Course Descriptions - B

BIOLOGY (BIOL)

BI0L 103. General Biology I. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: All developmental studies courses, if required. An investigation of contemporary science through a study of living cells and organisms. Topics include energy and life, cell structure and function, genetics and development. Laboratory will stress principles of science and investigative processes. Not for biology majors.

BI0L 104. General Biology II. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 103. Sequential to Biology 103. An investigation of contemporary science through a study of living organisms and populations. Topics include population genetics, evolution, ecology, behavior and structure/function relationships. Laboratory will stress principles of science and investigative processes. Not for biology majors.

BIOL 200. Biological Principles I. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: All developmental studies courses if required. An organismal approach to biology. Topics include population genetics, evolution, ecology, behavior and structure/function relationships. For science majors.

BIOL 201. Biological Principles II. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: CHEM 121/124. A cellular approach to biology. Topics include cell chemistry, cell structure and function, energy metabolism and cell differentiation, and techniques used to study them. For science majors.

BIOL 206. Structural Anatomy and Physiology I. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104. Histology, detailed gross anatomy and fundamental physiology of the integumentary skeletal, muscular and neuroendocrine systems of the human body. Primarily for physical education majors.

BIOL 207. Structural Anatomy and Physiology II. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 206. Detailed gross anatomy and fundamental physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and excretory systems. Aspects of nutrition, metabolism and body temperature regulation are included. Primarily for physical education majors.

BIOL 221. Functional Anatomy and Physiology I. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 103 or CHEM 105/107. Detailed physiology with emphasis on the structural and functional relationships in humans. The course begins with cellular organization and continues through the nervous, endocrine, skeletal and muscular systems. The emphasis is on integration and control. Primarily for nursing majors.

BIOL 222. Functional Anatomy and Physiology II. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 221. A continuation of Biology 221. The course emphasizes the concept of homeostasis in the study of the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems. Primarily for nursing majors.

BIOL 261. Fundamental Microbiology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 103 or 221. Basic principles and techniques of microbiology emphasizing the various types of microbes, their morphology, metabolic processes and their relationships to humans. Primarily for nursing majors.

BIOL 300. General Genetics. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104, or 200, 201. Principles of genetics including classical, molecular, population genetics and cytogenetics. Importance of genetics as a foundation for other divisions of biology is stressed.

BIOL 310. Invertebrate Zoology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104 or 200, 201. An examination of environmental influences on the evolution of the invertebrates including anatomy, physiology and phylogeny of invertebrates.

BIOL 315. Vertebrate Zoology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104 or BIOL 200, 201. An examination of the phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary origins and life history traits of the vertebrates. Emphasis in the laboratories will be on the identification of North American vertebrates as well as examining the relationships between morphology and ecology.

BIOL 317. Pathophysiology. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 222, 261; CHEM 106/108. Examines the biological basis of common, clinical disease states. Pathophysiology is treated as a disruption of normal homeostatic mechanisms that progresses beyond the normal compensatory capabilities of the human body.

BIOL 320. Plant Morphology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104 or 200, 201. Shape and structure, both internal and external, of plants. Emphasis on phylogenetic relationships among and between non-vascular and vascular plants.

BIOL 327. Medical Genetics. 5-0-5. Corequisite: BIOL 317 or consent of instructor. An introduction to the principles of medical genetics and the application of these principles to human genetic disorders. Topics include inborn errors of metabolism, cytogenetic anomalies, neural tube defects, and application of molecular genetics to the diagnosis of specific disorders. Genetic counseling procedures, prenatal options and the ethical dilemmas generated as a result of these options will also be discussed.

BIOL 333. Instrumental Methods. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 200, 201; CHEM 336/337. Use of common laboratory instruments and their applications in quantifying biological phenomena.

BIOL 335. Natural History of Georgia. 2-9-5. Prerequisites: BIOL 104 or B1OL 200, 201 or a two-course sequence in geology. This course examines the flora, fauna, geology and environments of selected Georgia ecosystems. The historical and geological development of the state’s major habitats and landforms are examined by way of a series of weekend field trips.

BIOL 338. Histology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104 or 200, 201. An investigation of structural and functional relationships in animal tissues. Laboratory involves analysis of tissues using light microscopy.

BIOL 340. Microbiology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 200, 201. A study of prokaryotic and unicellular eukaryotic organisms emphasizing morphology, physiology, control, identification, symbiotic relationships and practical applications. Immunology is studied as a response of vertebrates to microbial infection.

BIOL 345. Microtechnique. 3-6-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104, or 200, 201. An introduction to the light microscope and to the preparation of materials for its effective use. Preservation, histochemical staining, sectioning methods and instrumentation will be emphasized.

BIOL 350. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104 or 200, 201. A survey of representative vertebrates and related chordates emphasizing phylogeny and anatomical adaptations. Evolutionary trends are examined in the context of large-scale environmental changes that have occurred over geologic time.

BIOL 360. Physical Ecology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104, or 200, 201. Origin, evolution and distribution of organisms on the earth as determined by micro- and macro-environmental factors. History, development and nature of the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere are included.

BIOL 365. Earth Watch: Examining Global Environmental Issues. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: 10 quarter hours of laboratory science. An examination of the integrative nature of environmental sciences; emphasis on human interactions with world environments. Discussions will focus on case studies, environmental problem-solving, and the development of a personal ecological ethic. Ecological principles of population, community, ecosystem and biosphere will be integrated in the case studies.

BIOL 370. Ecology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104, or 200, 201. Relationships among living organisms and their environments at the individual, population, community and biosphere levels. Laboratory and field activities will emphasize environmental sampling procedures and statistical analysis of sampling data.

BIOL 371. Limnology. 3-6-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104, or 200, 201. This course will develop a comprehensive and integrated understanding of physical, chemical and biological processes occurring in lakes, streams and estuaries. The approach will use the scientific method to investigate and contrast basic ecological processes operating in various systems. Students will generate hypotheses from an initial collection of data and from lectures on various limnologic parameters (e.g. light, nutrients, productivity, community structure, pollutants). Students will test specific hypotheses by developing and implementing field surveys and experimental manipulations.

BIOL 375. Behavioral Biology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104, or 200, 201. A survey of the major concepts of neurophysiology, ethology and behavioral ecology, including the behavior of social organisms. Laboratory and field activities emphasize a quantitative, hypothesis-testing approach to observing the behavior of animals.

BIOL 380. Evolution and Biosystematics. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 300. Principles of evolutionary biology and systematics including discussions of natural selection, adaptation, population genetics and speciation. Concepts and principles involved with determining evolutionary relationships and the applications of biological nomenclature are included.

BIOL 384. Biology of Gender. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 104, or 200, 201. An exploration of the consequences of sexual dimorphism in living organisms. Sex differences in physiology, ecology, behavior and sociobiology are examined. Topics of current interest, including issues in human sociobiology, are given special emphasis in this largely discussion-format course.

BIOL 390. Developmental Biology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 300. Developmental process of animals and plants from formation of gametes through the embryonic stages, birth, maturation and aging. Emphasis on anatomical development, experimental embryology and molecular mechanisms of cellular differentiation.

BIOL 396. Cooperative Study. 1-3 credit hours. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair and coordinator of cooperative education/internships (Career Services). A supervised work experience program for a minimum of three academic quarters at a previously approved site in business, industry or government or a private agency. For sophomore, junior or senior level students who wish to obtain successive on-the-job experience in conjunction with their academic training.

BIOL 398. Internship. 1-15 credit hours. Prerequisite: Approval of major area committee and department chair prior to registration. A supervised, credit-earning work experience of one academic quarter with a previously approved business firm, private agency or government agency. Credit is allowed only in elective areas.

BIOL 399. Seminar. 1-0-1. Prerequisite: BIOL103/104 or 200, 201 and permission of instructor. Selected topics of current interest, to be announced. May be taken only two times for credit.

BIOL 400. Directed Study. 1-5 credit hours. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor, major area committee and department chair prior to registration. Up to five hours may be applied to the major area. Selected topics of an advanced nature, which may include original research projects.

BIOL 410. Cell and Molecular Biology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 200, 201, 300; CHEM 338/339. Cellular function from an experimental point of view. Emphasis on functional interactions among cellular substructures, regulation of cellular biosynthetic activity, laboratory procedures and evaluation of experimental data.

BIOL 420. Plant Physiology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 200, 201, CHEM 336/337. Metabolic and physical processes of plants, emphasizing photosynthesis, respiration, water relationships, mineral utilization and hormonal reactions.

BIOL 427. Chromosome Preparation and Analysis. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 300 and Corequisite: BIOL 327. An extensive preparatory course designed to give students hands-on experience with the methods used in the preparation of human chromosomes. Collection techniques, culture procedures, harvesting protocol and slide preparation will be followed by analysis and interpretation of karyotypes. Laboratory will emphasize proper use of the microscope, as well as processing of film and prints.

BIOL 430. Vertebrate Physiology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 200, 201, CHEM 336/337. Comparative systems physiology of various vertebrates, emphasizing quantitative methods of analysis.

BIOL 435. Field Biology. 1-5 credit hours. Prerequisite: Will vary as to topics. See quarter schedule. This is an advanced-level course that focuses on the biology of organisms living in their natural environments. The course composition may vary from offering to offering, but it emphasizes independent student research projects, and it will take place at field sites away from the KSC campus. Additional fee required.

BIOL 440. Advanced Genetics. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 300, CHEM 338/339. Genetic principles from an experimental point of view using microbial, dipteran and mammalian systems. Topics include transformation, transduction, mutation, enzyme systems, mapping, developmental genetics, behavioral genetics and population theory.

BIOL 450. Team Research. 5 credit hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 200, 201, 300 and permission of instructor. This course is a group experience in biological research in which class members form a research team to design, perform, analyze and write up for publication a single project or group of related projects under the supervision and direction of a faculty member.

BIOL 465. Immunology. 4-3-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 300, CHEM 336/337; BIOL 340 recommended. Immunology will explore current concepts of the immune system. Emphasis will be placed on the induction of the immune response, on the mechanism(s) of those responses, and on the mechanism(s) by which the immune system protects against disease. The development and the role of each of the components involved in the immune response as well as immunological applications will be discussed.

BIOL 475. Virology. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: BIOL 300; BIOL 340 recommended. This course will explore current concepts associated with the field of virology. The structure and genetic composition of viruses as well as strategies for replication and expression of viral genetic material will be explored. Mechanisms of viral pathogenesis will be presented. In addition, current methods for viral diagnostics, prevention of viral infection and treatment of infected individuals will be presented within the context of viruses of historical significance as well as newly emergent viruses of current medical concern. Novel infectious agents such as satellites, viroids and prions will also be discussed.

BIOL 483. Environmental Ethics. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: Senior standing (135 credit hours; 10 credits of biology). This course will consider the implications of our scientific understanding of environmental changes and how we might evaluate our responsibilities regarding these changes. Fundamental concepts of ecology, environmental science, economics and ethics will be used to help us think critically about environmental policy.

BIOL 486. Bioethics. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: 10 hours of biological science & at least 120 total credit hours. This course will enable the student to think more critically about some of the difficult moral problems which arise in the practice of science and from our contemporary understanding of living systems. Readings and discussion will focus on issues of personal decision making and public policy regarding both biomedical and environmental issues.

BIOL 490. Special Topics in Biology. 1-5 credit hours. Prerequisite: Will vary as to topics. Selected special or current topics of interest to faculty and students. See quarter schedule.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BA)

BA 101. Introduction to Business. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Freshman or sophomore standing; non-business majors: None. Broad spectrum analysis of business enterprise, its nature, environment, organization, management, operation and control procedures.

BA 396. Cooperative Study. 1-3 credit hours. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business and approval of the Coordinator of cooperative education/internships (KSC Career Services); non-business majors: Not available to non-business majors. A supervised work-experience program for a minimum of three academic quarters at a site in business, industry or government. For sophomore, junior or senior level students who wish to obtain successive on-the-job experience in conjunction with their academic training.

BA 398. Internship. 1-15 credit hours. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business and approval of the Coordinator of cooperative education/internships (KSC Career Services); non-business majors: Not available to non-business majors. A supervised, credit-earning work experience of one academic quarter with a previously approved business firm or government agency. A research paper is required to receive credit. For junior or senior students who wish to participate in an on-the-job experience in which they may apply their academic training. The work experience may not be with a current employer. The course will be graded on an S-U basis. Credit is allowed only in elective areas.

BA 400. Directed Study. 1-5 credit hours. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business and approval of instructor, major area committee and department chair prior to registration; non-business majors: Approval of instructor, major area committee and department chair prior to registration. Special topics of an advanced nature not in the regular course offerings.

BA 407. Public Relations 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business; non-business majors: 90 credit hours including Area IV of the business core. Provides an understanding of the profession, the practice and the process of public relations as it relates to influencing public opinion, publicity, communication with critical publics (employees, communities, media, investors) and organizational decision making. This course may be substituted for a management elective with permission of adviser.

BA 408. Managerial Communication Skills. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business and ENGL 102; non-business majors: 90 credit hours including ENGL 102. Practices, strategies and skills for effective managerial communication with an emphasis on situational appropriate writing, presenting and interpersonal communication. Focus on career development and communication skills for the professional. Concentration on recent technological advances in communcation.

BA 490. Special Topics in Business Administration. 1-5 credit hours. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business and approval of instructor and department chair; non business-majors: Approval of instructor and department chair. Selected special topics of interest to faculty and students.

BA 498. Honors Consulting Seminar. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business and 135 credit hours with a GPA of 3.0 or higher or by permission of instructor; non-business majors: Not available to non-business majors. Designed to allow students to apply their academic business knowledge to business and non-profit organizations in a student-consultant capacity. Problem-finding and problem-solving skills will be taught, along with techniques for successful implementation. Students will work closely with the Kennesaw State University Small Business Development Center and with the U.S. Small Business Administration. This course represents an opportunity for business majors to improve their skills through a creative, challenging and enjoyable experience.

BA 499. Managerial Effectiveness Seminar. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business and 135 credit hours with a GPA of 3.0 or higher or by permission of instructor; non-business majors: Not available to non-business majors. A comprehensive in-depth study of generic managerial competencies associated with effective managerial performance. The course integrates theory with practice in organizational settings and focuses on developing greater awareness, understanding and skills in critical managerial behaviors. Utilizing diagnostic instruments, video technology and extensive feedback, the course provides the link between having the technical knowledge in a business discipline and effectively applying that knowledge in the organizational setting from a general manager’s perspective.

BUSINESS LAW (BL)

BL 201. Consumer Law. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: All developmental studies courses if required; non-business majors: All developmental studies courses if required. This course is an introduction to the law as it affects consumers and the general public. The course will briefly cover a wide range of legal topics that affect everyday life, including the legal system, crimes, torts, minors, consumers, insurance, property rights, motor vehicles, employment and estate law.

BL 220. Legal and Ethical Environment of Business. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: All developmental studies courses if required; non-business majors: All developmental studies courses if required. Covers torts, contracts, government regulation of business and the legal system. The course also addresses ethical issues arising in a business’s internal and external relationships.

BL 340. Negotiation. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business; non-business majors: 90 credit hours. An examination of the theory and practice of negotiation. In addition to reviewing readings, students will participate in simulations and discuss negotiation cases to broaden their negotiating techniques.

BL 410. Business Law. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business; non-business majors: 90 credit hours; BL 220 recommended. A study of legislation regulating business; partnerships, corporations, commercial paper, secured transactions, sales, consumer credit and bankruptcy.

BL 420. Employment Law. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business; non-business majors: 90 credit hours. This course will be concerned with the influence of law on the personnel function, with special emphasis on discrimination laws and affirmative action issues. It will also provide an overview of various federal laws such as the National Labor Relations Act, The Fair Labor Standards Act and ERISA.

BL 430. Real Estate Law. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business; non-business majors: 90 credit hours; BL 220 recommended. Designed to provide the business student with an understanding of the nature, sources and principles of real estate law, and its importance in the business environment. Topics include: real property versus personal property; contracts involving real estate, deeds and titles; transfer of real estate, mortgages, liens, zoning and land use controls, condemnation, realty agents and landlord-tenant law.

BL 440. International Law: Business Applications. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business; non-business majors: 90 credit hours, including ACC 201, ECON 202, and BL 201 or BL 220. Examines the international legal system and alternative means of international dispute resolution. Laws that determine when and under what conditions companies are allowed to do business abroad are examined. Cases are used to explore choosing the most appropriate business relationship and entering the most advantageous agreement.

BL 450. Franchise Law. 5-0-5. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business or permission of instructor; non-business majors: 90 credit hours; BL 220 recommended. This course is designed to provide the business student with an understanding of the nature, sources and principles of franchise law and its importance in the business environment. Topics to be covered include: fundamentals of franchising, intellectual property, FTC Rules and disclosure, requirements of franchise registration and business opportunity law and earnings claims.

BL 490. Special Topics in Business Law. 1-5 credit hours. Prerequisite: business majors: Admission to the Coles College of Business and approval of instructor and department chair; non-business majors: Approval of instructor and department chair. Selected topics of interest to faculty and students.