Department of Biology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences Courses
WBSC 1920 Biology Colloquium
Credits: 1.
Introduces the field of biology and the academic resources specific to this discipline at UF. Includes discussions of the nature and practice of scientific research, laboratory safety, advising and career resources for biologists. Major developments in the instructor's area of expertise will be used to illustrate key subjects.
BSC 2007 Biological Sciences: Cells, Organisms and Genetics
Credits: 3.
The relationships between structure and function and their controlling genetic mechanisms are explored at the cellular and organismal level. Modern concepts of physiology and genetics are stressed. Recommended for students not majoring in the natural sciences. BSC 1005 or 2005 is equivalent to this course and students cannot receive credit for both courses. (B)
BSC 2008 Biological Sciences: Evolution, Ecology and Behavior
Credits: 3.
The study of evolution, the development of interrelationships between organisms and their environment and the biological basis of behavior are explored. Recommended for students not majoring in the natural sciences. BSC 1006 or 2006 is equivalent to this course and students cannot receive credit for both courses. (B)
BSC 2009L Laboratory in Biological Sciences
Credits: 1.
A laboratory for students who need experience in a nonprofessionally oriented laboratory or for those who need laboratory experience to satisfy requirements for graduation. (B)
General Biology Core: A two-semester sequence that prepares students for advanced biological sciences courses and allied fields.
BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1
Credits: 3.
A study of the origin of life systems; of biological molecules and organization of living things at the subcellular, cellular and organismic levels; and of the activities of living forms in obtaining and utilizing energy and materials in growth, maintenance and reproduction. (B)
BSC 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 1
Credits: 1; Coreq: BSC 2010 or the equivalent.
Laboratory experiments designed to accompany BSC 2010. Students should register for BSC 2010 and 2010L concurrently. (B)
BSC 2011 Integrated Principles of Biology 2
Credits: 3; Prereq: BSC 2010 or the equivalent.
Examination in living things of the principles of information storage, transmission and utilization at the cell, organism and population levels; of the mechanisms of evolutionary change in the diversification of living things and their life styles; of population growth and regulation; and of energy flow and biogeochemical cycling in the biosphere. (B)
BSC 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 2
Credits: 1; Coreq: BSC 2011 or the equivalent.
Laboratory experiments designed to accompany BSC 2011. Students should register for BSC 2011 and 2011L concurrently. (B)
BSC 2044L Accelerated, Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory
Credits: 2; Coreq: BSC 2010 or the equivalent.
A cross-disciplinary, inquiry-based curriculum that focuses on major themes and concepts in biology with an emphasis on their physical and chemical foundations and applications in quantitative research. Equivalent to BSC 2010L and BSC 2011L.
BSC 2930 Special Topics
Credits: 1 to 4.
Special topics in general biology.
BSC 3096 Human Physiology
Credits: 3.
BCH 3023 Elementary Organic and Biological Chemistry
Credits: 3; Prereq: CHM 2046 or CHM 2047.
Elementary organic chemistry and biochemistry for students in the agricultural technical curricula. This is a terminal course and is not part of any sequence.
BOT 2010C Introductory Botany
Credits: 3.
Structures and functions of cells, tissues and organs of flowering plants. Students with credit in APB 2150/BSC 2007 or equivalent, or BSC 2010 cannot register for this course; they should take BOT 2011. (B)
BOT 2011C Plant Diversity
Credits: 4; Prereq: introductory college biology/botany course or the equivalent.
Survey of major plant groups with regard to structure, life histories and uses accompanied by a laboratory showing the diversity of plants in the world. (B)
BOT 2710C Practical Plant Taxonomy
Credits: 3.
Introduction to plant taxonomy including principles of systematic botany, nomenclature and classification, but emphasizing identification. Student will be able to identify the common ferns, fern allies, gymnosperms and flowering plants of field and garden.
BOT 2800C Plants in Human Affairs
Credits: 3.
The role of plants in the development of civilization and the influence of plants on world history, politics, economics and culture. A survey of useful and harmful plants and plant products. (B)
BOT 3151C Local Flora of North Florida
Credits: 3.
Laboratory observation of the gross features of vascular plants and practice in the use of keys to identify plants. Elementary ecology of principal types of plant communities in northern Florida. Field trips. (B)
BOT 3503 Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants
Credits: 3; Prereq: BOT 2010C, or BSC 2010/2011 or the equivalent, or BSC 2007/APB 2150 and BSC 2008/APB 2151 and CHM 2046C; Coreq: BOT 3503L (laboratory may be taken in subsequent term).
The chemical organization, cellular organization, metabolism, nutrition, growth and molecular biology of the higher plants.
BOT 3503L Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants Laboratory
Credits: 2; Coreq: BOT 3503.
Laboratory experiments to accompany BOT 3503.
BOT 4053 Practical Experience in Teaching Botany
Credits: 2 to 4; can be repeated with change in content or course up to 4 credits; Prereq: normally, senior standing with recommendations from two faculty members, including the course instructor.
Participation in teaching one 3000-level botany course with practical experience in instructional procedures, testing and grading, course and laboratory preparation and laboratory assistance.
BOT 4905 Individual Studies in Botany
Credits: 2 to 4; can be repeated with change in content up to 8 credits; Prereq: 8 hours of botany.
Qualified students and an instructor choose a particular problem for study.
BOT 4935 Special Topics
Credits: 1 to 4.
PCB 3023 Essential Cell Biology
Credits: 3; Prereq: BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L, or equivalent.
Introduction to the basic concepts of molecular cell biology in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems including experimental strategies and methodology. This course is intended for those intereted in plants.
PCB 3034C Introduction to Ecology
Credits: 4; Prereq: introductory college biology.
Basic principles of ecology as they apply to environmental problems including major terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Florida. (B)
PCB 3601C Plant Ecology
Credits: 3; Prereq: introductory college biology or botany.
Principles of ecology at scales ranging from individual plants to landscapes. Emphasis is on species, ecosystems and environmental programs in Florida.
BSC 3402 Theory and Practice in the Biological Sciences
Credits: 2.
Presents the scientific method, in its many formulations, from historical, philosophical and sociological perspectives. Explores generation and presentation of data, formulation of hypotheses and theories and dissemination of results. Also examines the ethical implication of biological research.
PCB 2050 Genes and Gender
Credits: 3.
Examines genetic studies of sex and gender. Includes central principles in genetics and discussion of the scientific method. Discusses topics such as chromosomal sex determination, genetic basis for sexual orientation and evolution of gendered behaviors. Cross listed with WST 3930. Not a substitute for PCB 3063. Cannot be counted for credit toward a major in zoology. Offered in spring, odd-numbered years. (B)
PCB 3063 Genetics
Credits: 4; Prereq: BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C and general chemistry.
The fundamental properties of inheritance in eukaryotic organisms emphasizing examples in man. Basic concepts are developed for the nature, organization, transmission, expression, recombination and function of genetic materials and principles are derived for genetically characterizing populations. (B)
PCB 4044C General Ecology
Credits: 4; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C.
Ecological processes and organization in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Laboratory and field exercises emphasize techniques of ecological analysis. (B)
PCB 4674 Evolution
Credits: 4; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C; Coreq: one semester of calculus; PCB 3063 recommended.
Processes and mechanisms of evolution, including population genetics, speciation, patterns of evolution and molecular evolution. (B)
PCB 4712 Comparative Biomechanics
Credits: 3; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C; PHY 2048, PHY 2053L, PCB 4674 and ZOO 3713C.
Course reviews physical principles governing the form and function of organisms.
PCB 4723C Physiology and Molecular Biology of Animals
Credits: 5; Prereq: BSC 2011 and (CHM 2046 or CHM 2047) and (PHY 2048 or PHY 2053 or PHY 2060), all with minimum grades of C; PCB 3063 and PCB 4674 are also recommended.
Discussion of the processes and mechanisms of maintenance, activity and integration in animals with emphasis on vertebrates. Laboratory experience in quantitative methods and techniques of physiological investigation.
ZOO 2203C Invertebrate Zoology
Credits: 4; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C, and PCB 4674 or instructor permission.
The structure, taxonomy, evolutionary relationships and life histories of the invertebrate animals. (B)
ZOO 2303C Vertebrate Zoology
Credits: 4; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C.
The evolution, taxonomy, ecology and behavior of vertebrates. Emphasis is on the adaptations of wild animals to their natural habitats. Laboratory will include field trips. (B)
ZOO 3513C Animal Behavior
Credits: 4; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C, and PCB 4674.
The causes, origins and evolution of animal behavior emphasizing field observations and experiments on the behavior of a variety of animal groups. (B)
ZOO 3603C Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Credits: 4; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C.
Analysis of embryonic development, underlying genetic mechanisms and how these processes have driven the evolutionary diversification of animal body plans. (B)
ZOO 3713C Functional Vertebrate Anatomy
Credits: 4; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C.
The form and function of chordates accompanied by laboratory work dealing with a selected series of chordates. (B)
ZOO 4403C Field Problems in Marine Biology
Credits: 4 to 6; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C.
Survey of major marine taxa, systematics of local marine fauna and flora, with familiarization of the marine environment. Laboratory emphasizes field work and independent projects.
ZOO 4472C Avian Biology
Credits: 4; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C, and PCB 4674 (recommended).
The basic biological characteristics of birds, which, as exceptionally unique flying vertebrates, are confronted with a spectrum of problems in terms of anatomy, physiology, behavior, migration and population ecology. (B)
ZOO 4905 Individual Studies in Zoology
Credits: 1 to 4; can be repeated for full credit; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C, and instructor permission.
Qualified students and the instructor concerned may choose a particular topic or problem for study.
ZOO 4926 Special Topics in Zoology
Credits: 1 to 4; can be repeated with change in content up to 8 credits; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C, and instructor permission.
Lectures, conferences or laboratory sessions covering selected topics of current interest in zoology.
ZOO 4940 Practical Experience in Teaching Zoology
Credits: 2; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C, one zoology laboratory-based course, senior status and instructor permission.
Participation in teaching approved zoology courses with practical experience in instructional procedures, testing and grading, course and laboratory preparation and laboratory assistance. Cannot be used to satisfy minimum hour requirement for zoology major. (S-U)
ZOO 4950 Writing in the Biological Sciences
Credits: 3; Prereq: BSC 2010 and 2011, or equivalent, and a composition course.
Principles of grammar, style and reader expectations applied to biological writing. These principles are elucidated as students analyze and edit excerpts from the biological literature. (C) (WR)
ZOO 4956 Overseas Studies
Credits: 1 to 8; can be repeated with change in content up to 12 credits; Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L with grades of C and consent of undergraduate adviser.
This revolving topics course provides a mechanism by which course work taken abroad as part of an approved student program can be recorded on the transcript and counted toward UF graduation.
General Education Categories
Consult Schedule of Courses for specific information.
- Biological Sciences (B)
- Composition (C)
- Diversity (D)*
- Humanities (H)
- International (N)*
- Mathematics (M)
- Physical Sciences (P)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (S)
* Students who entered UF prior to Summer B 2007 and/or whose catalog year is not 2007-08: Current students who have not completed six hours of international/diversity (I) credits can do so now by taking D and N courses.
Symbols Used in Course Descriptions
- (WR): the course satisfies the writing requirement.
- (MR): the course satisfies the math requirement.
- (S-U): the course may be taken on a satisfactory-unsatisfactory basis.
- Refer to the Schedule of Courses for specific information.