Biology Graduate Course Descriptions
BIOL 502 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
Laboratory: three hours
A study of the comparative anatomy of vertebrate animals. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of organ systems in response to environmental pressures.
BIOL 506 Ecology
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: two hours
Laboratory: four hours
An introduction to the study of biological interrelationships and the effects of the environment on the structure and function of animal and plant systems. Laboratory will emphasize methods and materials of ecological investigations.
BIOL 508 Genetics
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
Laboratory: three hours
A study of inheritance, including Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, changes in chromosome structure and number, cytogenetics, and population genetics.
BIOL 509 Marine Biology
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: two hours
Laboratory: four hours
The lectures cover major ecological factors and the fundamentals of oceanography. Laboratory work stresses familiarity with species, taxonomic methods, sampling procedures, experimental design, use of equipment, and data handling.
BIOL 510 Vertebrate Natural History
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
Laboratory: two hours
An introduction to the classification, ecology, evolution and distribution of the vertebrates. Laboratory with emphasis on identification and field study techniques, especially with respect to the vertebrates of South Carolina.
BIOL 512 Descriptive Histology
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: two hours
Laboratory: four hours
A detailed study of the chief types of animal tissues and a description of the histology and organs. Laboratory work includes microscopic study of cells, tissues, and organs of animals.
BIOL 514 The Vascular Flora of South Carolina
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: two hours
Laboratory: four hours
An introductory study of the native vascular flora of South Carolina, emphasizing the identification and collection of native plants. The student will have practice in use of taxonomic keys and in preparation of specimens.
BIOL 518 Ornithology
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: two hours
Laboratory: four hours
A study of the structure, function, and ecology of birds. Field trips and bird specimens will give students a working knowledge of birds common to South Carolina.
BIOL 519 Economic Botany
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
An course in economic botany devoted to the consideration of plants which are useful or harmful to humans, their origins and history, botanical relationships, chemical constituents which make them economically important, and their roles in prehistoric and modern cultures and civilizations.
BIOL 526 Freshwater Biology
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: two hours
Laboratory: four hours
The study of freshwater organisms and their environment. Instruction will cover the biological diversity, ecological and physiological adaptations, and the physical setting of freshwater systems. Local systems of interest include large coastal rivers and lakes, upper portions of estuaries, and old rice fields.
BIOL 532 Developmental Biology
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
Laboratory: three hours
A study of animal embryology and its molecular control, including: processes of fertilization; the processes of cleavage, gastrulation, and neurulation; the formation of tissues and organs from the three primordial germ layers; the role of secondary induction and of hormones in development; the role of the environment in development; and some of the techniques of molecular biology that are used in the study of developmental processes. The laboratory will include use of model systems to investigate the principles discussed in lecture.
BIOL 601 Evolution of Animals
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
A review of evolutionary principles and general morphology of animal kingdom.
BIOL 602 Morphological Survey of Plant Kingdoms
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: two hours
Laboratory: two hours
An advanced course in comparative morphology, life history, and phylogeny of the vascular and nonvascular plants. The laboratory will include work on structural and developmental relationships as applied to morphological and anatomical interpretations of the vascular and nonvascular plants.
BIOL 603 General Physiology
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
A study of the general principles of animal physiology. Emphasis will be placed on cellular, tissue, and organ system function and how these are integrated to allow the organism to respond and succeed in its environment.
BIOL 604 Marine Invertebrates
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
Laboratory: three hours
A study of marine invertebrates and their environment.
BIOL 605 Laboratory Methods in Biology
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
Laboratory: three hours
The fundamental principles of biological processes and the techniques of teaching biology in secondary/middle schools are studied. Emphasis will be placed on sources and preparation of materials for laboratory and classroom projects.
BIOL 606 Field Methods in Biology
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: one hour
Laboratory: four hour
An examination of the methods used by field biologists emphasizing experimental design, sampling techniques and data analysis. Classroom discussion will be supplemented by practical field experience. Topics will include the measurement of primary productivity, estimation of animal population size, plant community composition and diversity and the correlation of environmental factors with species distribution. And effort will be made to use procedures and field situations that are accessible to local teacher.
BIOL 607 Microbiology
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
Laboratory: three hours
A general coverage of the anatomy, morphology, ecology, and chemistry of microorganisms. The emphasis in this course will be on bacteria. However, some time will be spent on the study of fungi, viruses, rickettsiae and protozoans.
BIOL 609 Seminar in Environmental Studies
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
A series of field trips, lectures, and experiences designed to develop and understanding of the environment as it affects man’s well-being now and in the future. This course is especially designed for teachers and counselors, grades K-12, in all disciplines. Classes will normally meet daily from 8:30a.m. to 2:00p.m. for a period of two weeks during a summer session. Outside field work is required.
BIOL 610 Special Topics in Biology
Variable Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
This course is designed for the study of specialized topics in modern biology. The subject for each course will be announced.
BIOL 611 Graduate Research
Variable Credit Hours
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
hours by arrangement
Research problems in various areas of biology will be designed to introduce the student to the planning and execution of research experimentation/and the presentation of research findings.
BIOL 612 Cell and Molecular Biology
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
An in depth explanation of the cell surface, organelles, and metabolism of different cell types. This course integrates cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
BIOL 621 Aquatic Toxicology
Four Credit Hours
Lecture: three hours
Laboratory: three hours
An introduction to assessing the effects of toxic substances on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Topics include general principles of toxicology, fate and transport models, quantitative structure-activity relationships, single-species and community-level toxicity measures, regulatory issues, and career opportunities. Examples will be drawn from marine, freshwater and brackish water systems.
BIOL 624 Molecular Genetics and Recombinant DNA: Theory, Practice, and Issues
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: two hours
Laboratory: two hours
The fundamental principles and applications of recombinant DNA technology will be discussed and demonstrated. Emphasis will be placed on sources and preparation of materials for classroom activities. Social issues involving recombinant DNA technology will also be explored.
BIOL 631 Environmental Physiology & Biochemical
Adaptations of Animals
Three Credit Hours
Lecture: two hours
Laboratory: two hours
This course will study the effects of such parameters as salinity, oxygen, temperature and elevation or depth on marine and terrestrial animal physiology and the biochemical adaptations made by animals to these environments.