Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

College of Natural and Health Sciences

School of Biological Sciences

BIO 100 Exploring Biology

Biological concepts within a human context covering cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology and interactions of human kind and the environment. No credit for biology majors or minors.
3

Major/Minor Restriction

Exclude Biological Sciences Major(s)

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and GT Natural & Phys Science

BIO 102 Success in Biology I

An introduction to life at UNC, the biology major, and biology careers for incoming freshman. S/U graded.
1

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 105 Exploring Biology Lab

Exploring biology lab.
1

Prerequisites

Concurrent Prerequisite BIO 100 with a minimum grade of C-

Major/Minor Restriction

Exclude Biological Sciences Major(s)

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and LASL-Natural&Physi Science LAB and GT Natural & Phys Science Lab

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

BIO 109 Foundations for PreHealth

An introduction to life at the university, the biology major, and preparation for a healthcare career.

1

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 110 Biology: Atoms to Cells

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Introduction to fundamental chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, and biology as an interdisciplinary science.  Study of scientific practice through a course-based undergraduate research experience. Not recommended for non-science majors.
4

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and LASL-Natural&Physi Science LAB and GT Natural & Phys Science Lab

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

BIO 111 Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Introduction to the biology of organisms focusing on form, function, ecology, and evolution. Study of scientific practice through a course-based undergraduate research experience. Not recommended for non-science majors.
4

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and LASL-Natural&Physi Science LAB and GT Natural & Phys Science Lab

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

BIO 210 Cell Biology

Study cellular basis of life, with emphasis on biological macromolecules, cell organelles, cell membranes, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, and evolution of cells.
3

Prerequisites

(BIO 110 with a minimum grade of D-) and (Concurrent Prerequisite CHEM 112L or Concurrent Prerequisite CHEM 112 or Concurrent Prerequisite CHEM 231 or Concurrent Prerequisite CHEM 281 or Concurrent Prerequisite CHEM 281L with a minimum grade of D-) and (CHEM 111L or CHEM 111 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 220 Genetics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study fundamental laws of heredity, the molecular structure and function of genes, and emerging genetic technologies.
4

Prerequisites

(BIO 110 and BIO 210 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 245 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Stress regulatory mechanisms that maintain normal body function and broad general biological principles as they apply to structure and function.
4

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 246 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology

(2 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of regulation of cellular and systemic physiology, including membrane transport, cell cycle, autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular system, renal function and metabolism as they relate to homeostasis. Inquiry based laboratory.
3

Prerequisites

BIO 245 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 251 Allied Health Microbiology

(3 lecture, 3 lab) Basic microbiology course with applications for allied health professions such as nursing. Emphasis is on microorganisms involved in human health and disease, and microbiology in public health.
4

Prerequisites

(BIO 110 with a minimum grade of D- or (BIO 100 and BIO 105 with a minimum grade of D-))

Major/Minor Restriction

Exclude Biological Sciences Major(s)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 302 Fundamentals of Cannabis Science

Introduction to cannabis and cannabinoids in human history, health, and medicine.

3

Prerequisites

(BIO 210 with a minimum grade of D-) and (BIO 245 or BIO 350 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 320 Introduction to Medical Genetics

Study the principles of medical genetics including a review of gene function, patterns of inheritance, mechanisms of common genetic diseases, genetic testing, genetic counseling and risk assessment, and gene therapy.
3

Prerequisites

BIO 220 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 325 Introduction to Cancer Biology

Study an overview of the causes, prevention, molecular and cellular mechanisms, and treatment of various cancers.
3

Prerequisites

(BIO 105 or BIO 110 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 328 Introduction to Developmental Biology

The study of early embryonic development: exploration of the molecular genetic basis for tissue differentiation. Gene regulation, chromatin, axis and pattern formation, tissue interactions and differentiation, and sex determination.
3

Prerequisites

BIO 220 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 329 Field Botany

(2 Lecture, 1 Field) Application of botanical techniques in a field setting. Course includes species identification, collection of plant specimens, plant community structure, rare plant management, and field based botanical data collection. Field trip required.
3

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Participation Fee Required

BIO 330 Plant Systematics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) History of plant taxonomy, phylogenetic systematics, family recognition, and identification of local flora using keys. Native plant collection and field trips required.
4

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required and Participation Fee Required

BIO 333 General Parasitology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of the symbiotic relationships of parasitism as exemplified by typical parasites of humans, domesticated and wild animals, stressing life cycles, pathogenesis, systematics and host-parasite relationships.
4

Prerequisites

(BIO 105 or BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 334 Mammalogy

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of the functional biology, ecology and behavior of mammals. Laboratory stresses the identification and ecology of Colorado species. Field work required.
4

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required and Participation Fee Required

BIO 335 Survey of Fishes, Amphibians and Reptiles

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Investigation of the biology of the cold-blooded vertebrates including their evolution, ecology and behavior. Laboratory stresses the identification and biology of Colorado species.
4

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Participation Fee Required

BIO 336 Animal Plant Interactions

A survey of terrestrial plant-animal interactions with an emphasis on plant antagonistic and mutualistic interactions.
3

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 337 Morphogenesis of Algae and Fungi

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of structure, morphogenesis and phylogenetic relationships of organisms grouped with algae, fungi. Comparative study to explore multiple kingdom concepts. Ecological, medical and economic aspects of mycology and phycology explored.
4

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required and Participation Fee Required

BIO 338 Marine Biology

Study of marine organisms and their habitats from the intertidal to the deep sea. Emphasis is on the adaptation to environmental factors, ecological relationships and conservation.
3

Prerequisites

(BIO 110 or BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-)

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior and Sophomore

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 339 Marine Biology Lab in Belize

An intensive field experience in Belize which introduces participants to tropical marine and the terrestrial environment. Course occurs during spring break.
1

Prerequisites

(BIO 110 or BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-)

Corequisites

BIO 338

Class Restriction

Include Sophomore and Junior and Senior

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 341 Human Anatomy

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of the organ systems of the human body, their structure and integration. Laboratory includes examination of mammalian organs.
4

Prerequisites

BIO 110 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 345 Comparative Vertebrate Morphogenesis

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of comparative developmental processes of vertebrates as they relate to the structure of the adult organ systems. Developmental anatomy and adult morphology of sharks through mammals are studied and dissected.
4

Prerequisites

(BIO 110 and BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 350 Human Physiology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Examine in detail the function of the organ systems of the human body, especially of those involved with the maintenance of normal function.
4

Prerequisites

BIO 210 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 351 Microbiology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Examine microorganisms and their interactions with living and non-living components of the biosphere. Study the structural and metabolic diversity within Eubacteria and Archaea, some fungi and viruses.
4

Prerequisites

(BIO 110 with a minimum grade of D-) and (CHEM 281 or CHEM 331L or CHEM 331 or CHEM 231 or CHEM 281L with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 354 General Plant Physiology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of physiological factors influencing the chemical and structural composition of plant absorption and utilization of water and minerals; photosynthesis, translocation, respiration, nitrogen metabolism; and growth and development.
4

Prerequisites

(BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-) and (CHEM 281L or CHEM 331L or CHEM 231 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 360 Ecology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Identify/describe plant and animal communities. Study of ecosystem structure and energy flow. Examine topics such as biogeochemical cycles, soils, population structure, species' interactions and succession. Field trip may be required.
4

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required and Participation Fee Required

BIO 362 Principles of Animal Behavior

Study of the behaviors of animals. Topics include: mechanisms that generate behavior, the development of behavior, behavioral adaptations for survival, behavioral adaptations for mating, and the evolution of behavior.
3

Prerequisites

(BIO 111 or ANT 130 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Participation Fee Required

BIO 363 Principles of Animal Behavior Laboratory

Laboratory-based investigation of animal behavior. Class will include hands-on activities and experimentation. Must be taken concurrently with BIO 362.
1

Prerequisites

(ANT 130 or BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-)

Corequisites

BIO 362

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 365 Advanced Life Science Concepts

(2 lecture, 2 laboratory) Examination of biological principles of organisms and ecosystems and crosscutting concepts in the sciences. The course is designed for elementary educators and connects content with state and national standards.
3

Prerequisites

SCI 266 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 381 Principles of Immunology

An introduction to the components and basic mechanisms of the immune system.

3

Prerequisites

BIO 210 with a minimum grade of D-

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 408 Workshop

A variety of workshops on special topics within the discipline. Goals and objectives will emphasize the acquisition of general knowledge and skills in the discipline. S/U or letter graded.
1- 3

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles and course is repeatable with a maximum of 6 credit hours

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 411 Field Techniques in Biology

(1 Lecture, 1 Laboratory) The most common field techniques for both plant and animal biology, focusing on biodiversity.
2

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 422 Directed Studies

Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.)
1- 3

Special Notes

Please note while there is no limit on total credits, this course is only repeatable for a maximum of six credits per semester (concurrent enrollment of two times).

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 425 Molecular Genetics

Examination of protein synthesis, DNA replication, gene expression, gene structure, and regulation of gene expression.
3

Prerequisites

BIO 220 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 427 Economic Botany

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of the identification, properties, uses, and distribution of plants used by people in the past, present, and future.
4

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 438 Ornithology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of the evolution, general biology, diversity, ecology and behaviors of birds. Laboratory emphasis will be on identification. Field trips required.
4

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required and Participation Fee Required

BIO 442 Molecular and Cellular Laboratory

(4 laboratory) Study of the theory and techniques currently used to investigate cells and molecules. Development of the laboratory and problem solving skills to successfully conduct experiments.
2

Prerequisites

(BIO 220 with a minimum grade of D-) and (Concurrent Prerequisite BIO 425 or Concurrent Prerequisite BIO 450 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

BIO 448 Pathobiology

Causes and mechanisms of disease at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Cellular homeostasis and adaptive mechanisms, histopathology, toxins/toxicants, infectious disease, senescence, and target tissues.

3

Prerequisites

(BIO 220 with a minimum grade of D-) and (BIO 341 or BIO 541 with a minimum grade of D-) and (BIO 350 or BIO 552 or BIO 553) with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall Even Years

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: BIO 448 and BIO 578

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 450 Cell Physiology

Study of the structural and functional relationships among biological macromolecules, cell organelles, and cell processes.
3

Prerequisites

(BIO 220 with a minimum grade of D-) and (CHEM 231 or CHEM 331 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 455 Introductory Biology Curriculum and Instruction

Study of assessment, curriculum development, and learner-centered pedagogical approaches. Students taking this course will serve as undergraduate teaching assistants for BIO 110 (via BIO 494)
2

Prerequisites

BIO 110 with a minimum grade of D-

Corequisites

BIO 494

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 460 Science Communication

Students will examine strategies and theories to communicate science with non-science audiences. The course focusses on development of real-world products to communicate science.

3

Special Notes

BIO 460 cannot be retaken for credit  if credit for COMM 461 or BIO 495 Special Topics course "Scientific Communication" has already been completed.

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: BIO 460 and COMM 440

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 461 Ecoclimatology

Identify/describe how plants, animals, and ecological communities will respond to global change across different scales (temporal, spatial, etc.). Introduction to global climate models and using relevant climate and ecological data to predict future change.

3

Prerequisites

(BIO 111 or MET 205 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Spring odd years

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: BIO 461 and ESCI 461

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 462 Conservation Biology

Examination of the fundamental principles of conservation biology (biodiversity, habitat degradation, extinction, restoration, planning) with discussion of current topics (climate change, single species conservation, conservation genetics, landscape vs ecosystem conservation, sustainable development).
3

Prerequisites

BIO 111 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 465 Evolution

History of evolutionary thought, evolution as a population genetics process, and reconstruction of evolutionary history using phylogenetic methodology.
3

Prerequisites

BIO 220 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 466 Animal Physiological Ecology

Study of animal function and how environmental conditions influence the physiology of animals. Emphasis will be on vertebrate systems but invertebrates will be included.
3

Prerequisites

(BIO 110 and BIO 360 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 468 Disturbance Ecology

Study of disturbance effects on ecosystem structure and function.
3

Prerequisites

(BIO 110 and BIO 360 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 476 Pharmacology

Cell biology and/or biochemistry recommended. A mechanistic study of pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs) and pharmaco dynamics (drug actions and interactions). Examples of important bioactive chemicals will be discussed.

3

Prerequisites

(BIO 210 with a minimum grade of D-) and (BIO 246 or BIO 350 or BIO 552 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 481 Introduction to Neurobiology

The molecular, cellular, and anatomical principles and network properties of the nervous system will be studied, with a focus on human biomedical applications.

3

Prerequisites

BIO 210 with a minimum grade of D-

Offered

Generally offered Summer Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 488 Foundations of Biomedical Research

Critical data interpretation and evaluation, rigorous experimental design, consideration of variables, authentication of resources, sharing, record keeping, and transparency. S/U graded.
1

Offered

Generally offered Fall Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 489 Biomedical Research Ethics

Provide training in the basic ethical and regulatory requirements for performing research. This course will incorporate online training materials with discussion, case studies to help students' best practice in performing research activities. S/U graded.
1

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 491 Seminar in Biological Sciences

Invited speakers will present topics in content biology and biology education. Graduate students will also present final defenses of their theses or dissertations. S/U graded.

1

Special Notes

Please note only 1 credit will count toward upper division BIO electives.

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 492 Internship in Biological Sciences

On-the-job experience in professional areas under the supervision of an area specialist. S/U graded.
1- 3

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 9 credit hours

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 493 Clinical Internship in Biological Sciences

On the job experience in a clinical setting under the supervision of an area specialist. A minimum of 37.5 hours of contact work is required per credit hour. S/U graded.
1- 3

Prerequisites

BIO 220 with a minimum grade of D-

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 9 credit hours

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

BIO 494 Practicum in College Biological Science Instruction

Gain experience assisting in teaching an introductory biological science laboratory.
1- 2

Repeatable Status

Course may be repeated 2 times

BIO 495 Special Topics in Biology

Advanced study for qualified undergraduates in an area of the biological sciences.
1- 3

Special Notes

Prerequisites vary depending on the title and subject being offered.

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles and course is repeatable with a maximum of 6 credit hours

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required