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Department of Biology
Robert T. Grammer (chair), Ronald Barrett (professor emeritus), David R. Hill (professor emeritus), Steven Murphree, Seth Pritchard, Nicholas Ragsdale, Donald Ramage (professor emeritus), Ray Seely*, Jennifer Thomas.
*Part-time

Vision:

To be a department characterized by superior teaching/learning experiences combining personal interaction with creative use of technology; enrichment of academic growth by a curricular structure which continually stimulates independent student exploration of biological science; and an atmosphere of Christian concern for the student in the areas of career planning, academic advising, intellectual growth, and development of an appreciation for, and an ethical sensitivity to, matters of biological concern.

Purpose:

The Biology Department is dedicated to providing students with an academically challenging curriculum which enables them to develop a basic understanding of and an appreciation for the organisms and interactions making up the living world.

Goals:

1. to prepare students to enter graduate school.
2. to prepare students to teach biology in secondary schools.
3. to prepare students to meet entrance requirements for dental school, medical school, pharmacy school, medical technology, physical therapy school, occupational therapy school, etc.
4. to prepare students to enter biology-related occupations.
5. to develop concern for and awareness of the environment.
6. to develop critical reasoning skills.

Not all courses are offered in any one year. Certain advanced courses alternate to meet demands.

Three + One Program with a Major in Biology

This program is designed to allow a student to apply to the Occupational Therapy (OT) program during the junior year. If a student is admitted, the senior year will be the first year in the Occupational Therapy program. Six (6) hours of the first year in the OT program will count toward completion of the hours required for a major in Biology. The other 18 hours will count toward the hours required for graduation with a B.S. degree with a major in Biology. No minor will be required with this option. The student will continue the studies toward their Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.

Biology Courses (BIO)

BIO 100. Seminar in Biology (0). Required of all majors in biology, this course is to be taken within the first year as a biology major at Belmont. The seminar is designed for the new major in biology: to introduce the departmental program of advising and coursework leading to graduation with a major in biology, to present the various university sources of academic support, to serve as a forum for the administration of the Major Field Achievement Test (MFAT), and to explain the requirements of graduate and professional schools related to the study of biology and related sciences. Offered fall only.

BIO 101. Biological Science (3). A study of the principles of biology and how these principles affect the student. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. (This course does not count toward a major or minor in biology.) ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 102. Introductory Molecular and Cellular Biology (4). A study of the characteristics of life and concepts in cell biology: the molecular basis of cellular processes, the structure and physiology of cells, and the mechanisms of heredity. Three hours lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 111. Principles of Biology I (4). An introductory study of molecular and cellular biology, genetics and microevolution. Topics include the molecular basis of cellular processes; the structure and physiology of cells; classical, molecular, and population genetics; and recombinant DNA. For students with ACT composite of 90% or above. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 112. Principles of Biology II (4). Prerequisite: BIO 102 or BIO 111. A study of the structure, function, classification, and phylogeny of the Protista (Protozoa only) and Animalia. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 113. Principles of Biology III (4). Prerequisite: BIO 102 or BIO 111. A study of the structure, function, classification, and phylogeny of Monera, Protista (except Protozoa), Fungi, and Plantae. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 199-499. Special Studies (1-3).

BIO 202. General Anatomy and Physiology (4, even years). Prerequisite: BIO 101. A survey of all systems of the human body. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. (Does not count toward a major in biology.) ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 211. Medical Terminology (1). A course taught with a programmed text to develop a vocabulary of medical terms. Does not count toward a major or minor in biology.

BIO 220. Conservation of Natural Resources (3). Analyzes current problems in the wise utilization of soil, water, minerals, forests, grasslands, and wild life with special emphasis given to conservation in Tennessee. Presents relationships of atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere to each other. (Does not count toward a major or minor in biology.)

BIO 223. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4). A study of the anatomy and physiology of the systems of the human body. Two hours lecture and 4 hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 224. Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4). Prerequisite: BIO 223. A continuation of the study of the human body. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 233. Genetics (3). Prerequisite: BIO 102 or BIO 111. A study of the principles of heredity including classical and molecular genetics. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 271-272. Laboratory Techniques (1-2). Prerequisite: BIO 102 or BIO 111, and 112, and permission of instructor. An independent research experience with emphasis on learning techniques and skills utilized in the laboratory in preparation for BIO 470. The research experience will be under the supervision of a selected faculty member. Upon completion of the work, a typewritten report will be required. The last digit represents the credit for the course.

BIO 303. General Ecology (3, alternate years). A study of the basic principles of ecology and a survey of the major plant and animal communities. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 304. Cancer Biology (3). Prerequisite: BIO 233. A study of cancer as a model of uncontrolled cell growth. Topics include causes, types, prevention, and treatment of cancer, as well as a thorough examination of cancer cells at the molecular and cellular levels.

BIO 312. Basic Microbiology (4). A study of the morphology, structure, metabolism, genetics and control of microorganisms; disease resistance and the role of microorganisms in the disease process; environmental and applied microbiology. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 314. Immunology (3). Prerequisite: BIO 233. An introduction to the principles of immunology and the mechanisms of the immune response.

BIO 316. General Physiology (4, alternate years). Prerequisites: CEM 221, CEM 222. The study of the functions of cells, tissues, and organs of living organisms. Both plant and animal physiology will be covered with major emphasis placed on animal physiology. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 320. Parasitology (4, alternate years). An introduction to the morphology, physiology, ecology and taxonomy of the major parasites of man and domestic animals. Through lecture and laboratory experiences with slide-mounted and living specimens, students will become familiar with the life cycles of selected parasites, the drugs of choice in treating parasitic diseases and diagnostic procedures. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 325. Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (4, alternate years). A survey of vertebrates and comparative study of organ systems. Dissection of amphioxus, lamprey, dogfish shark, and cat constitute laboratory work. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 370. Biological Research I (1). Prerequisites: Sixteen hours biology and CEM 111 and CEM 112. Discussion of biological research including project design and literature review.

BIO 380. Molecular Biology (4). Prerequisites: CEM 222, BIO 102 or 111, BIO 233.) This course emphasizes the chemistry of molecules important in cellular processes of the transmission of genetic information. Particularly important is its emphasis on laboratory techniques and the interpretation of published literature in the field of molecular genetics. ($30.00 course fee)

BIO 385. Cellular Biology (4). Prerequisites: CEM 221, BIO 102 or 111). This course will cover the cellular aspects of biology, including processes unique to all cells as well as processes specific to certain cell types. Laboratory and the presentation of data will be emphasized. Interpretation of published literature in cell biology will also be stressed. ($30.00 course fee)

BIO 401. Electron Microscopy (4). Techniques of electron microscopy as applied to cells and tissues. One lecture and two three-hour laboratory periods per week. ($60.00 course fee)

BIO 425. General Embryology (4, alternate years). A study of the comparative embryology of the vertebrates. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 444. Histology (4, alternate years). A study of the microscopic anatomy of vertebrate cells, tissues and organs. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 450. Neurobiology (3). Prerequisite: BIO 102 or BIO 111, BIO 233 or 316. An examination of the principles of structure and function of the nervous system. The effects of molecular approaches to neuroscience and their impacts on the understanding of sensory, motor, and cognative functions of both simple and more complex systems will be addressed. Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 470. Biological Research II (3). Prerequisite: BIO 370. Completion of an independent laboratory or field research project under the supervision of a selected faculty member. ($50.00 course fee)

BIO 471. Senior Seminar (0). Prerequisite: BIO 470. The student will write and present a research paper based on research done in BIO 470 at the Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium and take the MFAT in Biology.

BIO 498. Internship in Biology (3). Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair. A cooperative education assignment in which the student is placed with a participating business organization for a semester. The student must apply one semester prior to his anticipated work period. The student must have at least a 2.5 GPA to be eligible. The student's program of study may be extended for an additional semester. (May be repeated once; however, only 3 hours may be used as biology electives).

In addition to the preceding courses offered on campus, Belmont students have the unique opportunity to take courses at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS).

Credit for courses taken at IMS will be automatically transferred to Belmont. Permission to enroll in these courses must be obtained from the Chairperson, Department of Biology, Belmont University.

The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) is located at Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and offers courses that are oriented toward the marine environment. Typical course offerings include:

IMS-MAR-300. Marine Science I: Oceanography
IMS-MAR-301. Marine Science II: Marine Biology
IMS-MAR-403. Marine Invertebrate Zoology
IMS-MAR-404. Parasites of Marine Animals
IMS-MAR-405. Marine Ecology
IMS-MAR-406. Fauna/Faunistic Ecology Tide Marshes
IMS-MAR-407. Principles of Marine Aquaculture
IMS-MAR-408. Marine Ichthyology
IMS-MAR-409. Marine Microbiology
IMS-MAR-410. Marine Fisheries Management
IMS-MAR-420. Marine Phycology
IMS-MAR-421. Coastal Vegetation
IMS-MAR-422. Salt Marsh Plant Ecology
IMS-MAR-423. Marine Mammals
IMS-MAR-430. Comparative Histology of Marine Organisms
IMS-MAR-441. Marine Chemistry
IMS-MAR-443. Environmental Estuanine Chemistry
IMS-MAR-457. Marine Science for Teachers
IMS-MAR-458. Marine Science for Elementary Teachers
IMS-MAR-459. Coastal Ecology for Teachers
IMS-MAR-482. Coastal Marine Geology
IMS-MAR-490. Aquarium Management

The Department of Education has approved the following courses for education credit: IMS-MAR 457, and IMS-MAR 458.
Contact the Biology Department, Belmont University, for additional information on courses at the Institute of Marine Sciences.

Shared Major

Departments of Biology and Chemistry and Physics

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Courses (BMB)

BMB 271-272. Laboratory Techniques (1-2). Prerequisite: BIO 102 or BIO 111, and 112, and permission of instructor. An independent research experience with emphasis on learning techniques and skills utilized in the laboratory in preparation for BMB 470. The research expereince will be under the supervision of a selected faculty member. Upon completion of the work, a typewritten report will be required. The last digit represents the credit for the course.

BMB 305. Biochemistry (4). Prerequisite: CEM 221, CEM 222; or consent of instructor. The molecular structure and biological function of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and lipids is emphasized. An introduction to enzymology and metabolism is included. This course is cross-listed with CEM 305. ($100.00 course fee).

BMB 321. Biophysical Chemistry (4). Prerequisites: CEM 222, PHY 112, MTH 115. An introduction for students of the biological sciences to the area of physical chemistry. A non-calculus based approach to the use of thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, kinetics, spectroscopy, and quantum mechanics as applied to the field of biochemistry. This course is cross-listed with CEM 321. ($60.00 course fee).

BMB 370. Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1). Prerequisites: Sixteen hours each in biology and chemistry. Discussion of biochemical and molecular research, including project design and literature review.

BMB 430. Molecular Basis of Development (3). Prerequisite BIO 102 or 111 and BIO 233. An examination of the molecular and cellular processes underlying the embryonic development of organisms. The course will cover plants and invertebrate animals. The laboratory will include biochemical, genetic, and cellular investigations of cell cleavage, embryogenesis, and organogenesis. Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. ($50.00 course fee).

BMB 470. Research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II (3). Prerequisites: BUB 370. Completion of an idependent laboratory research project under the supervision of a selected BMB faculty member. ($50.00)

BMB 471. Senior Seminar (0). Prerequisite: BMB 470. The student will write and present a research paper based on the research completed in BMB 470. The paper must be presented at the Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium.