Biological Sciences (BIOS)

BIOS 1107. Biological Principles. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to biological principles, including biomacromolecules, bioenergetics, cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecological relationships for STEM majors and prehealth students.

BIOS 1107L. Biological Principles Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

A laboratory-based introduction to biological principles, including biomacromolecules, bioenergetics, cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecological relationships for STEM majors and prehealth students.

BIOS 1107R. BIOS 1107 Recitation. 0 Credit Hours.

Recitation for BIOS 1107.

BIOS 1108. Organismal Biology. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to organ and organismal biology, emphasizing physiological processes, growth/development, and biodiversity from an evolutionary perspective for STEM majors and prehealth students.

BIOS 1108L. Organismal Biology Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

A laboratory-based introduction to organ and organismal biology, emphasizing physiological processes, growth/development, and biodiversity from an evolutionary perspective for STEM majors and prehealth students.

BIOS 1108R. BIOS 1108 Recitation. 0 Credit Hours.

Recitation for BIOS 1108.

BIOS 1207. Biological Principles for Majors. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to the basic principles of modern biology, including biomacromolecules, bioenergetics, cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecological relationships.

BIOS 1207L. Biological Principles Project Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

A project-based laboratory introduction to the basic principles of modern biology, including biomacromolecules, bioenergetics, cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecological relationships,

BIOS 1207R. BIOS 1207 Recitation. 0 Credit Hours.

Recitation for BIOS 1207.

BIOS 1208. Organismal Biology for Majors. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to biology at the organ and organismal level, with emphasis on physiological processes, integration of growth and development, and biodiversity from an evolutionary perspective.

BIOS 1208L. Organismal Biology Project Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

A project-based laboratory introduction to biology at the organ and organismal level, with emphasis on physiological processes, integration of growth and development, and biodiversity from an evolutionary perspective.

BIOS 1208R. BIOS 1208 Recitation. 0 Credit Hours.

Recitation for BIOS 1208.

BIOS 1220. Biology of Sex & Death. 4 Credit Hours.

Students learn biology through the lens of the formation and collapse of biological systems, organized around questions pertaining to life, sex, and death.

BIOS 1220R. Biology of Sex and Death Recitation. 0 Credit Hours.

A recitation period for BIOS 1220, an introduction to biology and scientific methodology organized around questions pertaining to life, sex, and death.

BIOS 1XXX. Biological Sciences Elective. 1-21 Credit Hours.

BIOS 2100. Island Biogeography of New Zealand. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to theory of island biogeography focused on New Zealand's geological history and unique biota.

BIOS 2300. Ecology. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to ecological processes at individual, population, and community levels that occur in plant, animal, and microbial taxa, and their relevance to current environmental problems.

BIOS 2301. Ecology Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

The companion laboratory for BIOS 2300 (Ecology). This course stresses understanding ecological concepts through a combination of lab and field experiments, and computer simulations.

BIOS 2310. Problems in Ecology. 3 Credit Hours.

Problem-based learning approach to modern ecology from populations to communities, stressing independent analysis, scientific thinking, communication and projects in local communities.

BIOS 2311. Problems in Ecology Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

Companion lab to Problems in Ecology. Problem-based learning approach to modern ecology, stressing independent analysis, scientific thinking, communication and projects in local communities.

BIOS 2400. Math Models in Biology. 3 Credit Hours.

Introductory probability and deterministic models in biology, including discrete and continuous probability distributions and dynamic models from molecular and cellular biology to ecology and epidemiology.

BIOS 2500. Introduction to Sport Science. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will apply scientific principles to human performance related to sport and movement across an array of topics (e.g., rehabilitation, exercise physiology, locomotion biomechanics, prosthetics).

BIOS 2600. Genetics. 3 Credit Hours.

Mendelian and molecular genetics: principles of inheritance, gene structure and function, foundations of recombinant DNA technology, genetic basis of variation and evolution.

BIOS 2601. Genetics Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

A laboratory course in fundamental techniques of genetic analysis.

BIOS 2610. Integrative Genetics. 3 Credit Hours.

Rigorous in-depth integrated coverage of rules and molecular basis of inheritance, incorporating primary literature and capitalizing on excellent prior knowledge of fundamentals of biology.

BIOS 2611. Integrative Genetics Lab. 1 Credit Hour.

Hands-on introduction to practical techniques, critical thinking, and important concepts in genetics. Students carry out laboratory experiments that explore transmission, population, and molecular genetics.

BIOS 2694. Biology Intern Assistantship. 1-21 Credit Hours.

Biology Undergraduate Internship for pay for freshmen and sophomores, by permit only. The internship experience must be at a unit or agency approved by the School of Biological Sciences.

BIOS 2695. Biology Internship. 1-21 Credit Hours.

Biology Undergraduate Internship for credit for freshmen and sophomores, by permit only. The internship experience must be at a unit or agency approved by the School of Biological Sciences.

BIOS 2698. Research Assistantship. 1-12 Credit Hours.

Independent research conducted under the guidance of a faculty member. Undergraduate research under the guidance of a faculty member for first years and sophomores, or for students with no previous undergraduate-level research experience.

BIOS 2699. Undergraduate Research. 1-12 Credit Hours.

Independent research conducted under the guidance of a faculty member. Undergraduate research under the guidance of a faculty member for first years and sophomores, or for students with no previous undergraduate-level research experience.

BIOS 2801. Special Topics. 1 Credit Hour.

Lecture course in current special topics in biological sciences. Topics will vary from year to year.

BIOS 2XXX. Biological Sciences Elective. 1-21 Credit Hours.

BIOS 3000. Survey of Medicine. 3 Credit Hours.

Content focuses on scientific, social, and cultural aspects of illness, how perceptions and behavior influence disease concept and fundamental aspects of medical diagnosis and treatment.

BIOS 3100. Ecology & Evolution: An Australian Perspective. 3 Credit Hours.

Evolution and ecology of Australian ecosystems, including rainforests, open woodlands, coastal habitats; conservation of endangered ecosystems. Earns Biology technical credit. Research project required.

BIOS 3380. Microbiology. 3 Credit Hours.

Basic biology of bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses, with emphasis on bacteriology.

BIOS 3381. Microbiology Lab. 1 Credit Hour.

Fundamental laboratory techniques in microbiology.

BIOS 3400. Mathematical Models in Biology. 3 Credit Hours.

Probability and deterministic models in biology, including discrete and continuous probability distributions and dynamic models from molecular and cellular biology to ecology and epidemiology.

BIOS 3450. Cell and Molecular Biology. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to the structure and function of cells and their organelles with emphasis on eucaryotic cellular and molecular processes.

BIOS 3451. Cell and Molecular Biology Lab. 1 Credit Hour.

An introduction to experimental methods of cell and molecular biology research that will cover some fundamental topics of cell biology.

BIOS 3600. Evolutionary Biology. 3 Credit Hours.

A comprehensive overview of evolutionary biology, including processes (e.g., natural selection, genetic drift) and resulting patterns (e.g., genome organization, phylogeny, and the fossil record).

BIOS 3753. Human Anatomy. 3 Credit Hours.

Detailed study of human body structures using a regional and systems approach. Emphasis is placed on structural relationships and the integration of body systems.

BIOS 3754. Laboratory in Human Anatomy. 1 Credit Hour.

A detailed hands-on study of human structure using high resolution models, specialized specimens and dissection of selected mammalian organs and tissues.

BIOS 3755. Human Physiology. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will explore the function and adaptation of the human body emphasizing neuromuscular, cardio-respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and urinary systems to maintain homeostasis and human health.

BIOS 3756. Physiology Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

Course focuses on non-invasive human experiments supplemented with in vitro tissues experiments to explore fundamental physiological concepts and learn basic methods of physiological measurements.

BIOS 3801. Special Topics. 1 Credit Hour.

Lecture course in current special topics in biological sciences. Topics will vary from year to year.

BIOS 3835. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

Special Topics course in the School of Biological Sciences.

BIOS 3XXX. Biological Sciences Elective. 1-21 Credit Hours.

BIOS 4012. Protein Biology. 3 Credit Hours.

Biological view of proteins, including protein biosynthesis, processing, modification, folding, trafficking, interactions, degradation, natural and directed evolution, assembly diseases, amyloids, prions and protein-based inheritance.

BIOS 4015. Cancer Biology and Biotechnology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers basic concepts of cancer biology and new technologies that are being developed to understand, detect, treat and prevent cancer.

BIOS 4100. Exercise Physiology. 3 Credit Hours.

Physiology of human movement with emphasis on metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and musculoskeletal aspects; associated topics include body composition, thermoregulation, and ergogenic aids.

BIOS 4150. Genomics and Applied Bioinformatics. 3 Credit Hours.

Retrieval and analysis of biological sequence, gene expression, and proteomics data from public databases and other sources; applying standard bioinformatics tools to investigate biological questions.

BIOS 4200. Kinesiological Basis of Human Movement. 3 Credit Hours.

This course teaches principles related to the biomechanics, energetics and motor control of movement as it applies to human and animal movement, rehabilitation, and sports performance.

BIOS 4221. Biological Oceanography. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to the major biological processes in the ocean including primary production, elemental cycling, food webs, and fisheries.

BIOS 4225. Molecular Evolution. 3 Credit Hours.

Evolutionary processes at molecular level, organization of genomes and genetic systems. Students will read and present up-to-date research articles in various topics in molecular evolution.

BIOS 4238. Ion Channels in Health and Disease. 3 Credit Hours.

We will examine the basic biophysical properties, structure-function relationships, physiological regulation, pathology and pharmacological manipulation of ion channels with heavy reliance on recent literature.

BIOS 4340. Medical Microbiology. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced study of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses that cause human diseases; emphasis on epidemiology, mechanisms of disease causation, prevention, and treatment.

BIOS 4400. Human Neuroanatomy. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to learn the anatomical makeup of the human nervous system. In this course we will closely examine details of central and peripheral neuroanatomy with links to function. As well, comparisons with non-human vertebrate neuroanatomy will be made.

BIOS 4401. Experimental Design and Statistical Methods in Biological Sciences. 3 Credit Hours.

Introductory course on experimental design, hypothesis testing and basic statistical techniques commonly applied in biosciences research. Exercises based on statistical software packages.

BIOS 4410. Microbial Ecology. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced studies of microbial ecosystems, the specific roles of bacteria in maintaining ecological balance, and the evolution of the ecosystem in response to changing environments.

BIOS 4417. Marine Ecology. 3 Credit Hours.

An overview of the physical forces and biotic interactions structuring marine communities and of the major threats to these communities.

BIOS 4418. Microbial Physiology. 3 Credit Hours.

Study of the physiology of growth and metabolic activities of microorganisms.

BIOS 4428. Population Dynamics. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will examine the ecological factors that affect dynamics, regulation, and evolution of natural populations, emphasizing the connections with mathematical models, genetics, and ecology.

BIOS 4440. Human Pathology. 3 Credit Hours.

The course provides a comprehensive overview of clinical human anatomic pathology. The course will focus on select diseases and their etiologies, pathogenesis, morphological changes, and clinical manifestations.

BIOS 4460. Communicating Biological Research. 1 Credit Hour.

Students learn to convey the importance of research findings in the biological sciences and to critically evaluate research results through discussions and scientific presentations.

BIOS 4464. Developmental Biology. 3 Credit Hours.

Investigation of cell differentiation and development, using the tools of molecular genetics and cell biology.

BIOS 4471. Behavioral Biology. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to the study of the principles of behavior of all kinds of organisms, from microbes to mammals.

BIOS 4480. Evolutionary Developmental Biology – How to Build an Organism. 2 Credit Hours.

This course teaches students how the process of development from embryo to adult impacts evolutionary diversity and human health.

BIOS 4500. Drug Discovery. 3 Credit Hours.

You will learn about the drug discovery process by identifying a disease and disease target, and then design a therapy to treat the disease.

BIOS 4505. Programming in Biological and Life Sciences. 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the basics of coding, applied to fundamental biological and medical questions.

BIOS 4510. Epigenetics, Stem Cells, and Development. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will introduce the basic concepts and mechanisms in epigenetics, covering topics ranging from stem cell reprogramming, organismal development, social behaviors, to human diseases.

BIOS 4515. Community Ecology. 3 Credit Hours.

An advanced ecology course that covers classic and contemporary concepts, patterns, and processes in the field of community ecology.

BIOS 4520. Health Genes Society. 3 Credit Hours.

Capstone project based investigation of the roles that genes and culture play in shaping health, including an introduction to personalized medicine.

BIOS 4530. Human Evolutionary Genomics. 3 Credit Hours.

An advanced course where students will discuss primary literature and use computational tools to investigate how evolution has shaped global patterns of human genetic variation.

BIOS 4540. Human Motor Control. 3 Credit Hours.

Course provides in-depth review of biomechanics and neurophysiology of human motion and discusses how human movements are planned, executed and corrected by the nervous system.

BIOS 4545. Genetics of Complex Human Traits and Diseases. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to the genetics and evolution of complex human traits, focusing on contemporary approaches to understanding susceptibility to malignant, metabolic, immune and psychological diseases.

BIOS 4550. Origin of complex life: from cells to societies. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the evolutionary origins of complex life. We will examine the history of life on Earth and evolutionary process through which complexity arises.

BIOS 4560. RNA Biology and Biotechnology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers fundamental concepts of RNA biology as well as state-of-the-art biotechnologies that make use of RNA.

BIOS 4570. Immunology. 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of modern immunology and its applications.

BIOS 4590. Research Project Lab. 3 Credit Hours.

Experience in designing, implementing, and communicating a biology research project, and practical training in modern approaches for biological research.

BIOS 4607. Molecular Biology of Microbes: Disease, Nature, and Biotechnology. 3 Credit Hours.

Molecular genetics of bacteria with an emphasis on experimental approaches, regulatory mechanisms on disease-causing and environmental bacteria, and biotechnology applications derived from microbes.

BIOS 4620. Aquatic Chemical Ecology. 3 Credit Hours.

The course focuses on understanding the chemical mechanisms of aquatic signaling and the cascading effects on population regulation, community organization, and ecosystem function.

BIOS 4651. Bioethics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines important bioethical issues in research, policy, medicine, and the environment in light of ethical theory and the process of scientific inquiry.

BIOS 4668. Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics. 3 Credit Hours.

Topics in molecular genetics, including genetic engineering techniques, gene expression and regulation, gene structure, stability and evolution, with emphasis on eukaryotic organisms.

BIOS 4690. Independent Research Project. 3 Credit Hours.

Independent research with proposal and manuscript writing, conducted with the guidance of a faculty member.

BIOS 4691. Research Thesis. 3 Credit Hours.

Writing and submission of an Undergraduate Research Thesis describing research accomplishments with a Georgia Tech faculty member.

BIOS 4694. Biology Intern Assistantship. 1-21 Credit Hours.

Biology Undergraduate Internship for pay for juniors and seniors, by permit only. The internship experience must be at a unit or agency approved by the School of Biology.

BIOS 4695. Biology Internship. 1-21 Credit Hours.

Biology Undergraduate Internship for credit for juniors and seniors, by permit only. The internship experience must be at a unit or agency approved by the School of Biology.

BIOS 4696. Biology Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship. 3 Credit Hours.

Biology teaching carried out under the guidance of a faculty member.

BIOS 4697. Biology Undergraduate Teaching Experience. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to teaching biology for undergraduate teaching assistants, with a focus on effective teaching, active engagement of students, and development of innovative classroom activities.

BIOS 4698. Research Assistantship. 1-12 Credit Hours.

Undergraduate research under the guidance of a faculty member for juniors and seniors.

BIOS 4699. Undergraduate Research. 1-12 Credit Hours.

Undergraduate research under the guidance of a faculty member for juniors and seniors.

BIOS 4740. Biologically-Inspired Design. 3 Credit Hours.

We examine evolutionary adaptation as a source for engineering design inspiration, utilizing principles of scaling, adaptability, and robust multifunctionality that characterize biological systems.

BIOS 4744. Microbial Symbiosis & Microbiomes. 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores how symbiotic interactions with microbes affect the biology of other organisms, focusing extensively on the beneficial microbes native to the human body.

BIOS 4746. Signaling Molecules. 3 Credit Hours.

The diversity of chemical signals between organisms and their structural specifications will be presented along with chemical and biological methods for isolating signaling molecules.

BIOS 4801. Special Topics. 1 Credit Hour.

Special Topics.

BIOS 4802. Special Topics. 2 Credit Hours.

Special Topics in the School of Biological Sciences.

BIOS 4803. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

Special Topics.

BIOS 4813. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

Special Topics.

BIOS 4814. Special Topics. 4 Credit Hours.

This designation enables the School of Biology to provide new lecture courses dealing with areas of current interest in biological science.

BIOS 4835. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours.

Special Topics offered by the School of Biological Sciences.

BIOS 4XXX. Biological Sciences Elective. 1-21 Credit Hours.

BIOS 8802. Special Topics. 2 Credit Hours.