Biology Courses

A general course that studies the biological nature of people and their role in the biosphere. This course has a laboratory component and may count toward fulfilling the college's laboratory science requirement. It cannot be taken for credit if the student has already received credit for Biology 105, 131, or 132. (Credit, full course.) Staff

An exploration of the biological nature of people and their role in the biosphere that includes such topics as anatomy; physiology; and the genetic, nutritional, infectious, and environmental aspects of diseases. This course may count toward fulfilling the college's requirement for a non-laboratory science course. It cannot be taken for credit if the student has already received credit for Biology 100, 131, or 132. (Credit, full course.) Staff

An exploration of how human activities such as food and energy production, resource extraction and waste disposal affect our natural environment and other organisms living in it. Students learn about earth systems, human activities stressing these systems and strategies for dealing with environmental challenges. Topics include biodiversity loss and conservation, agriculture, air and water pollution, and climate change. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 130 or 131. Non-laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) McGrath

An introduction to the science and natural history of birds. Students explore major themes in avian ecology, evolution, conservation, physiology, and anatomy, with an emphasis on the birds of the southeastern United States. The course includes field trips emphasizing methods used to study wild bird populations. This course fulfills the college’s requirement for a non-laboratory science course. May not be taken for credit if the student has already received credit for Biology 201. (Credit, full course.) Haskell

A study of food and hunger from a biological perspective. The interactions among scientific, ethical, and cultural aspects of hunger are also examined. The readings, lectures, and discussions in the course are supplemented with work with local aid organizations and exploration of the contemplative practices that motivate and sustain many of those who work with the hungry. This course cannot be used in fulfillment of any general distribution requirement. (Credit, full course.) Haskell

An historical and philosophical approach to selected scientific ideas that have had a profound impact on the development of Western civilization. Emphasis is on the evidence supporting the ideas and controversies that arose during their introduction into our general store of knowledge. Class discussion is encouraged. Non-laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Palisano

Phylogenetic survey of the plant kingdom and a study of flowering plant structures and functions with emphasis on the role plants play in human life. Non-laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Evans, Jones

A study of the natural processes that control patterns of biological diversity in evolutionary and ecological time and a comprehensive examination of how human activity has resulted in the loss of biodiversity both regionally and globally. Non-laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Evans

This course focuses on timely and controversial topics presented in popular media. Topics vary with each offering but range from those having to do with human health and well-being to those having to do with survival and the future. This course cannot be taken for credit by students who have already completed Biol 100, 105, or any biology course numbered 130 or higher and cannot be counted in the biology major. (Credit, full course.) Jones

The course examines brain anatomy and physiology, investigates the contributions of artificial intelligence and neural networking in understanding brain function, and explores an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human creativity. This course cannot be used in fulfillment of any general distribution requirement. (Credit, full course.) Palisano

A study of ecology, evolution and biological diversity, with an emphasis on scientific investigations in the natural areas in and around the University. The course, which is scheduled for one afternoon each week, meets the distribution requirement for a natural science course but does not fulfill the requirement for a laboratory science course. May not be taken for credit by students who have completed Biol 131. (Credit, full course.) Staff

This course is an introductory study of the molecular and cellular basis of life, of the structure and function of cells, and of molecular genetics. Biol 130 is not a prerequisite. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed Biol 132. Non-laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Staff

Supervised field or laboratory investigation in biology. This course may be taken more than once for credit and is open only to freshmen and sophomores. It is given only on a pass/fail basis, and, therefore, cannot count in fulfillment of requirements for any major or minor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (Credit, half or full course.) Staff

A study of insects and related arthropods, with special emphasis on the role of insects in forest and freshwater ecosystems. Lecture topics also include environmental, physiological, medical, veterinary, and agricultural entomology. Life history, ecology, and behavior are studied through field trips. Functional morphology and taxonomy are studied through laboratory exercises. Non-laboratory course. Prerequisite: Biology 130 or 131. (Credit, full course.) Zigler

A comprehensive examination of avian biology. Lectures include student presentations on readings from the scientific literature. Laboratory emphasizes field methods used to study wild birds. A field research project is required. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Biology 130 or 131. (Credit, full course.) Haskell

A survey of the invertebrate phyla with an emphasis on natural history, functional morphology, embryology, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships. This course has a laboratory component, which requires experimental and field observation, a semester project, and a field trip to a marine laboratory. Laboratory course. Prerequisites: Biol 130 or 131 or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Zigler

This course is a study of the anatomy of the Craniata, including the Hagfishes, and Vertebrates (jawless and jawed fishes, and the tetrapods). It emphasizes the evolution of homologous structures, and relates structure to function where applicable. This course also relates structures to adaptations for life in aquatic and terrestrial environments, and puts these changes into an evolutionary perspective. Laboratory course — studio laboratory. Prerequisites: one course in biology. (Credit, full course.) Berner

An examination of the ecology, evolution, and conservation of vertebrate animals. The course is field-based, using Sewanee’s extensive natural areas as a laboratory in which to study the diversity of vertebrate animals. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or 131 or instructor permission. (Credit, full course.) Haskell

A study of plants and their interaction with the environment, with other plants, and with animals emphasizes how plant populations change in size and spatial distribution, how they respond to herbivores and pollinators, and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of plant traits. Laboratories focus on methods for analyzing population and community dynamics. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: one course in biology or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Evans

A survey of the taxonomy, morphology, ecology, physiology, and economic importance of fungi, algae, bryophytes, and certain early vascular plant forms. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: one college course in biology. (Credit, full course.) Jones

A comprehensive study of the vertebrate nervous system covering its overall organization and development, function, control of homeostatic systems, and mechanisms of sensory perception. Non-laboratory course. Prerequisite: one semester of biology or psychology, or permission of the instructor. (Credit, full course.) Berner

A study of the scientific basis for conservation of biological diversity. A case-study approach is used to address problems relating to species decline, habitat loss, and ecosystem degradation at local, regional, and global scales. Course emphasizes population modeling and GIS applications. Non-laboratory course. Prerequisite: Biology 130 or 131. (Credit, full course.) Evans

A survey of the principles and applications of ecological science. Lecture covers the ecology of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Lab emphasizes field experimentation in the local environment. Prerequisites: Biology 130 or 131. Laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Evans, McGrath

A study of the diversity of life forms. The course examines major events in the evolution of life, the shape of the evolutionary tree of life, and the processes that underlie the origins of biological diversity. Laboratory, field, and statistical methods of biodiversity analysis are emphasized. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or 131. (Credit, full course.) Zigler, Haskell

A study of the evolutionary changes that have taken place in biological populations and the mechanisms that underlie these changes. Emphasis is placed on the integration of data with evolutionary ideas and theory, and the application of evolutionary thought to other areas of biology. Non-lab course. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or 131. (Credit, full course.) Haskell, Zigler

This introductory course examines the biology of microorganisms as agents of bioterrorism beginning with a historical perspective from ancient Greece to the present time. Among topics covered are the pathophysiology and epidemiology of selected microorganisms, genetic modification of these microorganisms, and the role of information mining (literature-based discovery) and bioinformatics in the war on bioterrorism. Topics include the use of microorganisms to contaminate the food, water, or air and measures protecting these resources. Non-lab course. Prerequisite: Biol 133 or permission of the instructor. (Credit, full course.) Palisano

A survey of the characteristics, classification, economic, and biological importance of these organisms together with lichens and slime molds. This course counts as a non-laboratory half-course, but includes some field and laboratory work. This half course may be used in combination with Biol 216 to constitute a full course in partial fulfillment of the general distribution requirement in natural science. (Credit, half course.) Jones

A survey of these groups of organisms emphasizes their distinguishing features, evolutionary trends, and economic and biological importance. This course counts as a non-laboratory half-course, but includes some field and laboratory work. This half course may be used in combination with Biol 215 to constitute a full course in partial fulfillment of the general distribution requirement in natural science. (Credit, half course.) Jones

A study of plant physiological processes and how adaptations shared by plant functional groups are shaped by environment. The course covers energy and carbon balance, water and nutrient relations, interactions with other organisms and physiological responses to environmental stress. Labs focus on instrumentation and field methods used to test ecophysiological hypotheses. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or 131. (Credit, full course.) McGrath

An examination of the negative impact of human activity on biological diversity and an exploration of how conservation science can be used to ameliorate that impact. Case studies are used to investigate such issues as deforestation, exotic species invasions, habitat fragmentation, endangered species protection, natural area management, and habitat restoration. Students examine critically the role of science in public policy decision-making as it relates to the protection of biodiversity in the United States. The course involves student-led discussions, guest speakers, field trips, and independent research. Laboratory exercises explore the use of field techniques, GIS analysis, and population modeling as problem-solving tools in conservation biology. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 209. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or 131. (Credit, full course.) Evans

A course integrating concepts in ecology and public health through the study of environmental threats to human health. Topics include population growth and food security, toxicity and toxins, food borne illness, emerging disease, waste and wastewater, air pollution and climate change. Students explore the interaction of poverty, environmental degradation, and disease through projects examining local environmental health issues. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or permission by instructor. (Credit, full course.) McGrath

An extension of topics introduced in Biol 133, this course is a study of the molecular and cellular basis of life, of the structure and function of cells, and of molecular genetics at an intermediate level. Prerequisites: Biol 133 and one semester of college chemistry or permission of instructor. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed Biol 132 or 321. Laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Staff

This course provides a fundamental understanding of the ecology and natural history of coral reef and tropical rainforest systems using Belize as a case study. Students examine specific environmental problems associated with these systems. Designed to be a companion and prerequisite to Biol 251. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 151. (Credit, half course.) Evans

An examination of the evolution of nuclear, viral, and organellar genomes and of protein structure and function. Topics covered include the origin of life, the evolution of globin and other families of proteins encoded by nuclear genes, mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA, and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Use of computer algorithms for analyzing both nucleic acid and protein sequences are introduced in the classroom. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or permission of instructor. Non-laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Staff

An interdisciplinary field immersion into two of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth: coral reefs and tropical rainforests. Students live in remote field stations in Belize, examining the natural history of these two systems, and exploring how they have changed over time as a result of human interactions. This course is taught as part of the summer SEI Field Intensive offerings. Prerequisite: Biol 151. (Credit, half course.) Evans

Designed for students interested in molecular mechanisms by which cellular processes are controlled in eukaryotic cells. Topics include introduction to molecular genetic techniques and genomics, in-depth study of structures and chromosomes, transcriptional control of gene expression, signal transduction pathways relating to gene regulation, and abnormal regulatory processes that lead to disease. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or 233. Laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Summers

This course provides an overview of technologies and methodologies used by biochemical engineers. It addresses topics such as how to manipulate DNA to produce genetically modified organisms, how to design viral based delivery systems for gene therapy, how to design a drug that targets a specific cell molecule, and how to determine protein interaction networks. Prerequisite: Biol 233. A student cannot receive credit for this course and also for Biol 289. (Credit, full course.) A. Summers

This course provides an overview of technologies and methodologies used by biochemical engineers. It addresses topics such as how to manipulate DNA to produce genetically modified organisms, how to design viral based delivery systems for gene therapy, how to design a drug that targets a specific cell molecule, and how to determine protein interaction networks. Prerequisite: Biol 233. A student cannot receive credit for this course and also for Biol 288. (Credit, full course.) A. Summers

A study of fundamental principles of heredity including molecular aspects and evolutionary implications of these concepts. Non-laboratory course. Prerequisites: Chem 102 or 111, and Biol 132 or 133, and Biol 130 or 131, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Jones

A study of growth and developmental processes in plants, especially as they are influenced by environmental factors and by hormones or plant growth substances. Prerequisites: one college course in biology and Chem 102 or 111, or permission of instructor. (Credit, half course.) Jones

The principal functions of higher plants, including photosynthesis, gas exchange, water and solute relations and transport, mineral nutrition, plant hormone action, and environmental responses. Prerequisites: one college course in biology and Chem 102 or 111, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Jones

A one semester survey of biochemistry. The following topics are addressed: biochemical primary literature and internet resources, bioenergetics, acid-base balance, protein structure and function, enzyme function and kinetics, metabolism, topics in physiological biochemistry, and topics in molecular biology. Non-laboratory course. Prerequisite: Chem 201 and Biol 132 or Biol 233, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Staff

An examination of all aspects of protein science, including protein biosynthesis, protein structure, and the mechanisms of enzyme catalysis, with particular emphasis on the detailed chemical mechanisms of enzyme catalysis. Prerequisite: Chem 202. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three and one-half hours. (Credit, full course.) Summers

A study of methods and techniques used to produce plants, animals, and microbes with recombinant or modified DNA. Students also examine issues that are directly related to DNA manipulation, including gene selection and cloning, intellectual property rights, GMO product development, food safety and security, federal government regulation, ecological impacts, ethical and religious concerns, media treatment, and consumer perception. Non-laboratory course. Prerequisite:  Biol 132. (Credit, full course.) Staff

An examination of the disciplines of Ecology and Biodiversity through readings from the primary scientific literature, presentations from research scientists, and engagement with advanced field and laboratory techniques. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or 131. Open only to declared Ecology/Biodiversity or Biology majors. (Credit, full course.) Staff

A comprehensive survey of trends in vascular plant diversity and the evolutionary mechanisms underlying these trends. Laboratory course. Prerequisites: Biol 130 or 131, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Evans

A study of animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Lecture focuses on the ecological interactions that affect the evolution of behavior. Lectures include student presentations on readings from the scientific literature. Laboratory emphasizes field methods used to study animal behavior, including experimental design and statistical analysis. A field research project is required. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or 131. (Credit, full course.) Haskell

This course covers general physiological concepts such as homeostasis, control theory, and system analysis. It also takes a detailed view of how these general principles apply specifically to various physiological systems in humans and other mammals in some cases. Systems such as respiration, circulation, digestion, metabolism, thermoregulation, and excretion are studied at cellular, tissue and whole system levels. In cases where form is especially critical to function, anatomy is also covered, although there is no human dissection. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 314. Prerequisite: Biol 132 or 233 and Chem 102 or 111, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Berner

A study of how the cycling of elements among the atmosphere, soil, water and living organisms sustains ecosystems, and how disruptions in these cycles, both natural and human-induced, bring about environmental change. In the field, students evaluate the sustainability of land use by quantifying elemental cycles in natural and human-altered ecosystems. Laboratory course. Prerequisites: one course in Chemistry and one course in Biology; or with instructor permission. (Credit, full course.) McGrath

This course covers general physiological concepts such as homeostasis, control theory, and system analysis. It also takes a detailed view of how these general principles apply specifically to the various physiological systems in humans and, in some cases, to other mammals. Systems such as respiration, circulation, digestion, metabolism, thermoregulation, and excretion are studied at cellular, tissue, and whole system levels. In cases where form is especially critical to function, anatomy is also covered although there is no human dissection. Laboratory course. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 312. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or 233, and Chem 102 or 111, or instructor permission. (Credit, full course.) Berner

A study of the biochemical reactions of eukaryotic cellular metabolism and bioenergetics, focusing on enzyme regulation and function, protein structure, nucleic acid structure and function, and selected topics in molecular biology and physiological biochemistry. Prior coursework in cell/molecular biology is recommended. Laboratory course. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or 233 and Chem 202. (Credit, full course.) Lively

A survey of major molecular mechanisms of human disease, including approaches to diagnosing, preventing, treating, and curing disease conditions. This course features an overview of basic human genetics, an introduction to pharmacological methodologies in drug design and the FDA approval process and a survey of current technologies associated with gene therapy and stem cell treatments. Prerequisite: Biol 233. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 219. (Credit, full course.) A. Summers

This course is an overview of cancer development at the cellular and molecular levels. It uses a survey of primary scientific literature to cover the basic cell biology of cancer. Topics include growth control, angiogenesis, invasion, metabolism and cell signaling as they relate to the progress of cancer. Laboratory course. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 320. Prerequisite: Biol 233. (Credit, full course.) Lively

This course is an overview of cancer development at the cellular and molecular levels. It uses a survey of primary scientific literature to cover the basic cell biology of cancer. Topics include growth control, angiogenesis, invasion, metabolism and cell signaling as they relate to the progress of cancer. Non-laboratory course. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 319. Prerequisite: Biol 233. (Credit, full course.) Lively

An extension of topics introduced in Biol 132 relevant to the structure, function, and organization of eukaryotic cells. Modern cellular and molecular biology techniques are applied in the laboratory to establish the tools of the cell biologist and understand aspects of yeast and mammalian cell function. Laboratory course. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or 233, and Chem 102 or 111, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Lively

An introduction to the vertebrate immune system with emphasis on molecular and cellular events. Topics include organization of the immune system, structure and function of immunoglobulins, genetics of immunoglobulin diversity, clonal selection theory, complement-mediated processes, the major histocompatibility complex, cell-mediated responses, immunization, innate immunity, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency. Laboratory course. A student cannot receive credit for this course and also for Biol 331. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or 233 and Chem 102 or 111 or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Palisano

An introduction to the vertebrate immune system with emphasis on molecular and cellular events. Topics include organization of the immune systems, structure and function of immunoglobulins, genetics of immunoglobulin diversity, clonal selection theory, complement-mediated processes, the major histocompatibility complex, cell-mediated responses, immunization, innate immunity, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency. Non-laboratory course. A student cannot receive credit for this course and also for Biol 330. Prerequisite: Biol 132 or 233 and Chem 102 or 111, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Palisano

A study of animal development with an emphasis on gametogenesis, morphogenesis, and differentiation of the primary germ layers and their derivatives, as well as developmental mechanisms at cellular and subcellular levels. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or Biol 131, and Biol 132 or 233, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Zigler

A survey of the structure and functions of bacteria and viruses with an emphasis on the characterization and classification, cultivation, reproduction and growth, chemical and physical control of growth, microbial metabolism, and microorganisms and disease. Other topics include microbiology of foods, soil, and wastewater. Short laboratory exercises on selected topics, such as gram staining, food microbiology, and water analysis, are conducted at the end of the appropriate lectures. The course does not count as a laboratory science course. A student cannot receive credit for this course and also for Biol 340. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or 233, and Chem 102 or 111, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Palisano

This survey of the structure and functions of bacteria/viruses and introduction to immunology emphasizes the characterization and classification, cultivation, reproduction and growth, chemical and physical control of growth, microbial metabolism, and microorganisms and disease. Other topics of discussion include microbiology of foods, soil, and wastewater. Laboratory course. A student cannot receive credit for this course and also for Biol 339. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or 233, and Chem 102 or 111, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Palisano

An examination of the interaction between an animal’s environment and the animal’s physiology and biochemistry. Of special interest is how environmental change causes short-term adaptation and long-term evolutionary change in physiological and biochemical traits. The types of such changes that take place, and the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for them, are studied through comparison of animals found in various moderate and extreme environments. Laboratory course. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 351. Prerequisite: Biol 132 or 233 and Chem 102 or 111, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Berner

An examination of the interaction between an animal’s environment and the animal’s physiology and biochemistry. Of special interest is how environmental change causes short-term adaptation and long-term evolutionary change in physiological and biochemical traits. The types of such changes that take place, and the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for them, are studied through comparison of animals found in various moderate and extreme environments. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biol 350. Prerequisite: Biol 132 or 233 and Chem 102 or 111, or permission of instructor. (Credit, full course.) Berner

This course provides an introduction to the field of genomics. It aims to help students understand how genome-scale information (DNA sequences, genome variations, microarrays, and proteomics) can provide a systems biology perspective. Topics addressed include the structure of the human genome, strategies used to map and sequence the genome, and detailed examination of how genomic sequence information can be used in both laboratory and clinical settings. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed Biol 381. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or 233. Non-laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Summers

This course provides an introduction to the field of genomics. It aims to help students understand how genome-scale information (DNA sequences, genome variations, microarrays, and proteomics) can provide a systems biology perspective. Topics addressed include the structure of the human genome, strategies used to map and sequence the genome, and detailed examination of how genomic sequence information can be used in both laboratory and clinical settings. The laboratory component offers students hands-on experience in running and analyzing their own DNA microarray. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed Biol 380. Prerequisites: Biol 132 or 233 and Chem 102 or 111. Laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Summers

This course explores the field of epigenetics in a discussion-based format, using both primary and secondary scientific literature. Topics focus on cellular differentiation and pathologies derived from the misregulation of epigenetic systems in the cell, including imprinting during development and mutations involving DNA methylation of CpG islands during cancer progression. Prerequisites: Biol 233 and one course from Biol 318, Biol 320, Biol 333, and Biol 380. A student cannot receive credit for this course and also for Biol 389. (Credit, full course.) A. Summers

This course explores the field of epigenetics in a discussion-based format, using both primary and secondary scientific literature. Topics focus on cellular differentiation and pathologies derived from the misregulation of epigenetic systems in the cell, including imprinting during development and mutations involving DNA methylation of CpG islands during cancer progression. Prerequisites: Biol 233 and one course from Biol 318, Biol 320, Biol 333, and Biol 380. A student cannot receive credit for this course and also for Biol 388. (Credit, full course.) A. Summers

Supervised study projects involving a topical survey of existing texts and/or periodical literature. May be taken more than once for credit. (Credit, half course.) Staff

Supervised field or laboratory investigation. May be taken more than once for credit. (Credit, half or full course.) Staff