology I. A study of those organ systems not discussed in Human Anatomy and Physiology I. With laboratory.
BIOL 2280 Medical Microbiology: Infection and Immunity 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I and II or Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II. Some chemistry is recommended. A basic course in microbiology emphasizing microbial control, epidemiology, pathogenicity, immunity, virulence and a survey of selected human communicable diseases. With laboratory.
BIOL 3220 Genetics 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology II (with a grade of C or higher), and Principles of Chemistry I. A study of the principles of inheritance in plants and animals including transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. With laboratory.
BIOL 3230 Ecology 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology II (with a grade of C or higher). A study of the interactions of organisms with their physical and biological environment that determine distribution and abundance. With laboratory.
BIOL 3240 Cell Biology (W) 4 hours 4-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology, and Principles of Chemistry II. A molecular approach to the study of the function and organization of the eukaryotic cell. With laboratory.
BIOL 3321 General Botany 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. A study of the morphology, anatomy, development, genetics, physiology, and ecology of plants. With laboratory.
BIOL 3322 Plant Diversity 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. A study of diversity and evolution of organisms with cell walls, emphasizing the plant kingdom. Influence of plants on humans will be highlighted. With laboratory.
BIOL 3325 Invertebrate Zoology 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. A study of the structure, activities, physiology, adaptations, ecology and relationships of invertebrate animals. With laboratory.
BIOL 3326 Vertebrate Zoology 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. An overview of the general taxonomy, morphology, physiology, ecology, and evolution of vertebrates. With laboratory.
BIOL 3390 General Microbiology 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. An introduction to the principles and techniques of microbiology including, metabolism, genetics, and an overview of microbial classification. With laboratory.
BIOL 3331 Ecology Field Study 1 hour 0-2-1
Prerequisite or corequisite: Ecology. A study of the Okefenokee Swamp ecosystem in south Georgia via an extended (four day) field experience. Students must pay a portion of the expenses.
BIOL 3350 Physiology 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. A study of the mammalian physiologic processes at the cell, organ, and organ system levels. Lab emphasizes data collection and interpretation. With laboratory.
BIOL 4310 Plant Taxonomy 4 hours 4-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. An introductory plant taxonomy course using local vascular plants to teach principles of plant systematics. The laboratory includes weekly field studies in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge of north Georgia.
BIOL 4311 Botany Field Study 1 hour 0-2-1
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology; prerequisite or corequisite: General Botany or Plant Diversity or Plant Taxonomy. A study of vascular plants in habitats of the coastal plain in south Georgia and north Florida via an extended (four-day) field study. Students are expected to pay a portion of the expenses.
BIOL 4327 Wildlife Biology and Conservation 4 hours 2-6-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. A study of the natural history of selected wildlife species, with emphasis on game species, conservation, and management. The laboratory includes field studies. Certain projects and required weekend field trips will entail additional student expense.
BIOL 4380 Environmental Microbiology 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. A study of microorganisms in terrestrial, atmospheric, aquatic, and extreme environments. With laboratory.
BIOL 4435 Immunology 3 hours 3-0-3
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology, Cell Biology and General or Medical Microbiology. An introduction to the mammalian immune system. The course will describe the essential components of the immune system and how these respond to the pathogens and other relevant invasive events. The course will emphasize the human immune system.
BIOL 4440 Limnology 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. An integrated approach to the study of inland waters, such as rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands with central focus on the structure and function of lakes. With laboratory.
BIOL 4450 Evolutionary Biology 3 hours 3-0-3
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. A study of the principles of evolutionary biology, the history of evolutionary thought, the mechanisms of evolution, evidence of evolution, evolutionary theories, the early history of life on Earth and human evolution.
BIOL 4460 Marine Biology 3 hours 3-0-3
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology; Invertebrate Zoology recommended. The course provides students with an overview of marine biology, including physical, chemical and biological oceanography, and marine ecology.
BIOL 4461 Marine Field Study 1 hour 0-2- 1 Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology; corequisite or prerequisite: Marine Biology. A study of regional marine habitats and their physical and biological characteristics via an extended field study. Students must pay a portion of the expenses.
BIOL 4470 Human Histology 4 hours 3-2-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. A detailed study of selected human tissues and organs. With laboratory.
BIOL 4471 Histological Techniques 1 hour 0-4-1
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology; corequisite: Human Histology. An introduction to the practical application, procedures, and equipment used in the preparation of microscope slides of animal tissues.
BIOL 4480 Developmental Biology (O) 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. An introduction to the patterns of organismal development, mechanisms of cellular differentiation, cell interactions, and the molecular basis of development. With laboratory.
BIOL 4490 Medical Parasitology 4 hours 2-4-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology; Invertebrate Zoology recommended. A study of parasitism, the classification, morphology and life histories of protozoan and animal parasites of humans and the epidemiology, pathology, and diagnosis of human parasitic diseases. With laboratory.
BIOL 4510 Animal Behavior 3 hours 3-0-3
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. An introduction to the fundamental principles of behavior with emphasis on proximate and ultimate mechanisms.
BIOL 4520 Herpetology 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Ecology, Genetics and Cell Biology; Vertebrate Zoology recommended. A study of the biology of amphibians and reptiles.
BIOL 4540 Biotechnology 4 hours 4-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology (with grade of C or better, or biotechnology, with emphasis on recombinant DNA technology, nucleotide sequencing, and molecular forensic methods. With laboratory.
BIOL 4550 Experimental Biology (O) 4 hours 3-3-4
Prerequisites: Genetics and Ecology. An experimental approach to the quantification and analysis of biological phenomena. To gain experience in biological research, students will design, perform, analyze and report on individual and group projects.
BIOL 4700 Biology Seminar 1 hour 1-0-1
Student presentations of advanced study in selected biological topics. SPR: Junior or Senior status.
BIOL 4710 Biogeography (W), (O) 3 hours 3-0-3
Prerequisites: Genetics, Ecology and Cell Biology. A study of factors that influence the distributions of plants and animals from the organismal level to the ecological level. Factors investigated include those that are geological, climatological, and ecological in scope. The focus of the course is how these factors have resulted in biogeographical patterns both locally and globally.
BIOL 4760 Bioinformatics 3 hours 1-2-3
Prerequisites: Two semesters of majors Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science. An introduction to the application of mathematical/statistical algorithms and computer technology to the annotation and comparison of nucleotide and amino acid sequences from DNA, RNA and proteins. Instructors from several disciplines will present background knowledge of genetics, genomics and proteomics, as well as explanations of algorithms and their formulation and application, including the use of Unix systems and Perl programming language. Emphasis on problem solving. One credit hour of lecture and two credit hours of computer laboratory per week (i.e., 6 contact hours per week).
BIOL 4800-4807 Independent Study/Undergraduate Research
1-8 hours in increments of 1 hour. 0-0-1 (TBA). An advanced study of special topics open to junior and senior biology majors. Study topic subject to approval by the supervising faculty member and the biology department head. Requires submission and approval of the Undergraduate Independent Study Research Plan prior to the end of DROP/ADD.
