Biological Sciences (BYS) Courses

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

100 Introduction to Health Professions 1 hr.

Career options for undergraduate students interested in health professions. Basics of health-care

delivery systems and terminology of health care. Primarily for freshmen and sophomores. No BYS

major or minor credit.

119 Principles of Biology 4 hrs.

Introduction to biological principles with a focus on cellular mechanisms. One two-hour

lab per week. Lab Fee: $40.

120 Organismal Biology 4 hrs.

Discussion of biological function with special emphasis on contrasting strategies employed by

organisms in meeting similar biological needs. Prerequisite: BYS 119. One two-hour lab per week.

Lab Fee: $40.

200 Dinosaur Biology 2 hrs.

Introduction to the major areas of scientific interest in dinosaur biology; origin of the dinosaurs,

their size, thermal biology, behavior and functional anatomy, relationships, and extinction. Lecture,

discussion, and laboratory. Field trips may be required.

College of Science 296

214 Infection and Immunity 4 hrs.

Principles of microbiology with emphasis on infectious disease of humans; epidemiological and

immunological aspects. No credit for students who have credit for BYS 321 or advanced

microbiology courses. Recommended for students in the College of Nursing. Prerequisites: BYS

119, CH 101 or 121. Two 2-hour labs a week. Lab Fee: $50.

219 General Genetics 4 hrs.

Hereditary basis of all living organisms, including the study of (a) genes as the discrete nature of

inheritance, (b) genes in organisms and (c) genes in populations. Mendelian principles and

evolutionary processes. Includes replication, transcription and translation of DNA, RNA and

proteins. Prerequisites: BYS 120, MA 107 or 112 and CH 101 or 121. Two 2-hour labs per week.

Lab fee: $60.

238 Local Flora 2 hrs.

Laboratory course with basic taxonomical procedures and determination of local angiosperms,

primarily dicots. Basics of classification techniques and process of speciation. Field trips required.

Lab Fee: $30. Spring or Summer.

301 Elementary Biochemistry 3 hrs.

Biochemistry and energetics of living cells, metabolism, structure and function of carbohydrates,

lipids, proteins and nucleic acid. Enzymes, coenzymes, vitamins, blood, endocrine glands, DNA

synthesis and gene expression, nutrition, drugs and biochemistry of specialized tissues.

Prerequisites: BYS 120 and CH 201 or 331. (Same as CH 301.) Spring.

312 Principles of Ecology 4 hrs.

Ecological principles controlling plant and animal populations. Development of ecosystems,

communities, and habitats. Prerequisites: BYS 120, CH 121. One lab a week. Lab Fee: $40. Field

trip required.

313 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 hrs.

Structure and function of the human body. Physiology and anatomy of major organs, organ

systems, and their interactions. Not intended for students preparing for professional schools or

graduate study in physiology or development. Prerequisites: BYS 119 and 120 or 214, CH 101 and

105 (CH 201 recommended). One lab a week. Lab Fee: $50. Fall.

314 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 hrs.

Continuation of BYS 313 stressing structural and functional relationships of major organs, organ

systems, and their interdependent regulation. Not intended for students preparing for professional

schools or graduate study in physiology or development. Prerequisite: BYS 313. One lab a week.

Lab Fee: $50. Spring.

315 Ichthyology 4 hrs.

Classification, anatomy, physiology, and ecology of freshwater and marine fishes. Emphasis on

fishes of north Alabama. Laboratory and field trips required. Prerequisite: BYS 120. Lab Fee: $40.

317 Vertebrate Zoology 5 hrs.

Morphology of vertebrate animals. Relationship of organs and systems and their phylogenetic

significance. Prerequisite: BYS 120. Two three-hour labs a week. Lab Fee: $50.

318 Vertebrate Reproduction 3 hrs.

General treatment of the major concepts and controversial areas of comparative vertebrate

reproduction: ecological and evolutionary aspects, development of reproductive functions and

sexual behavior, seasonal breeding and other topics of current interest. Prerequisite: BYS 120 or

313 or permission of instructor.

321 General Microbiology I 4 hrs.

Basic foundation in microbiology for 1) undergraduate biology majors and 2) premedical or predental

students majoring in other fields. Topics: structure, biochemistry, and genetics of

microorganisms, control of microbial growth, and microorganisms as pathogens. Laboratory

exercises focus on basic and diagnostic methods in microbiology, environmental factors controlling

microbial growth and survival, and the characteristics of medically-important microorganisms.

Prerequisites: BYS 120, CH 101 or CH 121. BYS 219 must be taken in parallel or as a prerequisite.

Lab Fee: $50.

297 College of Science

322 General Microbiology II 4 hrs.

Emphasizes the diversity of microorganisms in form, function, and ecology, and use of

microorganisms in biotechnology. Laboratory exercises focus on culture and identification of

environmentally important groups of microorganisms, microbial interrelationships, and the

microbiology of soil, water, milk, and food. Prerequisites: BYS 219, 321. Lab Fee: $50.

331 Global Climate Change and Infectious Diseases 3 hrs.

Global warming trends and causes, greenhouse gases, impacts of climate change, causes of past

climates, El Nino events, growing resistance of pathogens and vectors to drugs and insecticides,

biodiversity global analysis of emerging and re-emerging diseases and their causes. Prerequisite:

Junior standing or approval of instructor.

340 Cell and Developmental Biology 4 hrs.

Introduces the student to topics in cell and developmental biology. Subjects include cell structure,

organelles, cytoskeleton, secretory pathway, cell division, cell cycle, cell interaction and control of

differentiation. Prerequisites: BYS 219, and CH 201 or 331. One lab per week. Lab Fee: $65.

347 Biophysical Chemistry I 3 hrs.

First and second laws of thermodynamics. Free energy and equilibrium. Colligative properties of

solutions. Ionic equilibria. Electrochemistry. Reaction kinetics. Enzyme catalysis. Adsorption and

surface tension. Prerequisites: CH 332, MA 172, PH 112. (Same as CH 347.)

348 Biophysical Chemistry II 3 hrs.

Viscosity, diffusion, sedimentation, electrophoresis, determination of molecular weight by osmotic

pressure. Light scattering and photochemistry. Elementary IR, UV-VIS, ESR, NMR spectroscopy.

Fluorescence. Optical rotation. Prerequisite: CH 347. (Same as CH 348.)

361 General Biochemistry 3 hrs.

Molecules that comprise living systems. Nomenclature, structure, properties, and functions in

metabolism of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Enzymatic properties

and function, major catabolic pathways, their interrelations and control mechanisms. Glycolysis,

Kreb’s cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Prerequisites: BYS 120, CH 223, 224, 332, and 335.

(Same as CH 361.)

362 General Biochemistry Laboratory 1 hr.

Practical experience in isolation, qualitative identification, and quantitative estimation of

biomolecules. Prerequisite or parallel: CH 361. Prerequisite: CH 223 and 224. One 3-hour lab a

week. Lab Fee: $60. (Same as CH 362.)

363 General Biochemistry II 3 hrs.

A continuation of BYS 361 to include fatty acid and amino acid oxidation, biosynthesis of

biomolecules, integration of metabolism, DNA and RNA metabolism, protein biosynthesis, and

genes. Prerequisite: BYS 361. (Same as CH 363.)

364 Biogeography 3 hrs.

Principles of plant and animal distribution and dispersal, using the communities of North America

as prime examples. Prerequisites: BYS 120; 312 recommended.

365 General Biochemistry Laboratory II 1 hr.

Experimental course illustrating the topics in BYS 363. Prerequisite: BYS 361 and BYS 362.

Parallel BYS 363. Lab Fee: $40. (Same as CH 364.)

378 Invertebrate Zoology 5 hrs.

Invertebrate phyla emphasizing anatomy, morphology, physiology, embryology, ecology, and

phylogenetic relationships. Prerequisite: BYS 120. Two 3-hour labs a week. Lab Fee: $50.

401 Exercise Physiology 4 hrs.

Basic human physiology as differentiated by the effects of exercise. Physiology of major systems

of the body that may act as a limiting factor, or enhance the performance, of human movement.

Prerequisites: BYS 313 and 314. BYS/CH 301 strongly recommended. One lab per week. Lab Fee:

$50.

402 Kinesiology and Biomechanics 4 hrs.

A study of the structural and functional relationships of the human skeletal, muscular and neural

systems as they relate to movement of the human body. Prerequisites: BYS 313 and 314. PH 101

recommended. One lab per week. Lab Fee: $50.

College of Science 298

403 Advanced Exercise Physiology 4 hrs.

Human physiology, as differentiated by the effects of environmental variables such as altitude,

thermal stress and terrain on the effects of major physiological systems of the body as well as a

more in-depth analysis of resistance training, aerobic and anaerobic training. Special aids to

performance, body composition, aging and integration of multiple systems such as

cardiopulmonary systems, the neuromuscular systems, and how each of these variables may effect

the performance of human activity. Prerequisites: BYS 313, 314, 401 and BYS/CH 301 is highly

recommended. One lab per week . Lab Fee:$60

421 Introduction to Medical Microbiology 5 hrs.

Medically significant microorganisms and their relation to human diseases. Bacterial, fungal,

parasitic, and viral agents and their properties, pathogenesis, and laboratory diagnosis.

Prerequisites: BYS 321, BYS or CH 361, and BYS 430 recommended. Two 3-hour labs a week.

Lab Fee: $50.

430 Immunology 4 hrs.

Basic course in immunology. Immunoglobulins, antigens, immune responses, complement,

immediate and cell-mediated hypersensitivities, transplantation and tumor immunology.

Prerequisites: BYS 219, 321 and BYS/CH 361 strongly recommended. One 3-hour lab a week. Lab

Fee: $50.

436 Biological Psychology 3 hrs.

Functional analysis of neural and endocrine systems underlying behavior. Prerequisites: (either a or

b): (a) 15 hrs. of PY or approval of instructor; (b) BYS 120 or BYS 313, and 6 hrs. of PY or

approval of instructor. (Same as PY 436.)

464 Evolution 3 hrs.

Principles of evolution and speciation. Nature of species, divergence, isolation, and hybridization.

Taxonomic methodology. Prerequisites: BYS 120, 219; BYS 312 recommended.

490 Senior Seminar 2 hrs.

Student discussions, readings, and presentations of topical biological subjects using current

scientific literature, monographs and journals. Capstone course emphasizing refinement of oral and

written communication skills and critical thinking. Pass/fail grading. Biological sciences major

requirement, one seminar. Prerequisite: Senior standing and completion of other biology core

courses.

491 Special Topics in Biological Sciences 1-4 hrs.

Directed readings and/or written reports on topics of interest to individual students carried out

under supervision of an instructor. Permission of instructor required before registration.

492 Undergraduate Research 2-4 hrs.

For advanced-level biological sciences students with biological sciences GPA of 3.5 or above.

Individual investigations into biological problems under direct supervision of instructor. Permission

of instructor required before registration. May also be taken at the Marine Environmental Sciences

Consortium, Dauphin Island, Alabama. Lab Fee: $30 for 2 hours, $40 for 3 hours, and $50 for 4

hours.

499H Undergraduate Honors Research and Thesis 2-4 hrs.

Individual investigations into biological problems under direct supervision of instructor. For honors

students majoring in the biological sciences. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor, chair, and

director of honors program; Senior standing. Lab Fee: $30 for 2 hours; $40 for 3 hours; and $50 for

4 hours.

ADVANCED UNDERGRADUATE–GRADUATE COURSES

501 Gravitational Biology 3 hrs.

Basic studies of responses of plants and animals to microgravity. Emphasis on effects of lowgravity

at the cellular level, including cell physiology, metabolism, structure, signal transduction

mechanisms of gravity sensing, and issues of human gravitational physiology. Description of

organisms and summary of biological space flight experiments. Prerequisites: BYS 120, 214 or

321, 301 or 361, and 340 recommended, or permission of instructor.

299 College of Science

505 Psychopharmacology 3 hrs.

Introduction to drug classification and action with emphasis on physiological and psychology

interactions. Prerequisite: 9 hrs. BYS or PY. (Same as PY 505.)

519 Gene Structure and Function 3 hrs.

Molecular basis for inheritance and gene expression. Advanced studies of replication, transcription,

translation. Includes regulation of gene expression, gene cloning and recombinant DNA

technology. Prerequisites: BYS 219 and BYS/CH 361.

521 Medical Mycology 4 hrs.

Basic studies of fungi and applied studies of various classes of fungi pathogenic to humans;

reproduction, morphology, classification of disease states, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis,

chemotherapy. Prerequisite: BYS 421, 430 or approval of instructor. Two 2-hour labs per week.

Lab Fee: $40.

525 Medical Parasitology 4 hrs.

Basic and applied studies of the various classes of parasites pathogenic to humans and their

laboratory identification. Arthropods and their relationship as vectors of parasites. Immunology and

chemotherapy of parasitism. Prerequisite: BYS 321 or equivalent. Two 2-hour labs per week. Lab

Fee: $30.

531 Plant Physiology 4 hrs.

General introduction to life processes of plants, including water relations, mineral utilization,

metabolism, photosynthesis, digestion, respiration, assimilation, and growth as affected by growth

hormones. Prerequisites: BYS 120, CH 201 or 331. One 3-hour lab a week. Lab Fee: $30.

532 Animal Physiology 4 hrs.

Basic course in organismal function. Membrane physiology and transport phenomena, muscle,

nerve, synapse, and sensory receptor physiology. Physiology of respiration, heart, circulation,

kidney, and endocrine system. Emphasis on regulation. One 3-hour lab session a week illustrating

physiological principles discussed in lecture. Prerequisites: senior standing; BYS 317 and BYS/CH

301 or 361, or graduate standing. Lab Fee: $50.

533 Endocrinology 3 hrs.

Anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of endocrine glands. Emphasis on regulation of hormone

secretion, hormonal integration of physiological function, and mechanism of hormone action.

Prerequisites: BYS 313 and 314 or 532, BYS/CH 361.

535 Microbial Physiology and Metabolism 4 hrs.

Aspects of microbial physiology such as nutrition, growth, energy, and biosynthetic mechanisms of

microorganisms. Prerequisite: BYS 321. Biochemistry recommended. One 3-hour lab a week. Lab

Fee: $50.

536 Psychology of Stress and Illness 3 hrs.

Overview of physiological stress responses and their influence on health, behavior, and illness.

Prerequisite: 9 hrs. BYS or PY. (Same as PY536.)

540 Animal Behavior 3 hrs.

Examines the experimental and theoretical foundations of the study of animal behavior. Animal

behavior will be discussed in terms of immediate mechanisms, development, survival value, and

evolution. Some emphasis will be placed on the relevance of animal behavior to human behavior

and on the importance of understanding behavior in context. Prerequisites: PY 101, 102 and 302 or

BYS 119, 120 and 4 upper level hours in BYS.

543 Molecular Biology of the Cell 3 hrs.

Cellular structure and function including mitosis, meiosis, cell cycle, and cell signaling. Discussion

of biological techniques such as tissue culture, hybridoma and monoclonal antibody production,

gene cloning and recombinant DNA, radiotracer methodology, and specialized microscopy.

Prerequisites: BYS 120, 219, and 361 (may be taken concomitantly).

College of Science 300

544 Developmental Biology 3 hrs.

Gametogenesis and regulation of reproductive cycles, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation and

developmental mechanisms such as nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions and oocyte polarity in

regulating gene expression during development, selective cell affinities, contact guidance, and

embryonic inductions and fields. Selected morphogenesis of germ-layer derivatives discussed.

Prerequisite: BYS 340 or 543.

545 Cellular and Developmental Biology Laboratory 2 hrs.

Theory and practice of experimental techniques used in cellular, molecular and developmental

biology. Prerequisite: BYS 543 and/or 544. Lab Fee: $50.

547 Biochemistry I 3 hrs.

Structural chemistry and function of biomolecules, mechanisms of biochemical reactions, enzyme

kinetics, and energy transfer. Prerequisite: CH or BYS 363. (Same as CH 561.)

548 Biochemistry II 3 hrs.

Metabolism, biosynthesis of macromolecular precursors, storage, transmission, expression of

genetic information, and molecular physiology. Prerequisite: CH 561 or BYS 547. (Same as CH

562.)

556 Advanced Molecular Techniques 3 hrs.

Laboratory techniques in molecular biology, including methods of recombinant DNA technology

for identification, cloning, and characterization of genes. Prerequisites: BYS 219, 340, and 519

(may be taken concurrently) or Permission of the Instructor. One 2-hour and one 5-hour lab per

week. Lab Fee: $250.

561 Physiological Ecology 4 hrs.

Physiological and behavioral responses of organisms to natural changes in their chemical and

physical environment. Prerequisite: BYS 312 or approval of instructor. BYS 361 or 532

recommended. Lab Fee: $30.

562 Community Ecology 4 hrs.

Detailed consideration of ecological principles and concepts, as well as biotic and abiotic factors

relative to development of plant communities and ecosystems. Prerequisites: BYS 312. One 3-hour

lab a week. Lab Fee: $30. Field trips required.

563 Population Ecology 4 hrs.

Distribution, population dynamics and behavior of animal populations in relation to environmental

factors. Prerequisites: BYS 312. One 3-hour lab a week. Lab Fee: $30. Field trips required.

564 Limnology 3 hrs.

Fresh-water environments and organisms exemplified by lakes, ponds, and streams in north

Alabama. Prerequisites: BYS 312, 315 and/or 378 recommended.

578 Aquatic Arthropod Biology 4 hrs.

Systematics, physiology, ecology and importance of the crustacea, insecta and arachnida that

inhabit freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. Particular attention will be given to those arthropods

common to the aquatic systems in and around Alabama. Since all field trips are required,

prospective students should consult with the instructor prior to registration. Prerequisite: BYS 378.

Lab Fee: $40.

Graduate Courses in Biological Sciences (BYS)

621 Pathogenic Bacteriology 4 hrs.

Survey of bacterial diseases in humans. Mechanisms of pathogenicity and host-parasite

interactions. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: BYS 361, 421, 430, or approval of instructor. Lab

Fee: $50.

641 Advanced Cell Biology (also at AAMU) 4 hrs.

Integrated approach to fine structure and function of various cellular processes. Particular aspects

of cellular processes each semester, e.g. motility in cells and cellular differentiation. Laboratory

included. Prerequisite: BYS 543 or approval of instructor. Lab Fee: $50.

644 Topics in Cell and Developmental Biology and Biological Fine Structure 2 hrs.

Discussion of current topics in cell biology with emphasis on student participation. Both plant and

animal cells will be emphasized. Depending on the number of students, some terms may be devoted

to short research problems. Prerequisite: BYS 543 or 641 or approval of instructor.

223 College of Science

646 Molecular Genetics (also at AAMU) 3 hrs.

Advanced study of molecular mechanisms underlying genetic principles. Current molecular

biology techniques. Structure of genes and chromosomes; primary, secondary, and tertiary structure

of DNA; DNA replication; genetic recombination; RNA transcription; translation and genetic code;

regulation of gene function; evolution at molecular level. Prerequisites: BYS 219 and BYS/CH

361.

647 Enzymology 3 hrs.

Detailed study of enzymes including protein synthesis; primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary

structure; nomenclature, physiological and catalytic function; enzyme kinetics, and metabolic

regulations of enzyme activity. Prerequisite: BYS 547 or CH 561 or approval of instructor.

660 Ecosystem Dynamics 3 hrs.

An analytical approach (including simulation and modeling) to the interactions of organisms in

terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems. Prerequisites: BYS 562, 564.

661 Advanced Population Ecology 4 hrs.

Interaction of population structure, genetic properties, and ecology factors in controlling dynamics

and evolutionary character of natural population. One 4-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: BYS 312,

BYS 564, or approval of instructor. Lab Fee: $40.

690 Seminar (also at AAMU) 1 hr.

Student reports on current journal articles, research, or assigned readings. Graduate students should

attend whether enrolled for credit or not. May be taken up to three times for credit.

691 Special Topics (also at AAMU) 1-4 hrs.

Directed readings and/or written reports on topics of individual student interest carried out under

the supervision of an instructor. Permission of instructor required before registration.

692 Research (also at AAMU) 2-4 hrs.

Individual investigations of biological problems under supervision of graduate faculty member.

Permission of instructor required before registration. A special problem may be carried out at

Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium, Dauphin Island, Alabama. Available to thesis

students. Lab Fee: $30 for 2 hours; $40 for 3 hours; $50 for 4 hours.

699 Master’s Thesis (also at AAMU) 1-6 hrs.

Required each semester student is working and receiving direction on master’s thesis. Minimum of

six hours required for M.S. students. Maximum of nine hours credit upon successful completion of

master’s thesis.

Marine Sciences (MS)

Courses are offered only at the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium Sea Lab at Dauphin

Island, Alabama. The following courses can be included in a biological sciences major or minor:

202 Marine Biology 4 hrs.

Survey of invertebrates, vertebrates, and marine plants as communities with local examples of

groups. Examination of marshland, estuarine, beach, dune inlet and neritic habitats, and niches.

Lectures, laboratory, and field work. Prerequisite: general biology.

304 Coastal Zone Management 2 hrs.

Examination of ecological features and physical management policies design for coastal

communities and a review of the federal and state programs that impinge upon coastal ecological

communities.

301 College of Science

502 Marine Botany 4 hrs.

Survey of marine algae, vascular, and nonvascular plants associated with marine environment.

Distribution, identification, structure, ecology, and reproduction. Prerequisite: general biology.

503 Marine Invertebrate Zoology 4 hrs.

Local examples of principal groups of marine invertebrates. Reproduction, distribution, taxonomy,

systematics, and ecology. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Opportunity to acquire collection of

local fauna. Prerequisite: General biology.

505 Marine Vertebrate Zoology 4 hrs.

Marine fishes, reptiles, and mammals. Comprehensive treatment of their systematics,

zoogeography, and ecology. Lectures on nonregional basis. Field and laboratory work on vertebrate

fauna of northern Gulf of Mexico. Most of course on fishes. Opportunity to assemble collection of

vertebrate species. Prerequisite: General biology.

506 Marine Zoogeography 4 hrs.

Physical, chemical, and biological factors influencing distribution of marine organisms. Importance

of continents, open oceans, and species competition on animal distribution. Zoogeographical

patterns in Gulf of Mexico, western North Atlantic, and Caribbean regions. Prerequisite: 12

semester hours of biological sciences.

507 Physiology of Marine Animals 4 hrs.

Environmental adaptations of marine animals. Biochemical, osmotic, respiratory, and temperature

responses of both invertebrates and fish. Prerequisite: 12 hours in biological sciences. Biochemistry

recommended.

508 Marine Plankton 4 hrs.

Physical, chemical, and biological factors influencing distribution of marine organisms. Emphasis

on western North Atlantic Ocean. Prerequisite: Invertebrate zoology.

509 Marine Ecology 4 hrs.

Bioenergetics, community structure, population dynamics, predation, competition, and speciation in

marine ecosystems. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Students admitted without previous marine

courses. For engineers and other non-biologists interested in marine environment. Individual

species as they relate to ecological principles exemplifying taxonomic and ecologic backgrounds.

Prerequisites: Introductory ecology. Chemistry and physics recommended; marine invertebrate

zoology or marine biology helpful.

510 Marsh Ecology 4 hrs.

Basic understanding of ecology of salt marsh. Habitat analysis, natural history studies, and

population dynamics of selected vertebrates. Specific field problem terminated by a technical paper

assigned to each student. For advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Prerequisite:

Introductory ecology.

511 Benthic Community Structure 4 hrs.

Patterns of benthic macroinvertebrate abundance and distribution along Alabama coastline. Field

sampling, taxonomy, and data analysis in lectures and labs. Major taxa such as polychaetes and

crustaceans. Prerequisite: Invertebrate zoology.

512 Fisheries Science 4 hrs.

Principles and methods of marine fishery biology and their application to conservation. Lecture and

laboratory work. Prerequisite: General biology.

513 Fisheries Economics 4 hrs.

Physical and biological environment of commercial marine organisms and its effect on distribution

and natural fluctuations in abundance. Man’s impact on population through fishing and habitat

alteration. Ecology and life history of major groups. Problems of managing fishery resources

through regulation, mariculture, and preservation of specialized habitats. Prerequisite: General

biology.

515 Coastal Ornithology 4 hrs.

Coastal and pelagic birds with emphasis on ecology, taxonomy, and distribution. Food habits, field

identification, and population dynamics. Prerequisite: Introductory zoology.

525 Marine Biology for Teachers 6 hrs.

College of Science 302

599 Research 1-4 hrs.

Enrollment by special arrangement in any subjects listed. Prerequisite: Arrangements with and

approval of project supervisor and liaison officer. Students should note which semester to take

special topics in a particular subject. Only Marine Science Program resident faculty are available

for special topics both terms. Other instructors available only time listed for their courses.

The following courses cannot be taken for credit toward a biological sciences major or minor but

can be used for a marine science minor.

204 Commercial Marine Fisheries of Alabama 2 hrs.

Biology, harvesting technology, and processing of commercially valuable fish and shellfish species

of Alabama.

301 Marine Technical Methods I 2 hrs.

Research equipment, methods, and techniques in marine science. Training in operation and field

maintenance of major pieces of sampling gear. Prerequisite: Introductory biology, chemistry, or

physics.

302 Marine Technical Methods II 2 hrs.

Equipment and techniques in laboratory analysis of water and other marine samples. Emphasis on

water quality parameters. Prerequisite: Introductory biology, chemistry, or physics.

303 Coastal Climatology 2 hrs.

Physical factors that result in climactic conditions in and near coastal region. Emphasis on northern

Gulf of Mexico.

501 Introduction to Oceanography 4 hrs.

Physics, chemistry, biology, and geology of oceans. For graduate students and those preparing for

graduate school or intending to enter marine sciences professionally. Prerequisites: College algebra,

general physics, and general chemistry.

514 Estuarine Science 4 hrs.

Physical, chemical, and biological parameters of estuarine ecosystems. Field experience and lecture

material. Mobile Bay in detail. Prerequisite: Introductory zoology, chemistry, physics, or geology.

516 Scientific Data Management 2 hrs.

Key techniques and principles in evaluating and expressing experimental data. Mapping, profiling,

contouring, applied statistics, and graphical and tabular representation of results. Not a substitute

for basic statistics courses.

520 Marine Geology 4 hrs.

Sampling techniques, laboratory analysis of sediments, application of research process to problems

in identifying sedimentary environments, topography, sediments, and history of world oceans.

Beneficial for understanding sedimentary substrate on or in which a large percentage of marine

organisms live. Lecture, laboratory, and field work. Prerequisite: physical geology.

521 Recent Marine Sedimentation 4 hrs.

Investigations in properties of marine sediments, coastal sedimentary environments, continental

margin sediments, reef and associated sediments, deep-sea sediments and marine geophysics.

Erosinal and depositional effects of waves and currents. Prerequisite: marine geology or

oceanography.

522 Marine Paleoecology 4 hrs.

Principal marine fossil groups in gulf coastal plain sediments, their paleoecology, and

paleogeography. Recent and ancient marine communities and individuals in them. Prerequisite:

marine geology or advanced geology.

Graduate Courses Offered at Alabama A&M University (AAMU)

Courses offered jointly by Alabama A&M University and UAH but which are taught on the A&M

campus are listed below for ready reference.

510 Radiation Biology 4 hrs.

Characteristics of radioisotopes, detection and counting techniques and instrumentation, tracer

techniques, health and safety system. Prerequisite: Consultation with instructor.

511 Biological Control 4 hrs.

Components of resistance, use of parasites, predators and microorganisms, foreign exploration,

shipment, release and establishment of imported parasites and predators.

512 Histotechniques 3 hrs.

Microscopic study of the various tissues and organs of the animal systems.

College of Science 224

522 Microbial Physiology 3 hrs.

Relationship between structure and biochemical functions in microorganisms. Lab Fee: $40.00.

Prerequisite: Microbiology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.

523 Principles of Virology 4 hrs.

Principles of viral infectivity, multiplication, and chemical constitution; laboratory techniques for

their isolation, cultivation, identification, and enumeration. Prerequisite: BYS 221.

524 Mycology 4 hrs.

Lines of phycomycetes using representative species; various series of actinomycetes; representative

pathogenic (crop and vegetative pathogens) and nonpathogenic heterobasidiomycetideae

organisms; order and families of homobasidiomycetidae. Ontogenetics, cellular, and structural

study applied to all divisions, classes, series, orders and families. Lab Fee: $40.

526 Microbial Ecology 4 hrs.

Relationship of soil and aquatic microorganisms and their importance in ammonification,

nitrification, and other biological processes. Prerequisite: BYS 321.

533 Medical Physiology I 4 hrs.

Nerve and muscle cell function, fluid and electrolyte environment of body tissues, blood, heart,

circulatory, and nervous systems. Prerequisite: Organic chemistry, preferably biochemistry.

534 Medical Physiology II 4 hrs.

Continuation of mammalian physiology with consideration of kidney function, respiratory,

digestive, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: Medical Physiology I.

535 Endocrinology (also at UAH) 4 hrs.

Current developments on anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and regulations of major endocrine

glands. Laboratory sessions in biological and chemical assays of hormones. Lab fee $50.

Prerequisite: ZOO 409.

540 Molecular Biology 4 hrs.

Structure, behavior, and function of larger biological molecules including biological oxidations,

metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and genetic aspects of metabolism. Prerequisite:

Organic Chemistry.

541 Cell Physiology 4 hrs.

Interconversions and functions of biomolecules in cells, including the major metabolic pathways,

bioenergetics, interrelations of various pathways, and various mechanisms of metabolic regulation.

One 3-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: BIO/CHE 361 and 362 or consent of instructor.

542 Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory 2 hrs.

Advanced laboratory dealing with modern techniques of molecular biology and biochemistry.

Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry.

546 Cytogenetics 4 hrs.

Analysis of composition, morphology, and behavior of genes, especially as they relate to function,

development, and heredity. Prerequisite: BIO 406.

551 Insect Physiology 4 hrs.

Metabolism and utilization of carbohydrates, lipids, and nitrogen compounds; energy production,

neuromuscular mechanisms, hormones and morphogenesis; role of organs and organ systems in

metabolism. Prerequisites: General entomology, advanced biochemistry.

225 College of Science

552 Insect-Pest Management 4 hrs.

Insect surveys, ecological basis for control, plant and animal resistance to insects, control by

parasites, predators, microorganisms, management by genetics principles, chemical attractants,

chemical repellents, sterilization, insecticides, and integrated systems of pest management.

Prerequisite: general entomology or advanced applied entomology.

553 Insect Taxonomy and Morphology 4 hrs.

Classification of insects, external and internal anatomy of insects, with emphasis on the

comparative and functional aspects. Prerequisite: BIO 455.

560 Environmental Biology 3 hrs.

Principles of interaction between living systems and their resources. Current problems in

management of natural resources including new approaches in management of pest populations.

565/565L Phycology -Morphology of Classes; Growth Requirements 4 hrs.

Physical and chemical stresses on growth and productivity. Succession and bioassay of pollutants.

Systematic physiology and metabolism of ecology and environmental stress factors. Productivity

culturing methods and economics. Man’s use of biotechnology and industry. Terrestrial monitoring.

570 Plant Pathology 4 hrs.

History, nonparasitic, and parasitic diseases incited by bacteria, fungi, plasmodiophorales,

nematodes, and viruses. Disease control through exclusion, eradication, protection, and post

resistance. Prerequisite: BIO 344.

571 Plant Anatomy 4 hrs.

Ontogeny, differentiation, and maturation of tissues and organs of angiosperms. Problems in

growth and development of an angiosperm, using histological techniques. Two 3-hour labs per

week. Lab Fee: $40. Prerequisite: BYS 372 or approval of instructor.

572 Plant Taxonomy 4 hrs.

Principles of classifying, naming, and identifying vascular plants with emphasis on flowering

plants. Ecologic factors influencing vegetational distribution.

590 Problems in Biological Sciences 4 hrs.

(Plan III only) Problems of elementary and secondary school teachers of science in all areas of

biological sciences. Relations of biological organisms to their environment, stressing climactic and

soil factors that influence their distribution and adaptations. Provision for individual investigation

in biological science.

622 Applied and Industrial Microbiology 4 hrs.

Examine by microbiological assay sewage disposal and waste water treatment plants.

Microorganisms of industrial importance in biological production of antibiotics, vitamins, organic

acids, and alcohols. Prerequisite: Microbiology.

623 Advanced Virology 4 hrs.

Outline of field of virology stressing molecular biology of virus replication. Immunology, genetics,

and epidemiology. Bacterial and vertebrate viruses although some discussion of plant and insect

viruses. Prerequisites: Microbiology, Principles of Virology.

631 Medical Pharmacology 5 hrs.

Drug-receptor interaction, kinetics of drug absorption, distribution and elimination, and discussion

of drugs affecting different systems. Pharmacogenetics, toxicity, mutagenesis, teratogenesis,

carcinogenesis, and drug interactions. Mechanism of action of drugs, in relation to their use as

therapeutic agents in medicine. Laboratory included. Prerequisites: Medical Physiology I and II.

College of Science 226

632 Cardiovascular Physiology 3 hrs.

Mechanisms of cardiac muscle excitation and interaction. Analysis of peripheral circulation. Neural

regulation of circulation. Angiograph, electrocardiography, and vectorcardiography as diagnostic

tools. Prerequisites: Medical Physiology I and II.

642 Advanced Cell Physiology 4 hrs.

Biochemical and biophysical cytology. The cell as matter, life history of the cell, molecular basis of

cellular activities, enzymes and energy conversions, functional localizations in subunits of the cell,

mechanisms of motility, structure and function of cell membranes, effects of radiation on cells,

biochemical control mechanisms, cellular differentiation and interaction between cells, hypotheses

of cellular origins. Laboratory included. Prerequisites: molecular biology, physics, cytology,

biochemistry.

645 Human Cytogenetics and Its Clinical Application 3 hrs.

Review of normal human chromosome structure and normal chromosome segregation and

morphology with clinical consideration.

652 Advanced Applied Entomology 4 hrs.

Economic thresholds, economic injury levels, population dynamics, residues in food crops,

chemical control, insect transmission of plant disease, and livestock. Prerequisite: General

entomology.

653 Taxonomy of the Immature Insect 4 hrs.

Literature, comparative morphology and techniques of identification of immature stages of the

insect, methods of collecting and preserving the immatures. Lab Fee: $40. Prerequisite: BYS 455 or

approval of instructor.