300

Prerequisites: BIOL 202 and BIOL 203, or permission of the instructor. An integrated, introductory course in anatomy and physiology emphasizing the structure and function of the human body. The structure, physiology and interrelationships of the organs and organ systems of the body are studied. Designed for students in the allied health fields.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or permission of the instructor. Concepts of ecology are elucidated using examples from freshwater, marine and estuarine systems. The course investigates the biological and ecological processes that comprise functioning aquatic systems. We will consider the workings of lakes, streams, bays, oceanic waters, rocky shores, soft-sediment bottoms, grass beds, marshes and coral reefs. Field trips will emphasize a wide variety of aquatic habitats. Case studies of resource management issues and human impacts on aquatic environments will exemplify the application of aquatic ecological concepts

Prerequisites: BIOL 202 and BIOL 203 and CHEM 209, or permission of the instructor. Developmental biology is an in-depth tour of the cycle of life which includes fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, organogenesis, metamorphosis, and gametogenesis. The laboratory portion of the course will provide students with unique cellular and molecular techniques specific to the field, as well as hands-on microscopy and histology experience.

Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and BIOL 203 and CHEM 209 (or concurrent enrollment), or permission of the instructor. An in-depth investigation into the mechanisms of heredity. Students will build a strong framework of knowledge in transmission genetics, including topics such as advanced Mendelian analysis, linkage and recombination, and gene and chromosome mutations. From this framework, the course will explore the foundations of molecular genetics. Topics include the biochemistry of the gene, the genetics of biochemical pathways, DNA function, control of gene expression and recombinant DNA technology and its applications. Next, the course will take a modern population genetics perspective and examine the importance of genetic variation to natural populations and the evolutionary forces that shape that variation. The course will conclude by considering the scientific context and societal implications of modern genetics through topics such as genetic screening.

Prerequisites: BIOL 203 and CHEM 209, or permission of the instructor. A study of the structure and function of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria. Microbiological processes important in medical, industrial and environmental applications will be discussed.

An opportunity for qualified juniors and seniors to assist in the laboratory instruction of BIOL 110-129, BIOL 201, BIOL 202, or BIOL 203 and other selected courses. Interested students are selected by the department. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and BIOL 202 Vertebrate Zoology explores the biological themes of unity and diversity among the vertebrates. The course emphasizes the functional morphology, ecology and evolutionary biology of the major vertebrate groups, both past and present. A conservation biology perspective on extant and recently extinct vertebrate groups highlights the interplay between organismal, population and higher levels of biological organization. The laboratory introduces theoretical and fieldwork techniques for studying vertebrates.

Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and BIOL 202, or permission of the instructor. An introduction to the biology of invertebrate animals, especially the marine forms. Emphasis will be placed on the physiology, ecology, functional morphology and evolutionary relationships of the major groups. Students will collect animals from a variety of field sites and examine them in the laboratory. The primary collecting area will be the estuary and barrier island complex near the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, N.C.

Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and BIOL 203, or permission of instructor. A literature-based course covering areas of current research in the design of experiments, evolutionary biology, population genetics, community ecology and ecosystem science. The course emphasizes reading and critiquing the primary scientific literature. Lectures and laboratories will stress that modern ecology and evolutionary biology are hypothesis-driven sciences, and that posing sound arguments and collecting solid supporting evidence are essential for a deeper understanding of the history of life on earth and its present day organization at levels above the individual. Students will put these ideas into practice through the laboratory component of the course as they work on two extended research projects in the field, the greenhouse or the lab.

Prerequisites: BIOL 203 and CHEM 209 (or concurrent enrollment), or permission of the instructor. The study of cellular structure and function. Cellular organelles’ contribution to the life of the cell are examined. Differentiated and specialized cells are used to illustrate genetic and molecular mechanisms.

Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and (BIOL 202 or BIOL 203 or concurrent enrollment) Birds are excellent subjects to study all levels of biological organization, from biochemistry and genetics through physiology to ecology and evolution. Ornithology explores the biological themes of unity and diversity among modern birds and their ancient ancestors. The course emphasizes the functional morphology, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology of birdlife. A conservation management perspective on birds will highlight proactive measures to maintain and restore bird populations for the next Century. The laboratory introduces theoretical, empirical, and fieldwork techniques for studying birds, and emphasizes identification of birds of the Mid-Atlantic by sight and sound.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or permission of the instructor. Through travel to distant field sites, students will conduct a first-hand examination of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics and processes of a selected ecosystem. Students will be involved in intensive fieldwork, readings and discussion that will focus on interactions between the system’s biota and the physical and chemical parameters unique to the geographic area under examination. Comparisons will be drawn between the ecosystem under study and temperate systems more likely to be encountered near the Hood campus.

Through travel to distant field sites, students will conduct a first-hand examination of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics and processes of a selected ecosystem. Students will be involved in intensive fieldwork, readings and discussion that will focus on interactions between the system’s biota and the physical and chemical parameters unique to the geographic area under examination. Comparisons will be drawn between the ecosystem under study and temperate systems more likely to be encountered near the Hood campus.

Laboratory, library or field investigation of a biological problem. Selection of topic, preparation of study plan and evaluations of results are guided by means of weekly conferences with the instructor. A minimum 2.0 cumulative Grade Point Average is required. Students taking this course to satisfy the capstone requirement are required to also take the ETS Major Field Test in Biology during finals week.

An upper-level special topics course offered at the discretion of the department. The content and methods vary with the interest of students and faculty members

Prerequisites: 20 hours of biology, 12 hours of chemistry and permission of the department. Individualized study and training in a cooperating laboratory conducting research in the biological sciences. Participation will include instruction and experience in the use of advanced laboratory equipment and field apparatus, and independent research and reading of related scientific literature under the guidance of a senior laboratory director. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students taking this course to satisfy the capstone requirement are required to also take the ETS Major Field Test in Biology during finals week.