2024-2025 Academic Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
An introduction to academic and career planning for majors in Biology and students who may be considering Biology as a major.
Introductory biology for non-life science majors. Topics covered include the hierarchy of living systems, cell structure, physiology, and reproduction, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, evolution, microbial diversity, plant anatomy and physiology, animal anatomy and physiology, and ecological systems. Ethical aspects of current research in these areas. Partially duplicates 1005, 1006, 1105, 1106.
Introduction to risk factors and biological mechanisms associated with cancer. Current approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Personal, socioeconomic, and global aspects of cancer.
Sexual reproduction in living organisms from a scientific perspective including morphology, physiology, behavior, development and evolution. Biological basis and ethical considerations of human societal issues including contraception, homosexuality, and gender/sex.
Survey of human biology, including physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Focus on homeostasis, including factors and choices that disrupt homeostasis and health. Examination of technological advances and ethical issues associated with the biology of humans. Personal and societal choices that impact human ecology.
Survey of basic plant biology. Critical roles of plants as food, drugs, textiles, other products. Examination of the global, historical, and cultural links between plants and humans. Discussion of current topics, including biotechnology, global change, biodiversity loss, nutrition and drug addiction.
Overview of scientific research on animal cognition and behavior from perspectives in biology, psychology, and neuroscience. Study and application of scientific approaches to the study of animal cognition and behavior in the context of personal, political, and societal decision making. Considers the influence of animal cognition and animal ethics on decisions about human-animal interactions at a personal and societal scale ranging from decisions about food supply to conservation. Provides the framework to evaluate animal personality, emotion, consciousness, and rights. Addresses how cultural, social and political views influence scientific research on animal cognition. Consideration of bidirectional effects of human-animal interactions on One Health and animal welfare.
Introduction to the science of biology. 1105: living systems; biological molecules; cell structure, function, and reproduction; cellular energetics and metabolism; expression and inheritance of genetic information; evolution; ethical implications of research and discovery in these areas. 1106: animal and plant anatomy and physiology, ecology, and animal behavior; ethical implications of research and discovery in these areas. (1105 duplicates 1005, 1014; 1106 duplicates 1006, 1014. Credit for 1014 will be disallowed if 1105 or 1106 are taken after earning credit for 1014)
Introduction to the science of biology. 1105: living systems; biological molecules; cell structure, function, and reproduction; cellular energetics and metabolism; expression and inheritance of genetic information; evolution; ethical implications of research and discovery in these areas. 1106: animal and plant anatomy and physiology, ecology, and animal behavior; ethical implications of research and discovery in these areas. (1105 duplicates 1005, 1014; 1106 duplicates 1006, 1014. Credit for 1014 will be disallowed if 1105 or 1106 are taken after earning credit for 1014).
Emphasizes biological principles through investigative exercises and collaborative learning. 1115: cell chemistry, physiology and reproduction and genetics; 1116: plant and animal form and function, and ecology. Primarily for students majoring in the life sciences. (Duplicates 1015 1016, 1125, 1126).
Emphasizes biological principles through investigative exercises and collaborative learning. 1115: cell chemistry, physiology and reproduction and genetics; 1116: plant and animal form and function, and ecology. Primarily for students majoring in the life sciences.
Isolation, identification, and characterization of bacteriophages from environmental sources. 1135: Bacteriophage DNA purification, genomic analysis, imaging, and sequencing. 1136: Bioinformatic characterization and annotation of sequenced bacteriophage genomes, comparative genomic analysis, submission of bacteriophage sequence data to public databases.
Isolation, identification, and characterization of bacteriophages from environmental sources. 1135: Bacteriophage DNA purification, genomic analysis, imaging, and sequencing. 1136: Bioinformatic characterization and annotation of sequenced bacteriophage genomes, comparative genomic analysis, submission of bacteriophage sequence data to public databases.
For students considering a career in health care. Investigation of various health care professions, including requirements for additional education and the professional and personal expectations characteristic of these professions. Introduction to biomedical ethics and health policy. Options for financing professional school. How to become a competitive applicant.
Mendelian transmission, chromosome behavior and organization, gene and chromosome mutation, genetic properties of nucleic acids, gene expression and development, DNA technology.
Composition, structure and function of cells; fundamentals of gene expressions, cell physiology, cellular movement and reproduction; stem cells and tissue formation; synthetic biology and applied cell and molecular biology. Not for Biological Sciences majors.
Fundamental mechanisms essential for cell function. Methods used to study cells. Cellular structure and physiology, energy production, cell survival and reproduction. Cell interactions and communication, stem cells, cell differentiation, tissue formation.
Introductory botany. Form, growth, function, reproduction, and ecological adaptations of major groups of plants.
Introduction to the world-wide impact of biotechnology and molecular biology, including applications to plants, animals, and microorganisms. Explores basic concepts of genetic engineering, scientific and ethical issues, and public concerns related to biotechnology. Topics include: environmental release of genetically engineering organisms, bioremediation, safety of genetically engineered food products, transgenic plants and animals, gene therapy, and genetic screening.
Morphology, features, adaptations, and ecology of major animal groups, emphasizing major patterns of evolutionary change.
Microbial structure, function, metabolism, genetics and ecology. The role of microorganisms in host/parasite relationships will be emphasized.
Introduction to microbiological techniques and procedures. Aseptic technique and safe handling. Culture, characterization, and identification of microorganisms.
Evolutionary mechanisms, systematic principles, and theories of the origin and evolution of life.
Fundamental interaction of organisms with the biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. Topics will include: physical environment and organismic interactions, concepts of population ecology and community ecology, ecosystems interactions, and environmental problems.
Honors section.
Insect biology provides an introduction to the science of entomology. The course covers the diversity of insects, their biology and behavior, the importance of insects and insect control programs in agriculture, and the effects that insects have had on human history and culture. Laboratory (3024) is optional.
Taxonomy and ecology of insects commonly encountered. Identification of all orders and many common families. Ecological attributes of each taxon, including food, habitat, life cycle, and behavior. An insect collection is required.
Introduction to methods used to study prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Recombinant DNA, protein expression and purification, the polymerase chain reaction, bioinformatics, and microscopy.
Principles of genetic analysis in humans with emphasis on genetic diseases of humans; methods of karyotyping human chromosomes; methods of pedigree and genetic analysis of humans; principles, techniques, and analysis of twin studies in humans; techniques used to identify and characterize normal and abnormal chromosomes; principles and methods of DNA fingerprint analysis of humans.
Systematic survey of vascular plants, emphasizing identification, terminology, classification, evolutionary relationships.
An introduction to the roles of insects and other arthropods in the direct causation of disease in humans and animals, and as vectors in the transmission of disease organisms. The epidemiology and replication cycles of vector-borne pathogens with major medical and veterinary importance will be examined. Information will be provided on the biology and behavior of disease vectors and external parasites, and on the annoying and venomous pests of humans and animals. Mechanisms of control will be discussed
Taxonomy and anatomy of insects and arthropods of medical and veterinary importance. Examination of feeding behavior and ecology. Emphasis on the mechanism of injury or pathogen transmission by each group.
A comparative systems level approach to the physiology of animals, emphasizing vertebrates: metabolic, temperature, osmotic, and ionic regulation; function of respiratory, circulatory, digestive, muscle, nervous, and locomotory systems; endocrine regulation and biological rhythms. Must have prerequisites or instructors permission.
Ecology, taxonomy, morphology, life cycles, pathogenesis, and host-parasite relationships of parasitic eukaryotes.
Overview of tissue structure and function in the human body; microscopic examination of tissue sections; organization of tissues in different organ systems; histopathology of tissues and organs.
Role of microorganisms in foodborne illness, food quality, spoilage, and preservation. Control of microorganisms in foods. Methods to enumerate, identify, and characterize microorganisms in foods.
Contemporary research topics in microbiology, methods of research data analysis, the research publication process, research presentation and interview skills, career paths for microbiology graduates, preparation for graduate school, preparation for entry into the job market.
Advanced study of the molecular biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including mechanisms of gene expression and regulation, relative merits of experimental model systems, and practical applications in agriculture and medicine.
For undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) facilitating BIOL 1105 or 1106 class sections that utilize active-learning pedagogies and require facilitation of in-class learning activities. Content and practice of teaching strategies and professionalism in the classroom. Supervision by departmental faculty or staff. Selection by Principles of Biology instructional team. May be repeated four times with different content for a maximum of eight credits. Junior Standing, overall minimum GPA of 3.0.
Exploration of career opportunities in the biological sciences, including employment and further education. Professional development activities, including resumes, career fairs, networking, preparation for interviews, ethics, and assessment and comparison of job offers. Does not count for Biological Sciences or Microbiology elective credit. Pre: junior standing
Interactions of physical, chemical, and biological properties of freshwater ecosystems.
Discussion of ecotoxicological and philosophical issues in the development of standards for control of toxic chemicals in freshwater, including site-specific examples, application of current control methods, recovery of damaged ecosystems, and government regulations.
Morphological, physiological, and molecular events in embryological and developmental systems, including regulation at the level of transcription, translation, and enzyme or hormone activation.
Effects of human alteration of climate, landscapes and biogeochemical cycling on ecological structure and functioning at the global scale. Influence of global changes on ecosystem processes and biodiversity with paleo- and contemporary examples. Current and future potential feedbacks between biological systems and the global environment.
Genetic variation, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, agents of change in gene frequencies, molecular evolution, mechanisms of speciation. Comparison of theoretical models with natural and laboratory populations.
Ecology, physiology, and diversity of soil and aquatic microorganisms; incorporates the significance of these topics within the context of environmental applications such as bioremediation, wastewater treatment, control of plant- pathogens in agriculture, and pollution abatement in natural systems. The laboratory portion of the course will stress methodology development, isolation and characterization of microorganisms from natural and engineered systems, and examination of the roles of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling.
For experienced Principles of Biology Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) facilitating instruction of BIOL 1105 or 1106 class sections that utilize active-learning strategies. Collaboratively plan, present, and run activities to train first-time UTAs in the skills needed to support student success in the Principles of Biology classroom. Prepare first-time UTAs to guide active learning exercises, facilitate student teamwork, communicate scientific information, respond to student questions, provide feedback on student activities, and promote student engagement. Model professional and ethical conduct. Enrollment requires approval of Principles of Biology instructional team. May be repeated three times with different content for a maximum of nine credits. Pre: Senior standing.
Introduction to ecology of terrestrial plants including major plant functional types, ecophysiological aspects of functional types, molecular plant ecology, behavior of populations, responses of plant communities to disturbance, and vegetation analysis. Laboratory covers methods for measuring and analyzing natural vegetation, and setting up field and greenhouse experiments.
Chemical interactions between organisms with emphasis on the plant biosphere. Fundamental concepts, theories, and general methodology of chemical ecology: mechanisms of chemically- mediated interactions; and engineering of natural chemical defenses in sustainable agriculture.
Biology and taxonomy of insects and other macroinvertebrates most commonly encountered in freshwater environments. Selected aspects of biology, such as habitat, feeding, locomotion, and life history. Identification of individual taxa, mostly at family and genus level. Significance of these organisms in aquatic ecology, pollution monitoring, and natural resource management.
Biology of birds, including functional anatomy, systematics, evolutionary history, behavior, and ecology. Laboratory on systematics, anatomy, and field experience in the areas of behavior and ecology.
Identification, morphology, evolutionary relationships, and natural history of free-living invertebrates, excluding insects.
An evolutionary and ecological approach to animal behavior, drawing on behavioral genetics, endocrinology, neurophysiology, and behavioral ecology to explain how and why the behavior of an organism is adapted to its environment.
Concepts and practices of using macroinvertebrates and fish to monitor the environmental health of freshwater ecosystems. Effects of different types of pollution and environmental stress on assemblages of organisms and underlying ecological principles. Role of biological studies in environmental regulation. Study design, field and laboratory methods, data analysis and interpretation, verbal and written presentation of results.
Neurochemical transmission within the vertebrate brain will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the chemical coding underlying the control of various behaviors and how these systems can be modified by various drugs or diet.
Principles of infectious disease dynamics from ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Examines a variety of wildlife hosts and disease-causing agents (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) using the framework of agent-host- environment interactions. Selective coverage of specific host and pathogen models to illustrate underlying principles of wildlife disease emergence, maintenance, and spread, as well as connections between wildlife and human health.
This course examines origins, influences and implications of social behavior in a variety of avian and mammalian species. Emphasis is placed on understanding group organization and dynamics in inter and intra-species situations. Experimental data from several disciplines (e.g., genetics, physiology, biochemistry) are reviewed to demonstrate their associations with behavioral adaptive mechanisms. Avian and mammalian species living in wild, zoo, agricultural companion and laboratory settings are discussed.
Review and discussion of contemporary research areas and global challenges addressed in publications in ecology, evolution, and behavior, the research process, methods for communicating science to professional and non-professional audiences, professional development for careers in ecology, evolution, and behavior, diversity and equity in the sciences.
Molecular genetics of bacteria and their associated plasmids and phages.
The study of the structure, function and metabolic activities of prokaryotic microorganisms. Topics covered included cell composition and growth, metabolic unity and diversity, patterns of regulation, transport mechanisms, environmental sensing and response and cellular differentiation processes. (BIOL 4624 is recommended, but not required.)
Introduction to classical and molecular methods used for the study of bacterial genetics and physiology. Laboratory exercises cover analysis of patterns of gene regulation; assay of enzymatic activities; mutagenesis followed by selection, screening, and physiological characterization of mutant strains; genome database utilization; and large scale fermentation.
Classification, structure, pathogenesis, host response, and replication strategies of viruses of bacteria, plants, and animals, stressing mechanisms elucidated by molecular biological techniques.
Characteristics of bacteria that cause human disease, nature of infectious processes, virulence factors, epidemiology, resistance, immunization.
Landmark and current research on human microbiomes. Factors that influence the gut microbiome, and the role of the gut microbiome in disease. Other microbiomes of the human body. Bacteriophages and the ecology of microbiomes. Application of technologies to engineer microbiomes.
Immunochemistry of antigens and antibodies, serological reactions, chemistry of complement, control of immunity, immune response of an intact animal.
Serological and immunobiological techniques used to interpret the consequences of an immune response.
Microbiological techniques used to identify and characterize bacteria that cause infectious disease.
Cellular and molecular pathways controlling human responses to inflammatory challenges. Regulation of immune cells during inflammation. Interaction of host cells and tissues with environmental risk factors that cause inflammation. Pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, multi-organ failure, aging, neurological diseases and sepsis. Therapeutic intervention of inflammatory diseases.
An introduction to recombinant DNA methods, including restriction endonuclease digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, Southern blotting, polymerase chain reaction, sequencing and analysis of reporter gene expression in transgenic organisms. BIOL 3774 may be taken as a corequisite with 4774.
The study of the vast array of physiological, morphological, and behavioral properties of prokaryotes. Topics include: modern prokaryotic classification, prokaryotic diversity, relationship and importance to cell and molecular biology and biochemistry, application and use in industry and agriculture, and to the maintenance of the biosphere. Must have pre-requisites or consent of the instructor.
Application of bioinformatics methods in biological research. Methods to access bioinformatics data. Theory and methods for analysis of DNA sequences, and analysis of complex data sets including whole genome sequences and gene expression data. Use of standard bioinformatics software and databases.
Application of biophysical and biomechanical methods to characterization of protein structure and function, macromolecular interactions and conformational changes. Strategies, experimental design, practical considerations, troubleshooting, data analysis.
Introduction to mass spectrometry (MS) instrumentation and advanced proteomic methods for systems biology applications. Peptide mass fingerprinting, tandem MS, quantitation, phospho/glyco proteomics, and bioinformatics tools for evaluation and interpretation of mass spectrometry data.
Structure and function of eukaryotic chromosomes, with emphasis on (i) use of model systems to study specific chromosome substructures or functions; (ii) techniques used to identify and classify both normal and aberrant chromosomes; and (iii) diseases caused by defective chromosome structure and/or function.
Biological basis, development and symptoms of selected human diseases. Pharmacological approaches to treating disease. Review and interpretation of clinical cases. Approaches to working with patients: the interview, physical examination and clinical history. Use of diagnostic tests and treatments. Clinical trials of potential therapeutic interventions.
The molecular and cellular basis of cancer, including viral and cellular oncogenes, tumor suppression mechanics, cellular immortality, genomic integrity, angiogenesis, metastasis, and traditional and developing therapies.
Advanced study of the inner workings of eukaryotic cells, including membrane structure and function, protein secretion, the cytoskeleton, cell cycle control and intercellular communication.
Honors section.
Honors section.
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