Academic Catalog - Virginia Military Institute Admissions

Virginia Military Institute
12-13 Catalogue
BI 404. CELL BIOLOGY 3—3—4
An introduction to cell structure and function including: membrane structure and physiology,
functions of organelles, nuclear regulation, role of the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix,
the cell cycle and cell death. Special emphasis is placed on the molecular biology of cellular
processes and on current laboratory techniques including PCR and electrophoretic separation
of nucleic acids and proteins. Prerequisites: CH 223, BI 101, and BI 102.
BI 405. HISTOLOGY 3—3—4
Histology is the study of anatomy at the tissue level. This course will examine the
characteristics of the four basic tissue types and the structure and organization of organ
and organ systems. The laboratory portion of the course will emphasize the identification
of different tissue types and organs throughout the body based on tissue composition. This
course is highly recommended for those students planning on pursuing a career in medicine.
Histology will be offered on an every other year basis. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 410. EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 3—0—3
This course is an introduction to the principles and processes of evolution, ranging from
population biology to global dynamics. We will explore the wide array of obstacles faced
by all creatures, the specifics of and unique scenarios in organismal adaptation, as well as
the drivers behind those specific adaptations. Topics will include the theory of evolution by
natural selection, patterns of speciation, concepts of fitness and adaptation, the genetic and
developmental bases of evolution, basics of systematic and phylogeny, macro-evolutionary
patterns, large-scale trends in extinctions, and human evolution. Students will explore primary
literature in the field and participate in evidence-based group discussions on the biological
evidence laying the foundation for evolutionary principles. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 411. IMMUNOLOGY 3—0—3
The course will focus on the human immune system. Students will first develop an
understanding of the varied components of the immune system and then learn how those
components interact to efficiently recognize and remove foreign invaders. Regulation of
immune responses and immunpathologies will also be discussed. Prerequisites: BI 101,
BI 102, and BI 204 or BI 302.
BI 420W. BIOLOGY SEMINAR 3—0—3
This course is required of all biology majors and is a writing intensive course. The course
will follow a seminar format and the topics covered will be drawn from a broad range of
areas in biology and will emphasize current developments in these areas. Cadets will lead
discussions and write summaries for the topic they present. A term paper will be written on
a specific area of interest in biology. Prerequisites: Completion of at least one course from
each of the four areas and first-class status. Writing Intensive (W).
BI 430. Molecular Biology 3—0—3
Pre: BI 101, CH /224/225 (Organic), BC (CH) 421/422, BI 205 (Genetics) or BI 302 (Cell Biology)
BI 490W and BI 491W. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH 0—4—2 to 0—8—4
These courses are for first classmen pursuing research during the fall and/or spring
semesters. Permission of instructor and department head required.
business
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
DEPARTMENT HEAD: ColONEl DUNCAN
Requirements for a major in economics and business are specified on page 50.
*For all economics and business majors, the following courses must be completed with a
grade of C or higher: MA 125, 126; WR 101, 102; EC 201, 202, 300, 303, 304, 330; BU 210,
211, 220, 230, 310, 330, 316, 339, 440. In addition, a minimum grade point average of at
least a C must be earned in all department courses.
BU 210.* FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 3—0—3
Basic principles and concepts of accounting, recording and reporting transactions, and
preparation and interpretation of periodic statements. Emphasis is on the rationale underlying
accounting operations. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MA 125, MA 126, or equivalent.
BU 211.* MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING 3—0—3
Analysis and use of both accounting data and periodic statements, operating and capital
budgets, costing and control of operations, and various periodic profit-planning designs.
Prerequisite: BU 210 with a grade of C or better.
BU 215. FINANCIAL PLANNING 3—0—3
A study of the fundamental principles of financial decision making. Overview of money
management principles, to include asset management, investment products and planning,
personal risk assessment, and insurance. Open to all majors. Prerequisite: completion of 6
hours of math at VMI or equivalent. Note: This course cannot be taken by EC/BU majors or
business minors as a business elective.
BU 220.* PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT 3—0—3
The principles and processes of management in the private sector of the economy. Analysis
of the managerial functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, emphasizing
ethics and social responsibility.
BU 230.* PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING 3—0—3
Analysis of the marketing function in business enterprise, including product development,
pricing, distribution, and promotion for domestic and global markets. Includes study of
market research, environmental scanning and analysis techniques.
BU 305. INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING I 3—0—3
An in-depth study of measurement issues and reporting requirements for assets, together
with developing an understanding of the theoretical foundation of financial accounting. The
emphasis is on the official pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
Prerequisite: BU 210 with grade of C or higher.
BU 306. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 3—0—3
This is a course designed to increase the student’s awareness of the fundamentals of the
international business environment, and focuses on the issues and problems confronting
managers in international business. The international business environment includes viewing
national differences in political economy and cultures, global trade, monetary policies,
strategies and structures of international businesses, and how basic business functions
are best performed on an international basis. Prerequisite: EC 201, 202.
BU 310.* BUSINESS FINANCE 3—0—3
The approach is from the viewpoint of management in making financial decisions for the
firm. Business risk and valuation, capital budgeting, cost of capital, and the decision-making
process are the four areas emphasized. Prerequisite: BU 210 with a grade of C or better.
BU 316.* LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS 3—0—3
The law as a means to social, political, and economic change. The American legal system
from the standpoint of its sources and its philosophy, with special emphasis on business
relations and the role of government. The course should develop an understanding of the
structural apparatus and techniques of the legal process.
BU 320. BUSINESS MARKETING 3—0—3
This course involves an analysis of the basic principles which govern marketing products
and services to organizational customers rather than final consumers who buy goods and
services for personal consumption. Attention is focused on the special problems connected
with the management of the business marketing organization and the planning, purchase,
distribution, promotion, and development of business goods and services. Prerequisite:
BU 230.
BU 322. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 3—0—3
The knowledge, skills, and abilities of management and non management employees are
essential in the attainment of organizational objectives. BU 322 examines the recruitment,
selection, training, evaluation, and compensation of employees, within the constraints of
operating efficiency and applicable federal and state laws. NOTE: Academic credit will be
given for BU 322 or for PS 306, but not for both. Also, PS 306 will not count as a humanities or
business elective. Prerequisite: BU 220 with a grade of C or higher.
BU 330. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS 3—0—3
An introduction to the field of management information systems, to include basic information
systems’ concepts, the use of MIS in systematic problem solving, and managerial implications
involved with hardware, software, telecommunications, and database management.
Prerequisite: BU 220.
BU 335. web 2.0 for business 3—0—3
The purpose of this course is to learn how the internet is changing the way business
is done. New technology is making business more efficient, allowing them to increase
their customer base, and helping them to improve their profitability. Topics include: social
networking, blogging, wikis, collaboration/virtual teams, and media. Prerequisites: BU 220
(basic knowledge of business practices is beneficial).
BU 339.* OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT 3—0—3
An introduction to operating management decisions which must be made to supply or
produce the product or service of an organization. Integrating the major decision responsibilities
of process, quality, capacity, and inventory issues through the use of cross-functional decision
making is emphasized. Prerequisite: BU 220 and EC 303.
BU 340. ENTREPRENEURSHIP 3—0—3
Entrepreneurship is the processes and attitudes that result in organizational innovation,
as the confluence of opportunities and ideas. Traditionally, the study of entrepreneurship
focused on small and family businesses. However, large organizations have discovered the
competitive necessity of flexibility and creativity, functioning as if they were small. BU 340 is
integrative and applicative, utilizing concepts from core courses in business and economics.
Prerequisite BU 220 or permission of instructor.
BU 411. PRINCIPLES OF INVESTMENT 3—0—3
An introduction to investment in securities. Within the context of the institutional and financial
environment, the course offers a practical and theoretical analysis of stocks, bonds, and
derivative securities. Emphasis on valuation, risk, market mechanics, security analysis and
market efficiency. Prerequisites: BU 310 with a grade of C or higher or permission of instructor.
BU 412. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT 3—0—3
A practical and theoretical examination of investment management techniques and capital
market theory. Emphasis on the construction and management of equity and fixed income
portfolios using passive and active strategies. Portfolio diversification, performance evaluation
and investment policy statement development are also studied from the perspective of the
manager and the client. Prerequisites: BU 310 with a grade of C or higher or permission
of instructor.
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