UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG

General Statement: The curriculum of the Department of Biological Sciences is designed to fulfill the pre-professional requirements of degrees leading to careers in medical, dental, environmental, marine, and biological sciences. Training in biology prepares students for careers in teaching, government, and private industry. State and federal agencies in agriculture, health, human services, environmental protection, and similar areas seek out students with good backgrounds in biology. New areas of biotechnology and genetic engineering have been added to opportunities in more traditional fields of research in marine biology, limnology, pharmacy, medicine, pathology, forestry, and horticulture. The degree programs in biology can provide a liberal education directed toward an appreciation of the complexity, diversity and beauty of nature.

The Department also offers the M.S. degree in Biology and the Ph.D. degree in Biological Science. For information about these programs, see the Graduate Catalog.

General Education Core

ENGL 1010, 1020                                   Freshman English I, II                                        6

(minimum grade of C in each)

ENGL 2010, 2020                                   Sophomore Literature I, II                                 6

HIST 2010, 2020                                    American History I, II                                        6

MATH 1730 or 1720 or Higher                Precalculus Mathematics II                                6

 (Cellular and molecular biology students must take 1060)

(Students will have to pass Math 1710 or lower MATH  if they are unprepared for MATH 1720 or 1915.)

CHEM 1010  1011, 1020, 1021                 General Chemistry I, II and labs                        8

(minimum grades of C)

CHEM 2110, 2110L, 2120, 2120L              Organic chemistry and labs                               8

(minimum grades of C)

(formerly CHEM 311, 311L, 312, 312L)

BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121                  General Biology and labs                                   8

(minimum grades of C)

BIOL 2110, 2111                                   Cell Biology and lab                                           4

(minimum grade of C)

BIOL 2120, 2121                                   Principles of Genetics and lab                            4

(minimum grade of C)

PHY 2010, 2011, 2020, 2021                   College Physics and labs                                    8

(minimum grades of C)

Social Science                                     3-hour course                                                     3

Humanities                                          1 course                                                            3

SPCH 2200 or 2300                               Pubic Speaking or Business and                           3

                                                          Professional Speech Communication

ASOR 100A                                          Orientation for Science Majors                           1

(Teacher certification students should take EDCI 101.)

For Admission into the upper division of programs of the Biology major, students must complete all of the requirements listed above under General Education Core. In addition they must have removed all high school deficiencies, passed all required remedial/developmental courses, earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on college-level coursework, and completed the Rising Junior Examination.

Upper-division Curricula

The undergraduate curricula for majors results in the Bachelor of Science degree. Students may select one of three curricula under the guidance of a major advisor. The programs are:1)General Biology, which is recommended for pre-professional students; 2) Cellular and Molecular Biology, which is recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate training and/or careers in these fields; and 3)Teacher Certification in Biological Sciences, which leads to endorsement in biology and general science for teaching grades 7 – 12. No grade of less than “C” in any Biology course will be accepted as credit toward meeting Departmental requirements.

The Teacher Education Program is designed for students pursuing a teaching career in secondary education with a major in Biology. The program goals are directed toward the application of biology to the development of competencies in reading, writing, speaking, listening, mathematics, reasoning, studying, and computer competency. The overall curriculum provides for the improvement of knowledge and skills in English, the arts, mathematics, natural sciences, and social studies. A total of 124 semester hours is required in the teacher preparation program including student teaching and the accompanying seminar. Enhanced student teaching requires an eight-week placement in secondary school and a seven-week placement in middle school. A foreign language is not a requirement for the teacher education curriculum, although it is required in all other degree programs in the Department.

Students seeking teacher certification in Biology must be officially admitted to the certification program by applying through the College of Education, usually in the sophomore year. Admission to this program requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and a passing score on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or the Computer-Based Academic Skills Assessment Test (CBT). Students who have previously earned a 21 on the ACT, 22 on the Enhanced ACT, or a combined 990 on the verbal and mathematics portions of the SAT are exempt from the PPST and the CBT. To be eligible for upper-level certification courses, a student must be officially admitted to the Teacher Education Program. For a complete list of admission and retention requirements in the Program, see the College of Education section, Teacher education Admission and Requirements.

A major in Biology with emphasis in General Biology or Cellular and Molecular Biology requires 122 semester hours, of which 33 must be in biological course work. One year of college-level German, French, or Spanish must be included. Seniors who have demonstrated high achievements in their major courses are encouraged to take Biology 419, an honors research program. This course offers an opportunity to gain experience in research under the direction of the Departmental faculty.

An undergraduate minor in the Department consists of a minimum of 24 semester hours, 16 of which should be taken in sequence in Biology 1110-1111; 1120-1121; 2110-2111 (Cell Biology), and 2120-2121 (Genetics). General Chemistry 1010 and 1020, with laboratories, are required as a supporting related course and must precede BIOL 2110. The remaining eight hours of the minor must be on the 3000 or 4000 level and may be elected in the minor area desired by the student.

Accreditation: The teacher certification program in Biology is approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. In addition, the teacher education program is accredited by the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology
General Biology Emphasis

Suggested Four-Year Plan

FRESHMAN YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                          HR            SPRING SEMESTER               HR

BIOL 1110, 1111                            4         BIOL 1120, 1121                          4

CHEM 1010, 1011                          4        CHEM 1020, 1021                         4

ENGL 1010                                    3        ENGL 1020                                   3

Social Science (Elective)                3        *MATH 1720 or Higher                   3

ASOR 100A                                   1       Social Science (Elective)                3                           

*Students will have to take MATH 1040 or lower if they are unprepared for these courses.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                          HR            SPRING SEMESTER                       HR

BIOL 2110, 2111                            4              BIOL 2120, 2121                                4

CHEM 2110, 2110L                        4              CHEM 2120, 2120L                            4

   (FORMERLY CHEM 3110, 3110L)                (FORMERLY CHEM 312, 312L)

ENG 2010                                      3              ENG 2020                                         3

HIST 2010                                     3              HIST 2020                                         3

JUNIOR YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                         HR              SPRING SEMESTER                       HR

Physiology Elective                        4                BIOL 4120, 4121                              4

(BIOL 3210/3211, 3400/3401,                          CHEM 3410, 3410L                           4

  OR 4300/4301)                                 

BIOL ELECTIVE, 3000/4000            4            PHY 2020, 2021                                 4

PHY 2010, 2011                             4            Electives, 3000/4000                            3

SENIOR YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                           HR             SPRING SEMESTER                       HR

BIOL 4170                                      1                BIOL 4180                                     1

                                                                        BIOL ELECTIVES, 3000/4000        8

BIOL ELECTIVES, 3000/4000          4                  ELECTIVES, 3000/4000 LEVEL    3

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology
Cellular and Molecular Biology Emphasis

Suggested Four-Year Plan

FRESHMAN YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                      HR            SPRING SEMESTER                           HR

BIOL 1110, 1111                        4               BIOL 1120, 1121                                 4

CHEM 1010, 1011                      4              CHEM 1020, 1021                                4

ENGL 1010                3             ENGL 1020                                           3

Social Science (Elective)            3            *MATH 1915                                           3

ASOR 100A                               1            Social Science (Elective)                        3

*Students will have to take MATH 1710 and 1720 if they are unprepared for 1915.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                      HR            SPRING SEMESTER                   HR

BIOL 2110, 2111                          4         BIOL 2120, 2121                             4

CHEM 211, 211L                          4        CHEM 2120, 2120L                          4

   (FORMERLY CHEM 311, 311L)               (FORMERLY CHEM 312, 312L)

ENG 2010                                   3        ENG 2020                                       3

HIST 2010                                   3        HIST 2020                                      3

JUNIOR YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                      HR            SPRING SEMESTER                      HR

PHYSIOLOGY ELECTIVE               4            BIOL 4120, 4121                           4

(BIOL 3200/3201, 3210/3211,            

  3400/3401, OR 4300/4301)                       CHEM 342, 342L                          4

CHEM 3410, 3410L                       4         PHY 2020, 2021                              4

PHY 2010, 2011                           4            Electives, 3000/4000                   3

SENIOR YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                         HR            SPRING SEMESTER                       HR

BIOL 4170                                    1         BIOL 4180                                        1

                                                             BIOL ELECTIVES 3000/4000               8

BIOL ELECTIVES, 3000/4000         4            ELECTIVES, 3000/4000                   3

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology
With Teacher Certification
Licensure for Grades 7-12

Suggested Four-Year Plan

FRESHMAN YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                      HR            SPRING SEMESTER                   HR

BIOL 1110, 1111                        4        BIOL 1120, 1121                           4

CHEM 1010, 1011                       4        CHEM 1020, 1021                        4

ENGL 1010                                3        ENGL 1020                                  3

Humanities Elective                  3   

                                                            *MATH 1720 OR HIGHER            3

*Students will have to take MATH 1040 or lower if they are unprepared for 1720.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                          HR            SPRING SEMESTER                HR

BIOL 2110, 2111                           4         BIOL 2120, 2121                          4

CHEM 2110, 2110L                        4        CHEM 2120, 2120L                       4

   (FORMERLY CHEM 311, 311L)               (FORMERLY CHEM 312, 312L)

ENGL 2010                                   3        SPCH 2200 or 2300                      3

HIST 2010                                    3        HIST 2020                                   3

JUNIOR YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                        HR            SPRING SEMESTER                  HR

PHYSIOLOGY ELECTIVE               4         BIOL 4120, 4121                           4

(BIOL 3200/3201, 3210/3211,                 BIOL 3010, 3011                           3

  3400/3401, OR 4300/4301)                   SOCI 2010                                   3

                                                           PHY 212, 212L                              4

ART 1010                                     3       EDCI 387                                     3

PHY 211, 211L                              4   

SENIOR YEAR

FALL SEMESTER                      HR               SPRING SEMESTER                   HR

BIOL 3710                                   3            BIOL 4724                                 9

BIOL 4170 OR 4180                      1            EDCI 470A                                 3

BIOL ELECTIVE, 3000/4000          4

EDAD 400                                   3   

 (FORMERLY EDCI 419)                 

EDCI 419                                    1

EDRD 491                                   3

Course Descriptions
Biology (BIO)

For all classes that have laboratory components, students must register for the laboratory in the same semester that they register for the lecture class.

BIOL 1010, 1011 and 1020, 1021 Introductory Biology I, II and Laboratory (4, 4). An interdisciplinary course for non-science majors involving the principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology. The objective of the course is to integrate the areas as they are related to living organisms. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. (Formerly SCI 121-122)

BIOL 1012, 1013 and 1022, 1023 Honors Introductory Biology I, II and Laboratory (4, 4). Honors version of BIOL 1010, 1011, 1020, 1021. Courses limited to students in University Honors Program.

BIOL 1110, 1111 and 1120, 1121 General Biology I, II and Laboratory (4, 4). A general biology course for science majors that covers structure, function, and life characteristics of organisms.  The objective of the course is to provide students a survey of living organisms and the processes required for life. 

BIOL 1112, 1113 and 1122, 1123 Honors General Biology I, II and Laboratory (4, 4). Honors version of BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121. Course limited to students in University Honors Program.

BIOL 2110, 2111 Cell Biology and Laboratory (4). Structure and function of cells and their components. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121. (Formerly BIO 211, 211L).

BIOL 2120, 2121 Principles of Genetics and Laboratory (4). An introduction to genetics, including classical and modern approaches, the laws of heredity, the role of heredity in developmental physiology, and the relation between heredity and evolution. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121. (Formerly BIO 212, 212L)

BIOL 2210, 2211 and 2220, 2221 Human Anatomy and Physiology and Laboratory (4, 4). The fundamentals of the structure, function, and organization of the organ systems of man. These courses should be taken in sequence. (Formerly BIO 221, 221L and 222, 222L)

BIOL 2400, 2401 Principles of Microbiology (4). Identification, culture, sterilization, and disinfectant procedures employed in studying certain microorganisms. Open to majors in Family and Consumer Sciences, HPER, and Nursing. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111 or CHEM 1010, 1011, 1020, 1021. (Formerly BIO 240, 240L)

BIOL 3010, 3011 Earth and Space Science and Laboratory (4). An integrated study of earth and space sciences, including a study of the shape, structure, composition, motions, and atmosphere of the earth. Topics include an examination of the effect of weathering and erosion on the lithosphere and concerns for our environment. Consideration will be given to space exploration, including stars, space, and time. Two lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory per week. (Formerly BIO 301, 301L)

BIOL 3110 Biometrics (3). An introduction to the methods of statistics that are of particular interest to biologists for experimental design and interpretation. Prerequisites: MATH 1720, BIOL 2110, 2111, 2120, 2121, or their equivalents. (Formerly BIO 311)

BIOL 3185, 3186, 3187 Cooperative Education (3,3,3). Course generated by student and faculty coordinator of cooperative education. Scope of subject matter is determined by students and faculty coordinator. Prerequisites: Completion of all sophomore-level Biology degree requirements and permission of faculty coordinator.  (Formerly BIO 318A, B, C)

BIOL 3200, 3201 Comparative Physiology (4). Introduces the concepts of physiology, including topics from cellular and animal physiology. Prerequisites: Successful completion of BIOL 2120, 2121; CHEM 211-211L and/or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 212-212L and PHY 212-212L.  (Formerly BIO 320, 320L)

BIOL 3210, 3211 Mammalian Physiology and Laboratory (4). Consideration of the dynamic interactions and integrations of mammalian organ systems. Special emphasis is placed upon recent advances in methodology and new concepts in physiology and contributing sciences. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121 and CHEM 1010, 1011, 1020, 1021, or equivalents. (Formerly BIO 321, 321L)

BIOL 3240, 3241 Comparative Anatomy and Laboratory (4). The comparative anatomy and evolution of the organ system of chordate animals. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121. (Formerly BIO 324, 324L)

BIOL 3300, 3301 Plant Morphology and Laboratory (4). Consideration of the structure, embryology, and phylogeny of higher vascular plants. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121, BIOL 2120, 2121, 4110, 4111. (Formerly BIO 330, 330L)

BIOL 3320, 3321 General Botany and Laboratory (4). The anatomy, physiology, and taxonomy of plants. Prerequisites: BIOL 2110, 2111, 2120, 2121. (Formerly BIO 332, 332L)

BIOL 3400, 3401 Introduction to Microbial Physiology and Laboratory (4). Salient features in the physiology of microorganisms. Selected examples of the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and nitrogen-containing compounds are considered as a basis for further understanding of biologic phenomena. Prerequisites: BIOL 3410, 3411 or CHEM 211, 211L concurrently. (Formerly BIO 340, 340L)

BIOL 3410, 3411 Principles of General Bacteriology and Laboratory (4). The isolation, identification, culture, nutrition, sterilization, and chemotherapeutic procedures employed in studying bacteria. Prerequisites: BIOL 2110, 2111, 2120, 2121; CHEM 1010, 1011, 1020, 1021. (Formerly BIO 341, 341L)

BIOL 3710 Methods of Teaching Biology (3). A course designed to explore methods and techniques for teaching biology in the secondary school. It offers opportunities for locating sources of biological materials, supplies, and equipment for the biology laboratory and gives guidance in the selection of books, journals, and other printed materials that support academic programs in secondary school biology. A field component of at least 24 hours of varied clinical experiences, classroom observation, active participation, and other related activities in clinical and/or in school settings is required. Required of all Biology majors seeking secondary certification in Biology. Prerequisite: official admission to the Teacher Education Program.

BIOL 4100 Special Topics (3). Student- and faculty-generated course. Scope of subject matter is determined by students and instructor. Prerequisites: 12 hours upper-level Biology or permission of instructor. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 410)

BIOL 4110, 4111 Molecular Genetics and Laboratory (4). An introduction to molecular genetics in microorganisms, plants, and animals. Emphasis is placed on biotechnical advances and the methods and techniques used in these systems. Prerequisites: BIO 2110, 2111, 2120, 2121. (Formerly BIO 411, 411L)

BIOL 4120, 4121 Principles of Ecology and Laboratory (4). Fundamental ecological principles with special reference to levels of organization, population and community properties, structural adaptation, functional adjustments, and other factors affecting the distribution of organisms. Prerequisite: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121, 2120, 2121, 4110, 4111. (Formerly BIO 412, 412L)

BIOL 4130, 4140 Contemporary Problems in Ecology I, II (3, 3). A study of some of the contemporary problems constituting the environmental crisis, the hazards comprising such problems, and the complexity affecting their resolutions. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 413, 414)

BIOL 4150, 4151 Microtechnique and Laboratory (4). Methods of microscopic study of tissues. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121, 2120, 2121 and CHEM 1010, 1011, 1020, 1021. (Formerly BIO 415, 415L)

BIOL 4160 Evolution (3). A study of current evolutionary theory, including systematics, with an examination of macroevolutionary patterns and microevolutionary processes. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121. (Formerly BIO 416)

BIOL 4170 and 4180 Senior Seminar (1, 1). Current problems in biology. A minimum of one semester required of all seniors in the Department. Meets one hour per week. (Formerly BIO 417, 418)

BIOL 4190 Junior Honors Research (3). Open to juniors and seniors of outstanding attainment who have demonstrated high achievements in their major field. It offers opportunity to do individual research under the direction of a member of the Department faculty. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 419)

BIOL 4200, 4201 Invertebrate Zoology and Laboratory (4). Study of the morphology, physiology, taxonomy, and life histories of the invertebrates. Emphasis is placed on the systemic developments of invertebrate types. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121, 2120, 2121. (Elective) (Biology 420, 420L)

BIOL 4210, 4211 Embryology and Laboratory (4). A general consideration of gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage in animals and the early development of echinoderms, protochordates, and selected vertebrates, with emphasis on early development of the chick. Prerequisite: BIOL 3240 and 3241 are strongly recommended. (Formerly BIO 421, 421L)

BIOL 4220, 4221 Endocrinology and Laboratory (4). The function of vertebrate hormones, with emphasis on those concerned in the physiology of reproduction. Topics include techniques used in small animal surgery in endocrine research. Prerequisite: BIOL 4210, 4211. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 422, 422L)

BIOL 4230, 4231 Histology and Laboratory (4). Study of animal tissues. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121, 2120, 2121, 4110, and 4111. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 423, 423L)

BIOL 4240, 4241 Introduction to Parasitology and Laboratory (4). Animal parasites and their methods of entering the body of man and mammals. The several types of host-parasite relationships are surveyed, with emphasis on the effects of parasites on or within the hosts, immunogenic responses by the host to parasitism, and a history of the discipline. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121, 2120, 2121. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 424, 424L)

BIOL 4260, 4261 Field Zoology and Laboratory (4). Study of selected groups of animals. Methods of collecting, classifying, and preserving will be emphasized. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121, 2120, 2121. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 426, 426L)

BIOL 4270, 4271 and 4280, 4281 Physiology and Pathophysiology I, II and Laboratory (4, 4). A closely integrated series of lectures and laboratory demonstrations which emphasize human physiology and pathophysiology. Physiology of the nervous system, blood circulation, respiration, and special senses is considered, as is the basic and applied physiology of the digestive, excretory, and endocrine systems. Mechanisms of integrating various systems are emphasized. Must be taken in sequence. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121 or BIOL 2210, 2211, 2220 and 2221 and CHEM 211, 211L. (Formerly BIO 427, 427L and 428, 428L)

BIOL 4272, 4273 Physiology and Pathophysiology and Laboratory (4). An accelerated one-semester series of lectures and laboratory demonstrations which emphasize human physiology and pathophysiology. Immune response, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, electrolytic, respiratory, renal, neurological, endocrinal, reproductive, and musculoskeletal disorders are considered. Both courses are required of Nursing majors. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121 or BIOL 2210, 2211, 2220 and 2221 and CHEM 211, 211L. (Formerly BIO 427A, 427K)

BIOL 4300, 4301 Introduction to Plant Physiology and Laboratory (4). Consideration of the functions of digestion, nutrition, growth, photosynthesis, respiration, translocation, photoperiodism, plant hormones, transpiration, and water relations as occurring in typical green plants. Prerequisites: BIOL 3320, 3321 and CHEM 1010, 1011, 1020, 1021. (Formerly BIO 430, 430L)

BIOL 4320, 4321 Field Botany and Laboratory (4). A course designed to acquaint the student with basic principles of plant classification and identification, the use of manuals with reference made to the families, genera, and species of the local flora. Prerequisite: BIOL 3320, 3321. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 432, 432L)

BIOL 4400, 4401 Pathogenic Microorganisms and Laboratory (4). Survey of the important features of host-parasite interaction. Characteristics of the organisms, host hypersensitivity, and natural and acquired immunity are considered as contributing factors toward this interaction. Modern preventive methods are emphasized. Prerequisite: BIOL 3410, 3411. (Formerly BIO 440, 440L)

BIOL 4410, 4411 Immunology and Serology and Laboratory (4). Theories of immunity and training in serological methods and procedures for immunization. Prerequisites: BIOL 3410, 3411. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 441, 441L)

BIOL 4420, 4421 Virology and Laboratory (4). Survey of bacterial, plant, and animal viruses with emphasis on their infectious cycles. Prerequisite: BIOL 3410, 3411. (Elective) (Formerly BIO 442, 442L)

BIOL 4724 Student Teaching (12). A semester-long experience of supervised practice teaching, appropriately divided between middle school and high school. Required of all students seeking certification in the teaching of biology. Prerequisite: successful completion of all certification courses except EDCI 470A, which is taken concurrently. (Formerly BIO 427S)

MARC Program

The following courses are offered through the MARC (Minority Access to Research Careers) Honors Program. Enrollment is restricted to MARC participants, or by permission of the Director.

BIOL 3920 Scientific Communication (4). Course designed to improve written, oral, and quantitative skills necessary to enhance career development in the sciences. (Formerly BIO 392)

BIOL 4900, 4901 Cell Physiology and Laboratory (4). Introduction to the interrelationships of biological, physical, and chemical aspects of the cell. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, 1111, 1120, 1121, CHEM 1010, 1011, 1020, 1021. (Formerly BIO 490, 490L)

BIOL 4911 Modern Scientific Methods (3). Use and applications of modern laboratory equipment and techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL 4900, 4901. (Formerly BIO 491)

BIOL 4920 Honors Undergraduate Research (4). Intramural and extramural biomedical research experiences. (Formerly BIO 492)

BIOL 4930 Current Biomedical Topics (0). Training in critical analysis and oral presentations of current journal publications in selected biomedical fields. Ethical issues including plagiarism, falsification, fabrication, and misconduct in research are discussed. All MARC Trainees must register in this course each semester. (Formerly BIO 493)

BIOL 4940, 4950 MARC Seminar Series (1-1&2). Exposure to current presentations by eminent scientists in biomedical research. (Formerly 494, 495)