Biology (BIOLOGY)

Professor Kiehart, Chair; Associate Professor Alberts, Director of Undergraduate Studies; Lecturer Grunwald, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies; Professors Benfey, Brandon (philosophy), Christensen (NSEES), Clark, Crowder (NSEES), Dong, Forward (NSEES), Goldstein (molecular genetics and microbiology), Jackson, Kirby (pediatrics), McClay, Mitchell-Olds, Morris, H. Nijhout, Nowicki, Rausher, Reynolds, Rittschof (NSEES), Rosenberg (philosophy), Shaw, Siedow, Smith, Staddon (psychology and brain sciences), Sun, Terborgh (NSEES), Uyenoyama, Vilgalys, Vogel, Willard (molecular genetics and microbiology), Wray, and Yoder; Associate Professors Alberts, Bejsovec, Cunningham, Lutzoni, Manos, McShea, Noor, Pryer, Roth, Willis, and Wilson; Assistant Professors Bernhardt, Drea (biological anthropology and anatomy), Haase, Johnsen, Koelle, Leal, Magwene, Pei, and D. Sherwood; Professors Emeriti Barber, Boynton, Fluke, Gillham, Gregg, Hellmers, Klopfer, Knoerr (NSEES), Nicklas, Searles, Stone, Strain, Tucker, Wainwright, Ward, White, and Wilbur; Associate Professors of the Practice Broverman and Motten; Assistant Professors of the Practice Armaleo, Lemons, and Mercer; Research Professors Cook-Deegan (public policy), Livingstone, and Williams; Assistant Research Professors N. Sherwood and Wright; Adjunct Professors Eubanks, Kohorn and Lacey; Adjunct Associate Professors DePriest and M. Nijhout; Adjunct Assistant Professors Gastreich, Isikhuemhen, Riginos, and Villegas; Adjunct Professor of the Practice Hartshorn; Adjunct Assistant Professors of the Practice Deinert, Guindon, Lindquist, and Zahawi; Lecturers Perz-Edwards and Reid; Instructors Eason and Hill

The biology major and minor and biology courses in a variety of areas are offered by the Department of Biology. Additional courses in the biological sciences are offered by the Departments of Biological Anthropology and Anatomy, Chemistry, and Psychology in Trinity College of Arts and Sciences; by the basic sciences departments in the School of Medicine; and by the Pratt School of Engineering and the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences.

Biology 25L constitutes the normal introductory course for students planning to major in the biological sciences and is a prerequisite for intermediate and advanced courses in biology. For non-majors, this course may count for the area requirement in the natural sciences. Biology 19 also meets the introductory requirement by advanced placement and Biology 20L by transfer credit. Biology 26L (A or B) constitutes the second semester of the typical introductory sequence (following Biology 25L) and satisfies the prerequisite requirement for students planning to major in biology (see below).

10L. Marine Biology. EI, NS, STS Physical and chemical aspects of estuarine and marine ecosystems and environments. Functional adaptations of marine organisms and the role of man and society on the ecosystems. Includes field trips to local environments with an emphasis on impacted environments and their relation to societal activity and policy. For students not majoring in natural sciences. (Given at Beaufort.) Instructor: Staff. One course. C-L: Marine Sciences

25L. Principles of Biology. NS Introductory course for students planning to major in biology and for students in other majors intending to pursue a postgraduate degree in the life sciences. Provides an integrated overview of biology, covering basic principles in cell and molecular biology, energy transport, development, physiology, genetics, microevolution, macroevolution, and ecology. Instructors: Alberts, Grunwald, McClay, or Motten, and staff. One course.

26AL. Organismal Diversity. NS Broadly integrated survey of biological diversity, including the major lineages of bacteria, plants, protists, animals and fungi, with an emphasis on phylogenetic relationships. Lectures closely coordinated with laboratory exercises emphasizing live material to present ecological and functional anatomical features of representative species. Small class, hands-on laboratory-intensive format with limited enrollment for first and second-year students. Field trips to distinctive habitats in North Carolina. Not open to students who have taken Biology 26BL. Instructor: Motten. One course.

26BL. Organismal Diversity. NS Exploration, in large class format, of the diversity of life by emphasizing evolutionary, structural, and functional aspects of the major lineages of bacteria, plants, protists, animals and fungi. Lecture and laboratory coordinated to provide both general and specific guides to understanding and interpreting morphological, developmental and DNA sequence data in the context of the Tree of Life. Laboratory includes inventory of organismal diversity, practical exercises, and student presentations to reinforce and develop lecture-based topics. Not open to students who have taken Biology 26AL. Instructor: Cunningham and Manos. One course.

46. AIDS and Other Emerging Diseases. NS, STS Explores the interaction of biology and culture in creating and defining diseases through an investigation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other emerging diseases: molecular biology; biology of transmission and infection; the role of people and culture in the evolution of infectious diseases; reasons for the geographic variations in disease. The inductive-deductive methodology of science is both used to develop and test hypotheses as well as examined itself as an analytical tool. Intended for nonmajors. Instructor: Broverman. One course. C-L: International Comparative Studies 46, Global Health

46B. AIDS and Other Emerging Diseases: Focus on Kenya. NS, R, STS Same as Biology 46 with added research project of developing a digital textbook on HIV/AIDS in collaboration with students and faculty in Kenya tailored to the needs of African universities. Students learn library research skills as they collect primary literature and images, and write reviews and analyses. Instructor: Broverman. One course. C-L: International Comparative Studies 46B, Global Health

47. The Biology of Dinosaurs. NS, STS Introduction to the history of ideas about the anatomy, diversity, behavior, reproduction, and ecology of dinosaurs and their relatives. The historical and social contexts of important scientific discoveries and controversies. Controversies and current research used to illustrate the scientific method as a way of learning about the natural world. Topics such as plate tectonics, the age of the earth, natural selection, and parental care in dinosaurs illustrating how scientists draw upon observation and experiment to frame, test, and refine hypotheses. Intended for nonmajors. Instructor: Wray. One course.

48. Genetics, Genomics, and Society: Implications for the 21st Century. EI, NS, SS, STS Introduction to the foundation of genomic sciences with an emphasis on recent advances and their social, ethical and policy implications. Foundational topics including DNA, proteins, genome organization, gene expression, and genetic variation will be interwoven with contemporary issues emanating from the genome revolution such as pharmacogenetics, genetic discrimination, genomics of race, genetically modified crops, and genomic testing. Genomic sciences and policy science applied to present and future societal, and particularly ethical, concerns related to genomics. Intended for non-Biology majors. Not open to students who have taken Biology 118. Instructor: Haga or Hill. One course. C-L: Public Policy Studies 48

90. Plants and Human Use. NS, STS Historical and present interactions between humans and plants like coffee, tea, sugar, opium, pepper, potato and hemp, illustrating major changes in human civilization and cultures as a result. Social economic, trade, exploration, spiritual, medicinal, and plant structural and chemical reasons underlying the pivotal roles certain plant species have played in the development of human culture and technology. Case studies of different plant commodities (products) revealing these biological and historical interactions. For nonmajors. Instructor: Pryer. One course.

92FCS. Global Diseases. EI, NS, STS Biological, social, and cultural factors impacting global disease spread and/or reduction; current controversies in vaccination and eradication programs; ethics of foreign agencies and funders prioritizing domestic health programs; ethics of global variation in disease burdens. Open only to students in the Focus program. Instructor: Broverman. One course. C-L: Global Health

101. Biogeography in an Australian Context. NS, STS Distribution of plants and animals in space and time as determined by the interaction of geophysics, geology, climate, and evolutionary history. Special emphasis on the unique terrestrial and marine faunas and floras of the Australian continent and on the impact of humans on the distribution of these plants and animals. Taught in Australia. Instructor: Staff. One course.

108L. Comparative and Functional Anatomy of the Vertebrates. NS The structure, function and evolution of the vertebrate body. Emphasis on understanding the functional, evolutionary and developmental basis for the similarities and difference observed among living vertebrates. Laboratories examining specific problems in the evolution of major organ systems through dissection, comparison and analysis of functional data. Instructor: Smith. One course.

109. Conservation Biology and Policy. EI, NS, STS Introduction to the key concepts of ecology and policy relevant to conservation issues at the population to ecosystems level. Focus on the origin and maintenance of biodiversity and conservation applications from both the biology and policy perspectives (for example, endangered species, captive breeding, reserve design, habitat fragmentation, ecosystem restoration/rehabilitation). (Given at Beaufort.) Prerequisites: introductory biology; suggested: a policy and/or introductory ecology course. Instructors: Crowder (Beaufort) and Rubenstein (visiting summer faculty). One course. C-L: Marine Sciences

114L. Biological Oceanography. NS, R Physical, chemical, and biological processes of the oceans, emphasizing factors controlling distribution and abundances of organisms. The theory, methods, and limitations of biological oceanographic research. The laboratory teaches quantitative methods, experimental design, data acquisition, data processing, and data analysis and culminates in a research cruise where the students organize into a scientific party. One course (spring); one and one-half courses (summer). (Given at Beaufort) Prerequisite: Biology 25L. Instructor: Staff. Variable credit. C-L: Environment 114L, Marine Sciences

116. Fundamentals of Ecology and Evolution. NS, STS Fundamental principles of ecology and evolutionary biology. Interaction between biotic and abiotic forces in shaping the dynamics of ecological systems, and how those dynamics are influenced by human activities. Mechanisms of evolutionary change as an interplay between ecology and genetics. Evidence for, and consequences of, evolutionary change on both human and geological time scales. Prerequisite: Biology 25L. Not open to students who have taken Biology 110L or 120. Instructor: Bernhardt, Morris, Motten, Rausher, or Wilson. One course.

117. Structure-Function Relationships in Biology: Molecules to Organisms. NS Mechanisms and processes that organisms use to deal with the challenges posed by their physical, chemical, and ecological contexts. Structure-function relationships explored from molecules and cells to tissues and organ systems. Topics include cellular architecture, energy metabolism, molecular motors, motility/locomotion, sensory mechanisms/signal transduction, ionic/osmotic balance, gas exchange, thermal physiology. Constraints and adaptations related the evolution of eukaryotes and the evolution of multicellularity. Prerequisite: Biology 25L or equivalent. Not open to students who have taken Biology 119 or Biology 151 or Biology 151L. Instructor: Magwene, Nijhout, or staff. One course.

118. Genetics and Molecular Biology. NS, STS Explores flow of information from gene to phenotype. Social implications of modern genetic analysis and the genomic revolution. Topics include: organization and stability of genomes from bacteria to higher vertebrates (humans), conversion of the genetic code into a functioning organism, classical transmission (Mendelian) genetics and its relevance to human hereditary disorders, content of the genome and social implications of genetic knowledge including issues of genetic privacy, eugenics, genetically modified organism, and cloning. Prerequisite: Biology 25L or equivalent; Chemistry 22L or equivalent. Instructor: Bejsovec, Haase, Mitchell-Olds, Sun, or staff. One course.

119. Cellular and Developmental Biology. NS The role of genes and proteins in mediating basic cellular and development processes. Topics include: structure and function of cellular membranes and organelles; protein targeting and transport; signal transduction; role of the cytoskeleton in cell shape and motility; function of the immune system; genetic regulation of cell growth/division and the relationship to cancer; genetic control of development processes. Prerequisite: Biology 118. Instructor: Kiehart, McClay, Perz-Edwards, D. Sherwood, or staff. One course.

121. Evolution of Animal Form. NS, R, W A survey of the history of animal life focusing on major revolutions in design such as the Cambrian explosion, the Mesozoic radiation of dinosaurs, and the Cenozoic radiation of mammals. Exploration of three views of form: the Darwinian view which stresses function; the historicist view which emphasizes historical accident; and the structuralist view that form is mainly the result of fixed mathematical relationships. The different ways in which each view applies the comparative method. Prerequisite: Biology 25L. Instructor: McShea. One course.

122. Population Genetics. NS Use of genetic sequence analysis to examine aspects of natural populations of humans and other organisms in the past and present. Topics include molecular phylogenetics; the origin, maintenance, and loss of major features of evolution; the evolutionary process at the molecular level; reconstruction of human origins and paleohistory; and genetic information in forensic studies. Prerequisite: Biology 25L or equivalent. Instructor: Uyenoyama. One course.

123. Analysis of Ocean Ecosystems. NS The history, utility, and heuristic value of the ecosystem; ocean systems in the context of Odum's ecosystem concept; structure and function of the earth's major ecosystems. (Given at Beaufort.) Prerequisite: one year of biology, one year of chemistry, or consent of instructor. Instructor: Staff. One course. C-L: Environment 123, Marine Sciences

124. Molecular Evolution. NS Evolutionary dynamics of genes in populations, molecular phylogenetics, evolutionary pattern and process at the molecular level and some of their consequences for organism-level evolution. Evolution of genomes, gene families, gene function, regulatory genes, and of developmental control genes. Prerequisite: Biology 25L or equivalent, and Biology 118 or consent of instructor. Instructor: Mercer. One course.

125. Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles. NS, STS Essential biology of sea turtles (evolution, anatomy, physiology, behavior, life history, population dynamics) and their conservation needs; emphasis on their role in marine ecosystem structure and function. Basic ecological concepts integrated with related topics including the conservation and management of endangered species, the contributions of technology to the management of migratory marine species, the role of research in national and international law and policy, and the veterinary aspects of conservation. (Given at Beaufort.) Field trip to Trinidad required. Prerequisite: Introductory Biology. Instructor: Eckert, K. and Eckert, S. One course. C-L: Environment 135, Marine Sciences

126. Marine Mammals. NS, STS The biology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and sea otters. Topics covered include the diversity, evolution, ecology, and behavior of marine mammals and their interactions with humans. Detailed consideration given to the adaptations that allow these mammals to live in the sea. Evaluation of the scientific, ethical, and aesthetic factors influencing societal attitudes toward these animals and of their conservation management in light of domestic legislation and international treaties. (Given at Beaufort.) Prerequisite: introductory biology. Instructor: Read or staff. One course. C-L: Marine Sciences

127. Marine Megafauna. NS, STS Ecology, systematics, and behavior of large marine animals including giant squid, bony fishes, sharks, sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. Relations between ocean dynamics, large marine animals, and their role in ocean food webs. Impact of human activities and technological advancement on populations. Economic, social, and policy considerations in the protection of threatened species. Prerequisite: Biology 25L or equivalent. Instructor: Crowder. One course.

129L. Marine Ecology. NS, R, W Factors that influence the distribution, abundance, and diversity of marine organisms. Course structure integrates lectures and field excursions. Topics include characteristics of marine habitats, adaptation to environment, species interactions, biogeography, larval recruitment, and communities found in rocky shores, tidal flats, beaches, mangrove, coral reefs, and subtidal areas. Not open to students who have taken Biology 203L. (Given at Beaufort fall and summer.) Prerequisite: introductory biology. Instructors: Crowder or Kirby-Smith (Beaufort). One course. C-L: Environment 139L, Marine Sciences

130L. Coral Reef Ecology. NS, R Basic ecological principles using coral reefs as examples. Biology of corals, primary production, nutrient cycling, diseases, reef fishes, predations, feeding ecology and human impact. Extensive underwater studies. Prerequisite: Biology 25L or equivalent. Instructor: Staff. One course. C-L: Marine Sciences

132S. Marine Biodiversity. NS Marine biodiversity in the context of theoretical ecology and environmental physiology. Topics include methods for quantifying and evaluating diversity and biological diversity in major marine habitats. Primary literature examples focus on quantifying human impacts and developing conservation measure. Prerequisite: introductory biology. Instructor: Staff. Half course. C-L: Marine Sciences

133S. Molecular Approaches to Questions of Physiology, Ecology, and Evolution in the Marine Environment. NS Techniques of molecular biology as they relate to physiological, ecological, and evolutionary questions. Examples from the subcellular to global scale taken from classic and contemporary readings from the primary scientific literature. Each participant in the course presents a critical analysis of the literature on a chosen subject. Prerequisite: introductory biology. Instructor: Staff. Half course. C-L: Environment 133S, Marine Sciences

134. Fundamentals of Tropical Biology. NS Conceptual themes in ecology, emphasizing tropical organisms and ecosystems. Topics range from behavioral and physiological adaptation of individuals to processes and patterns in diverse assemblages, including: mutualism and parasitism in the tropics, competition and the structure of tropical guilds, pollination ecology, forest dynamics and gap-phase regeneration, island biogeography and the design of biological reserves, and evolutionary processes responsible for promoting high tropical biodiversity. (Taught in Costa Rica.) Instructor: Gastreich. One course.

135L. Research Methods in Tropical Biology. NS, R, W Field-based course. Student design and implementation of ecological projects in different tropical ecological zones. Introduces basic concepts in statistical populations, sampling techniques, and experimental design and hypothesis testing. Topics include: measuring abiotic micro- and macroclimatic variables; estimating population abundance and distribution; performing demographic and life history analyses; investigating mutualistic, competitive, and predator-prey coevolutionary processes; and measuring patterns of species diversity. (Taught in Costa Rica.) Instructor: Staff. One course. C-L: Latin American Studies

136L. Introduction to Field Ethnobiology. NS, STS Four-week summer course in Costa Rica on the scientific study of subsistence, medicinal, ceremonial, and esthetic use of plants and animals by human societies. Lectures and demonstrations in San José. Travel to southern Costa Rica to learn the use of resources in contrasting communities including Zancudo coastal community, Abrojos Guaymi Indian Reservation, and Guatil, a Chorotega Indian village. Offered by the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica from mid-July to mid-August. Prerequisites: one semester of biology and Spanish. Taught at Gómez, Las Cruces Biological Station/Wilson Botanical Garden. Instructor: Staff. One course.

137. South African Ecosystems and Diversity. NS, STS Conceptual themes in ecology emphasizing savannas; also consideration of fynbos, highveld, podocarp forests, coastal and intertidal zones. Topics include climate and geology of South Africa; roles of fire, drought, human presence, invasive species, and herbivores in shaping ecosystems; top-down and bottom-up control of mammalian herbivores; plant pollination and seed dispersal; role of rivers in defining savanna characteristics; origin and maintenance of biodiversity; vertebrate social systems; major research programs in Kruger National Park (taught in Kruger National Park, South Africa). Prerequisite: Biology 25L or equivalent. Instructor: McClearn. One course. C-L: Environment 197

138L. Field Research in Savana Ecology. NS, R, W Field-based course stressing student design and implementation of research projects in savana ecosystems. Introduces basic concepts in experimental design and hypothesis testing, long-term monitoring, sampling techniques, parametric and nonparametric analysis. Each student will participate in several faculty-led research projects. In addition, students in small groups will design independent projects, consult with faculty, collect and analyze data, and make oral and written presentations of their results. Each student will work on two of these independent projects. (Taught in Kruger National Park, South Africa) Prerequisite: Biology 25L or equivalent. Instructor: Staff. One course. C-L: Environment 198L

141L. Plant Communities of North Carolina. NS Overview of plant communities in the mountains, piedmont, and costal plain of North Carolina, primarily through field trips. The dominant native plants of each community; the biology and identification of important invasive species. Required weekend field trip to the mountains, and several weekend daytrips. Prerequisite: Biology 25 or equivalent. Instructors: Manos and Shaw. One course.

142L. Plant Systematics and Evolution. NS, STS Plants as providers of food, shelter, and medicine and as one of evolution's great success stories. Phylogenetic principles and methods of analysis used to recognize major families of vascular plants. Flowering plants and the evolution of floral form and function, pollination, and breeding systems. Sources of taxonomic evidence including morphology, anatomy, and DNA. Both traditional and modern identification tools. The interdisciplinary nature of plant systematics and its importance in modern society. Field trips. Instructors: Lutzoni, Manos, and Pryer. One course.

143L. Bryophyte Biology and Ecology. NS, R Identification, classification, evolution, and ecology of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts). An ecological survey of bryophytes in their natural habitats focusing on the skills required to identify bryophytes and use them as indicators of environmental features. Natural plant communities of the southeastern United States. Uses of bryophytes for ecological assessment. Prerequisites: Biology 25L or the equivalent; Biology 26L. Instructor: Shaw. One course.

150L. Physiology of Marine Animals. NS, R, W Comparative physiology of estuarine and marine animals. Physics and chemistry of estuarine and marine environments and physiological adaptations of animal residents. Focus on theory, behavioral, and physiological responses of animals to the major environmental drivers of temperature, salinity, oxygen, and light. Lectures and laboratories illustrating the approaches and methodology, analysis techniques, and written reporting of classical environmental physiology research. One course (fall); one and one-half courses (summer). (Given at Beaufort.) Prerequisites: Biology 25L and Chemistry 12L or 22L. Instructor: Forward. Variable credit. C-L: Marine Sciences

151L. Principles of Animal Physiology. NS, R, W Animals as physical and chemical machines; respiration, circulation, neural and hormonal coordination, movement, water balance/excretion, metabolism, thermoregulation, digestion, and responses to special environments. Emphasis on vertebrates, but many invertebrate systems discussed. Instructional and independent investigations. Research proposal and class presentation required. Prerequisites: Biology 25L and Chemistry 12L or 22L. Instructor: Johnsen. One course.

155L. Biochemistry of Marine Animals. NS, R, W The molecular basis of behavioral and physiological responses of organisms. Evolution of molecular endocrinology and signal transduction pathways. Focus on the theory and research methodology used to study the evolution of molecular signaling and control systems. Research projects using local invertebrates to study behavioral and physiological responses to environmental signals. Field trips include night walks in local environments and marine fossil expeditions to local strip mines involved with production of fertilizer, food additives, cement, and gravel. One course (fall); one and one-half courses (summer). (Given at Beaufort.) Prerequisites: Biology 25L; and Chemistry 21L and 22L. Instructor: Rittschof. Variable credit. C-L: Marine Sciences

156L. Sensory Physiology and Behavior of Marine Animals. NS, R, W Sensory physiological principles with emphasis on visual and chemical cues. Laboratories will use behavior to measure physiological processes. (Given at Beaufort.) Prerequisites: Biology 25L and Chemistry 12L. Instructor: Rittschof. One course. C-L: Marine Sciences, Neurosciences

160. Population Ecology. NS, QS, STS Processes affecting births and deaths of organisms and the way these processes determine the distribution and abundances of populations. Animal behavioral decisions; mating; one-, two-, and many-species systems; stochastic processes; evolutionary ecology; and fundamentals of community ecology. Examples of human population dynamics, and concepts of population regulation. Human impacts on animal populations. Mathematical techniques, including matrix models, differentiation, and differential equations, will be developed. Prerequisite: Mathematics 31 or equivalent. Not open to students having taken Biology 110L. Instructor: Wilson. One course.

166. Evolution of Animal Behavior. NS, R, STS, W How animal behavior is shaped by natural selection, historical factors, and ecological constraints. These factors considered in the context of mating systems, parental care, foraging, and other current issues in behavior. Prerequisite: Biology 25L. Instructor: Alberts, Leal, or Noor. One course.

176AL. Marine Invertebrate Zoology. NS, R Structure, function, and development of invertebrates collected from estuarine and marine habitats. Not open to students who have taken Biology 274L. One course (fall, spring, and Summer Term II); one and one-half courses (Summer Term I). (Given at Beaufort fall, spring, and summer.) Prerequisite: Biology 25L. Instructor: Kirby-Smith. Variable credit. C-L: Environment 176AL, Marine Sciences

184L. Experimental Cell and Molecular Biology. NS, R, W Application of contemporary molecular techniques to biological problems. Questions addressed on protein-DNA binding, protein domain structure and function, differential gene expression, protein localization. Techniques include genetic transformation, gel mobility shift assay, Western blot, Northern blot, PCR, RT-PCR, microarrays, immunolocalization, DNA sequencing. Students learn to write three scientific-style papers on their experiments. Prerequisite: Biology 118 or 119. Instructor: Armaleo. One course. C-L: Genetics Program, Neurosciences

190. Research Independent Study. R Individual research and reading in a field of special interest, under the supervision of a faculty member, resulting in a substantive paper or written report containing significant analysis and interpretation of a previously approved topic. Open to all qualified students with consent of supervising instructor and director of undergraduate studies. Instructor: Staff. Variable credit. C-L: Marine Sciences

191. Research Independent Study. R Individual research in a field of special interest, under the supervision of a faculty member, the major product of which is a substantive paper or written report containing significant analysis and interpretation of a previously approved topic. Open to all qualified students with consent of supervising instructor and director of undergraduate studies. May be repeated. Continued in Biology 297. Instructor: Staff. One course. C-L: Marine Sciences, Neurosciences

199S. Current Research in Biology. EI, NS, STS, W Students selected for funding for independent research under the Howard Hughes Fellowship Program write and review research proposals, discuss ethical issues in the conduct of biological and biomedical research, and present and discuss their own research projects. Consent of instructor required. Instructor: Roth. One course.

204LS. Field Ecology. NS, R Ecosystem, community, and physiological ecology of temperate plants and animals through hands-on experimentation. How biological processes are affected by biotic interactions. Theory and methods reviewed through discussions; hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data acquisition and processing, and data analysis learned through field investigation. Includes several field trips, including two weekends. Prerequisites: Biology 25L, Mathematics 31. Biology 110L, 116, or other course in ecology, or consent of instructor. Instructor: Reid. One course. C-L: Environment 204LS

205LS. Experiments in Developmental and Molecular Genetics. NS, R Experimental approaches in development and genetics using animal and plant models. Laboratory training in molecular genetics, immunochemistry, microscopy, protein chemistry, and genetic screening. Experiments include immunochemical localization, in situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, genetic screening, embryo micromanipulation, microscopic imaging, and mutant analysis. Prerequisite: Biology 118; recommended, prior or concurrent registration in Biology 119. Instructor: Staff. One course.

207AL. Experimental Tropical Marine Ecology. NS, R Distribution and density of marine and semi-terrestrial tropical invertebrate populations; behavioral and mechanical adaptations to physical stress, competition, and predation using rapid empirical approaches and hypothesis testing. Offered only at Beaufort, with preparation for fieldwork before and analysis and presentation of projects after required one week intensive field experience on the coast of Panama. Consent of instructor required. Instructor: Rittschof. Half course.

207BL. Marine Ecology of the Pacific Coast of California. NS, STS Ecology of the rocky intertidal, kelp forest, and mud flat habitats. Introduction to marine mammals, fish and other large West Coast vertebrates. Offered only at Beaufort, with preparation for fieldwork before and analysis and presentation of projects after required one week intensive field experience on the coast of Northern California. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Biology 129L and consent of instructor. Instructor: Crowder. Half course.

207CL. Ocean Ecosystems. NS, STS Interaction of physical, chemical and biological processes, emphasizing processes that determine species composition and quality of plants and animals. Field work with marine organisms, especially plankton, sampling habitats from the continental shelf to the subtropical gyre. Offered only at Beaufort, with preparation for fieldwork before and analysis and presentation of projects after required one week intensive field experience at sea on an oceanographic vessel. Consent of instructor required. Instructor: Barber. Half course.

208LS. Human Embryology. NS, STS The development of the mammalian embryo. Emphasis on human embryology, the origin of major human teratologies, birth defects, ethical and social issues of reproductive biology, aspects of comparative vertebrate development. The evolution of developmental patterns, and the molecular mechanisms of development. Laboratory sessions examining various vertebrate, including human embryos. Prerequisites: Biology 108L or 205L or Biological Anthropology and Anatomy 133L or equivalent. Permission of instructor required. Instructor: Smith and Wall. One course. C-L: Biological Anthropology and Anatomy 208LS

211L. Microbial Ecology and Evolution. NS, R Survey of new advances in the field of environmental and evolutionary microbiology, based on current literature, discussion, and laboratory exercises. Topics to include bacterial phylogeny, molecular ecology, emerging infectious diseases, bacterial symbiosis, experimental evolution, evolution of drug resistance, and microbial genomics. Prerequisite: Biology 25L, 103L, 118, or consent of instructor. Instructor: Vilgalys. One course.

216. Sojourn in Singapore: Urban Tropical Ecology. CCI, NS, SS, STS The mix of human ecology, tropical diversity, disturbed habitats and invasive species in Singapore. How Singapore maintains and enhances the quality of life of its citizens while radically modifying its environment. Research on politics, management or biology. Travel to Singapore required. Taught in Beaufort. Consent of instructor required. Instructor: Orbach and Rittschof. One course.

217. Ecology and Global Change. NS, R, STS Feedbacks between ecological processes and global environmental change; physiological and ecosystem ecology using a variety of sources, including the primary scientific literature. Topics include global warming, biodiversity, land-use change, ozone depletion, and the application of ecological research to policy. Prerequisite: Biology 25L or equivalent; recommended: Biology 110L or 116 or equivalent. Instructor: Jackson. One course.

242L. Field Botany of North Carolina's Wetlands. NS A survey of the flora of North Carolina's wetland habitats with emphasis on plant identification in the field. Field trips to mountain, piedmont, and coastal wetlands. Examination of all groups of plants including bryophytes, ferns, and seed plants. Wetland habitats include swamps, bogs, pocosins, and brackish sites. Information on the floristics of the southeastern United States botanical nomenclature, systematic relationships of wetland plants, and an overview of wetland vegetation. Prerequisite: one course in plant diversity or systematics, or consent of instructor. Instructors: Shaw and Wilbur. One course. C-L: Environment 237L

252. Marine Conservation Biology. NS Ecological effects of fishing, the major threat to marine biodiversity, examined through selected case studies. Conservation strategies and ways that science and policy can be integrated to solve real-world problems. Field trip to Hawaii required. (Taught at Beaufort.) Instructor: Read. One course.

254. Vertebrate and Invertebrate Endocrinology. NS, STS Comparative study of the major pathways of hormonal regulation from the organismal to the molecular level in vertebrate and invertebrate models. Applications of endocrinology in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and environmental issues. Prerequisites: Biology 25L and Chemistry 152L. A biochemistry course recommended. (Given at Beaufort.) Instructor: Rittschof. One course. C-L: Marine Sciences

267L. Biodiversity Science and Application. NS, R Processes responsible for natural biodiversity from populations to the globe. Topics include species interactions (e.g., competition, predation, parasitism), natural and human disturbance, climate change, and implications for management and conservation. Lab section involving observation and data from large-scale manipulations, such as experimental hurricanes, fire, and herbivore exclosures. Instructor: Clark. One course.

268L. Models for Environmental Data. NS Formulation of environmental models and applications to data. Topics include physiology, population growth, species interactions, disturbance, and ecosystem dynamics. Model development, analysis, and interpretation. Discussions focus on classical and current primary literature. Lab focuses on analysis of data using R, making use of likelihood models, bootstrapping, and Bayesian approaches. Instructor: Clark. One course. C-L: Environment 231L, Information Science and Information Studies

270S. Genetics and Evolution of Complex Traits. NS, R, STS An exploration of the evolution of genes, genomes, in the context of the mechanisms by which genes affect the traits of individuals. The role of different types of genetic analysis (quantitative genetics, Mendelian genetics, biochemical genetics, developmental genetics) in understanding the inheritance of traits. Social and medical uses and misuses of genetic and genomic information in the context of what can and cannot be deduced from genetic information. Prerequisites: Biology 118, 119, and 116, or 122, or 124. Instructor: Nijhout. One course.

271. Genomics. NS, R, STS Introduction to the field of genomics. Genomic techniques including genome sequencing, microarray analysis, proteomics, and bioinformatics; applications of genomics to understanding biological problems including biological networks, human origins, evolution; applications to medicine and agriculture. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: Biology 118 or consent of instructor. Instructor: Benfey. One course.

273S. Current Topics in Environmental Biology. NS, STS The biology and societal implications of technological and environmental problems. Impact on human and animal biology of chemical pollution, including food additives, manufacturing and food production by-products. Evaluation of observations and claims in the popular press, and research in primary scientific literature. (Given at Beaufort.) Prerequisite: Introductory Biology. Instructor: Rittschof. One course. C-L: Marine Sciences

275S. Sensory Signal Transduction. NS, R Recent progress in sensory signal transduction mediated by calcium channels and receptors. Topics include history and techniques in the study of ion channels, such as electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and cell and molecular biology; cell surface perception for external signals, including light receptors, olfactory receptors, taste receptors, hot and cold receptors, and mechanical receptors; heart and brain pacemakers; sensory channel receptor-related human diseases; and plan sensory signaling network. Instructor: Pei. One course.

276S. Animal Communication and Social Behavior. NS, R, W Current topics in animal social behavior, with emphasis on form and function of animal signals, based on reading and analysis of current papers in the primary literature. Co-taught with a parallel Biology course offered at UNC-CH, "Animal Societies and Communication." Prerequisite: Biology 166 or equivalent. Instructor: Nowicki. One course.

278S. Genetic Basis of Behavior. NS The relationship between genotype and behavioral phenotype. Readings from the primary literature, including papers on humans, lab mice, and wild animal populations. Exploration of two philosophical topics: the question of causality in the natural world and the question of determinism in biology. Short research paper required. Instructor: Alberts. One course.

280S. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. NS, STS Applications of recombinant DNA in medicine and in agriculture. Topics include diagnosis of genetic diseases, gene therapy, drugs for AIDS and cancer, DNA fingerprinting, cloning of mammals, phytoremediation, crop improvement, and pharmaceutical protein production in transgenic plants and animals. Social and environmental impacts of biotechnology. Prerequisites: Biology 118 and 119 or consent of instructor. Instructor: Sun. One course.

284. Molecular Population Genetics. NS Genetic mechanisms of evolutionary change at the DNA sequence level. Models of nucleotide and amino acid substitution; linkage disequilibrium and joint evolution of multiple loci; analysis of evolutionary processes, including neutrality, adaptive selection, and hitchhiking; hypothesis testing in molecular evolution; estimation of evolutionary parameters; case histories of molecular evolution. For graduate students and undergraduates with interests in genetics, evolution, or mathematics. Instructor: Uyenoyama. One course.

287S. Macroevolution. NS Evolutionary patterns and processes at and above the species level; species concepts, speciation, diversification, extinction, ontogeny and phylogeny, rates of evolution, and alternative explanations for adaptation and evolutionary trends. Prerequisite: Biology 25L, 26L, or other course in plant or animal diversity; recommended, Biology 116 or equivalent. Instructor: Roth. One course. C-L: Biological Anthropology and Anatomy 287S

289S. Advanced Topics in Genome Science Research. NS, QS, STS, W Exploration of current experimental and computational approaches in genomics and genetics and their applications to contemporary research questions. Formulation and design of interdisciplinary research plans with discussion of implications for biology, medicine and society. Utilizing primary scientific literature, students write critical reviews and research proposals. Prerequisite: Biology 195S (Genomes, Biology, Medicine), 118, 119 or 271, or consent of instructor. Recommended co- or prerequisite: independent study in genomics or computational biology. Instructor: Willard. One course.

292. Population Ecology. NS Explores key questions in population ecology from a theoretical perspective. Topics include demography and dynamics of structured populations, stochastic population dynamics, and life history characteristics. Prerequisites: Biology 110L or 116 and consent of instructor. Instructors: Morris and Wilson. One course.

293. Simulating Ecological and Evolutionary Systems. NS Computer programming using C within a UNIX environment applied to ecological and evolutionary problems. The relationship between simulation and analytic modeling. Knowledge of programming or work within the UNIX computer environment not expected. Consent of instructor required. Instructor: Wilson. One course.

297. Research Independent Study. R Continuation of Biology 191. Individual research and reading of the primary literature in a field of special interest, under the supervision of a faculty member, the major product of which is a substantive paper or written report containing significant analysis and interpretation of a previously approved topic. Open to juniors and seniors only with consent of supervising instructor. May be repeated. Instructor: Staff. One course. C-L: Marine Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees are offered with a major in biology or in an individually designed interdepartmental concentration approved by the director of undergraduate studies in biology. Information may be obtained in the office of the director of undergraduate studies.

This degree program is the general liberal arts major program. Students contemplating a career in biological or biomedical sciences should elect the program leading to the B.S. degree. A minimum of fourteen courses is required for this major.

Major Requirements. A minimum of eight full courses in at least eight course registrations in the biological sciences, not including the above prerequisites and corequisites or courses specified not for science majors; two of these courses must include related laboratory experience at the 100-level or above; one laboratory independent study course may be counted toward the laboratory requirement. The eight courses must include one core course in genetics and molecular biology (Biology 118), one core course in structure and function (chosen from a list of approved courses), and one core course in ecology and evolution (Biology 116). These courses are prerequisites to many of the advanced courses in these subject areas. The remaining courses may be elected from among courses numbered 100 or above in Biology; or from approved courses in the basic science departments of the School of Medicine; or from approved courses of a basic biological character in related departments. Six of these eight courses must be in Biology. A maximum of two independent study or tutorial courses may be counted toward the eight course minimum. At least one of these eight courses must be an advanced course at the 200-level in Biology. This requirement may not be satisfied by a first semester of an independent study, but may be satisfied by a second semester continuation of an independent study. The elective courses acceptable for a biology major with an area of concentration (see below) are defined by the requirements for that concentration.

This is the program in biology for students contemplating a career in biological or biomedical sciences. A minimum of sixteen courses is required for this major.

Corequisites: Chemistry 21L and 22L, or equivalent, and Chemistry 151L: Mathematics 31 or 31L and 32 or 32L, or equivalent; Physics 51L or 53L or equivalent.

Additional corequisites may be required for professional schools or particular areas of concentration (see below).

Major Requirements. A minimum of eight full courses in at least eight course registrations in the biological sciences, not including the above prerequisites and corequisites or courses specified not for science majors; two of these courses must include related laboratory experience; one laboratory independent study course may be counted toward the laboratory requirement. The eight courses must include one core course in genetics and molecular biology (Biology 118) one core course in structure and function (chosen from a list of approved courses), and one core course in ecology and evolution (Biology 116). These courses are prerequisites to many of the advanced courses in these subject areas. The remaining courses may be elected from among courses numbered 100 or above in Biology, or from approved courses in the basic science departments of the School of Medicine, or from approved courses of a basic biological character in related departments. Six of these eight courses must be in Biology. A maximum of two independent study or tutorial courses may be counted toward the eight course minimum. At least one of these eight courses must be an advanced course at the 200-level in Biology. This requirement may not be satisfied by a first semester of an independent study, but may be satisfied by a second semester continuation of an independent study. The elective courses acceptable for a biology major with an area of concentration (see below) are defined by the requirements for that concentration.

Students may elect to complete requirements in specified areas of concentration. Currently available areas of concentration in the biology major are: animal behavior, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, marine biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and plant systematics. For information on areas of concentration see the director of undergraduate studies.

Biology majors who achieve excellence in both their studies and a research based thesis may apply for Graduation with Distinction in Biology. Students may apply if they have a grade point average of 3.0 or above in Biology courses, not including independent study, at the time of application. The award of distinction requires the maintenance of this grade point average and completion of an original research project, usually carried out as an independent study in biology or in an appropriate biological science department at Duke University. The application for distinction must be endorsed by the student's research supervisor. Distinction will be awarded by a three-member faculty committee based on an oral poster presentation and the written thesis. Two levels of distinction are offered in biology: Distinction and High Distinction. See the director of undergraduate studies for more details.

Minor Requirements.Five courses in Biology, which may include Biology 25L or the equivalent and/or Biology 26L (A or B), but not including advanced placement credit (Biology 19); the five courses may include any course numbered 100 or above in Biology. Of these, a minimum of three courses must be at the 100-level or above in Biology. A maximum of one course from approved courses in the basic science departments of the School of Medicine or from approved courses of a basic biological character in related departments. A maximum of one independent study or tutorial course may be counted toward the five courses.

Students may elect to complete the requirements for the minor in specified areas of concentration. Currently available areas in the biology minor are: animal behavior, cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, marine biology, plant systematics. Completion of the requirements for an area of concentration will be noted on the student's transcript. For more information on the courses approved for each area of concentration see the director of undergraduate study.

Undergraduate Instruction 2007-2008

Biology (BIOLOGY)

Undergraduate Instruction
2007-2008