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BY 105 Principles of Biology (4) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: Pre-nursing major. Students learn the basic principles of biology with an emphasis on the cell as the structural and functional unit of life. 4 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 112, 201, 202, 206, 221, 323, 331, 411, 422; CH 107, 306; NU 128; SC 242.
BY 111 General Biology I (4) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: Non-nursing major. This course begins with a study of origins and fundamental concepts in ecology. The course concludes with a study of cell biology, including cell structure, metabolism, reproduction, and genetics. Students receive practical training in use of ecological modeling in lab. Cell biology labs stress techniques and fundamentals of genetics. 4 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 112, 201, 202, 206, 221, 323, 331, 411, 422; CH 306; NU 128; SC 242; SE 308.
BY 112 General Biology II (4) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 111 and non-nursing major. Students study the diversity of life through examination of plant and animal taxa, morphology, anatomy, and physiology. An overview of the major plant and animal phyla will be studied in lab through specimen analysis and dissections. Human anatomy and physiology is also emphasized. 4 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 221, 222, 306, 311, 323, 411; SE 308.
BY 201 General Anatomy and Physiology I (4) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 105 or 111; concentration/emphasis other than biology, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, or pre-physical therapy. A review of cell biology is given. Students learn the anatomy and physiology of the human integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Lab work consists of histological study of tissue types and anatomical study of body systems including organ-specific dissections and 3-D imaging software for digital dissections. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 411, 441; CH 107; NU 128, 203; SE 308.
BY 202 General Anatomy and Physiology II (4) Offered Fall. Prereq.: BY 201; concentration/emphasis other than biology, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, or pre-physical therapy. Students learn concepts of anatomy and physiology of the human endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Studies are made in the areas of electrolyte and water balance, and embryology. Lab work includes an anatomical and physiological study of these systems including organ-specific dissections and 3-D imaging software for digital dissections. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 411, 441; NU 203, 207; PS 409; SE 308.
BY 206 Microbiology (4) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 105, CH 107, and sophomore or above. Students learn the physiological and clinical aspects of microorganisms. Special emphasis is given to bacteria and the role of microorganisms in disease. Basic virology, parasitology, epidemiology, and immunology are studied. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 411, NU 207.
BY 221 Zoology (4) Offered Fall. Prereq.: BY 112. Students learn the basic principles of animal biology through an integrated review of morphology, physiology, genetics, and development. Classification, structure, and function of both invertebrates and vertebrates are examined in the laboratory and field, using both live and preserved specimens. Local marine and land species are observed. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 351, 411.
BY 222 Botany (4) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 112. Students learn the anatomy and physiology of the plant kingdom with an emphasis on photosynthesis, water and nutrient transport and use, and growth/development. Differences among plant divisions will be discussed. Students gain practical experience in the laboratory using microscopic and macroscopic observations along with plant physiology experiments. Plant forms in the upper Gulf Coast ecology are referenced. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 411.
BY 306 General Microbiology (4) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 112 and CH 112. Students learn the central concepts of microbiology. In-depth study is given to the physiology, morphology, and classification of microbiota. Roles of the microbiome in human health and disease are emphasized. Attention is focused on bacteriology; protists, fungi, viruses, and parasites are also considered. 3 hours lecture, plus lab.
BY 311 Anatomy and Physiology I (4) Offered Fall. Prereq.: BY 112 and biology, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, or pre-physical therapy concentration/emphasis. A review of cell biology is given. Students acquire understanding of anatomy and physiology of the human skeletal, muscular, integumentary, and nervous systems. In addition, students learn pathology of each system studied. Lab work consists of histological and anatomical study of body parts including organ-specific dissections and 3-D imaging software for digital dissections with additional work in physiology. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 312, 411, 441, 442; SC 351.
BY 312 Anatomy and Physiology II (4) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 311 and biology, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, or pre-physical therapy concentration/emphasis. This course is a continuation of the first-semester course. Students learn the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory, endocrine, digestive, reproductive, excretory, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Pathology will also be considered for the systems covered. Lab work consists of physiological, histological, and anatomical study including organ-specific dissections and 3-D imaging software for digital dissections of organs and systems with additional work in physiology. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 411, 441; PS 409; SC 442, 461.
BY 323 Ecology (4) Offered Fall. Prereq.: BY 112. Students learn the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors and their effects on population structure along with other fundamental ecology topics. Lab studies will focus on population studies both in a laboratory setting and in the field. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 411.
BY 331 Genetics (4) Offered Fall. Prereq.: BY 105 or 111. This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of classical, molecular, and population genetics with special emphasis on the human genome and biomedical applications. Students develop skills in solving genetics problems. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 341, 342, 411, 449, 450.
BY 341 Immunology (3) Offered Fall. Prereq.: CH 212 and credit for or concurrent enrollment in BY 331. This course is an introduction to immunobiology and immunochemistry. Emphasis is placed on human immunity. Students will learn innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, antigen and antibody structure and interactions, and the roles of the immune system in allergies, autoimmunity, and transplantation.
BY 342 Developmental Biology (4) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 331 and CH 212. Students develop an understanding of key topics in developmental genetics, morphogenesis, and organogenesis in vertebrate organisms with a focus on human developmental biology. 3 hours lecture, plus lab.
BY 351 Vertebrate Zoology (4) Offered Fall odd. Prereq.: BY 221. Students learn the basic principles of vertebrate biology through an integrated review of vertebrate morphology and physiology. Classification, structure, and function of vertebrates are examined in the laboratory and field, using both live and preserved specimens. Local marine and land vertebrate species are observed. 3 hours lecture, plus lab.
BY 391 Directed Research I (1) Offered Fall, Spring, Summer. Prereq.: SC 299; junior or senior; major in natural sciences; 3.0 GPA or higher; and approval from chair of natural sciences. Under the direction of a faculty member in the Natural Sciences Department, students will conduct individualized, experimental research, emphasizing critical thinking, correct scientific methodology, and accurate reporting of data. Required for BY 392.
BY 392 Directed Research Analysis I (1) Offered Fall, Spring, Summer. Prereq.: BY 391 and approval from chair of natural sciences. Students will conclude a controlled research experiment or field study designed to answer a specific research question by statistically analyzing findings and presenting their results including a research poster. Required for BY 491.
BY 411 Parasitology (4) Offered Fall even. Prereq.: Two BY lab courses. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of parasites and parasitism. Emphasis will be placed on parasite life cycles, ecology, epidemiology, pathology, prevention, and treatment. Consideration will be made of the global socioeconomic impact of both human and veterinary parasites. 3 hours lecture, plus lab.
BY 422 Cell Biology (4) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 105 and CH 107; or BY 111 and CH 112. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to cellular and molecular biology. It covers the major issues concerning cell function and cell constituents, including the fundamentals of embryology and the study of the immune system. Students acquire a broad and coherent basis of reference in this subject.
BY 441 Exercise Physiology (4) Offered Fall. Prereq.: BY 201 and 202; or BY 311 and 312; or PE 191, 321, and approval from chair of natural sciences. This course provides a rigorous coverage of the principles of bioenergetics and the physiological response of the human body to exercise and physical conditioning. Students will learn the integration of body systems in the adaptation to exercise. Lab work focuses on applying physiological principles to a practical understanding of exercise. 3 hours lecture, plus lab. Required for BY 442, 443.
BY 442 Biomechanics (4) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 311 or 441, and at least “C-” in MA 131 or placement into MA 221. This course builds on a background of musculoskeletal anatomy to cover the fundamental mechanical properties and structural behavior of biological tissues. Students will learn the relationship of structure and function in the musculoskeletal system and how it applies to the analysis of stress and strain in biological tissues. Students will be introduced to both quantitative and qualitative approaches to analyze forces in human function and movement. Lab work focuses on the measurement of biomechanical forces and the application of foundational principles. 3 hours lecture, plus lab.
BY 443 Exercise Prescription (3) Offered Fall. Prereq.: Credit for or concurrent enrollment in BY 441. Students learn the scientific basis for designing effective exercise programs and how to evaluate individuals for the safe therapeutic application of exercise.
BY 449 Molecular Biology (3) Offered Fall. Prereq.: BY 331 and CH 306. Students gain in-depth knowledge of nucleic acid biology in living cells and build on the core concepts learned in genetics to explore regulation of gene expression on a more advanced level. Emphasis is also given to the underlying principles that support experimental study of nucleic acids, gene expression, and gene regulation.
BY 450 Biotechnology (3) Offered Spring. Prereq.: BY 331 and CH 211. This course is an introduction to the use of microorganisms and other biological systems to aid in manufacturing various products. In this capstone experience, students apply concepts of ethics, genetics, and biochemistry to practical problems. 1 hour lecture, plus lab.
BY 491 Directed Research II (1) Offered Fall, Spring, Summer. Prereq.: BY 392 and approval from chair of natural sciences. Under the direction of a faculty member in the Natural Sciences Department, students will conduct individualized, experimental research, emphasizing critical thinking, correct scientific methodology, and accurate reporting of data. Required for BY 492.
BY 492 Directed Research Analysis II (1) Offered Fall, Spring, Summer. Prereq.: BY 491 and approval from chair of natural sciences. Students will conclude a controlled research experiment or field study designed to answer a specific research question by statistically analyzing findings and presenting their results including a research poster.