Courses

Units: 1

Fulfills General Education Requirement (Natural Science, Biology (FSNB))

Basic ecological principles and selected topics in environmental science, including worldwide impact of growing human population, patterns of energy consumption, and issues of water quality, water management, land use, and biological resources. Application of the scientific method will be incorporated in laboratory component. Will not serve as basis of further work in science nor meet entrance requirements for any health profession. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

Units: 1

Fulfills General Education Requirement (Natural Science, Biology (FSNB))

Introduction to causes and consequences of ecological patterns at all scales: individuals, species, communities, and ecosystems. Terrestrial, aquatic, and marine systems are studied, as well as theories and the mathematical and graphical models used to understand them. Some labs require work outside. Will not serve as basis for further work in science nor meet entrance requirements for any health profession. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

Units: 1

Fulfills General Education Requirement (Natural Science, Biology (FSNB))

Introduction to the ecology and biological diversity of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Environmental issues facing the bay will be explored through direct data collection, observation, and hands-on activities. This is a service-learning course and students will join local 5th-grade classrooms to help teach elementary students about the bay. Will not serve as basis for further work in science nor meet entrance requirements for any health profession. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

Units: 1

Fulfills General Education Requirement (Natural Science, Biology (FSNB))

Scientific reasoning as applied in biology. Different sections may address different topics, but each one will study the nature of evidence and how knowledge is gained in biology through diligent observation or controlled experimentation. Assumes completion of high school chemistry and biology. Designed for students not majoring in the sciences. Does not satisfy biology requirements for graduate school or the health professions. Repeatable for credit if topics differ. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

Units: 1

Fulfills General Education Requirement (Natural Science, Biology (FSNB))

year-long course provides an, interdisciplinary, integrated introduction to biology and chemistry, with an accompanying integrated lab. Based on the material in the first course of the major in each of these disciplines, this course will focus on current scientific problems facing today’s world such as HIV/AIDS or antibiotic resistance. The course is team taught by 2 faculty members, one from each discipline. Teaching will be integrated so that links between concepts are readily apparent and students are stimulated to think beyond traditional science methodology. The laboratory will be comprised of hands-on and investigation based experiences using both experimental and computer simulation approaches. The SMART course is designed for students considering a major in either biology or chemistry and also meets requirements for students who go on to study medicine or other health sciences fields. To be taken in consecutive semesters in the first year and with an accompanying year-long calculus course. Completion of the full year of SMART (CHEM 192) will substitute for CHEM141 and BIOL 199. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours per week.

Units: 1

Fulfills General Education Requirement (Natural Science, Biology (FSNB))

An introduction to how biologists pose questions, design experiments, analyze data, evaluate evidence, and communicate scientific information. Individual sections will have different topics and formats, but all sections will involve intensive student-directed investigation and include a laboratory component. Required for prospective biology majors. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

Units: 1

First of two-part series on the fundamental principles of biology. Examines genetics, cellular and molecular biology, and physiology within the context of biological evolution. Builds upon the competencies and skills learned in BIOL 199. Serves as preparation for upper level biology courses and beyond. Intended for majors in biology and biochemistry and molecular biology. Lab component required.

 

(BIOL 192 or BIOL 199 or ENVR 199) and [CHEM 141 or CHEM 192 (CHEM may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Second of two-part series on the fundamental principles of biology. Examines genetics, cellular and molecular biology, and physiology within the context of biological evolution. Builds upon the competencies and skills learned in BIOL 199 and 200. Serves as preparation for upper level biology courses and beyond. Intended for majors in biology and biochemistry and molecular biology. Lab component required.

 

BIOL 200 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1.1

Introduction to general aspects of animal cell structure and associated physiology. Overview of cell shape and form, and cell and tissue types, along with intracellular organelles. Investigates the function cell membranes in maintaining homeostasis. Investigates in more detail the cellular function of nerve, muscle, and blood cells, and signaling by endocrine and immune system cells. Taught at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Fall semester only.

 

(BIOL 192 or BIOL 199) and (CHEM 141 or CHEM 192) with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Survey of basic human anatomy, with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. For students in allied health fields. Does not count toward the Biology major or minor. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 219 and BIOL 308: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy.

Units: 1

A study of the human nervous, sensory, skeletal muscle, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Emphasis will be placed on forging conceptual links between biology at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels and the function (and dysfunction) of the human body. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

CHEM 141 or CHEM 192 and BIOL 200 or BIOL 206, all with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Structure, life histories, and phylogeny of major divisions of algae, fungi, and terrestrial plants. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Medically significant plants, the biologically active compounds that they make, and how plant-derived drugs and poisons modulate human biochemistry, cell biology, and/or physiology.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Identification and classification of vascular plants; emphasis on local flora, principles of systematics. Two lecture and four laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Analysis of molecular mechanisms by which cells interact with each other and the environment. Topics include signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and molecular models of cancer and microbial pathogenesis. Three lecture hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Comparative anatomy and biology of several systems of organs of representative vertebrates in an evolutionary context. Two lecture and four laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Introduction to the basic concepts of toxicology as they apply to the effects of environmental agents (i.e. chemicals, metals, and biological molecules) on public health. Discussion of the distribution, metabolism, and elimination of toxic agents, as well as the fundamental laws that govern the interaction of foreign chemicals with biological systems. Examines the effects of classic toxicants on the major organ systems. Focus on the application of concepts to the understanding and prevention of morbidities and mortalities that result from environmental exposures to toxic substances. Uses case studies and published scientific literature.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Development of animals, concentrating on fertilization and early embryonic development. Emphasizes mechanisms of cell differentiation and pattern formation. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Exploration of the general mechanisms used by pathogens to cause disease. Topics include entry into the host, attachment to and invasion of host cells, cell and tissue damage, and microbial elimination/dissemination, as well as the techniques used to study these processes. Students will examine these topics in detail in context of several specific pathogens to more thoroughly appreciate the clinical disease that results from infection. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Exploration of the molecular mechanism of genome maintenance, expression, and evolution in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Mechanisms of gene regulation will be emphasized, using primary literature to introduce new discoveries in the field. Topics include transcription and translation regulation, genome editing, and epigenetics. The lab will focus on using modern molecular techniques to address novel questions. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

(See Geography 315.)

 

BIOL 250 or ENVR 250 or GEOG 250 or ENVR 201 or BIOL 202 or BIOL 207

Units: 1

Focuses on the chemical and physical nature of cellular function, and the approaches used to study cells. Topics include biophysical principles, kinetics, macromolecular self-assembly, and the impact of regulatory mechanisms on cellular properties. Laboratory component includes an active research project studying the machinery of cell division, including quantitative microscopy approaches. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Introductory course in designing, analyzing, and interpreting biological experiments. This course is structured to develop students’ understanding of when to apply different quantitative methods, how to implement those methods using statistical software, and how to effectively communicate the analyses. Topics include summary statistics, distributions, randomization, replication, parametric and nonparametric tests. Additional topics may include multivariate methods, randomization tests, and Bayesian statistics.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Examination of the past, present, and future of cancer biology. This course will survey the molecular/cellular mechanisms that drive cancer and tumor formation through analysis of primary literature and student-led discussions.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Exploration of the molecular biology of viruses. Topics include virus entry, viral gene expression, genome replication, assembly, and exit. Each step of the viral life cycle will be illustrated through examples of well-studied viruses, accompanied by primary literature readings. Laboratory involves development of a virologist skill set and designing and carrying out self-directed experiments.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

This course will explore how changes at the genetic level lead to organismal adaptation and diversity using recent primary literature to study how modern revolutions in genetic technology have led to a deeper understanding of the diversity of life on earth. Assessments will emphasize quantitative problem solving, critical reading of research articles, and scientific writing for a variety of purposes and audiences. The lab component will primarily consist of bioinformatics and computational biology (programming in R and UNIX) for an independent exploration of genetic diversity in local species.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Introduction to the study of aquatic environments, including their ecology, evolution, and relevant conservation considerations. This is a hands-on, field-lab based class, where each week integrates classroom material on core concepts with field sampling experiences on local water bodies. Some comfort level with being outdoors and on the water is assumed.

 

BIOL 202 (for Biology majors) or relevant BIOL 199, BIOL 109/ENVR 109, ENVR 199 with a minimum grade of C- and instructor permission for Environmental Studies or other majors.

Units: 1

Introduction to arguably the most interesting biodiversity shift of our time. Surveys the ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes experienced by organisms in cities. Exploration of the patterns across Richmond’s urban core, using species surveys, GIS exercises, and genomic assessments of adaptation to understand how species persist or thrive in this new urban environment.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Examines how molecular genetic techniques are used to study ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations. Relying heavily on the primary literature, explores methods for evaluating population genetic structure, studying the adaptation of organisms to changing environments, and assessing quantitative predictions from ecological and evolutionary theory. Applied topics covered include molecular identification, hybridization, conservation genetics, transgene escape, the evolution of invasive species, and environmental genomics. The laboratory will emphasize experimental design and training in molecular techniques commonly used in molecular ecology.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Community dynamics play an important role in organismal interactions. Examines the role of microorganisms in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats, as well as animal-plant systems. The laboratory will emphasize molecular techniques used to study microorganisms in situ and includes independent research project. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Integrated introduction to biological, geological, chemical, and physical oceanography. Multidisciplinary approach to ocean processes. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week, plus field trips.

 

BIOL 201 or BIOL 202 or or BIOL 205 or BIOL 206 or BIOL 207 or BIOL 216 or BIOL 217 or BIOL 225 or BIOL 229 ,with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Introduction to the study of molecular structures of macromolecules using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, molecular dynamics simulations, and electron microscopy. Covers mathematical theory behind X-ray and electron diffraction phenomena and computational modeling of macromolecules. Three lecture hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-. CHEM 326 and PHYS 132 recommended.

Units: 1

Explores various ways environmental heterogeneity influences disease risk in humans, with specific emphasis on diseases harbored by wildlife species and transmitted by arthropod vectors. Molecular, field-based, computational, and geospatial approaches to characterizing and studying infectious disease dynamics. Readings draw heavily from primary scientific literature. Development of research ideas and implementation of group investigations.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Introduction to major characteristics of animal function at level of whole organism and component structures and organ systems. Emphasis on physiological function and processes related to survival in natural environment. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Overview of immunology. Current theories and their explanation of pertinent contemporary issues included. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Introduction to animal physiological adaptation to the natural environment. Emphasis will be on physiological responses of animals to both biotic and abiotic factors and interaction with ecology and population dynamics of species. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Interdisciplinary and integrative area of biology that studies the cellular, molecular and physiological processes by which a field of (ectodermal) cells give rise to a multicellular, three-dimensional nervous system with specialized cell types that are organized into tissues with sensory, motor and cognitive functions.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Broad course focusing on study of neurons and neuronal systems. Topics to be explored include the neuron and its mechanisms for the transmission of signals, neuronal organization, sensory perception, integration, behavioral output, development, and basic neurogenetics. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Introduction to analysis of behavior of organisms, including humans, by study of how behavior affects survival and reproduction. Behaviors studied include foraging, aggression, cooperation, and reproduction. Verbal, graphical, and mathematical models to describe and predict behavior are studied and tested. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week; may include overnight field trips.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Introduces students to biology of medically important arthropods, life cycles of transmitted pathogens, disease symptoms and epidemiology. Discusses the economic and social impact of these arthropods and strategies for their control; covers unorthodox points of intersection between entomology and medical sciences, including psychiatry, surgery and forensic medicine.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

In Drugs & Genetics you’ll learn about the core principles of pharmacology and pharmacogenomics. We’ll discuss topics such as the mechanisms of drug action, drug metabolism, polymorphisms and genome-wide association studies. We’ll examine how genetic information is utilized to inform disease prevention and treatment, including ethical and practical considerations. The laboratory will involve using pharmacological, molecular and genetic approaches to explore concepts discussed in lecture. You will have the opportunity to use zebrafish to rank drug potency and efficacy, and based on clinical information, you will create and characterize larval zebrafish epilepsy models for small-scale drug screening studies.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Special course areas covered when sufficient interest exists. Considers subject matter not covered in other biology courses.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Examines the biological mechanisms that underlie human neurodegenerative diseases. Also examines the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of diseases like Alzheimer, Huntington, and Parkinson diseases by discovering how normal biological processes fail and lead to neuronal death. Also examines the biological basis of potential cures.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Focus on how genomic tools have helped to elucidate human migration patterns, reveal admixture with closely related populations (i.e. Neanderthals), uncover selective pressures, and clarify our place within the Primate order. Covers some basic population genetic and phylogenetic theory and examines the social context of research in the field of human evolutionary genomics. Lab uses human genomic datasets to introduce computational tools used in these fields and address questions related to human evolution.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Philosophical problems within evolutionary biology and its influence on society. Issues studied include how natural selection works, evolution and human behaviors, and the influence of evolutionary theory on our ethical and legal codes. Lecture/seminar format, with student presentations and term paper. Three lecture hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Discussion-based course exploring the development of ecological theories in scientific literature from the foundations of the discipline through contemporary research and cutting-edge approaches. Readings draw from contemporary and foundational scientific research articles; critical analysis and discussion of the methods, data, and ideas found in each paper. Culminates in the development of one or more synthetic projects such as a synthesis paper that approaches current and historical thinking on a foundational ecological theory, and or a team-developed educational lab module that could hypothetically be used to teach undergraduate ecology students. The specific topical content of this course will vary by semester.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Study of biological diversity (species, habitats, ecosystems) and efforts to conserve it. Specific topics may include ecological models of population regulation, coexistence, maximum sustainable harvest rates and minimum viable population size. Study of local, national and/or international policies for the conservation of biodiversity. Three lecture hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Introduction to principles of tropical biology and conservation, including historical and economic components. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 1

Explores groundbreaking scientific discoveries about the complex biological mechanisms of memory and forgetting. Focuses on the physiology of synapses and neural circuits to understand how memories form, how some are forgotten, and how scientists can modify memory and forgetting in experimental studies. Evaluates ethical issues regarding the physiological manipulation of memory and forgetting.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 0.25

Regular attendance in program seminars and written analysis of presentations. May be repeated for credit, normally taken in junior year. Meets one hour per week.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum of C-

Units: 0.25-1

Supervised independent work under field conditions. Designed to give student applied experience in biological specialty. No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.

 

Biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, or environmental studies major at junior or senior rank and instructor approval.

Units: 0.25-1

An in-depth study of biological topics not included in other courses. Students work independently, but under the supervision of a faculty member. Must be approved by department chair and instructor.

 

Permission of instructor.

Units: 0.5

Engages students with discoveries at the boundaries of traditional biology disciplines and examine the kinds of questions researchers ask about living systems. The course builds upon foundational concepts in introductory biology courses and studies research fields for which an interdisciplinary approach is needed to advance our understanding. No individual topic may be repeated for credit.

 

BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

Units: 0.25

Special topics for junior and senior students with emphasis on topics presented in the Biology Seminar Series. One lecture hour per week.

 

Permission of instructor.

Units: 0.25

Special topics for junior and senior honors candidates. One lecture hour per week.

 

Permission of instructor.

Units: 0.5

Independent research conducted with faculty supervision. May be repeated eight times for credit.

 

Permission of instructor.

Units: 1

Laboratory or field-centered independent study. May be taken twice for credit.

 

Permission of instructor.

Units: 0

Documentation of the work of students who receive summer fellowships to conduct research [or produce a creative arts project] in the summer. The work must take place over a minimum of 6 weeks, the student must engage in the project full-time (at least 40 hours per week) during this period, and the student must be the recipient of a fellowship through the university. Graded S/U.

 

Approval by a faculty mentor.