VCU Courses

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College of Humanities and Sciences :: Biology

BIOL 101 Biological Concepts: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A topical approach to basic biological principles. Topics include molecular aspects of cells, bioenergetics, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cellular and organismal reproduction, genetics and evolution, and ecology. Not applicable for credit toward the major in biology.

BIOL 103/ENVS 103 Environmental Science: Semester course; 3 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Basic scientific principles of environmental processes with correlated laboratory exercises. Draws together aspects of biology, chemistry, geology, physics and sociology. Among the topics covered are ecology, evolution, natural resources, air and water resources, energy and recycling, population biology, and sustainable global societies. Not applicable as a prerequisite for any biology course at the 200 level or above, nor for credit toward the major in biology.

BIOL 151 Introduction to Biological Science I: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: Placement into MATH 151 and a grade of "C" or better in CHEM 100 or placement into CHEM 101 on the Chemistry Placement Test.Principles of plant biology including cell biology, physiology and evolution of plant diversity. Designed for biology majors. BIOL 151 may be taken after BIOL 152.

BIOL 152 Introduction to Biological Science II: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: Placement into MATH 151 and a grade of "C" or better in CHEM 100 or placement into CHEM 101 on the Chemistry Placement Test.Principles of animal biology including genetics, physiology and evolution of animal diversity. Designed for biology majors. BIOL 152 may be taken before BIOL 151.

BIOL 201 Human Biology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or 103.Fundamentals of human biology, including the structure, function and disorders of human body systems, principles of human genetics and inheritance, human evolution, and the interaction of humans with the environment. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Biology.

BIOL 205 Basic Human Anatomy: Semester course; 3 lecture and 2 laboratory hours, plus online component. 4 credits. Prerequisites: grade of C or better in BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101L, or equivalent.Human specimens, models and interactive software are used to study human body structures; emphasis is on the skeleto-muscular aspects. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Biology.

BIOL 206/PHIS 206 Human Physiology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: A "C" grade or better in BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101L or equivalent.Functioning of the human body with emphasis on experimental procedures. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Biology.

BIOL 209 Medical Microbiology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: A "C" grade or better in BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101L or equivalent.General principles of microbiology and immunology to provide a thorough understanding of the host-microbe relationship in disease. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Biology.

BIOL 217 Principles of Nutrition: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: A "C" grade or better in BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101L or equivalent.An introduction to basic principles of nutrition and their application in promoting growth and maintaining health throughout the life cycle. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Biology.

BIOL 218 Cell Biology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: A "C" grade or better in BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L or equivalent; CHEM 102 and CHEZ 102L or equivalent.A study of the molecular biology of the cell as it relates to gene expression, cell signaling, and cell growth and differentiation.

BIOL 220 Biology Major Workshop: Semester course; 1.25 workshop hours. 1 credit. Prerequisites: BIOL 151 and 152, and BIOZ 151L and 152L, or equivalent.Workshop course for biology majors of sophomore or junior standing that focuses on the requirements for a degree in biology, development of an advising portfolio and increasing awareness of potential career opportunities in biological sciences. Graded as Pass/Fail.

BIOL 291 Topics in Biology: Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. A study of a selected topic in biology. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester and prerequisites.

BIOL 292 Independent Study: Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 2 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all independent study courses (BIOL 292 and/or 492). Prerequisites: Eight credits in biology and an overall GPA of 3.0. Determination of the amount of credit and permission of the instructor and department chair must be obtained prior to registration for the course.Designed to allow students to accomplish independent readings of biological literature under the supervision of a staff member.

BIOL 301 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy: Semester course; 3 lecture and 4 laboratory hours. 5 credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 218 or equivalent.The evolution of vertebrate forms as demonstrated by anatomical studies of selected vertebrate types.

BIOL 302 Animal Embryology: Semester course; 3 lecture and 4 laboratory hours. 5 credits. Prerequisite: "C" or better in BIOL 218.Basic reproductive and developmental processes during animal embryonic development. Includes programming/packaging in the egg, cell-cell interactions and basic organogenesis. Cellular mechanisms and the role of differential gene activity in developmental processes and experimental work using living invertebrate and vertebrate embryos.

BIOL 303 Bacteriology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: "C" or better in BIOL 218.The morphological, biochemical, taxonomic, genetic and evolutionary characteristics of bacteria. Focuses on the structural, mechanical and biochemical adaptations employed by bacteria in their interactions with host cells and substrates.

BIOL 307 Aquatic Ecology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent, BIOL 317, CHEM 102 and CHEZ/FRSZ 102L.The physical, chemical and especially the biological aspects of freshwater ecosystems.

BIOL 308 Vertebrate Histology: Semester course; 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: A "C" grade or better in BIOL 218.Microanatomy of vertebrate cells, tissues and organs and the relationship of structure to function. Laboratory work involves an in-depth study of vertebrate microanatomy at the light microscope level as well as an introduction to techniques used for the preparation of materials for histological study.

BIOL 309 Entomology: Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent.Field and laboratory work emphasized to illustrate insect diversification, diagnostic features, habitats and development patterns. A project is required and some independent work will be necessary.

BIOL 310 Genetics: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: A "C" grade or better in BIOL 218.The basic principles of molecular and applied genetics of plants, animals and microorganisms.

BIOL 311 Animal Physiology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: A "C" grade or better in BIOL 218.Physiological principles of animal cells, tissues and organs from the viewpoint of chemical and physical phenomena.

BIOL 312 Invertebrate Zoology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent.A survey of the invertebrate animals with emphasis on environmental interactions. A weekend trip to a marine environment is required.

BIOL 313 Vertebrate Natural History: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent.The natural history of vertebrates with emphasis on the species native to Virginia.

BIOL 314/FRSC 314 Introduction to Molecular Biology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151-152, CHEM 102 or equivalent.The fundamentals, principles, techniques and applications of cell biology and genetics. Emphasis is on nucleic acids and proteins. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. degree in biology.

BIOL 315/ENVS 314/INTL 314 Man and Environment: 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent.A comparative study of the ecology and natural history of human populations, including the environments as determining factors in the evolution of human institutions and technology, resources management and population crises; cultural traditions as mechanisms of population control; basic theory of population biology. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Biology.

BIOL 317 Ecology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent.An introduction to the basic principles of ecology, including interactions among organisms and influences of the physical environment.

BIOL 320 Biology of the Seed Plant: Semester course; 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent.The physiology, structure and adaptation of seed plants.

BIOL 321 Plant Development: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: A "C" grade or better in BIOL 218.A survey of the developmental changes that take place during the life cycle of lower and higher plants. Emphasis is placed on the control factors that are involved in regulating the ordered changes which take place during development.

BIOL 332/ENVS 330 Environmental Pollution: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent, and eight credits in biology.The pollution in the environment with emphasis on the procedures for detection and abatement. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Biology.

BIOL 341/ANTH 301 Human Evolution: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: A "C" or better in ENGL 200.Introduces the range of human diversity as well as a broad understanding of evolution and evolutionary biology, particularly as it applies to hominid evolution. Specific topics include basic genetics, primatology, paleontology, and growth and development. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Biology.

BIOL 351/BNFO 301 Introduction to Bioinformatics: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 218 and MATH 200. Corequisite: CHEM 301.Introduction to the basic concepts, tools and possibilities of bioinformatics, the analysis of large bodies of biological information. The course stresses problem solving and integrative projects, making extensive use of exercises in class that draw on bioinformatics resources on the Web and on local servers.

BIOL 361 Biomedical Research: Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 218.An introduction to biomedical research projects.

BIOL 380/BNFO 380/MATH 380 Introduction to Mathematical Biology: Semester course; 3 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisites: MATH 200 and BIOL 151, or permission of instructor.An introduction to mathematical biology. Various mathematical modeling tools will be covered and implemented in a range of biological areas. Additionally, the collaborative research process will be presented and discussed.

BIOL 391 Topics in Biology: Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent.A study of a selected topic in biology. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester and prerequisites.

BIOL 392 Introduction to Research: Semester course; 2 lecture/demonstration hours. 1 credit. Prerequisites: ENGL 200, STAT 208 or 210, BIOL 151, 152, BIOZ 151L, 152L Introduction to Biological Science I and II and Laboratories, BIOL 218 Cell Biology; BIOL 310 Genetics; BIOL 317 Ecology and one of the following laboratory experiences: BIOL 300 Experimental Methods, BIOZ 310L Genetics Laboratory or BIOZ 317L Ecology Laboratory as well as junior/senior status.An introduction to the scientific process, including the mechanics of problem definition, information gathering and experimental design. Experimentation is discussed in context with methods of data collection and analysis; some basic research techniques are demonstrated. Aims are to prepare the student for future research experiences, and to have the student write detailed research proposals.

BIOL 401 Applied and Environmental Microbiology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: A "C" grade or better in BIOL 218.The biology and chemical activities of microorganisms (bacteria, algae, virus and fungi) of industrial, pharmaceutical and agricultural importance.

BIOL 403/ANTH 403 Primatology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 301.Primatology investigates the taxonomic relationships among primates through comparative anatomy, comparative behavior and comparative biochemistry. Study of primate evolution, demography, subsistence, reproduction, social organization, communication systems and ecology. Not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Biology.

BIOL 415 Aquatic Macrophytes: Semester course; 1 lecture and 5 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent; BIOL 410 or 411.Field and laboratory study of vascular plants or aquatic habitats; including collection and identification, and consideration of the ecology, morphology and economic value of aquatic macrophytes.

BIOL 416 Ornithology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent, and eight credits of biology or permission of instructor.Basic biology of birds, with emphasis on their role in the environment.

BIOL 417 Mammalogy: Semester course; 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent; 12 credits of biology and permission of instructor.Study of the characteristics, adaptive radiation and distribution of mammals, with emphasis on North American forms.

BIOL 431 Introduction to Marine Biology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent; BIOL 317 and CHEM 102 and CHEZ/FRSZ 102L.An introduction to physical, chemical and geological oceanography and a more detailed treatment of the organisms and ecological processes involved in the pelagic and benthic environments of the world's oceans and estuaries.

BIOL 435 Herpetology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent; BIOL 317 or equivalent.The evolution, ecology, structure, taxonomy and behavior of reptiles and amphibians.

BIOL 438/FRSC 438 Forensic Molecular Biology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 310 or equivalent; CHEM 302 and CHEZ 302L.Provides an understanding of various DNA testing methodologies and their applicability to forensic science. Students will learn the skills necessary to evaluate the applicability of each method as it applies to particular case situations.

BIOL 445 Neurobiology and Behavior: Semester course; 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent; BIOL 317 or equivalent.The study of animal behavior stressing ecological, evolutionary and neurobiological approaches.

BIOL 450-451 Biology of Cancer I and II: Continuous courses; 3 lecture hours for fall semester, 1 lecture and 12 laboratory hours for spring semester. 3-4 credits. Prerequisite: "C" or better in BIOL 218, completion of BIOL 450 and instructor's permission to enroll in BIOL 451.An examination of the cellular, molecular and clinical aspects of cancer development, progression and treatment.

BIOL 455 Immunology: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent; BIOL 310.A comprehensive introduction to the immune system of higher animals, emphasizing the molecular and cellular basis for antibody-medicated immunity.

BIOL 475 Biology Capstone Seminar: ____: Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Prerequisites: successful completion of the Biocore and 90 hours of undergraduate course work. Open to biology majors only. Students read assigned topical papers before class, prepare critical analyses, discuss and debate selected positions. See Schedule of Classes for specific topics.

BIOL 476 Biology Capstone Laboratory: Semester course; 1 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 2 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 218 and BIOL 310 or equivalent courses and 90 hours of undergraduate course work.Students apply basic laboratory methods, instrumentation, experimental design, critical thinking, ethical and social responsibility, data collection, analysis and content presentation. Formerly BIOL 300.

BIOL 477 Biology Capstone Experience: Semester course; variable hours. 0 credits. Prerequisites: successful completion of the Biocore and 90 hours of undergraduate course work. Open to biology majors only.The following courses qualify as a capstone experience if taken as a co-requisite with this course: BIOL 492 Independent Study, BIOL 493 Biology Internship, BIOL 495 Research and Thesis or BIOL 497 Ecological Service Learning.

BIOL 490 Research Seminar: Semester course; 1 credit. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent. Pre- or corequisites: BIOL 492 or 495, and senior status.Opportunity for students to develop skills necessary for effective oral presentation of their research work. Activities include a variety of seminar discussions and activities such as preparation of visual materials and statistical analysis of data. Students will make several oral presentations directly related to their specific BIOL 492 or 495 projects.

BIOL 491 Topics in Biology: Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent.A study of a selected topic in biology. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester and prerequisites.

BIOL 492 Independent Study: Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 4 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all independent study courses (BIOL 292, 492 and/or 495). A minimum of 2 credits is required for the course to count as a laboratory experience. Prerequisite: One of the following courses: BIOL 300 Experimental Methods, BIOZ 310L Laboratory in Genetics or BIOZ 317L Ecology Laboratory, or permission of the chair of the Department of Biology. A proposal acceptable to the supervising faculty member and departmental chair is required.Projects should include data collection and analysis, learning field and/or laboratory techniques, and/or mastering experimental procedures, all under the direct supervision of a faculty member. A minimum of three hours of supervised activity per week per credit hour is required. A final report must be submitted at the completion of the project. Graded as pass/fail.

BIOL 493 Biology Internship: Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 3 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all independent study and internship courses. 1 credit awarded for each 100 hours of work experience in professional biology setting. Open to students who have completed 24 credits in biology courses. Permission required of the chair of the Department of Biology and of the agency, company or organization in which internship will be held.Internship designed to provide laboratory or field experience in an off-campus professional biology setting. A final report must be submitted upon completion of the internship. Graded as pass/fail.

BIOL 495 Research and Thesis: Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 4 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all undergraduate research in biology (BIOL 292, 492, 495). A minimum of 2 credits is required for the course to count as a laboratory experience. A minimum of 4 credits is required for Honors in Biology. Prerequisites: BIOL 392, permission of the supervising faculty member and a research proposal acceptable to the departmental chair.Activities include field and/or laboratory research under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. A minimum of three hours of supervised activity per week per credit hour is required. Research projects must include experimental design and analysis of data. A written thesis of substantial quality is required upon completion of the research.

BIOL 496 Biology Preceptorship: Semester course; maximum 4 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 152 and BIOZ 151L, 152L, or equivalent. Open to juniors and seniors who have completed 14 credits of biology (including the relevant core course) and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Permission of instructor and departmental chair required prior to registration.Preceptors will conduct review sessions for students enrolled in one of the following biology core courses: BIOL 218, BIOL 317 or BIOL 310. Preceptorship cannot be repeated for the same course for biology credit. Preceptors will attend all class lectures, prepare course study/review material and lead three hours of review sessions each week under the guidance of the faculty adviser. A preproposal and final report are required. Graded as pass/fail.

BIOL 497 Ecological Service Learning: Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 317.A service-learning course coupled to course content and material taught in BIOL 317. Students will seek out ecologically relevant opportunities with local, state and federal community partners who will provide experiences to enhance academic enrichment and personal growth and will help foster a sense of civic responsibility. Students must complete a minimum of 20 service-learning hours with community partner(s).

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College of Humanities and Sciences :: Biology

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