56 courses with the subject BIO, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
BIO 1020Field Natural History4
This course covers methods and concepts facilitating the study and appreciation of natural history. Most weekly lab sessions are in the field to investigate various ecosystems and their inhabitants. Course topics may include forest succession, edible wild plants, field ecology methods, ponds and streams, and the use of identification keys, topographic maps, and collecting equipment. Each student conducts a detailed natural history project on a topic of interest. Designed for non-science majors and does not count towards the BIO or ENS major. GE: Natural Science
Ecology is the wonderfully complex and fascinating biological study of species' relationships with each other and with their environments. In this course, students explore ecological principles, see how they apply to issues in the news, learn to collect and analyze ecological data, and become better acquainted with the ecosystems around us. We use online labs as well as field exercises to better understand the ecological concepts as well as the scientific process. This course is intended for non-science majors only; it does not apply to a major in biology, environmental studies, or conservation biology. GE: Natural Science
This course serves as an introduction to microbiology for the non-scientist. At the end of the course, the student should have knowledge of the roles of microbes in the environment and experience in isolating, handling, and identifying microorganisms, especially those associated with food spoilage, food production, and food-borne illness. Labs will focus on proper laboratory techniques, quality control, and properly handling microorganisms in the laboratory. Designed for non-science majors and does not count towards the BIO or ENS major. GE: Natural Science
This course explores the historical and philosophical foundations and current practices of the field of Conservation Biology at regional, national, and global scales. Students explore how conservation is defined and conducted, with particular focus on case studies in the Southern Blue Ridge region. This course is a prerequisite for most upper-level conservation biology courses and is not intended for students whose major interests lie outside of the natural sciences.
This course considers humans as a biological species. Topics include human anatomy and physiology, basic biochemistry and cell biology, genetics, human reproduction and development, immunology and infectious disease, nutrition, pharmacology, and the evolution of humans as a species. The biological understanding of what unites all humans and what accounts for our differences serves as a common theme. Ways in which an understanding of human biology can inform opinions on contemporary issues facing us as a society, as well as personal choices regarding our own health are explored. Designed for non-science majors and does not count toward the BIO or ENS major. GE: Natural Science
This course introduces students to the fundamental properties of living things on our planet. Topics include the concepts of genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, plant and animal physiology, and evolution. A survey of the diversity of life is included. The process of scientific investigation is stressed throughout the course and practiced in weekly laboratory exercises. This course is a prerequisite for all upper-level biology courses and is not intended for students whose major interests lie outside the sciences.
Topics courses are 2- or 4-credit, in-depth, thematic courses that may be repeated for credit under a different theme. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits.
Subject
BIO
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit under a different theme.
Topics courses are 2- or 4-credit, in-depth, thematic courses that may be repeated for credit under a different theme. May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits.
Subject
BIO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit under a different theme.
Ecology is the study of interactions of organisms with one another and with the physical world. This course covers the ways in which individual species, populations, communities, ecosystems and landscapes are characterized and analyzed, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Some of the various factors that affect the number and distribution of organisms are explored through a combination of lecture and regular laboratory exercise.
BIO 1160 General Biology and CHM 1160 General Chemistry I with Lab.
BIO 2040Mammalogy4
This course explores not just what mammals are, but why they are. In other words, what ecological and evolutionary forces have led to the world's fascinating array of mammalian wonders? Students explore this question as a learning community through lectures, discussions, lab examination of specimens, field trips, films, and independent projects.
This course provides a general overview of the cell as the fundamental unit of life. Beginning with the role of cells in determining the properties and behaviors of tissues, the course moves on to describe how the cytoskeleton, membranes, and organelles interact to generate the universal properties of life. Special emphasis is given to cell communication and protein function. Half the class time is devoted to lecture and discussion and half to laboratory exercises involving the fundamental techniques of cell study.
BIO 1160 General Biology and CHM 1160 General Chemistry I with Lab.
BIO 2100The Art of Microbiology4
In this course students isolate and culture unknown bacterial strains, and use interesting and colorful ones to paint pictures on petri dishes. Observations of the microbial behavior on these plates are then used to generate research questions that teams of students answer through their own experimental design. Results are presented to the class in a final graded presentation. This course requires significant independent lab work, troubleshooting, collaboration, and activity collecting and analyzing data outside of class.
Anatomy and Physiology I provides an introductory overview of mammalian physiological systems. Cellular and tissue organization and structure and function of mammalian systems is explored. This course focuses on the following mammalian systems: skeletal system, muscular system, digestive system, and nervous system. This course includes organ and tissue dissections as part of the laboratory activities. This course prepares students for advanced studies in anatomy and physiology and provides a foundation for careers in animal and human medicine.
BIO 1160 General Biology and CHM 1160 General Chemistry I with Lab.
BIO 2120Anatomy and Physiology II4
This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. This course focuses on anatomy and physiologies of the mammalian circulatory, respiratory, urinary, endocrine and reproductive organ and tissue systems. Additionally, this course familiarizes and allows for practice of common clinical and laboratory techniques to evaluate these and other organ systems. This course includes organ and tissue dissections as part of the laboratory activities and prepares students for advanced studies in animal and human medicine.
This course is a community-engaged core course for Biology majors. Students in the course work weekly with a community partner and/or on a project that serves a community partner related to biological sciences. The course also involves weekly readings, short writing assignments, and class discussions exploring concepts and ideas related to biology, the history of the field, and/or the nature of scientific inquiry as they relate to their authentic work in the wider community. The specific community partnership and course content varies from semester to semester depending on the instructor.
Our region has one of the highest diversities of fleshy fungi anywhere in North America, and much of this course focuses on identifying the major genera and species that inhabit this area. During the course, students make several forays into the field to collect samples. In addition to identification, students also learn about fungal growth and reproduction, fungal ecology, and uses of fungi for food and medicine. Although edibility of wild mushrooms is discussed and students have the opportunity to sample some edible species that are found, this course is not intended to make students experts on identification of mushrooms for human consumption. This course includes a mandatory weekend field trip.
This course focuses on the patterns and processes that make forested ecosystems unique biological communities. Topics for examination include forest structure, composition and dynamics, and biotic/abiotic interactions at the species, stand, and landscape levels. The emphasis is on temperate forest systems of North America, especially those of the Southern Appalachians. Students spend considerable time in the field both during class periods and on their own learning woody plant identification and understanding the ecological context in which different species grow. This course serves as the foundation for the Ecological Forestry Concentration in Environmental Science and is a prerequisite for ENS 3340 Silviculture and ENS 3330 Introduction to Forest Management. Includes a regular lab period. Cross-listed with ENS 2330 Forest Biology.
BIO 1160 General Biology or ENS 1170 Introduction to Environmental Science.
Alias
ENS 2330
BIO 2340General Zoology4
This course introduces students to the diversity of animal life. We explore form and function, evolutionary relationships, anatomy and physiology, and ecology across the major animal groups. Students gain experience in a variety of computational, laboratory, and field techniques used in the study of animal diversity, in addition to learning the identification and basic biology of local species.
This course explores the evolutionary, structural, cellular, and ecological aspects of botany. Traditionally, studies of botany included plants, cyanobacteria, fungi, and algae. Modern botany includes studies of vascular plants, as well as the sub-disciplines studying algae (phycology) and fungi (mycology). This course provides a survey of the major groups of plants, algae, and fungi, as well as their evolutionary history, reproduction, and development. Students are exposed to current topics in botany through lectures, labs, field trips, and readings.
BIO 2700Internship Preparation in the Life Sciences1
This course prepares students pursuing a B.A. in Animal Science, Conservation Biology, Biology, or Biochemistry to secure meaningful off-campus internships and fulfills the pre-internship course requirement for those majors. Through guided instruction and hands-on activities, students learn how to search and apply for internships, network effectively, and explore career-relevant opportunities. Emphasis is placed on developing professional materials, identifying internship goals, and taking concrete steps toward placement. While required for B.A. students, students in the B.S. programs are also welcome to enroll if they are planning to complete an internship in a future semester and are ready to actively engage in the internship search process.
BIO 1160 General Biology and CHM 1160 General Chemistry with Lab
BIO 2721Topics in Conservation Biology2
These rotating courses address timely and current issues in conservation biology. Different subjects are taught in different terms. Students explore the topic within the field of conservation biology and learn how the principles of conservation biology are applied to the topic and used in conservation on the ground. These courses combine the theoretical knowledge students gain in conservation biology and applied work in conservation. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits.
These rotating courses address timely and current issues in conservation biology. Different subjects are taught in different terms. Students explore the topic within the field of conservation biology and learn how the principles of conservation biology are applied to the topic and used in conservation on the ground. These courses combine the theoretical knowledge students gain in conservation biology and applied work in conservation. May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits.
This is an experiential course that examines and practices humane livestock handling and introductory animal management. The course critically evaluates current management techniques in a variety of livestock species, with emphasis on cattle, sheep, and pigs, and builds on foundational knowledge delivered in ENS 2160 Introduction to Animal Science. Introductory management techniques explored include low-stress handling, health, well-being, reproduction, and nutrition.
BIO 1160 General Biology or ENS 2160 Introduction to Animal Science.
BIO 2913General Entomology4
This course explores the science of entomology by focusing on the the basic principles of systematics, morphology, physiology, development, behavior, and ecology. Students will gain basic skills that enable them to collect insects in the field, start and maintain insect collections, and perform population studies that monitor abundance and diversity of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates. Cross-listed with ENS 2913 General Entomology.
Topics courses are 2- or 4-credit, in-depth, thematic courses that may be repeated for credit under a different theme. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits.
Subject
BIO
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit under a different theme.
Topics courses are 2- or 4-credit, in-depth, thematic courses that may be repeated for credit under a different theme. May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits.
Subject
BIO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit under a different theme.
This course presents the principles by which aquatic systems are organized and emphasizes the manner in which representative aquatic ecosystems function. Ecological theory relating to energy flow and matter cycling is a major topic as is studies of the adaptations for life in different types of aquatic systems. The second half of the course focuses on water pollution sources, effects, detection, and control. One major weekend field trip with a fee of $20 is required. Includes a regular lab period. Cross-listed with ENS 3020 Aquatic Ecology and Water Pollution. Course Fee.
BIO 1160 General Biology and CHM 1160 General Chemistry I with Lab.
Alias
ENS 3020
BIO 3025Study Away in Biology4
This is a Study Away course that will focus on a special topic within the discipline, and will include two to three weeks of travel to a domestic or international destination at the culmination of the semester. The topic will be approached through an intercultural lens, and will achieve the following learning outcomes: 1. Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and respect diverse cultural and historical traditions. 2. Students will engage with voices, writings, scholarship, and perspectives from other cultures. For details on the course topic and destination, see the course schedule. May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits.
Conservation biology is the applied science of maintaining the earth's biological diversity. The main focus of this course is biological, but it is interdisciplinary and reaches into ethics, economics, and sociology. The explicit goal of this discipline is to conserve biodiversity at all levels of organization from genetics to populations, species, communities and ecosystems. We will explore both the theoretical and applied aspects of conversation at the local, national and international scales.
Invertebrates comprise the vast majority of animal diversity, including in freshwater ecosystems. This course will survey the diversity of invertebrate groups in rivers, lakes, and wetlands, with an emphasis on the anatomy, evolution, and ecology of these different groups. Field and lab exercises will provide students the opportunity to use different sampling techniques, learn the identification and biology of local taxonomic groups, and conduct a novel research project.
This course explores the evolution, biology, and ecology of birds. Students study avian diversity, anatomy, physiology, and behaviors related to food, sex, sociality, communication, and migration. During the lab, students conduct an authentic research project with wild birds after learning to identify local species by sight and sound.
Fishes comprise approximately half of the vertebrates extant today. Accordingly, fishes exhibit a wide diversity of adaptations, making the group an excellent model to study form and function, ecology, and evolution. This course surveys the diversity of fishes, covering anatomy, physiology, and behavior. Field and lab exercises provide students the opportunity to learn local species taxonomy and natural history, as well as conduct a scientific research project.
This course provides a basic understanding of the nature of genes, the ways they are regulated, and their patterns of inheritance. It focuses primarily on the molecular understanding of genetics, but also introduces the ways in which genes determine an organism's form and function, as well as their role in evolution and speciation. Current molecular methods for analyzing genes are studied through their application to problems in clinical science and conservation biology. Class time is split evenly between laboratory exercises and lecture/discussion.
BIO 1160 General Biology and CHM 1160 General Chemistry I with Lab.
BIO 3351Forest Biology4
This course focuses on the patterns and processes that make forested ecosystems unique biological communities. Topics for examination include forest structure, composition and dynamics, and biotic/abiotic interactions at the species, stand, and landscape levels. The emphasis is on temperate forest systems of North America, especially those of the Southern Appalachians. Students spend considerable time in the field both during class periods and on their own learning woody plant identification and understanding the ecological context in which different species grow. This course serves as the foundation for the Ecological Forestry Concentration in Environmental Science and is a prerequisite for ENS 4340 Silviculture and ENS 4350 Introduction to Forest Management. Includes a regular lab period. Cross-listed with ENS 3351 Forest Biology.
BIO 1160 General Biology or ENS 1170 Introduction to Environmental Science.
Alias
ENS 3351
BIO 3400Plant Ecology4
Ecology is the study of interrelationships between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments. It is these relationships that influence the abundance and distribution of organisms in space and through time. This course explores the ecology of plants at four different levels: the individual, the population, the community, and the ecosystem. Students gain hands-on experience designing and conducting plant ecological research. The lab portion of the course strongly emphasizes generating testable hypotheses, designing experiments, using statistics to analyze data, and communicating results in writing.
In this course, students focus on the biological diversity within the world of plants. The course is divided generally into three sections: first, a section on the evolution of plant diversity; second, a section on the ecology of plant diversity; and third, a section on the conservation of plant diversity. Along the way, students learn some of the major families of plants, methods for measuring, describing, and studying plant diversity, and principles and practices of plant conservation. The course focuses on native southern Appalachian plants while also exploring global plant diversity. Students are exposed to current topics in and knowledge of plant diversity through lectures, labs, field trips, and readings.
Natural selection has created diversity in a variety of animal traits that aid in survival and reproduction, including the behavioral patterns and strategies used by animals. In this course, the theoretical foundations for the evolution of behavior are presented, including such topics as foraging, defense, aggression, dominance, cooperation, altruism, courtship, parental care, and communication. Techniques used in the study of animal behavior are presented in the lab, and students conduct a small-scale study on a locally available animal species.
In this course, students become familiar with the study and diversity of amphibians and reptiles. The course covers the current understanding of amphibian and reptile taxonomy, taxonomic relationships, and placement within the vertebrate tree of life. During this time, students also become familiar with the unique characteristics of each group. Through the course, students learn important herpetology techniques, such as local species identification and proper survey and capture methods.
This course is an examination of the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive systems of livestock. Topics include endocrinology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, puberty, parturition, and lactation of animals. Exploration of reproductive management technologies and techniques are embedded in covered topics. Physiology and management of reproduction are important for livestock producers to understand and integrate successfully into livestock herd management. General Chemistry I with Lab.
BIO 1160 General Biology OR ENS 2160 Introduction to Animal Science, AND CHM 1160
BIO 3550Animal Nutrition4
This course provides an overview of the biological and chemical mechanisms of nutrient acquisition in domestic animals. Processes and topics investigated include the chemical composition of nutrients and their requirements, comparative digestive physiology, metabolism, and an introduction to feed analysis. The course builds on foundational knowledge of biology and chemistry concepts introduced in BIO 1160 General Biology, CHM 1160 General Chemistry I with Lab, and CHM 2250 Organic Chemistry I.
CHM 2250 Organic Chemistry I and ENS 2160 Introduction to Animal Science.
BIO 3721Topics in Conservation Biology2
These rotating courses address timely and current issues in conservation biology. Different subjects are taught in different terms. Students explore the topic within the field of conservation biology and learn how the principles of conservation biology are applied to the topic and used in conservation on the ground. These courses combine the theoretical knowledge students gain in conservation biology and applied work in conservation. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits.
These rotating courses address timely and current issues in conservation biology. Different subjects are taught in different terms. Students explore the topic within the field of conservation biology and learn how the principles of conservation biology are applied to the topic and used in conservation on the ground. These courses combine the theoretical knowledge students gain in conservation biology and applied work in conservation. May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits.
These rotating courses address recent developments and current issues in the field of Biology. The specific topics reflect the focused interests of the faculty member teaching the course. These courses build on the knowledge students have acquired through more general Biology courses and provide greater depth in specific fields of study. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits.
These rotating courses address recent developments and current issues in the field of Biology. The specific topics reflect the focused interests of the faculty member teaching the course. These courses build on the knowledge students have acquired through more general Biology courses and provide greater depth in specific fields of study. May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits.
These rotating courses engage students in current practices in domestic animal management. The specific topics are focused on different animal species, reflecting the experiences of the instructors. Courses provide in-depth, practical knowledge of engaging and working alongside these animal species. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits. Techniques in Livestock Management.
BIO 1160 General Biology OR ENS 2160 Introduction to Animal Science, AND BIO 2800
BIO 4020Evolutionary Biology4
Evolution is the underlying principle of biology; nothing in biology makes sense without it. A rigorous, comprehensive introduction to this vast and crucial field, this course covers the history of Darwinism, natural selection, evolutionary genetics, paleontology, processes of macroevolution, the origin of life, and human evolution.
In this course, students examine and contextualize the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained from their internships and connect these to their overall college experience. Students will investigate what it means to be a professional in STEM and STEM-adjacent fields, and look at strategies associated with career success. Topics covered include career exploration, networking, generating application materials, career planning, strategic career search, and interviewing techniques. This course is a requirement for students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, and Conservation Biology. by the academic advisor for the internship.
This course covers the diversity of the microbial world and explores some of the ways it is studied. Organisms covered include viruses, bacteria, archaea, protists, algae, and fungi. A recurring theme is how an understanding of the microbial world challenges our metazoan biases about systematics, cell biology, biochemistry, evolution, and genetics. Infectious diseases are studied as problems in evolution and ecology. Class time is split evenly between laboratory exercises and lecture/discussion.
CHM 2170 General Chemistry II with Lab and BIO 3220 Genetics.
BIO 4720Topics in Conservation Biology4
These rotating courses address timely and current issues in conservation biology. Different subjects are taught in different terms. Students explore the topic within the field of conservation biology and learn how the principles of conservation biology are applied to the topic and used in conservation on the ground. These courses combine the theoretical knowledge students gain in conservation and wildlife biology and applied work in conservation. May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits.
These rotating courses address timely and current issues in conservation biology. Different subjects are taught in different terms. Students explore the topic within the field of conservation biology and learn how the principles of conservation biology are applied to the topic and used in conservation on the ground. These courses combine the theoretical knowledge students gain in conservation and wildlife biology and applied work in conservation. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits.
Topics courses are 2- or 4-credit, in-depth, thematic courses that may be repeated for credit under a different theme. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits.
Subject
BIO
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit under a different theme.
Topics courses are 2- or 4-credit, in-depth, thematic courses that may be repeated for credit under a different theme. May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits.
Subject
BIO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit under a different theme.
