Academic Departments & Programs
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Biology Department
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.
- Academic Department Website
- http://biology.emory.edu
Concentrations
Faculty
- Chair
- Steven L'Hernault
- Director of Undergraduate Studies
- Patrick Cafferty
- Core
- Eladio AbreuRustom AntiaMichal ArbillyChristopher BeckGordon BermanYana BrombergPatrick CaffertyRonald CalabreseKathleen CampbellLaura CatanoDavid CivitelloDavid CivitelloMegan ColeHeather ComstraAnita CorbettJacobus De RoodeRoger DealAnita DevineniArri EisenW. EscobarAndreas FritzNicole GerardoDavid GorkinDieter JaegerWilliam KellyKatharina (Katia) KoelleSteven L'HernaultPaul LennardBruce LevinRobert LiuMicaela MartinezLevi MorranMalavika MuruganEdward NamIlya NemenmanKate O'TooleAstrid PrinzMiguel ReyesLeila RiederIain ShepherdSamuel SoberRachelle SpellJitendra ThakurNicole Vega
Courses
Biology 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
- 4
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- SNT
- 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
- GERs
- SNTL
- Requisites
- BIOL 141 coreq./CHEM 141 prere
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Major topics include: molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, evolution, gene expression regulation, signal transduction, cancer and development.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- BIOL 141/141L as Pre/Co-req
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Students experience scientific inquiry in the laboratory. Students design, implement, analyze and present authentic research projects.
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- SNTW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Freshmen only. Variable topics.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- FSEM
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Biology 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Comparative studies of phylogeny and anatomy of vertebrates from both an evolutionary and functional perspective. Cat and shark dissected in laboratory.
- Credit Hours
- 5
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- None
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142 as prerequisite
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Major topics include the biology of animals and plants, physiology, evolution, and ecology.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 141 as 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L PREREQ #788
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL142 & 247as 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
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- BIOL142 & 247as 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/240 as PreReq
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142 or BIOL 240 as prereq
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- SNTW
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Biology 300-Level Courses
-
An integrated approach to the synthesis, structure, and function of macromolecular biomolecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, DNA, and RNA.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L & CHEM 203/221
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- ANT 315
-
Structure and function of animal behavior from a comparative, evolutionary perspective.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- PYSC 110/BIOL 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- CHEM 222/172 as Prereq
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- SNTL
- Requisites
- BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142 prereq
- 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
- GERs
- SNLW
- Requisites
- BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142 prereq
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- ENVS 131, BIOLOX111, BIOL 142
- Cross-Listed
- ENVS 345
-
Experiments involve analysis and characterization of the major classes of biological compounds.
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL142/301,CHEM301 as prereq
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L and QTM 100
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/CHEM 141 PreReq
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 131, BIOLOX111, BIOL 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142 & BIOL 264 as prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142 & BIOL 241 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/CHEM 142 as prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- SNTL
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/360 as Prerequisite
- Cross-Listed
- NBB 301L
-
Introduction to paleoecology and paleoecological methods. Includes geological and paleontological evidence for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems from past 600 million years; interpreting how ecosystems evolved; comparing ancient ecosystems with modern analogues.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- ENVS 361
-
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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Introduction to the concepts of microbial physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and evolution.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/370 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
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L & BIOL 370
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 131, BIOLOX111, BIOL 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 371, BIOL 371
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 131 or BIOL 141 or 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142 prereq
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Biology 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/360 as 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
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/360 as 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 250 & BIOL 360/NBB 301
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL/PHYS 212 & PHYS 220
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL360/NBB301/IBS514
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL142/142L pre.BIOL 370 core
- 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
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- BIOL142/142L pre.BIOL 370 core
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Will cover the construction and analysis of mathematical models of cellular and population processes in biology.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
This laboratory course must be taken concurrently with the lecture course Biology 480.
- Credit Hours
- 1
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142 AND 480 as a Prerequi
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or 152 prereq.
- 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
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- BIOL 142 and 495A as a Prerequ
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Credit, one to four hours per semester. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L as PreReq
- 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
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- BIOL 142/142L or BIOL_OX 142
- Cross-Listed
- None
Honors Program
Students who maintain a grade average of 3.5 or higher may qualify for a degree with honors. Honors students must take Biology 495A and 495B, complete a research project, and write and defend an honors thesis based on this research. They must also take one graduate course. See "Honors Program" under the College Curriculum section.
See "Honors Program" under the curriculum section of the catalog and consult the department for further details.