Biological Sciences Courses
Bama Biology Bootcamp (B³) is a one-week intensive program for incoming Biological Sciences majors and other freshmen enrolled in introductory biology courses. Students will learn study and time management skills that can be used across all classes.
Lecture and laboratory. Not open to biology majors or minors, or pre-health professions students. Survey of the basic principles of cellular biology, genetics, plant and animal diversity, and evolution. Usually offered fall, spring, and summer. BSC 108 and BSC 109 may be taken in either order.
Lecture and laboratory. Not open to biology majors or minors, or to pre-health professions students. Study of the physiology of living organisms with emphasis on the physiology of humans. Includes an overview of general ecology and animal behavior. Usually offered fall, spring and summer. BSC 108 and BSC 109 may be taken in either order.
This course will provide students with proven strategies that are designed to improve their ability to study and learn biology. Students will gain skills in time management, inquiry-based learning techniques, logical reasoning, and critical thinking to support understanding and application of biology theory.
For biology majors, biology minors and pre-health professions students. Study of general biological principles, including the chemical basis of life; cellular biology, including cell structure and metabolism, genetics evolution; and a survey of simple organisms, including viruses, bacteria, protista and fungi. Offered fall, spring and summer. NOTE: A student must take both BSC 114 and BSC 115 in order to use either one of the courses to satisfy a portion of the natural science (N) requirement of the University Core Curriculum.
For biology majors, biology minors, and pre-health professions students. Study of the structure, function, and ecology of organisms, including bryophytes, vascular plants, invertebrate animals, and vertebrate animals. Offered fall, spring, and summer. NOTE: A student must take both BSC 116 and BSC 117 in order to use either one of the courses to satisfy a portion of the natural science (N) requirement of the University Core Curriculum.
This course is a laboratory course that explores diverse life forms through experimentation and promotes the scientific process through inquiry-based investigation of organism structure and function, while promoting careful observation, analysis of biological problems and an understanding of biological principles.
Lecture, discussion period, and laboratory. Thorough study of general biological principles, including the chemical basis of life, cellular biology, genetics, evolution, and a survey of prokaryotic organisms.
Lecture, discussion period, and laboratory. Thorough study of the structure, function, physiology, and ecology of organisms, including higher and lower plants and vertebrates and invertebrate animals.
Lecture, laboratory, and laboratory lecture. Integrated survey of human anatomy and physiology that includes cellular aspects; tissues and skin; the skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems; and the special senses of sight, hearing, taste, and smell.
Lecture, laboratory, and laboratory lecture. Integrated survey of human anatomy and physiology that includes the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.
An introductory course on the evidence for evolution, mechanisms of evolutionary change, natural and sexual speciation, and common misconceptions about evolution.
The course is designed to provide an understanding of the molecular basis of cell function. Topics include metabolism, gene control, cell membranes, and cell-to-cell signaling.
A laboratory course that focuses on demonstrating Cell Biology principles and developing competency with basic laboratory equipment, methods, techniques and analyses. The course investigates fundamental processes while promoting observation, analysis of problems, and an understanding of biological principles.
Lecture and laboratory. Course presents methods for the isolation, microscopic observation, enumeration, and determination of the biochemical characteristics of bacteria. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
This class will be a combination of lectures, field trips, and some inside laboratory plant identification exercises. The majority of the class will be conducted in natural areas surrounding Tuscaloosa. Most class time is dedicated to lab- and field-based activities.
Lecture and laboratory. Introduction to freshwater natural history and ecology with specific emphasis on the common freshwater habitats of Alabama. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Introduces students to basic principles of natural resources conservation, including fundamental concepts in natural resource conservation and management. Examines humanity’s past and present impacts on world environments; the influence of culture and the wants, needs, and desires of human beings will be integrated into the material. Discusses conservation of natural resources, including soil, water, air, forests, rangelands, energy, wildlife and fisheries, based on scientific principles.
Lecture and laboratory. This course is designed to provide you with comprehensive exposure to the subject of plant biology. You will learn about the structure, function, systematics, evolution and ecological roles of plants including algae, mosses, liverworts, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. If you are a person who has over-specialized in zoology or human biology, this course will expand your horizons significantly. As a study of producers (plants!), this course will examine these organisms that are essential to life because of their position at the energy and elemental intake portion of the energy pyramid and the food web! Human survival is dependent on plants. At the end of this course students should take away an appreciation for the extensive role plants play in our ecosystem as well as our everyday life. The course will consist of lectures, laboratory experiments, group discussions and other activities relating to course material. Registration is required for both lecture and laboratory. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
4 Cr Hours. Lecture and Laboratory. This course is designed to provide you with comprehensive exposure to the subject of biology of lower plants. You will learn about the morphology, systematics, evolution, economic significance and ecological roles of the lower plants including cyanobacteria, algae, mosses, liverworts, fern allies and ferns with emphasis in their diversity in the southeastern USA. If you are a person who has over-specialized in zoology or human biology, this course will expand your horizons significantly. This course will examine these organisms that are essential to life because of their position at the energy pyramid and the food web, the negative effect on the environment and human health, and their commercial importance. At the end of this course students should take away an appreciation for the extensive diversity and roles the lower plants play in our ecosystem as well as our everyday life. The course will consist of lectures, laboratory experiments, group discussions and other activities relating to course material. Registration is required for both lecture and laboratory. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Lecture and laboratory. Introductory course in the study of vertebrate zoology. Subjects included are principles of systematics and nomenclature, a survey of vertebrate taxa, the species concept, analysis of taxonomic characters, and an introduction to zoogeography and behavior.
This course will provide an introduction to probability and statistical methods that are commonly used in the biological sciences. Practical, real-world examples from biology, ecology, and natural resources management will be used throughout the course. This course is aimed at 300-level students who intend to work with biological data, or anyone interested in statistics. Computing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.
This course introduces the student to two fundamental disciplines in biology – ecology and evolution. We introduce the student to the processes common to both disciplines and show how these have shaped the diversity and organization of life on this planet.
A discussion and problem solving-based course focusing on ecological issues. Emphasis is placed on integration and practical application of ecological concepts. Students will explore theories and practice ecology at different scales of biological organization: individual, populations, species interactions, community organization and environmental processes.
Survey of the literature relating to a topic approved by the supervising faculty member; not to include laboratory or field research. A formal paper and/or examination is required. May be taken for one credit hour in each of two consecutive semesters, or for one or two credit hours in any one semester. Offered according to demand.
Survey of literature, design of active learning projects and teaching science concepts to elementary students to encourage and enrich young children’s interest in science. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. A maximum of 4 hours credit may be applied to the requirements for the biology or microbiology major.
Independent research or research participation. A maximum of 4 hours credit for BSC 398 may be applied to the requirements of the biology and microbiology majors; an additional 4 hours may be taken as elective credit and applied to the 120-hour requirement.
Exploration of the process of presenting research results in different written formats including: abstract, poster, and full journal article. How the needs for clear presentation and response to peer review can inform the experimental process will also be covered. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Recommended for pre-health professions students. Lecture and laboratory. The comparative anatomy of the vertebrates with emphasis on functional features of several vertebrate species. Laboratory work deals mainly with identifying anatomical features of several vertebrate species.
Seminar and discussion. In the first semester, students present seminars based on the current literature. In the second semester, students present seminars derived from their honors theses. A maximum of 2 hours of credit for BSC 407 may be applied to the requirements of the biology or microbiology major. Offered according to demand.
This course provides a one semester apprenticeship at a local health care facility and is intended for all pre-health professional students. This course also has a service learning component. It does not count as applicable hours for the biology major or minor.
This course provides a one semester apprenticeship at a local health care facility and is intended for all pre-health professional students. This course also has a service learning component. It does not count as applicable hours for the biology major or minor.
An in-depth analysis of wetland ecology emphasizing the biology and ecology of vascular plants, including plant adaptations to anaerobic soils, reproductive adaptations, habitat and plant zonation, and the role of plants in ecosystem function. Offered in alternate years.
This class will focus on the study of host-pathogen interactions within the context of their environment and evolution.
Evolutionary Genomics explores fundamental aspects of genome structure and function in an evolutionary context. Course topics range from chromatin structure evolution to whole genome duplication, and explores how these genomic traits impact the evolution of different organisms.
This course will examine biological techniques that are advancing medical research and care. Topics include personalized medicine, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, predictive medicine, pharmacogenomics, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. It will also explore concomitant ethical, legal, and societal ramifications related to many of these discoveries, such as ownership of biological material, informed consent for human experimentation, the burden of knowledge regarding genetic information, eugenics, and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act.
This course is an introduction to the biological principals that explain the origins, development, pathology, and treatment of cancer. Students will work in teams assigned to particular types of cancer and will investigate what is known on various topics as related to that type of cancer.
This course will examine biological techniques that are advancing medical research and care. Topics include personalized medicine, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, predictive medicine, pharmacogenomics, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. It will also explore concomitant ethical, legal, and societal ramifications related to many of these discoveries, such as ownership of biological material, informed consent for human experimentation, the burden of knowledge regarding genetic information, eugenics, and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act.
Computational Biology Lab introduces the programming skills, statistical methods and conceptual foundations necessary to pursue computational analysis and modeling of biological systems. This course is designed for biology students, and it is not expected that students will have prior with experience with computing or programming.
Lecture and laboratory. Survey of the structure, function, ecology, and classification of fishes. Offered in alternate years. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Study of microorganisms related to health and disease with emphasis on molecular mechanism of pathogenesis. Offered in alternate years.
Lecture and laboratory. Characteristics and distribution of the major families of vascular plants as well as practice in the collection and identification of flowering plants. One weekend field trip required. Offered in alternate years.
Thorough exploration of various aspects of modern immunology at the molecular and cellular levels.
Students participate in the generation of new knowledge, thus the experiments vary. Techniques taught include agarose gel electrophoresis, cycle sequencing, sequence analysis, plasmid purification, restriction endonuclease digestion, gel purification of DNA, ligation, transformation, primer design, PCR, gene knockouts, protein fusions, and enzyme assays.
A detailed examination of the vertebrate endocrine system that uses a comparative approach to explore intricate relationships between the brain, endocrine glands, hormones and target organs. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
This course is designed to provide modern perspectives on the study of animal behavior, pulling from fields as diverse as evolutionary biology, ecology, neurobiology and economics. However there will be a historical undercurrent which will illustrate the roots of this truly interdisciplinary field. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
This course is designed to provide modern perspectives on the study of animal behavior, pulling from fields as diverse as evolutionary biology, ecology, neurobiology and economics. However there will be a historical undercurrent which will illustrate the roots of this truly interdisciplinary field. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
A detailed examination of the vertebrate endocrine system that uses a comparative approach to explore intricate relationships between the brain, endocrine glands, hormones and target organs. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
This course is an advanced laboratory course which will introduce students to some basic concepts and common modern techniques used in biochemical/molecular biology/cell biology research. A broad spectrum of techniques will be presented to students, including native protein purification from animal tissue, chromatography, electrophoresis, characterization of molecular weight and sequences of the purified protein through mass spectrometry, enzymatic kinetics studies, and spectroscopic analysis. For students who have interest and aspire to pursue a research career in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology and/or other related biological science areas, this course will provide basic training and experience for a smooth start for their future laboratory work.
Chemical interactions underlie and generate the biotic environment in which we live. This course will examine chemical interactions between organisms that can happen on different levels, from cell-cell interactions, intraspecific and multitrophic-level interactions to community-wide interactions and ecological processes.
Lecture and laboratory. Development of the human embryo and fetus, including molecular, physiological, and structural aspects of morphogenesis, and functional development. Offered in alternate years. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Ecohydrology is the interdisciplinary study of how water flows through and interacts with ecosystems. In this course, students will explore fundamental concepts in hydrology; plant-water interactions and their impact on the structure and function of ecosystems; the movement of materials and energy through watersheds; and ecohydrologic concepts in natural resource management. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
The biological barriers offer a formidable separation between various compartments in the body or to the environment. Often times these are cellular barriers that when functioning properly, allow for normal healthy tissue function. However, when these barriers fail, complications such as infection, cancer, cystic fibrosis, and other diseases can occur. This course will examine the various physical and cellular barriers with special emphasis on human and biologically relevant model systems, to study their function in health and dysfunction in disease.
Freshwater and marine algae: their structure, development, taxonomy, and distribution. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Population genetics is the study of how evolutionary forces (genetic drift, natural selection, mutation, and gene flow) affect allele and genotype frequencies in populations. Population genetics is a field with a rich theoretical history that has allowed scientists to make predictions about these evolutionary processes. With the advent of massive amounts of genetic data in many species, it is now possible to test these predictions, and a solid foundation in theory, its expectations, and assumptions is crucial for interpreting results from genetic analyses. Students should expect to learn how evolutionary forces acting on individuals affect patterns of inheritance and ultimately drive the changes we see between species.
A general survey for upper-level undergraduate students covering all aspects of plant physiology including plant transport, translocation of sugars in plants, plant biochemistry, plant metabolism, plant growth and development, photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, flowering and plant hormones. The course will consist of lectures, in-class experiments, group discussions, presentations and other activities relating to course material. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Lecture and laboratory. Introduction to the fungi and their biology, including aspects of their structure and function, taxonomy, genetics, and ecology. Offered in alternate years. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Bioinformatics BSC 473/573 covers the tools and approaches necessary to perform computational analysis of large datasets. We will focus on analyzing high-throughput sequencing data although the tools we will learn are applicable to a wide range of modern biological questions. Specific topics include operating in a UNIX/bash shell environment, scripting, genome assembly, alignment, and algorithms. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Lecture and laboratory. Survey of the structure, function, classification, and habits of insects. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
Lecture and laboratory. Survey of aquatic insects with emphasis on their identification, life histories, and ecology. Offered in alternate years.
The classification, morphology, evolution, and ecology of invertebrate animals. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
This class focuses on the study of host-microbiome interactions within the context of their environment, evolution, and global health.
This course will examine the ecology of plants at different levels: individual, population and community. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
This course provides an overview to common statistical methods used in biological research, using case studies from biology, ecology, and natural resources management. The overarching objective of this course is to give students the ability to use and effectively evaluate biological data. We will demonstrate and conduct statistical analyses with an emphasis on utilizing the statistical computing language, R, to apply statistical concepts to biological and ecological data.
A thorough examination of the principles of conservation biology.
Thorough investigation of evolution, including population genetics, molecular evolution, adaptation, and speciation. Offered in the spring semester. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
This course provides an introduction to the foundational ideas of forest resources and conservation. The course includes a history of the forestry profession and a variety of perspectives to develop students' knowledge of forestry field and research methods. This course also helps students develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of forest resources both here in Alabama and globally.
Examination of the ecological and historical factors influencing the geographic distribution of plants and animals. Offered alternate years.
This course is a one-hour weekly seminar where students will be exposed to current research being performed in the UA Department of Biological Sciences and at other institutions. Students will gain exposure and familiarity with research and current methodology being used in the fields of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, Animal Behavior and Physiology, Microbiology and Cell and Molecular Biology.
Lecture and laboratory. Thorough study of the structural (physical and biological) and functional attributes (energy flow, nutrient cycling, community structure) characteristic of stream and river ecosystems. Offered in alternate years.
An advanced undergraduate seminar on current topics related to signal transduction as it pertains to the molecular basis of neurobiology and development. Offered in alternate years.
A biological sciences topic not covered in other courses. The credit hours and format are determined as appropriate to the topic, and a course title is added to the schedule of classes. Offered according to demand.
Credit earned in this course may not be applied to the requirements of the biological sciences major or minor. Field sampling techniques, laboratory analysis of sediments, topography, sediments, and history of the world oceans.
Survey of the invertebrates, vertebrates, and marine plants as communities, with emphasis on local examples.
Comparative study of the major marine invertebrate phyla, protozoa through protochordates. The focus is on their morphology, physiology, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships.
Bioenergetics, community structure, population dynamics, predation, competition, and specialization in marine ecosystems.
Review of ecological features, physical management policies for coastal communities, and a description of relevant federal and state programs.
A general introduction to the oceans, with emphasis on chemical, physical, and geological processes and their relation to biological systems.
Systematics, zoogeography, and ecology of marine vertebrates.
Reproduction, taxonomy, systematics, distribution, and ecology of the major marine plant groups.
A marine science topic not covered in other courses. The credit hours and format are determined as appropriate to the topic. Offered according to demand and instructor availability.