Catalog - Virginia Intermont College

Programs of Study 116
412-IMMUNOLOGY. Prerequisite: Biology 303 or permission of instructor. A
study of the basic principles and theories of resistance to infectious diseases. The
laboratory deals with antigens, antibodies, and antigen-antibody reactions.
Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week. Credit, four semester
hours. Offered as needed.
415-INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY. Prerequisites: Biology 113-114;
Chemistry 101, 102 (or taken concurrently with this course). This is a course for
upper-division Biology majors. It will look closely at the chemistry of all molecules
associated with living systems, how such substances are interconverted to meet
the everyday needs of the organism. Molecular biology of DNA (nature of the
gene), RNA and protein synthesis will be included. Cross-listed with Chemistry
415.
Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week. Credit, four semester
hours. Offered as needed.
420-DIRECTED READINGS IN BIOLOGY. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. This
course is for Upper Division Biology majors. Students are required to research
approved topics in the scientific literature and give oral and written presentations
of their findings. A term paper is also assigned for preparation throughout the
semester which is due in lieu of a final examination.
One hour of discussion/presentations a week. Credit, one to three semester hours.
Offered as needed.
421-BIOLOGY SEMINAR. Students use all available resources on an approved
topic to prepare a formal research paper. An outline and a rough draft must be
submitted for the instructor’s comments and approval. The final written copy
of the paper must be presented orally at a formal seminar near the end of the
semester. Discussion is encouraged following the talk, giving further perspective
on the subject and exposing students to conditions in which they must think “on
their feet.” Students will meet with the instructor as often as necessary during
the research and writing process; the only formal meetings of the class occur at
the beginning of the semester and during the formal presentations.
Credit, one semester hour. Offered as needed.
422-SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY. Prerequisites: Minimum of 16 hours in Biology
and permission of instructor. Designed for Biology majors. Approved research
activities of studies under the direction of faculty members within the Department
of Biology.
Credit, one to three semester hours. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of
nine semester hours. Offered as needed.
Virginia Intermont College 2012–2013 College Catalog