Course Offerings at Presbyterian College
The following contains statements concerning course
offerings. Most courses are offered annually, however, the department's listings
for semester in which courses are offered are in parenthesis after each course.
They are, however, subject to change when circumstances warrant.
The department offers pre-medical and pre-dental preparation, as well as
preparation for medical technology and other allied health sciences. Also offered
is an affiliate five-year program with the Duke University School of Forestry
and Environmental Science through which students earn a B.S. degree from PC and
an M.A. in forestry or environmental science from Duke.
The department also boasts affiliate programs in marine biology with the
Gulf Coast Marine Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Miss., and with the Duke University
Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, N.C. Students also have numerous opportunities
to conduct independent research and special projects.
But the PC biology faculty is quick to point out that a good education is not
limited to the classroom. Educational journeys may be as simple as a short
afternoon trip to a nearby pond or a weekend jaunt to the mountains.
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Freshman and Sophomore level 100 - 299
101-102. General Biology (3 each sem.)
(3 hrs lecture weekly). First semester, a broad
introduction to fundamental principles of
living organisms, with four major areas
studied: biomolecules, cell biology, genetics
and development. Second semester, a survey
of human physiology, ecology, and evolution.
(Fall and Spring)
101L-102L. General Biology Laboratory
(1 each sem.) (3 hrs lab weekly) (Coreq:
Bio. 101-102). Laboratory that supplements
and expands on topics presented in Bio. 101-
102. Cannot be taken separately from
101-102 except by consent of instructor.
(Fall and Spring)
198-199. Summer Readings in the
Biological Sciences (0.5). An individual
study of selected biological papers and books
to be completed before a biology major’s
senior year. (Fall)
201. Invertebrate Zoology (4) (3 hrs lecture,
3 hrs lab weekly) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102).
Studies of the principal phyla of the
invertebrates emphasizing their increasing
complexity of structure, physiology, ecology
and evolutionary relationships.
(Fall, alternate years)
202. Vertebrate Zoology (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3
hrs lab weekly) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102).
Lectures deal with the taxonomy, morphology,
ecology and evolution of principal
vertebrate groups. Lab treats ecology,
taxonomy, population biology, identification
and morphology, with emphasis on local
forms. (Fall, alternate years)
203. Introductory Botany (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3
hrs lab weekly) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102).
Intensive review of phyla of plant kingdom.
Morphology, physiology, reproduction,
ecology and principles of classification
studied in each group. (Spring)
206. Taxonomy of Native and Economic
Plants (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly)
(Prereq: Bio. 101-102). The classification
and identification of common and economically
important vascular plants with
attention given to ecological associations of
native plants in South Carolina. The
cultural impact of economic plants such as
spices and drug plants will be examined.
(Fall, alternate years)
207. Biogeography (4) (Prereq: Bio. 101-
102). Biogeography is the study of
distributions of organisms, both past and
present. It is the science that attempts to
describe the patterns and distribution of
species and larger taxonomic groups. Lecture
and laboratory experiences will complement
each other in an effort to comprehensively
explore the ideas, philosophies, procedures
and techniques involved in biogeography.
(Spring)
209. Cell Biology (4) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102,
101L and 102L, Chem. 101-102, 101L and
102L). A study of the structure and function
of the eukaryotic cell which includes a
review of the biological macromolecules and
chemical processes of the cell. The structure
and functions of cell membranes, cellular
organelles and the cytoskeleton, and the processes of protein synthesis and sorting,
enzyme catalysis, cell movement, the cell
cycle and intracellular signalling are
included. Lab exercises will include light and
electron microscopy, cell fractionation and
cell tissue culture. (Fall)
212. Evolution (4) (3 hrs lecture weekly, 3
hours lab weekly) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102 or
approval of instructor). The history and
development of evolutionary theory, from
Darwinism in the 19th Century, to the
Modern Synthesis of the 1950’s, to the most
recent concepts and innovations. Includes
references to the influence of evolutionary
thought on 20th Century ideas in science
and humanities. (Spring)
214. Biological Molecules (3) (Prereq: Bio.
101-102, Chem. 101-102, 101L and 102L).
A review of basic biological molecules and
basic chemical processes that occur in cells.
Topics include proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates,
lipids and nucleic acids. The
biochemical processes of catabolism will be
introduced. Biology majors cannot take this
course for biology credit. Highly recommended
for biology minors. Replaces organic
chemistry for biology majors with an
education minor. (Fall, alternate years)
215. Environmental Science (3). Designed
to show the student’s relationship to and
dependence on the environment, and to
create an awareness of environmental
problems. Areas of study include concepts of
ecology, population, resources, pollution,
problems of world hunger and ethics. Offered
upon demand. (Fall)
215L. Environmental Science Lab (1). A
laboratory experience which correlates with
topics covered in Biology 215 lecture and is
designed to show the student’s relationship
to and dependence on the environment.
Experimentation, field monitoring, field trips
to selected sites, videos and lectures will
bring the student first-hand knowledge and
awareness of environmental problems and
solutions. This lab is a supplement to Biology
215 and is required of a major taking 215;
optional for non-majors. (Fall)
216. Introduction to Marine Biology and
Oceanography (3) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102). A
study of the biological, geological, chemical
and physical aspects of the oceans. Topics
studied involve history of oceanography,
geology of oceans and ocean basins, chemical
and physical aspects, waves and tide, ocean
currents and coastal oceanography, major
marine phyla, marine algae, and marine
ecology. (Spring)
217. Laboratory Studies in Marine Biology
and Oceanography (1). In this laboratory
course topics studied will correlate closely
with Bio 216 and include: geography of the
marine environment, plate tectonics,
temperature and salinity of seawater, coastal
processes, distribution in life in the seas,
estuaries, survey of the major marine animal
phyla, and marine algae. An overnight field
trip to the coast near semester’s end is a
requirement. This lab is a supplement to Bio
216 and is required of a major taking 216;
optional for non-majors.
(Spring, alternate years)
Marine Studies
In today’s competitive world, students
seek education not only for self-enrichment,
but also for career enhancement. Marine
studies can fulfill both needs. The department
of biology offers courses in marine
science, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate
zoology and ecology. These courses allow the
students to have hands on experiences
during field trips to the coast of South
Carolina, North Carolina and the Florida
Keys. The department of biology offers the
student marine biology experiences in such
diverse habitats as the Virgin Islands, Puerto
Rico and the Galapagos Islands located 600
miles off the West Coast of South America.
The department of biology also has
affiliations with the Gulf Coast Research
Laboratory at Ocean Springs, Miss. and
Duke University at Beaufort, N. C. Both of
these institutions are well recognized marine
facilities. Students may enroll in any of the
33 marine courses offered at these labs for
full academic credit at Presbyterian College.
Duke has a full year academic program
whereas the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
is primarily a summer program. |
Junior and Senior level 300 - 499
302. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
(lecture and labs) (Prereq: Bio. 102). A
comparative study of vertebrate morphology.
Gross and microscopic anatomy of organ
systems will be examined on representatives
of the major classes of vertebrates.
(Fall, alternate years)
303. Human Anatomy (4) (lecture and lab)
(Prereq. Bio 102) The student will gain
proficiency in anatomical dissections (cat.)
This course concerns the functional
morphology of the various organs within the
human body and integrates these organ
functions into systems that serve the needs
of the human body for growth, maintenance
and repair, and reproduction. There will be
extensive use of CD-ROM programs for
anatomical simulation. (Fall, alternate years)
304. Developmental Biology (4)
(3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly) (Prereq: Bio.
102 or consent of instructor). The integrated
fields of cytology, genetics, biochemistry and
anatomy culminate in the study of development.
Students will examine how complex
living systems result from an undifferentiated
single cell and the forces that drive such specialization. Lectures center on
development
at the cellular level. The laboratory is
primarily concerned with experimental
embryology of selected invertebrates and
lower vertebrates. (Spring)
306. Microbiology (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab
weekly) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102, Chem. 101-
102, 101L-102L). A hstudy of microorganisms
with emphasis on bacteria. Topics include
characteristics of procaryotes, viruses,
immunology, disease, genetics, metabolism,
growth, and applied and environmental
microbiology. The laboratory emphasizes
development of sterile techniques and
provides students both basic and applied
exercises. (Spring)
307. Biochemistry I (3) (Prereq: Bio. 101-
102, 101L-102L, Chem 221, Chem 221L,
Strongly Recommended: Chem 222). An
introductory course in biochemistry. Starting
with an overview of the cell, the structure
and function of amino acids, proteins, lipids,
membranes and carbohydrates are covered.
The remainder of the course involves a
detailed discussion of the bioenergetics and
metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids,
lipids, and steroids. Included is a limited
discussion on diseases caused by inborn
errors of metabolism. (Fall)
307L. Biochemistry I Lab (1) (One 3 hr lab
weekly (Coreq or Prereq: Bio/Chem 307, Bio.
101-102 and Bio. 101L-102L, Chem 221,
Chem 221L; Chem 222 is strongly recommended
(Cross-listed with Chem.).
Experiments in amino acid and protein
analysis, protein purification, membrane
lipid analysis, carbohydrates and cellular
metabolism. Also included are the techniques
of electophoresis, chromatography,
spectrometry, and cell fractionation. (Fall)
308-308L. Biochemistry II (4) (3 hrs lecture,
one 3-hr lab weekly)(Prereq: Bio. 101-102,
101L-102L, Chem 221, Chem 221L (Crosslisted
with Biology). The function of enzymes,
enzyme catalysis, and enzyme kinetics.
Biosynthesis of nucleotides; DNA structure;
the proceses of replication, transcription and
translation; DNA biotechnology. Control of
gene expression in prokaryotes and
eukaryotes; viruses; oncongenes. Laboratory exercises will include enzyme catalysis
and
kinetics and the techniques of recombinant
DNA. (Spring)
310. Cell Biology — Histology and Cytology
(4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly) (Prereq:
Bio. 101-102). Emphasis in both lecture and
lab on structure of the various cell types and
their relationship in formation of tissues and
organs of the vertebrate body. Some function
included as it relates to and complements
structure. (Spring, alternate years)
311. Physiology (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab
weekly) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102, Chem. 101-
102, 101L-102L/112L; Recommended: One
year of organic chemistry, one year of physics).
A study of the basic functional phenomena
of living organisms from unicellular through
multicellular animals emphasizing the
comparative approach. The laboratory
portion includes studies of the following:
osmotic phenomena, ionic effects, small
animal metabolism, hormones, circulation,
respiration and muscle physiology. (Fall)
312. Plant Physiology (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs
lab weekly)(Prereq: Bio 101-102, Chem 101-
102, 101L-102L; Recommended: one year of
organic chemistry). This course is designed as
an introduction into how plant cells
function from seed germination to vegetative
growth, maturation, and flowering. Topics
include: water relationships, plant
biochemistry, development, and environmental
physiology. The laboratory portion
includes studies of transpiration, plant
mineral requirements, plant development,
tissue culture, photosynthesis, and enzyme
activity.
314. Ecology (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab
weekly) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102). A study of
the interrelationships of plants and animals
in their physical and biological environments.
Structure and dynamics of the major
ecosystems, with emphasis on individual
behavior, populations and communities. Lab
and field work includes studies of natural and
polluted systems. (Fall, alternate years)
316. Marine Science for Teachers (3)
(Prereq: one year of science) (Summer only). A
course for elementary and secondary teachers designed to provide instruction in
basic
techniques, materials and curriculum
planning to assist them in presenting the
biological, geological and chemical aspects of
marine science. Selected laboratory sessions
and a weekend field trip to the S.C. coast
will supplement the lecture topics.
(On demand)
318. Immunology (4) (Prereq: Bio. 101-
102). A study of the principles of
immunology. Lecture topics include organs,
cells and pathways of the immune response,
antigens, antibodies, immune specificity,
humoral and cellular immunity, development,
activation and regulation of the
immune response, and immune disorders.
Laboratory exercises include identification of
the components of the immune system,
antibody/antigen interactions, immunoassays,
delayed vs immediate hypersensitivity,
mitogenic responses. (Spring, alternate years)
320. Paleontology (4) (Prereq: Bio. 101-
102). This course provides an in depth
introduction to the principles of paleontology.
Lecture topics include models in
paleontology, taphonomy, systematics and
classification, morphology, paleoecology,
evolution and extinction,
paleobiogeography, biostratigraphy,
milestone in the history of life, diversity of
Phanerozoic Life, and use of index fossils in
rock correlation. Laboratory exercises
include fossil preservation, diversity of
ancient life, ontogenetic variation,
morphologic parameters and their uses,
species recognition and evolution, microfossils,
evolutionary patterns, biostratigraphy, as
well as a survey of the major groups of fossil
organisms. (Fall)
334. Genetics (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab
weekly) (Prereq: Bio. 101-102, Chem. 101-
102, 101L-102L/112L or consent of
instructor). A survey of mechanisms and
theories of heredity and variation, with
examples from a group of plants and animals
including man. The nature of the gene and
its expressions are stressed in study of
principles of Mendelian inheritance, linkage,
mutation, development, molecular genetics,
behavior and population genetics. Lab work
involving techniques and analysis of studies
in cytogenetics, experimental crosses,
biochemical
genetics and population genetics.
(Spring)
335. Human Genetics (3) (Prereq: Bio. 334
or permission of the instructor). The course
examines the “molecular revolution“ in
human genetics. Classical and non-classical
genetic concepts will be discussed in light of
new molecular methodology which has
become available over the last two decades.
The course will emphasize molecular
genetics as it is used to understand human
biology by the isolation and characterization
of human genes. Information gained from
studies of genetic disease will be used to
illustrate the interrelationship between
various sub-disciplines in the biological
sciences. (Fall)
398. Honors Research (3-6). Available for
students during the junior and senior years,
with approval of the departmental faculty.
Students with a 3.2 GPR in all courses and a
3.4 GPR in major courses may undertake an
Honors Research program. Oral and written
presentations of the results of the project will
be required. Students who successfully
complete the departmental Honors Research
program will graduate with honors in the
major discipline. (Fall or Spring, or Fall and
Spring)
399. Library Research Methods in the
Biological Sciences (1) (Required of all junior
majors). A course designed to familiarize the
student with the library resources and
techniques for conducting a literature search
of a scientific topic. The student will receive
instruction on the style and mechanics of
writing a scientific review article. (Spring)
401. Seminar in Biology (2) (Required of all
senior majors) (Prereq: Bio. 399 or consent
of instructor). Each student gains an indepth
knowledge of a selected current topic
in biology by conducting an exhaustive
search of the literature, giving an oral
presentation of the results of this research,
and preparing a written paper in acceptable
scientific form. Instructions in each phase of
study or presentation are given by the
biology faculty. Majors will take the
Graduate Record advanced test in biology as
part of this course. (Fall)
442. Directed Studies.
444. Internships. All
internships in Biology are graded pass/fail
and up to 3 hrs. may count toward the major.
446. Readings. See Course Catalogue.
448. Research in Biology (1 to 6) (Open to
junior or senior biology major with GPR of 2.5
or better, with permission). Independent
research in one of several areas utilizing
different approaches—a lab study on-campus
or off-campus studies at a biological field
station or marine science lab. Students may
take three-six hours during one or two
semesters. Research hours cannot be
terminal hours for the major.
450. Seminar.
452. Special Projects (1 to 6) (Open to
students with at least 28 hrs. credit with 2.25
GPR, with permission of department and
dean). Special course-projects on demand to
include predominantly off-campus offerings
which will necessitate students being away
from campus part of time — may be graded
on regular basis.
458. Special Topics (1-6). May include
field studies during the May term to give
students an opportunity to study plants and
animals in a variety of different habitats;
overseas and local field studies; terrestrial
and marine environmental study on islands
such as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the
Galapagos of Ecuador, etc.; or fish and
wildlife refuges in the eastern U. S.;
paleobiological and ecological studies of the
Great Plains and the desert Southwest. |
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