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Biology


The discipline of biology allows us to understand ourselves and the world around us. This powerful science is discovering the basic mysteries of life and has given us the practical tools to treat diseases, to increase the amount of food that we produce, and to preserve our natural ecosystems. An education in biology offers an excellent preparation for careers in medicine or health care, biological research, ecology, biotechnology, forensic science, as well as many other possibilities. The Department of Biology occupies state-of-the-art laboratories in the O. Wayne Rollins Research Center. Faculty specializations include cell and developmental biology, genetics and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, and neurobiology and behavior. As part of its primary commitment to undergraduate education, the biology department actively fosters student participation in research with its faculty as well as through cooperative arrangements with scientists at Emory University School of Medicine, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Yerkes National Primate Research Center. Biology department faculty are also heavily involved in programs leading to a PhD. These programs are housed in the Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and they include faculty from several departments of Emory College and the School of Medicine.

Visit the Department Website

Concentrations

Faculty

Chair
Steven L'Hernault
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Patrick Cafferty
Core

Courses

BIOL 100-Level Courses

Principles of genetics, physiology, ecology, taxonomy, and evolution with special reference to contemporary life situations. Intended for non-science majors. This course does not fulfill requirements for medical and dental schools or for a biology major.


Credit Hours
3
GER
NS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None


Credit Hours
1
GER
SNTL
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Major topics include: biomolecules, cell structure and function, energy metabolism, and cell reproduction. Fulfills biology major and pre-health requirements. Note: students receiving credit for Biol 141 must still take Biol 141L.


Credit Hours
3
GER
NS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Introduces students to scientific inquiry in the laboratory. Students design, implement, analyze and present authentic research projects. Along with Biology 141, 142 and 142L, meets the requirement for medical and dental school and the biology major.


Credit Hours
2
GER
SNTL
Requisites
BIOL 141 or BIOL_OX 141 as co-requisite or CHEM 141 or CHEM_OX 141 as prerequisite or equivalent transfer credit as co-requisite or prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Major topics include: molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, evolution, gene expression regulation, signal transduction, cancer and development.


Credit Hours
3
GER
NS
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 141 and BIOL 141L or BIOL 151or BIOL_OX141 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Students experience scientific inquiry in the laboratory. Students design, implement, analyze and present authentic research projects.


Credit Hours
2
GER
SNTL
Requisites
BIOL 142 as a corequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Biology 151 and 152 are a research-based, lab-focused sequence for the incoming student especially experienced and interested in basic research and in science in societal context.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Permission of instructor. Focuses on organismal physiology and development, behavior, and ecology. Advanced readings, inquiry-based labs, and discussion of current research will challenge the advanced student.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
Biol 151 as Prerequisite
Cross-Listed
None

For non-majors, this course is designed to provide undergraduate students with an understanding of those elements of the biological and biomedical sciences, ecology, evolutionary biology, and applied statistics that are of direct importance to their lives as individuals and as citizens.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

A course on topics of special biological interest, designed for non-majors. This course is repeatable when the topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

A course on topics of special biological interest, designed for non-majors. This course is repeatable when the topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 5
GER
SNTW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Freshmen only. Variable topics.


Credit Hours
3
GER
FS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

BIOL 200-Level Courses

This course will prepare students for a future laboratory or field research experience. Students will be introduced to the scientific research process. Emphasis will be on the use of scientific literature, planning a research project, preparing a proposal, and scientific writing/rewriting.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course examines the interrelationships among embryonic development, structure, function, and zoogeography of vertebrates with a focus on phylogenies and connections with humans. Laboratories include a morphological analysis of major vertebrate taxa.


Credit Hours
5
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Protozoan, helminthic, and arthropod parasites of medical significance. Topics addressed include basic principles of parasitology, evolutionary trends, host-parasite ecological considerations, therapeutic measures, and control programs.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Topics will include plant structure, function, growth, development, physiology, and systematics. Evolutionary relationships within the plant kingdom will also be emphasized. For science majors.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Computation is one of the pillars of modern science, in addition to experiment and theory. In this course, various computational modeling methods will be introduced to study specific examples derived from physical, biological, chemical and social systems.


Credit Hours
4
GER
NS
Requisites
(PHYS 151 or PHYS_OX 151) or [(PHYS 141 or PHYS_OX 141) and (MATH 112 or MATH 112Z or MATH_OX 112 or MATH_OX 112Z0] or [(PHYS 141 or PHYS_OX 141) and MATH 116)] or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PHYS 212

How does a single cell embryo develop into a fully functional adult organism? We will examine the basic principles underlying development at the cellular, molecular, and organismal levels. Topics covered will include body plan development, examples of organogenesis and cell differentiation.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

How does an organism go from a single cell to a fully patterned embryo and how does a tissue regenerate after damage? This course will use a combination of and lecture and lab work to examine fundamental mechanisms and principles that govern early embryonic development and tissue regeneration.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
BIOL 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Major topics include the biology of animals and plants, physiology, evolution, and ecology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 141 and BIOL 141L, or BIOL 151or BIOL_OX141 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

A study of the factors that cause genetic change and of the evolutionary consequences of such changes. Topics include population genetics, adaptation and natural selection, evolution of genes, proteins and genomes, sexual selection, kin selection, speciation, and diversification of taxa.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L, or BIOL_OX 142 or BIOL_OX 142X, or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course provides an overview of the principles of ecology and the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Processes and properties of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems will be emphasized. Lectures will emphasize active and collaborative learning.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 247

This is the laboratory portion of the Ecology class. Field studies will be conducted in various natural areas in Georgia, including a weekend trip to the mountains. Pre- or corequisite: Biology/ENVS 247. (This course meets the upper-level laboratory requirement for the biology major.)


Credit Hours
2
GER
None
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 142, BIOL 142L or BIOL_OX142 AND BIOL/ENVS 247 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 247L

This is the laboratory portion of the Ecology class. Field studies will be conducted in various natural areas in Georgia, including a weekend trip to the mountains. Pre- or corequisite: Biology/ENVS 247. (This course meets the upper-level laboratory requirement for the biology major and the WR GER.)


Credit Hours
3
GER
CW
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 142, BIOL 142L or BIOL_OX142 AND BIOL/ENVS 247 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 247LW

We will explore cells at the molecular level. Major themes include membrane organization and transport, protein trafficking, cytoskeleton structure and cell motility, cell adhesion, cell signaling, and the cell cycle. Key medical issues associated with cellular dysfunction will be presented.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course offers students hands-on experience to develop an understanding of insect biology. Through lectures, labs and fieldwork, students will develop the skills to distinguish the major groups of insects and to analyze the importance of insects for ecology and human food production and health.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 142, or BIOL_OX142 or BIOL 240 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.This course requires BIOL 142, or BIOL_OX142 or BIOL 240 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course offers students hands-on experience to develop an understanding of insect biology. Through lectures, labs, and fieldwork, students will develop the skills to distinguish the major groups of insects and to analyze the importance of insects for ecology, human food production, and health.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142 or BIOL_OX 142Q or BIOL_OX 142X or BIOL 240 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course will build on historical foundations of genetics to critically explore the structure and function of genes and genomics using molecular biology tools through a human perspective using problem solving and reading of primary scientific literature.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

A course on topics of special biological interest, designed for Biology majors elective credit. This course is repeatable when the topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
SNT
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

A course on topics of special biological interest, designed for Biology majors elective credit. This course is repeatable when the topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 5
GER
SNTW
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

BIOL 300-Level Courses

This course will prepare you to critically evaluate what you read in the professional and online Medical, Biomedical, Biological, and Ecological literature and will cover a variety of topics.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

An integrated approach to the synthesis, structure, and function of macromolecular biomolecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, DNA, and RNA.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or (BIOL_OX 142)] and (CHEM 203 or CHEM 203Z or CHEM_OX 203 or CHEM 221 or CHEM_OX 221 or CHEM 221Z) or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Prerequisites: Biology/Chemistry 301, Chemistry 222, Biology 141. Topics will include nitrogen and fatty acid metabolism, glycolysis, and respiration. The evolution of the pathways associated with these processes will be explored.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

The course focuses on the key methods adopted in the study of ancient DNA, such as next generation sequencing and population genetics, as well as a thematic approach to the major evolutionary questions. Topics include human migrations, archaic humans, domestication, and ancient pathogens.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • ANT 315

Structure and function of animal behavior from a comparative, evolutionary perspective.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 320

Recent progress in the field of primate social behavior, particularly the role of cognition in complex social strategies.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
This course requires PSYC 110 or BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 325

Emphasizes basic principles of coastal ecology, human impact on coastal ecosystems, and the diversity of organisms living in these ecosystems. The course involves an eight-day laboratory/field trip to St. Simons Island, Georgia and other Georgia Sea Islands over Spring Break.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Examine the world including issues around natural and unnatural molecules, disease and society in the context of topics like drugs, molecules for Mars, aging, AIDS, bioterrorism, and crime in the courtroom using computer graphics, the molecular structure of small molecules and proteins, and energy.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
This course requires CHEM 222, CHEM 222Z (CHEM 172) or CHEM_OX 222 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • CHEM 330

A study of human physiology emphasizing integrated body functions. Topics include respiration, circulation, contractility, osmoregulation, endocrinology, and neurophysiology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Students will learn evolutionary biology through the use of experimental evolution, real-time evolution in the laboratory. In addition to exploring primary literature, this is a laboratory course in which students will design and execute projects to actively test evolutionary theory in the lab.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNTL
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Students will learn evolutionary biology through the use of experimental evolution, real-time evolution in the laboratory. In addition to exploring primary literature, this is a laboratory course in which students will design and execute projects to actively test evolutionary theory in the lab.


Credit Hours
4
GER
SNLW
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Microbes shape the world we live in! Come research fungal microbes and their interactions with the environment. Students will propose and carry out the experiment while learning aspects of research, such as data analysis and presenting results to other scientists and to the public.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142, or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Human health is intrinsically linked to dietary practices. The pharmacological properties of foods will be examined and case studies of dietary complexes will be examined in order to better understand the food-medicine continuum as a determinant of health and well-being.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • HLTH 340
  • ANT 349

This course focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and introduces students to ways that ecological and evolutionary principles can be used to conserve and protect species and ecosystems at risk.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
This course requires ENVS 131 or ENVS_ OX 131 or OX BIOL 111 or BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite OR permission of instructor. .
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 345

Experiments involve analysis and characterization of the major classes of biological compounds.


Credit Hours
2
GER
None
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 142, BIOL 142L or BIOL_OX142 AND BIOL 301 OR CHEM 301 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • CHEM 346L

Research on the ecology of infectious diseases has increased tremendously, fueled by challenges to global human health and ecological conservation as well as advances in theory and molecular technologies. This course introduces major issues and advances in the ecology of infectious diseases.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or BIOL_OX 142X] and (QTM 100 or QTM_OX 100) or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

A survey of current topics in neural development and neural basis of behavior. Emphasis is on research work that uses a combination of physiological, genetic, cellular, and molecular techniques to understand neural systems and their evolution and development.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142) and (CHEM 141 or CHEM_OX 141 or CHEM 150 or CHEM_OX 150) or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course will familiarize students with principles of ecological invasions and methods for assessing the spread and impacts of invasive species on a global scale. Students will also become familiar with major sources of exotic species introductions and methods available for prevention and control.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
This course requires ENVS 131 or ENVS_ OX 131 or OX BIOL 111 or BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite OR permission of instructor. .
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 349

The basic principles of immunology, the causes of pathogenesis during the course of infection with microparasites, and the limitations to the understanding of infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria) caused by viruses, bacteria, and unicellular eukaryotes.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Epigenetics is the study of heritable characteristics not caused by changes in DNA sequence, but rather induced by non-genetic factors that alter gene expression and are dependent on time and location. The course explores epigenetics and its relation to normal development and disease.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142) and BIOL 264] or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course will study the fundamental principles and methodology of quantitative genetics and expose students to current primary literature on current genetic analyses of complex traits such as human diseases.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX142] and BIOL 241 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course will study the origins and evolution of the immune system from different fields such as immunology, molecular biology, and evolution.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course covers the fundamentals of time series analysis in both the natural and social sciences, utilizing analytical, statistical, and numerical approaches. We will focus on the application of these methods to complex, real world data from medicine, economics, geology, and other fields.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • QTM 355

Includes electrochemical and biophysical mechanisms for neuronal signaling, synaptic transmission, and neural bases of behavior and perception. GER Note: This course and BIOL360L satisfies half of SNTL requirement. This course w/o BIOL360L will award half of SNT only.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142] and (CHEM 142 or CHEM_OX 142 or CHEM 202 or CHEM_OX 202 or CHEM 202Z) or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite..
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 301

This course will explore topics in cellular and small network neuroscience by performing virtual electrophysiology experiments on the computer. The content matches the material covered in Biology 360/NBB 301 and will help students understand neurons and neuronal networks in greater depth.


Credit Hours
2
GER
SNTL
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOl 142L) or BIOL_OX142] and (BIOL 360 or NBB 301) or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 301L

This course will examine the concepts and experimental methods used to understand genomes. The questions explored will include:How are genomes structured? How do they function inside cells? How do they vary between individuals? And how does this variation contribute to differences in disease risk?"


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course examines topics in science and technology that stir public controversy. Examples are human cloning, genetically modified organisms, nuclear power, human-caused global warming, evolution, etc. Topics are examined by exploring the arguments of stakeholders through group discussion.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Introduction to the concepts of microbial physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and evolution.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Introduction to basic laboratory techniques in microbiology. Experiments dealing with the physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology of microbes will be included. (This course meets the upper-level laboratory requirement and will count as elective credit for the Biology major.)


Credit Hours
2
GER
None
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX142 or BIOL 152] and BIOL 370 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Introduction to basic laboratory techniques in microbiology. Experiments dealing with the physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology of microbes will be included. (This course meets the upper-level laboratory requirement and will count as elective credit for the Biology major.)


Credit Hours
3
GER
CW
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142] as prerequisite and BIOL 370 as pre/co-requisite or equivalent transfer credit.
Cross-Listed
None

Explores the diverse biomes of the tropics. Focus will be on tropical forests and grasslands, with an emphasis on ecological processes, biodiversity, human impact in the tropics, indigenous peoples, and ethnobotany.


Credit Hours
2
GER
None
Requisites
This course requires ENVS 131 or ENVS_ OX 131 or OX BIOL 111 or BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite OR permission of instructor. .
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 371

Permission required. This is the field course to accompany the lecture course on tropical ecology. Field trip will take place during the spring recess.


Credit Hours
2
GER
None
Requisites
This course requires ENVS 371 or BIOL 371 as a prerequisite OR permission of instructor.
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 372

Lectures and readings focus on the diversity, structure, and conservation of marine ecosystems, including experimental and analytic approaches to their study. Discussions of primary literature cover current topics such as biological invasions, disease, climate change, and marine protected areas.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 373

This course will explore coastal and near-shore tropical marine ecosystems including mangroves and coral reefs. Readings will review key concepts of marine ecology with a focus on local ecosystems. Field excursions to local sites will provide opportunities to learn from researchers and managers.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or BIOL 141 or BIOL_OX 141 or BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 375

This lecture/field course is designed to give the student a broad view of these two classes of vertebrates (Amphibia and Reptilia). Class topics will include taxonomy, conservation, life histories, special senses and pheromones, biogeography, reproductive strategies, physiology, and behavior.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 380

A course on topics of special biological interest, designed for Biology majors elective credit. This course is repeatable when the topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

A course on topics of special biological interest, designed for Biology majors elective credit. This course is repeatable when the topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 5
GER
CW
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Study of particular subjects pertaining to biology with laboratory or field experiences. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Study of particular subjects pertaining to biology with laboratory or field experiences. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 5
GER
CW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

BIOL 400-Level Courses

Recent research publications by Emory neuroscientists will be read and discussed in preparation for talks by the authors in class. Writing assignments will accompany this work.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOl 142L) or BIOL_OX142] and (BIOL 360 or NBB 301) or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Recent research publications by Emory neuroscientists will be read and discussed in preparation for talks by the authors in class. Writing assignments will accompany this work.


Credit Hours
4
GER
CW
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOl 142L) or BIOL_OX142] and (BIOL 360 or NBB 301) or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course will focus on the neurobiology supporting subjective experience, but also consider concepts from cognitive science and philosophy of mind. Students will study high-density scans of the human brain to analyze the neural architecture believed to yield visual experiences.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
BIOL 250 and (BIOL 360 or NBB 301) or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 410

Prerequisites: Biology 142, Chemistry 221, and Math 111. The biological mechanisms regulating cell growth, differentiation, and migration will be examined through a focus on the mechanisms by which cancers grow and spread.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Prerequisite: Biology 142. Course covers human genome projects. Geared toward developing independent thinking through solving human genetic problems and critically reviewing literature on human diseases.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

The course explores physical and statistical constraints on strategies used by biological systems, from bacteria, to large organisms, and to entire populations, to sense external environmental signals, process them, and shape a response.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 212 or PHYS 212 or BIOL_OX 212 or PHYS_OX 212) and PHYS 220 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PHYS 434

Functions, evolution, ecology, and significance of animal communication systems in a wide taxonomic range, from insects to primates.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 440

Functions, evolution, ecology, and significance of animal communication systems in a wide taxonomic range, from insects to primates.


Credit Hours
4
GER
CW
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 440W

Course covers population genetics, molecular evolution, and genomics. Geared toward developing independent thinking by solving molecular biology and evolutionary genetics problems in natural populations.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Mankind has long recognized that plants are extremely useful as source of medicine. Medical traditions based on botanical sources are found in all human cultures and date back to prehistory. In this course both ancient and modern day botanical traditions across many cultures will be examined.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • HLTH 440
  • ANT 440

This summer field course will provide students with a hands-on experience in the southern African countries of Namibia and Botswana. Within a conservation biology perspective, students have the opportunity to learn about the unique habitats and conservation issues of southern Africa.


Credit Hours
6
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • ENVS 446

Intro to computational neuroscience with an emphasis on biophysical neuronal modeling of single neurons and small networks. Other topics include spike train analysis, dynamical systems analysis, and dimensionality reductions methods. Some Matlab and general programming skills are required.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 360 or NBB 301 or IBS 514 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Explores our current understanding of the mechanisms that regulate development of the nervous system. Topics covered include neurogenesis, axon guidance, programmed cell death, and synapse formation.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 460

Application of basic principles of population genetics and population biology to the study of infectious diseases, aging, and cancer.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

The purpose of this course is to introduce students (upper level undergraduate) to the fundamental concepts of RNA biology and to state-of-the-art biotechnologies that use RNA for medical and industrial applications.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This course covers ecology and systems biology of species interactions, with a focus on microbial and microbiome ecology including interactions between microbes and their hosts. This course relies heavily on the primary literature, and a basic familiarity with college-level calculus is recommended.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 as prerequisites, and BIOL 370 as co-requisite or equivalent transfer credit.
Cross-Listed
None

This course covers ecology and systems biology of species interactions, with a focus on microbial and microbiome ecology including interactions between microbes and their hosts. This course relies heavily on the primary literature, and a basic familiarity with college-level calculus is recommended.


Credit Hours
4
GER
CW
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 as prerequisites, and BIOL 370 as co-requisite or equivalent transfer credit.
Cross-Listed
None

For juniors and seniors interested in a basic understanding of the eye. This course will review principles and state-of-the-art information on ocular anatomy, embryology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Will cover the construction and analysis of mathematical models of cellular and population processes in biology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

This laboratory course must be taken concurrently with the lecture course Biology 480.


Credit Hours
1
GER
None
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L or BIOL_OX142 AND BIOL 371 OR ENVS 371 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

A course on topics of special biological interest, designed for Biology majors elective credit. This course is repeatable when the topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

A course on topics of special biological interest, designed for Biology majors elective credit. This course is repeatable when the topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 5
GER
CW
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Prerequisite: consent of departmental honors coordinator. Independent research for students invited to participate in the biology department Honors Program.


Credit Hours
4
GER
XA
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Prerequisite: consent of departmental honors coordinator. Final semester of independent research for students invited to participate in the biology department Honors Program. WR is satisfied by submission and acceptance of completed honors thesis based on this research.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
CW
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L or BIOL_OX142 or BIOL 152 AND BIOL 495A or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Credit, one to four hours per semester. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

For biology majors only. Permission required (see biology.emory.edu/research-opportunities). Must be taken for 4 credits/semester. Fulfills 4 elective credits (maximum) and upper-level lab requirement for Biology major only upon completion of two semesters.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None