Biology Education

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Randall K. Harris, Ph.D. (Chair)

Visiting Professor Martin; Associate Professors Harris, Rauch;

Assistant Professors Daniels, Singletary, Smith; Visiting Assistant

Professor Bailey; Clinical Professors Knight, Benson

The department of biological sciences provides core curriculum courses in the biological sciences

and appropriate undergraduate-level training for students planning careers in biological science,

health related science, and science education. Students majoring in biological science will acquire a

broad knowledge of the general principles of biological science to include the interrelationships of living

organisms within the biosphere and the ways human populations impact these relationships. In the

laboratories students develop skills in the use of the techniques and instrumentation used in modern

biological science. These experiences provide optimum preparation for graduate study or careers as a

professional biologist or a biology teacher. Health related programs or pre-programs provide counseling

and training relative to gaining admission to the clinical phases of the programs or career advancement

within a particular health related profession.

Bachelor of Science degrees are offered with majors in biology and health related

professions. All majors must fulfill the core curriculum requirements for the Bachelor of

Science (B.S.) degree.

REQUIREMENTS

Biology Major, Teacher Licensure (secondary education) track: The following

courses are required in addition to the biological sciences core: BIO 234-235, 260, 310,

320; PHS 151 and 201. To complete the biology major, teacher licensure students will

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select a minimum of eight hours from the following courses: BIO 309, 405, 416, 419, and

430. Students may also wish to use summer courses at the Gulf Coast Research

Laboratory as part of their hours in the major. Teacher licensure students must also

complete all professional requirements mandated by the State of Mississippi licensure

standards, as advised by the Department of Education.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR BIOLOGY (BIO)

100. Introduction to Biology: (3 hours) An introduction to the biological sciences.

Concepts such as the cell, Medelian genetics, basic chemistry, general microbiology,

ecology, and vertebrate anatomy and physiology are considered. The course

includes basic laboratory experiments in these areas as well as field experiences.

This course is intended for students with a minimal background in science.

101. General Biology: (4 hours) A course introducing students to biological principles

including: the chemistry of life; the structure and function of cells, tissues, and

organisms; heredity; and ecology. A one semester hour laboratory experience is

included.

111. Principles of Biological Science I: (4 hours) An introduction to the biological

sciences in which foundational principles and processes are emphasized, including

cellular structure, metabolism, and function, as well as broader topics such as basic

ecology and evolution. A one semester hour laboratory experience is included. This

course is intended primarily for majors in the biological sciences, although nonmajors

may take it to satisfy core curriculum laboratory science requirements.

112. Principles of Biological Science II: (4 hours) Morphologic and phylogenetic

relationships of animals from protists through mammals. A one semester hour

laboratory experience is included. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or 111.

113. Principles of Biological Science III: (4 hours) A course introducing structures,

function, classification, and genetics of plants. A one semester hour laboratory

experience is included. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or 111.

220. Conservation Biology: (4 hours) A survey of the biology of plant and animal

populations impacted by human-induced changes to environments. Conservation

strategies and the design and management of protected areas are studied. A one

semester hour laboratory/field experience is included. Students with a minimal

science background may take this course. This course satisfies all core curricula

laboratory science requirements.

234. Anatomy and Physiology I: (4 hours) A general study of the anatomy and

physiology of the cells, tissues, the skeletal system, the cardiovascular system, and

muscles of the human body. A one semester hour laboratory experience is included.

235. Anatomy and Physiology II: (4 hours) A study of the nervous, digestive,

respiratory, endocrine, and urogenital systems. A one semester hour laboratory

experience is included. Prerequisite: BIO 234.

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260. General Microbiology: (4 hours) A general survey of bacteria and allied

microorganisms. The role of microorganisms in nature, health, food preservation,

and industry is considered. Basic techniques of preparation of media, culturing,

sterilization and staining are taught in the laboratory. A one semester hour

laboratory experience is included.

301. Marine Biology: (4 hours) An introduction to the study of life in the ocean and

associated marine environments. Physical characteristics of the oceans are reviewed

and special emphasis is given to the ecology of the northern Gulf of Mexico. A one

semester hour laboratory experience is included, which involves several Saturday

field trips. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112, and 113 or equivalents.

306. Introduction to Pharmacology: (3 hours) An overview of the physiological action of

drug groups including intended action, side effects and toxicology. Practical

information on dispensing dosages, administration, and regulation is included.

309. Vertebrate Form and Function: (5 hours) The anatomy, physiology, behavior, and

ecology of vertebrate taxa are considered in a broad-based integrative approach to

understanding how vertebrates provide for their biological needs. The material is

presented in phylogenetic order from fishes to mammals. The laboratory involves a

system-by-system dissection of representative vertebrates and several Saturday

field trips. Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112, and 113 or equivalents.

310. Genetics: (4 hours) An introduction to the fundamental principles of heredity with

applications to human traits, diseases, behavior, populations, and evolution. A one

semester hour laboratory experience is included. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or 111.

312. Introduction to Pathology: (3 hours) An introduction to the basic processes of

disease on the systems, organs, and cells of the human organism. Prerequisite: BIO

234-235 or 309.

320. Ecology: (4 hours) A survey of the major subdisciplines of ecology including

population, community, ecosystem, landscape, physiological, and behavioral

ecology. A one semester hour laboratory/field experience is included. Prerequisite:

8 hours of biology credit.

330. Herpetology: (4 hours) An introduction to the anatomy, physiology, ecology, and

evolutionary relationships of amphibians and reptiles. A one semester hour

laboratory/field experience is included. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112 or

equivalents.

331. Ichthyology: (4 hours) An introduction to the study of fishes. This course covers the

anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary relationships of these vertebrates.

A one semester hour laboratory/field experience is included. Prerequisites: BIO 111

and 112 or equivalents.

405-406. Biological Research: (1-4 hours each) Provides students the opportunity to

pursue further study in a specialized area in collaboration with a faculty mentor.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

407. Vertebrate Embryology: (4 hours) An introductory study of vertebrate

development. Special emphasis is given to the early development of the frog, the

chick, and the pig. A one semester hour laboratory experience is included.

Prerequisite: BIO 112.

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409. Vertebrate Histology: (4 hours) A study of the microanatomy of vertebrate tissues

and organs. A one semester hour laboratory experience is included. Prerequisite:

BIO 112.

415. Diagnostic Bacteriology: (4 hours) Clinical methods and techniques for

identification of pathogenic organisms are presented including specimen handling

preparation of media, culturing, sterilization, quality control and laboratory safety.

A one semester hour laboratory experience is included. Prerequisite: BIO 260.

416. Applied Microbiology: (4 hours) A study of microorganisms and techniques of

significance in industrial and environmental microbiology. The laboratory provides

experience with these organisms and procedures. A one semester hour laboratory

experience is included. Prerequisite: BIO 260.

419. Immunology: (4 hours) A study of the principles of acquired and natural immunity

with references to antigens, antibodies, immune response, complement, and

susceptibility. The concepts of mediated immunities and immunopathology are

also considered. A one semester hour laboratory experience is included.

Prerequisite: BIO 235, 260.

420. Virology: (4 hours) A general study of viruses, their roles in disease, and their

applications in molecular genetics and biotechnology. Laboratory experiences

demonstrate the basic principles of viral replication and activity. A one semester hour

laboratory experience is included. Prerequisite: BIO 260.

430. Field Biology: (4 hours) An introduction to the recognition, taxonomy, and ecological

relationships of naturally occurring organisms in Mississippi. This course is completely

fieldbased and will consist of up to two extended field trips (five or more days each).

Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112, and 113. Students must obtain the permission of the

instructor before registering for this course.

470. Cell Physiology: (4 hours) A study of the molecular biology of the cell. Prerequisite: 12

hours of biology credit.

480-481. Seminar: (1 hour each) Reading and discussion of papers from scientific journals.

Students will also make a presentation from an area of current interest in the

biological sciences. Prerequisite: junior standing.