BIO 101 - Biology for Today
Lecture three hours a week, lab one hour per week
A survey of life from cell to organism including a look at related topics of cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, and genetics as related to people living and interacting with a biological world. Students will research and prepare oral presentations as part of the requirements for the class. This course will not count toward a major or minor in biology although it will count as a non-laboratory core science course for non-science majors.
BIO 103 - Human Biology
Lecture three hours a week
A survey of the structure and normal functions of the human organism and an introduction to human ecology and genetics. Students will research and prepare oral presentations as part of the requirements for this class. This course will not count toward a major or minor in biology. It can, however, count either as a non-laboratory core science course for non-science majors or if taken with BIO 104, would count as a laboratory core science course. Biology majors may not enroll in this course.
BIO 104 - Human Biology Laboratory
Corequisite: 103. Laboratory two hours a week
A laboratory study of the structure and normal functions of the human body. This course will not count toward a major or minor in biology. This course taken concurrently with BIO 103 will meet the core curriculum four-hour laboratory science course requirement. Biology majors may not enroll in this course.
BIO 105 - Plants and People
Lecture three hours a week
A survey of the uses of plants in human societies throughout the world. This course will not count toward a major or minor in biology although it will count as a non-laboratory core science course for non-science majors. This course taken concurrently with BIO 106 will meet the core curriculum four-hour laboratory science course requirement. Biology majors may not enroll in this course.
BIO 106 - Plants and People Laboratory
Corequisite: 105. Laboratory one hour a week
A laboratory investigation of the plants used in human societies throughout the world. This course will not count toward a major or minor in biology. This course taken concurrently with BIO 105 will meet the core curriculum four-hour laboratory science course requirement. Biology majors may not enroll in this course.
BIO 111 - Biology I
Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week
An introduction to the living organism emphasizing the structure and function of the cell and genetics. This course is designed for Biology majors and minors
BIO 112 - Biology II
Prerequisite: 111. Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours weekly.
An overview of the biodiversity, biology and ecological relationships for the major phyla or organisms inhabiting our planet.
BIO 145 - Introduction to Earth Science
Lecture and laboratory three hours a week.
An introduction to the principles of geology. This course will not count as a biology course for students majoring or minoring in biology. This course will count as a non-laboratory core science course for non-science majors.
BIO 203 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Prerequisite(s): BIO 111 or CHE 141 or CHE 124 - Integrated Chemical Principles or equivalent or instructor’s consent. Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
An integrated study of the gross and microscopic structures and normal functions of the human organism, emphasizing basic biological principles with a holistic human perspective. Topics to be covered include the cell, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system.
BIO 204 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Prerequisite(s): BIO 111 or CHE 141 or CHE 124 - Integrated Chemical Principles or equivalent or instructor’s consent.
Lecture/Lab/Field/Meeting: Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
An integrated study of the gross and microscopic structure and normal functions of the human organism, emphasizing basic biological principles with a holistic human perspective. Topics to be covered include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system, urinary system, reproductive system, and human genetics.
BIO 251 - Microbiology
Prerequisites: Restricted to nursing majors. Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
A survey of the bacteria, fungi, viruses, and some parasites with an emphasis on their structure, physiology, and pathogenesis in man.
BIO 301 - Contemporary Issues in Biology
Prerequisite(s): Core science and math.
An examination of selected biological topics which impinge on society. This course may not be used to satisfy core requirements, or the requirements for a major or minor in biology.
BIO 305 - Cell Biology (3 hrs)
Prerequisite(s): BIO 111, CHE 141, CHE 142 and sophomore standing or higher or instructor’s consent. Lecture three hours a week.
An analysis of the organization and physiology of eukaryotic cells.
BIO 306 - Genetics (3 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 111 and CHE 141 and sophomore standing or higher or instructor's consent. Lecture three hours a week.
An analysis of the three main themes in genetics: classical genetics, population genetics, and molecular genetics.
BIO 307 - Cell and Genetics Laboratory
Prerequisites: BIO 111 and CHE 141. Co-requisites BIO 305 or BIO 306. Laboratory five hours a week.
A laboratory course designed to illustrate the techniques of cell biology and genetics. This course will include the building of information literacy skills and an oral presentation. This course cannot be changed from credit to audit.
BIO 311 - Comparative and Developmental Anatomy
Prerequisites: BIO 111 and 112. Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
A comparative study of the anatomy and early development of vertebrates. Students will research and prepare oral presentations on a topic in embryology as part of the requirements for the class.
BIO 321 - Ecology (3 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 111 or 112 or equivalent. Lecture three hours a week.
A study of the interactions of organisms and their environments.
BIO 329 - Molecular Biology (4 hrs)
Prerequisite: Bio 307 or equivalent. Lecture three hours a week, laboratory three hours a week.
An introduction to the basic concepts and techniques in molecular biology. The laboratory component of the course will consist of the completion of an independent research project. During the semester, each student will prepare three oral presentations: a research proposal, a mid-semester research update, and a final presentation of results. This course cannot be changed from credit to audit.
BIO 331 - Systematic Zoology (4 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 111 or 112 or equivalent. Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory and fieldwork three hours a week.
A study of taxonomic principles of invertebrates and vertebrates.
BIO 335 - Plant Morphology (4 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 111 or 112 or equivalent. Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
A phylogenetic survey of plants.
BIO 401 - Entomology (4 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 111 or 112 or equivalent. Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
Study of the morphology, physiology, ecology, and systematics of insects.
BIO 403 - Vertebrate Histology (5 hrs)
Prerequisites: Bio 305. Lecture four hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
An introduction to normal histology, featuring the study of cells, tissues, and organs. The functional significance of structure is considered.
BIO 404 - Pharmacology 1 (5 hrs)
Prerequisites: CHE 304, CHE 314, CHE 418 or CHE 419, BIO 305, BIO 412, BIO 413 or instructor’s consent.
This course is part one of a study of basic and clinical pharmacology with an emphasis on major drug groups and their mechanisms of action. This course will also include the recommended drugs for all major diseases of the autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular and renal systems, smooth muscle, and the CNS; it will integrate some basic human pathology to enhance further understanding of drugs on certain diseases. The study of each drug will cover bioavailability, route of delivery, its mechanism of action, its medical use, its contraindications, and its adverse effects.
BIO 405 - Pharmacology 2 (5 hrs)
Prerequisites: Bio 404 (Pharmacology 1)
This course is part two of a study of basic and clinical pharmacology with an emphasis on major drug groups and their mechanisms of action. This course will also include the recommended drugs for all major diseases of the CNS not covered in Pharmacology 1, blood, and the endocrine system, and will also include chemotherapeutics; it will integrate some basic human pathology to enhance further understanding of drugs on certain diseases. The study of each drug will cover its bioavailability, route of delivery, its mechanism of action, its medical use, its contraindications, and its adverse effects.
BIO 406 - Introduction to Toxicology
Prerequisite(s): BIO 412
This course is designed to provide an introduction to fundamental toxicological principles including but not limited to toxicokinetics, xenobiotic metabolism, mechanisms of toxicity (genotoxic and nongenotoxic), organ systems toxicity, environmental toxicity, occupational exposures, heavy metal toxicity, pesticides, and venomous bites/stings.
BIO 407 - Biology of Cancer (3 hrs)
Prerequisites: CHE 304, CHE 314, BIO 305, BIO 306.
Building on the student's knowledge of cell physiology and genetics, the discussion in this course will begin with the process of cell transformation, followed by the mechanics of cell growth and division gone awry, and lead up to the interactions between tumors and their host. Signal transduction, the cellular energetics of tumor cells, inflammation, and angiogenesis will be discussed in the context of tumor growth and metastasis.
BIO 409 - Human Embryology (3 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 111 AND BIO 305 OR BIO 306 AND junior standing or higher.
A study of human embryology with emphasis on the fundamental developmental processes. Topics include gametogenesis, fertilization, and development of the embryo from zygote through the differentiation of the neural tube. Additionally, topics involving development of selected human organ systems will be covered. Clinical analysis of birth defects will also be discussed.
BIO 410 - Human Gross Anatomy (8 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 305 or BIO 306 and a grade of B or better in one of the following courses: BIO 403, BIO 412, BIO 413 or BIO 425. Lecture four hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
This is a human dissection course. The major objective of the course is to have students become proficient in dissection techniques of the human body. In addition, students will demonstrate a mastery of all structures of the human body and apply that knowledge to clinical situations. Technical Standards: Students need to have sufficient motor and sensory function to be able to dissect cadavers for the full duration of the assigned laboratory meeting times. This course cannot be taken as an audit.
BIO 412 - Medical Physiology 1 (8 hrs)
Prerequisite Bio 305, Che 142, Phy 151 or 251, co-requisite Phy 152 or 252. Lecture four hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
This course is designed to provide students with detailed instruction in the physiology of osmolarity, lung, kidney, nervous system, muscle and cardiovascular systems.
BIO 413 - Medical Physiology 2 (5 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 112, BIO 305, CHE 141, CHE 142. Lecture four hours a week.
The course is designed to provide students with detailed instruction in the physiology of the endocrine, gastrointestinal and hematological systems.
BIO 414 - General Microbiology (4 hrs)
Prerequisite(s): BIO 111, BIO 112, CHE 141, CHE 142, and BIO 305 or BIO 306.
Lecture/Lab/Field/Meeting: Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
An integrated course on prokaryotic cell structure, protein secretion, nutrition, growth, metabolism, antimicrobial drugs, normal microbial flora, dental infections, pathogenicity, selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and a survey of viruses, viral diseases, and prions. Laboratory exercises illustrating the preceding lecture topics and a class research project are included in this course. Students receiving credit for BIO 414 cannot receive credit for BIO 251 (Microbiology). This course cannot be changed from credit to audit.
BIO 415 - Immunology (3 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 305 and CHE 142. Lecture three hours a week.
A study of multiple aspects of the immune response. This course cannot be changed from credit to audit.
BIO 416 - Immunology and Virology Lab (1 hr)
Prerequisite: Bio 415. Laboratory three hours a week.
Laboratory component of BIO 415 or BIO 442. This course cannot be changed from credit to audit.
BIO 417 - Medical Microbiology (4 hr)
Prerequisite: BIO 414. Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
A study of medically important bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites with an emphasis on clinical laboratory applications.
BIO 418 - Infectious Diseases (3 hr)
Prerequisite(s): BIO 251 or BIO 414 or BIO 417 or equivalent.
A survey of infectious diseases with a focus on human pathogens. Clinical based correlations and geographic epidemiology as it relates to the spread and pathophysiology of disease in human societies will be a primary topic. A review of emerging and re-emerging pathogens as they relate to human health and societal impacts will be covered.
BIO 419 - DNA Forensics Credit (3 hr)
Prerequisites: CHE 141, 142, BIO 305, 306
Specific examples of protocols and methodology will be presented from the scientific and the law literature. Students will be expected to develop an understanding of the nature of DNA evidence and the manner in which it is presented in court. Students will be expected to understand how the collection and analysis of samples interact with presentations of materials to support legal arguments in courts of law.
BIO 422 - Virology (3 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 112, BIO 305, and CHE 141 and CHE 142.
A survey of bacterial, plant and animal viruses with an additional emphasis on pertinent aspects of molecular biology. A review of emerging and re-emerging viruses will be included as they currently relate to their ecological and human health impact.
BIO 423 - Plant Ecology (4 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 111 or 112 or equivalent. Lecture three hours a week. Laboratory three hours a week.
Students will study plant community ecology. Students will analyze local hardwood forests for plant diversity and make an oral presentation of their findings.
BIO 424 - Animal Ecology (3 hrs)
Prerequisites: BIO 112. Lecture three hours a week.
An analysis of the factors that regulate animal populations.
BIO 425 - Human Neuroanatomy (5 hr)
Prerequisite(s): BIO 305 or instructor’s consent.
A detailed examination of neurocircuitry and function of the human brain and spinal cord, and the etiology of common neurological disorders. Human cadaver brains are utilized.
BIO 426 - Mitochondrial Genomics (3 hr)
Prerequisite(s): BIO 111, BIO 112, BIO 305, and sophomore standing or higher.
This course centers on mitochondrial biology, including general structure and function, energy production and oxidative phosphorylation, and protein import. There is special focus on mitochondrial genome structure including genetic abnormalities, corresponding mitochondrial disorders, and use of the genome in mitochondrial haplotyping to determine maternal inheritance.
BIO 431 - Biology Seminar (1 hr)
Prerequisite: Senior standing. Corequisite: BIO 433.
A weekly departmental seminar on current biological topics.
BIO 433 - Biology Capstone (1 hr)
Prerequisite: Senior standing. Corequisite: 431. One meeting a week.
A synthesis of biology subject matter culminating in a senior biology examination.
BIO 435 - Methods of Teaching Secondary School Science (3 hrs)
Prerequisite: EDU 300.
Designed to familiarize teachers with current trends, methods and techniques of teaching science to secondary school students. Students will research and prepare oral presentations along with inquiry-based activities in order to show competency in their teaching ability. This course may not be used to satisfy requirements for a major or minor in Biology. Students certifying to teach biology will take this course.
BIO 442,443 - Special Topics (1 hr)
Prerequisites: three semesters of biology and instructor's consent.
One week of integrated lecture, laboratory, and field experience. Selected topics in field biology or natural history.
BIO 445, 446, 447, 448 and 449 - Special Topics (3 hrs)
Prerequisite: Three semesters of biology and instructor's consent. Lecture and laboratory four to eight hours a week.
A study of selected current topics in biology.
BIO 451, 452 - Independent Studies and Research (3 hrs)
Prerequisites: Instructor's consent.
Individual reading and research involving experimental or theoretical investigations; for students not enrolled in Honors Program.
Honors Courses (By invitation of the Honors Council)
- BIO 361 Reading and Research for Honors I (1 hr)
- BIO 461 Reading and Research for Honors II (2 hrs)
- BIO 462 Reading and Research for Honors III (3 hrs)
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
The Mississippi College Department of Biological Sciences is affiliated with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Through this facility a student may take courses in marine biology. Research and independent study are also available through the Laboratory. For a description of the courses and additional information on the program, contact Dr. Ted Snazelle. Courses are offered in the summer only.
- BIO 370 Introduction to Marine Zoology (4 hrs)
- BIO 372 Marine Biology (5 hrs)
- BIO 471 Marine Botany (4 hrs)
- BIO 472 Coastal Vegetation (3 hrs)
- BIO 473 Salt Marsh Plant Ecology (4 hrs)
- BIO 481 Marine Invertebrate Zoology (6 hrs)
- BIO 482 Fauna and Faunistic Ecology of Tidal Marshes (4 hrs)
- BIO 485 Marine Vertebrate zoology and ichthyology (6 hrs)
- BIO 486 Early Life History of Marine Fishes (4 hrs)
- BIO 487 Marine Ecology (5 hrs)
- BIO 489 Parasites of Marine Animals (6 hrs)
- BIO 495 Marine Microbiology (5 hrs)
- BIO 496 Special Problems in Marine Science (1-6 hrs)
- BIO 525 Basic Techniques in Marine Science for Teachers (3 hrs)
- BIO 528 Marine Science for Elementary Teachers (3 hrs)
