“The small class size in the upper level Biology
courses has given us the personal attention
needed for future success.”
– MRSA Research Team, Class of 2011
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Biology
BIO 4010. Animal Physiology (4)
BIO 4030. Developmental Biology (4)
BIO 4050. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
BIO 4060. Immunology (4)
BIO 4065. Virology (4)
BIO 4070. Endocrinology (4)
BIO 4080. Neurobiology (4)
BIO 4090. Molecular Biology (4)
BCH 3220. Biochemistry I (4)
Requirements for the Minor in Biology (20 credits)
BIO 1399.
BIO 2000.
Introduction to Biological Principles and Literature I: Cellular and Molecular Processes (4)
Introduction to Biological Principles and Literature II: Evolutionary and Ecological Processes (4)
Two courses selected from the following:
BIO/EXS 2060. Human Physiology (4)
BIO/EXS 2070. Human Anatomy (4)
BIO 2110. Organismal Biology I: Prokaryotes, Protists, Fungi & Plants (4)
BIO 2120. Organismal Biology II: Zoology (4)
One additional BIO course at the 3000-level or higher (4)
Course Descriptions
BIO 1100. Biology: A Human Perspective. A study of
biological principles, with emphasis on their application
to the human organism. This course will introduce the
student to the process of scientific inquiry along with
cell level processes, continuance of the human species
and maintenance of the human body. Course consists
of three lecture and two laboratory hours per week, and
is recommended for students who are seeking a singlesemester course. Course fee is $25. Four credits. [N]
BIO 1120. The Human Body and Exercise. This course
is designed to present the physiological and musculoskeletal
systems as they relate to the biomechanics of exercise.
Skeletal, muscular, pulmonary and cardiovascular system
structure and function will be emphasized. Course consists of
three lecture and two laboratory hours per week. Course fee
is $25. Four credits. [N]
BIO 1399. Introduction to Biological Principles and
Literature I: Cellular and Molecular Processes. This
course is a study of the general principles of living systems
with a focus on chemical, cellular, and metabolic levels of
biological organization, emphasizing the role of genetics and
evolution. The acquisition of primary literature via electronic
data retrieval systems will be emphasized. Students will
learn to read and interpret research and review papers, write
summaries, and present scientific information orally. Three
60-minute lecture periods and one 3-hour laboratory period
per week. Course fee is $25. Four credits. [N]
BIO 2000. Introduction to Biological Principles and
Literature II: Evolutionary and Ecological Processes.
This course focuses on basic concepts and applications
of evolutionary biology and ecology. Emphasis is given
to the mechanisms of evolution, processes that lead
to the formation of new species, and methods used to
infer evolutionary relationships. Principles of population,
community, and ecosystem ecology are also emphasized.
Three 60-minute lecture periods and one 3-hour laboratory
period per week. Prerequisite: BIO 1399 or permission of the
instructor. Four credits.
BIO/EXS 2060. Human Physiology. A study of the
physical and chemical mechanisms by which human systems
function. The focus of the course is on homeostasis, a
dynamic equilibrium regulated locally and by neural and
endocrine systems. Some pathologies are covered as
a means for appreciating normal function. Students will
participate in a number of non-invasive activities. Computerassisted data acquisition is used for some exercises,
including reaction times, muscle function, EKGs, spirometry,
and breathing rates. Course consists of three lecture and two
laboratory hours per week. Four credits. [N]
BIO/EXS 2070. Human Anatomy. A study of the anatomy of
the major systems of the human body. All of the systems and
their various parts will be covered. Laboratory will consist of
models, interactive electronic programs, and where possible,
dissection of a representative animal. Course consists of three
lecture and two laboratory hours per week. Four credits. [N]
BIO 2110. Organismal Biology I: Prokaryotes, Protists,
Fungi & Plants. A survey of the diversity of bacteria, algae,
fungal protistans, fungi and plants. Reproductive cycles,
morphology, economic/ecological importance, phylogeny, and
the anatomy and developmental and physiological processes
in seed plants will be emphasized. Methods of diversity will
be stressed in the laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 1399. Course
consists of three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Four credits.
BIO 2120. Organismal Biology II: Zoology. A survey of
the diversity, systematics, and ecology of protozoa and select
phyla within the animal kingdom. Basic anatomy, physiology,
“A degree in biology provides students with a variety of career opportunities
in education, industry and graduate/ professional school.”
– Kelli K. Sapp, Ph. D., Associate Professor of Biology
Biology
reproductive processes, development, and behavior of
invertebrates and vertebrates will be emphasized in the
laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 1399. Course consists of three
lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Course fee is $25.
Four credits.
BIO 2881, 3881, 4881. Special Topics. Variable credit.
May be repeated.
BIO 3000. Cell Biology. A study of the cell: its origins,
submicroscopic structure, and functions within the context
of evolution and the physical laws of nature. Prerequisite: BIO
2000 or BIO 1399 and permission of the instructor. Course
consists of three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Four credits.
BIO 3030. Vertebrate Histology. A study of the structure
and function of tissues. Specialization of cells for specific
functions leads to characteristic cellular structure. Laboratory
work consists primarily of microscopic examination of
prepared slides. Some laboratories teach students how to
fix, section, and stain tissues for microscopic examination.
Prerequisites: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and permission of
the instructor. Course consists of three lecture and three
laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO 3040. Microbiology. A study of the fundamental
principles and techniques of microbiology, with emphasis
on morphology, physiological processes, and parasitic
implications of microorganisms (bacteria, molds, yeast,
and viruses); methods of control; immunology; and applied
microbiology. Prerequisites: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and
permission of the instructor. Course consists of three lecture
and four laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO 3050. Genetics. This course will review the principles
of genetics, including epistasis, polygenes, pedigrees, gene
linkage and mapping; along with a review of DNA structure,
Central Dogma and biotechnology. Laboratory exercises
will include Drosophila crosses, chromosome structure and
cytogenetics, and DNA isolation from various organisms with
application of fingerprinting techniques. Prerequisites: BIO
2000 or BIO 1399 and permission of the instructor. Course
consists of three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Four credits.
BIO 3070. Vascular Plant Taxonomy. A study of the
morphology, ecology, systematics, and evolution of vascular
plants, including collection, identification, and classification of
the more common forms. Prerequisites: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399,
BIO 2110, and permission of the instructor. Course consists of
three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO 3080. Vertebrate Natural History. This course is a
survey of vertebrate diversity with an emphasis on vertebrate
evolution and systematics, functional morphology, life history,
ecology, behavior and biogeography. The laboratory portion of
the course is field oriented with a focus on the identification,
classification and natural history of the regional vertebrate
fauna. Prerequisites: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and permission
of the instructor. Course consists of three lecture and three
laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO 3210. Tools for Biotechnology. This course will
introduce students to the basic molecular biological concepts
and techniques used in the field of biotechnology. Current
progress in DNA technology, as well as microbial, plant and
animal biotechnology will be discussed. Prerequisites: BIO
2000 or BIO 1399 and permission of the instructor. Four credits.
BIO 3220. Parasitology. A study of protozoan, helminth,
and arthropod parasites from the standpoint of morphology,
taxonomy, life histories, and host-parasite associations,
integrated with examples spanning a broad range of
topics including parasite community structure, parasite
biogeography, and the evolution of host-parasite systems.
Prerequisites: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and permission of
the instructor. Course consists of three lecture and three
laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO/GBS/ENV 3300. Global Change Ecology. This course
surveys the anthropogenic causes and consequences of
global change ecology, with emphasis on environmental
and economic challenges posed to specific ecosystems
and human civilizations around the world. Topics covered
will include climate change, ocean acidification, ecosystem
services, land use changes, and introduction of non-native
species to new habitats. Lectures will be coupled with case
studies from recent literature to understand how scientists
and governments are addressing the challenges posed by
current and projected changes in climate and ecosystems.
Prerequisite: BIO 1399 or ENV 1110. Four credits. [GS]
BIO/GBS 3350. Emerging Infectious Diseases: A
World Perspective. This course is designed to provide the
student with a strong foundation in the social, environmental,
economic, and biological aspects of infectious disease (e.g.
AIDS, malaria, SARS, Yellow Fever, Rabies). Students will
develop a deeper understanding of the impact that infectious
diseases have on the global community. Prerequisite: BIO
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The mission of High Point University is to deliver educational
experiences that enlighten, challenge, and prepare students to
lead lives of significance in complex global communities.
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1100 or BIO 1399 or permission of the instructor. BIO/GBS
3350 may be taken for biology credit in the major or minor.
Four credits. [GS]
BIO/GBS/ENV 3450. The Hidden Face of Ecuador.
This course combines the study of the biodiversity of
various ecosystems in Ecuador with Ecuadorian culture.
The extensive travel component will allow the students
to gain valuable hands-on experiences in several different
ecosystems, including highland rainforests, the Amazon
rainforest, the coastal plains of the Pacific Ocean and the
Galapagos Islands. Prerequisite: any BIO/ENV course. This
course is taught in the Spring, with travel to Ecuador in the
May term. BIO/GBS 3450 may be taken for Biology credit for
the major or minor. Four credits. [GS, SA]
BIO 3451. Entomology. This course is designed to
familiarize the student with the diversity, phylogeny, and
classification of insects and other related arthropods
(spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks). This course will
demonstrate not only the value and importance of insects
in relation to human health, but also how our economic
productivity depends on insects due to agricultural damage/
disease and pollination services. This course will also
demonstrate skills for collecting, mounting, and preserving
insects for scientific study. Prerequisites: BIO 2000 or BIO
1399 and permission of the instructor. Four credits.
BIO/WGS 3500. Biology of Women. This course will
examine the physiology of the adult female body and will
address health issues that are unique to or different in
women. Emphasis will be placed on the effects of female
sex hormones on multiple processes (reproductive, nervous,
endocrine, and cardiovascular) in the body. Prerequisite: BIO
1100 or BIO 1399. Four credits.
BIO 4010. Animal Physiology. A study of the physiological
activities of animals. The systems and homeostasis are
stressed. Prerequisite: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and permission
of the instructor. Course consists of three lecture and three
laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO 4020. Ecological Plant Physiology. A study of the
morphology and physiology of vascular plants within the
context of homeostasis. The significance of physiology and
relationship to the environment is emphasized. Prerequisite:
BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and permission of the instructor. Course
consists of three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Four credits.
BIO 4030. Developmental Biology. A study of the
development of embryos including fertilization, gastrulation,
and organogenesis that occur prior to hatching or birth.
The course focuses on understanding genes that control
development. Changes that occur during maturation,
regeneration and aging are also considered. Labs focus
on experimental embryology of fish, frogs, chicks, and sea
urchins. Prerequisite: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and permission
of the instructor. Course consists of three lecture and three
laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO 4040. Ecology. A study of the fundamental principles
and techniques of ecology, with emphasis on interactions
within ecosystems as well as challenging ecological issues.
Prerequisite: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and permission of
the instructor. Course consists of three lecture and three
laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO 4050. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. The
course includes a comparative study of the anatomy
of vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and
mammals) with an emphasis on the function, adaptive
significance, evolutionary history, and phylogenetic
implications of body structures. The lab is a survey of
the anatomy of representative vertebrates with an indepth, dissection based study of mammalian anatomy.
Prerequisite: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and permission of
the instructor. Course consists of three lecture and three
laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO 4060. Immunology. A study of the basic concepts
and principles, contemporary issues, and current research
in the field of immunology, along with discussions regarding
vaccine development, autoimmune diseases, transplant
immunology and modern immunological diagnostic tools.
Prerequisite: BIO 2000 or BIO 1399 and permission of the
instructor. Four credits.
BIO 4065. Virology. This course will emphasize the
common strategies used by all viruses for successful
reproduction within a host cell, survival, and spread with
a host population. The molecular basis of alternative
reproductive cycles, the interactions of viruses with host
organisms, and how these ultimately lead to disease will
be presented using examples of representative animal
and human viruses. Selected bacterial viruses will also be
discussed throughout the semester. Prerequisites: BIO 1399
and BIO 2000. Four credits.
Biology
BIO 4070. Endocrinology. This course examines the
major endocrine organs of the body and the processes
that are controlled and integrated by hormones. Clinical
examples of endocrine diseases (e.g., diabetes, Graves
disease) will be explored for the insight they provide
regarding endocrine physiology). Prerequisites: BIO 1399
and BIO 2000. Four credits.
BIO 4080. Neurobiology. This course will cover the
physiological and molecular mechanisms of nervous system
function. Topics include neuroanatomy; development and
differentiation of neuronal cells; chemical and electrical
functions; synaptic pharmacology; sensory receptors;
learning and memory; and various disease states and medical
treatments. Prerequisites: BIO 1399 and BIO 2000. Four credits.
BIO 4090. Molecular Biology. An advanced consideration
of the structure, function, and manipulation of nucleic acids,
Topics covered will include DNA, RNA, and protein structure
and synthesis, the genetic code, gene regulation, oncogenes,
regulation of the cell cycle, and gene cloning. Prerequisites:
BIO 2000 and CHM 1010 and CHM 1020, or BIO 1399 and
permission of the instructor. Course consists of three lecture
and three laboratory hours per week. Four credits.
BIO 4111-4117. Undergraduate Research. Biology
majors may complete a research project under the
supervision of a faculty member in the department. Students
will write of their research in the form of a scientific paper
and are encouraged to present their findings at a regional
or national conference. Prerequisite: Permission of the
department chair. One to three credits.
BIO 4444. Independent Study. Individual study and
research under the guidance of a member of the department.
One to four credits each semester.
BIO 4810-4815. Student Internship. Three, four, six, eight,
ten or twelve credits.
BIO 4980. Biology Journal Club. In this course students
will conduct an in-depth survey of the primary literature
of a biologically relevant topic. Students will be expected
to present analyses of primary literature and facilitate a
discussion of the topic among those participating in the
journal club. Prerequisite: BIO 2000 or permission of the
instructor. Two credits.
BIO 4990. Senior Seminar. The student will review primary
literature in a biological area of interest. In consultation with
a faculty mentor, the student will present their findings in the
writing of a review paper and an oral presentation of their
research to a group of peers and faculty. Prerequisite: Senior
status. Two credits.
ENV 1110. Environmental Science. A study of our
relationships with the natural world. Fundamental concepts
of ecology, awareness of environmental issues, and the
need for a sustainable biosphere will be emphasized. Course
consists of three lecture and two laboratory hours per week,
and is recommended for students who are seeking a singlesemester course. Course fee is $25. Four credits. [N]
ENV 1120. Issues in Environmental Science. This
course examines problems associated with the interaction of
humans with their environment. Issues concerning resource
use and management such as food production, deforestation,
fisheries management, soil erosion, water issues, biodiversity
loss, and impacts of global climate change will be evaluated.
Case studies illustrating specific problems and potential
solutions will also be examined. Prerequisites: ENV 1110
and Minor in Environmental Studies, or permission of the
instructor. Course consists of two 1 hour lectures and one 2
hour lab per week. Four credits.
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