Biology (BIOL)

The Department of Biology strives to challenge the intellectual curiosity of students by emphasizing the complexity and interrelatedness of life systems as revealed through the unifying law of evolution. The program provides a broad biological background for both the non-science student and the future biologist. Classroom and laboratory experiences are complemented by off-campus opportunities designed to prepare students for professional and graduate programs. The biology curriculum is the appropriate choice in preparation for numerous professions related to the life sciences.

Recommendations for Freshmen

Students intending to major in biology should enroll in BIOL 101 (Principles and Methods of Biology) in the fall of their freshman year. They should also enroll concurrently in CHEM 121/123. Students should be forewarned that if they do not enroll in CHEM 121/123 during the first semester of their freshman year, they will be unable to enroll in BIOL 204 (Cell Biology) during their second semester. In addition, biology majors with specific post-graduation goals should consult with a biology faculty member early in their academic careers to determine which courses best meet their goals.

High school graduates who have taken the Advanced Placement test may receive credit for BIOL 101, depending on their test scores as shown in the Advanced Placement section of the catalog. The Department of Biology administers an examination during summer advising for other students wishing advanced placement in biology. Students with acceptable AP, or departmental test scores may start their biology curriculum with BIOL 202, 203, or 204. Students who earn a passing score on the departmental exam may graduate with thirty-one semester hours in biology rather than thirty-five hours.

Major Requirements for the B.S. in Biology

1. Thirty-four semester hours in biology courses including BIOL 101, 202, 204, 303, and 313. Sixteen hours must be 300-level or above. No more than six hours of the thirty-five may be from Independent Study or Internship.

At least one course from two of the following three areas:

  • Cellular and molecular biology
    • BIOL 308W (Microbiology)
    • BIOL 321 (Biochemistry)
    • BIOL 405 (Advanced Cell Biology)
  • Ecology and organismal biology
    • BIOL 309 (Field Biology)
    • BIOL 403W (Animal Behavior)
    • BIOL 412S (Conservation Biology)
    • BIOL 414 (Evolution)
  • Structure and function of organisms
    • BIOL 203 (Introduction to Neuroscience)
    • BIOL 301-302(Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II)
    • BIOL 402S (Animal Physiology)
    • BIOL 407 (Comparative Anatomy)

2. Supportive courses:

  • CHEM 121/123, 122/124, 201/211, 202/212
  • PHYS 104/114, 105/115
  • MATH 115
  • ECON 303/313 or PSY 303/313 or SOC 303/313

Minor Requirements for Biology

Students electing to minor in biology must take at least 20 hours of biology, including BIOL 101, 202 or 204, and 303 or 313. Students using this option for the purposes of teaching at the secondary level should consult state certification requirements.

Departmental Honors in Biology

For a student to be considered for admission to the Honors Program in Biology, he or she must meet the general College requirements for admission to such programs. In addition to the general requirements, a student in the Biology Honors Program must undertake an independent research project for four semester hours of credit beyond the thirty-six hours required for the biology degree. The results of the research must be presented in a form acceptable for publication and as an oral report at the Centenary College Student Research Forum.

101. Principles of Biology (4)
Introduction to major biological phenomena and methods used to study them. Topics include evolutionary processes, cell structure and function, genetic and ecological principles, and diversity of life. Students will learn to apply the scientific method to the study of the above topics. Fall.

202. Structure and Function of Organisms (4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. Introduction to the anatomical and physiological adaptations of organisms. Emphasis will be on how systems function in multicellular plants and animals to allow them to survive and reproduce. Spring.

203. Introduction to Neuroscience (4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. The fundamental principles and current problems of modern nervous system studies will be introduced. Topics include neural signaling, sensation, movement and the neural basis of cognition. The laboratory will reinforce lecture material and provide practical experience with both classical and modern methods in neuroscience. Yearly (Same as NEUR 203, PSY 203) (3-3)

204. Cell Biology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, CHEM 121/123. Survey of the fundamental principles of the cell including cellular variety, ultrastructure, cellular reproduction, metabolism, cytogenetics, and Introduction to molecular biology. Spring.

301-302. Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (4-4)
Prerequisites: Eight hours of biology credit including BIOL 101 and BIOL 202, or permission of instructor. A systematic study of the structure and function of the healthy human body. This is a basic course designed primarily for students interested in allied health fields. Fall of even-numbered years and spring of odd-numbered years. (Same as EXSC 301-302)

303. Ecology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 202. The study of relationships and interactions of living organisms with their environment at the individual, community and ecosystem levels of organization. Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce concepts presented in lecture. Fall.

304. Biophysics and Bio-Imaging (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 105 and 115 or consent of instructor. The trend toward reductionism is bringing biology closer to physics along many frontiers. This course introduces the science student to those areas where these fields have merged. Topics of discussion include the structure and function of proteins and DNA, biological energy conversion, molecular and ionic transport, and sensory systems. The course also addresses the application of physical methods to biological imaging such as crystallography, NMR, PET, MRI, and microscopy. (Same as PHYS 304)

308W. Microbiology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 202 or 204. A survey of microorganisms and their role in nature. The importance of bacteria, fungi, and viruses as agents of disease will be considered. The laboratory will emphasize bacterial and fungal form, function, culture and control. Spring. (3-3)

313. Genetics (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 204; CHEM 121/123, 122/124. The fundamental concepts of heredity with consideration given to both modern and classical genetics. Microorganisms, as well as Drosophila, are used in the laboratory to acquaint the student with the procedures and techniques used by the geneticist. Fall. (3-3)

314. Biophysics Instrumentation and Imaging Laboratory (1)
Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent registration in BPHY 301. The laboratory course is designed to provide hands-on experience with instrumentation and imaging techniques that are commonly used by biophysics. They include many forms of spectroscopy (such as absorption, emission, raman, nuclear, and magnetic resonance), x-ray crystallography, electrophoresis, and imaging tools (such as MRI, PET, emission microscopy and ultrasound imaging). Offered in conjunction with BPHY 301. (Same as PHYS 314)

317. Sensation and Perception (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. This course considers the structure and function of sensory organs, sensory processing and how sensory data form and constrain our perceptions of the world. Lecture and laboratory exercises, including physiological and psychophysical experiments, will be seamlessly integrated in one three hour period per week. Fall of odd-numbered years. (Same as NEUR 317, PSY 317)

319. Psychopharmacology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or consent of the instructor. This course deals with the neurobiological, pharmacological, psychological, and social aspects of the use and abuse of legal and illegal drugs. Yearly. (Same as NEUR 319 and PSY 319)

321. Biochemistry I (3)
Prerequisites: CHEM 202, 212. A study of the chemical and physical properties of biological macromolecules with emphasis on structure-function relationships, enzymatic catalysis, and bioenergetics. (Same as CHEM 321)

322W. Biochemistry II (3)
Prerequisites: CHEM 202, 212, 321. A study of the chemistry and regulation of anabolic and catabolic metabolic systems, the flow of genetic information through living systems. Offered yearly. (Same as CHEM 322)

393. Changing Coastal Ocean (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101 and junior or senior standing. Advanced topics in marine science focusing on the effects of human activities on the chemistry, biology, and ecology of coastal marine systems. Taught at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium via compressed video networking.

395,396. Selected Topics (1-4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101; other prerequisites depends upon topic. A detailed study of an area of biology not normally covered in regular courses. This course may be repeated for credit for different topics. Topics previously taught as selected topics include physical anthropology, exercise physiology, environmental science, mammalogy, tropical ecology, vertebrate paleontology, theory and techniques in molecular biology, immunology, and virology.

400. Internship (3)
Prerequisites: Junior standing and approval of the departmental faculty. Assignments in an applied biological work experience will involve a minimum of 120 hours. A final oral presentation and written summary of the semester’s work are required. Offered on demand.

402S. Animal Physiology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 202. The physiological adaptations of animals to their environments. Students develop individual research projects to investigate physiological problems. Research ideas, data, and final analysis of projects will be presented orally. Fall of odd-numbered years.

403W. Animal Behavior (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101. A study of the evolutionary, physiological and social behavior of animals in their natural habitats. Laboratories will involve direct observation and analysis of related data collected on animals in both natural and captive situations. Spring of even-numbered years.

405. Advanced Cell Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 204, and junior or senior standing. Study of cells' adaptations for living in a social context, with emphasis on cell cycle control and its relationships with extracellular signals. Spring of odd-numbered years.

407. Comparative Anatomy (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102, 202. A comparative study of the vertebrate systems and their phylogenetic development. Examination of bones and dissections are made of the shark and cat in the laboratory.

410S. Advanced Neuroscience (4)
Prerequisites: NEUR 203, CHEM 122. Emphasis will be placed on cellular and molecular approaches to neural development and plasticity with extensive use of the primary literature. In the laboratory, students will work in research teams to pursue guided independent research. A research paper that adheres to the Journal of Neuroscience format and an oral presentation of research findings will be required. Spring of even numbered years. (Same as NEUR 410, PSY 410) (3-3)

412S. Conservation and Environmental Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 202. BIOL 303 recommended. Study of environmental problems and how they relate to the conservation of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. Will include a historical perspective of past problems as well as the investigation of current problems and possible remediation, with input from the areas of population biology, community ecology, economics, and biogeography. The laboratory portion of this course will consist of field trips. Spring.

414. Evolution (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 202, 313. Evolutionary patterns, mechanisms and processes at the organismal, chromosomal and molecular levels; modes of adaptation and the behavior of genes in populations. Spring of odd numbered years.

491-496. Independent Study (1-6)
Prerequisite: 20 semester hours of biology. Each candidate must submit a written proposal for departmental approval in advance of his/her intention to register for this type of study. Research on a selected biological topic. The results of the research will be presented orally at the Centenary College Student Research Forum. On demand.

199. Module Studies (3)
Special Topics offered during the module. Past topics have included food botany, marine ecology, natural history of Louisiana animals, island biology and natural history, greening of the Centenary campus, and tropical ecology.

900. Major Field Achievement Test (0)
Prerequisite: Senior standing, biology major. Biology majors must pass the Major Field Achievement Test (MFAT) in biology prior to graduation. (CR/NC)

Last updated April 29, 2008.