SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Benedict College Catalogue 2018-2020 (2019-2020 Addendum)
BIO 239 Botany credit 3 hrs.
This course introduces the classification, relationships, structure, and function of plants. Topics
include structure and function of plant cells, tissues, and organs such as roots, stems, leaves, and
flowers, reproduction and development of seed and non-seed plants, levels of organization, form and
function of systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of
plant form and function, including both seed and non-seed plants. Prerequisites: BIO 137, BIO 117L,
BIO 138, BIO 118L, or Permission of the Instructor. Grade of “C” or above required.
BIO 219L Botany Lab credit 3 hrs.
The laboratory will focus on the evolutionary relationships among different plant families, learning ofkey
characteristics to aid in plant identification, and understanding the
economic/medicinal/cultural/agricultural importance of specific plant groups. Lab will include plant
growth regulation, plant hormones, plant embryos and seed plant body. Three laboratory hours per
week. Prerequisites: BIO 137, BIO 117L, BIO 138, BIO 118L, or Permission of the Instructor. Grade of
“C” or above required.
BIO 240 Biotechnology Lab/Lecture credit 4 hrs.
This combined course will integrate hands-on biotechnology laboratory experience with a lecture
component that will include research in the field. Topics covered include pharmaceutical
development, medical treatments, agricultural advances, food processing, and diagnostic tests for
diagnosing cancers and other diseases. Prerequisites: BIO 137, BIO 117L, BIO 138, BIO 118L, or
Permission of the Instructor. Grade of “C” or above required.
BIO 330 Evolution credit 3 hrs.
This course is a study of the theory of evolution and of the processes involved. The development of
the concept of evolution and its influence on other aspects of science ar e emphasized. Theories
concerning the origin of life and the organisms found in geological periods are included. Basic concepts
of population genetics will be introduced. Prerequisites: BIO 138 and BIO 118L or Permission of
the Instructor. Grade of “C” or above required.
BIO 331 Comparative Anatomy credit 3 hrs.
The structural, functional, and phylogenetic relationships among chordates are presented using
representative examples. Emphasis is focused on the taxonomy, integument, skeletal, muscular
and nervous systems of vertebrates. Prerequisites: BIO 138 and BIO 118L. Three 1-hour lectures per
week. Grade of “C” or above required.
BIO 311L Comparative Anatomy Lab credit 1 hr.
The structural, functional, and phylogenetic relationships among chordates are presented using
representative specimens, microscopy, models, and dissection. Emphasis is focused on the
taxonomy, integument, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems of vertebrates. Three laboratory
hours per week. Prerequisite: BIO 118L. Grade of “C” or above required.
BIO 332 Immunology credit 3 hrs.
This course is designed to introduce t he principles of immunology including: development of the
immune system, innate immunity, immunoglobulin structure and genetics, antigen-antibody
reactions, the major histocompatibility complex reactions and antigen presentation, T cell receptors
(genetics, structure, selection), T cell activation and effector functions, energy and apoptosis,
cytokines, phagocytic cell function, immune responses to infectious organisms and tumors,
autoimmune diseases, autoimmunity, allergies, and immune deficiencies. Prerequisites: BIO 137,
BIO 117L, BIO 138L, BIO 118L, or Permission of the Instructor. Grade of “C” or above required.
BIO 312L Immunology Lab credit 1 hr.
This laboratory course is designed to help students become familiar with and proficient in the
performance of protocols in cellular immunology, immunochemistry and clinical serology. These
experiments are designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of laboratory work in the field
of immunology. The laboratory experience is designed to closely reflect that of a modern immunology
lab. Three laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: BIO 137, BIO 117L, BIO 118L, BIO 138, or
permission of the Instructor. Grade of “C” or above required.
BIO 3330 Ecology credit 3 hrs.
The course studies the relationship between organisms and their environment with emphasis on
climatic, edaphic, physiologic, and biotic principles. Applications to human welfare and
environmental medicine are considered. Grade of “C” or above required.