ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
119
BI - Biology
BI 101 Explorations in Biology (1)
A course for non-science majors designed to provide an understanding of selected
fundamental biological principles and processes. Two lectures and one three-hour
laboratory per week. This course may not be counted towards the biology major.
BI 103 Introduction to Forensic Science: Using Science to Solve Crimes (1)
An introduction to the field of criminalistics. Study will focus on the use of biology and
chemistry in solving crimes. The course will consider actual criminal cases and how they
were solved by use of forensic techniques. In addition, simulated crime scenes will be
used to provide students an opportunity to “solve” crimes using forensic science. Three
lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. This course may not be counted toward
the biology major.
BI 115 Organismal Biology (1)
An introduction to the biology of organisms. Topics include levels of biological
organization, biological diversity, plant and animal structure and function, and
comparative study of structure and function relationships in living organisms. Designed
for students who plan to major in biology or one of the natural sciences and/or who are
pre-health. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall, Spring.
BI 125 Cell and Molecular Biology (1)
An investigation of the fundamental properties of cells. Topics include cell structure and
function, energetics and metabolism, gene structure and expression, and the techniques
used to study these phenomena. Designed for students who plan to major in biology or
one of the natural sciences and/or who are pre-health. Three lectures and one three-hour
laboratory per week. Fall, Spring.
BI 150 Paleoanthropology (1)
An overview of human evolution, highlighting how ideas on human evolution are tested
using the fossil record, comparative studies of living primates, and ethnographies of
modern human populations. An emphasis on hands-on experiences and working with
actual data to improve critical thinking and reasoning skills. This course may not be
counted towards the biology major.
BI 206 Field Botany (1)
A study of the plants and fungi native to the southeastern United States, particularly
Alabama, with special emphasis on identification, classification, distribution, and
ecology. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. One weekend field trip is
required. Prerequisite: BI 115. Spring of even-numbered years.
BI 215 Principles of Genetics (1)
A thorough introduction to the structure, function, and transmission of genetic material.
Topics from classical and molecular genetics are covered. Students may not earn credit