College Closed Tuesday Because of Icy Conditions

All Wake Tech campuses will remain closed Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Students taking in-person classes should check with their instructors for more information. Online classes will continue as scheduled. Many Wake Tech services, including Admissions and Academic Advising, are available virtually at virtualsupport.waketech.edu. Wake Tech employees who can work remotely should do so.

Mathematics & Sciences

Life Sciences

Biology Course Descriptions

NOTE: All Biology courses listed are offered by the North Carolina Community College System. Wake Tech does not offer all of these, and course availability may vary by semester, depending upon enrollment needs.

BIO-106: Introduction to Anatomy/Physiology/ Microbiology

This course covers the fundamental and principle concepts of human anatomy and physiology and microbiology. Topics include an introduction to the structure and function of cells, tissues, and human organ systems, and an overview of microbiology, epidemiology, and control of microorganisms. Upon completion, students should be able to identify structures and functions of the human body and describe microorganisms and their significance in health and disease.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:2
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-110: Principles of Biology

This course provides a survey of fundamental biological principles for non-science majors. Emphasis is placed on basic chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, ecology, diversity, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate increased knowledge and better understanding of biology as it applies to everyday life. Laboratory exercises are designed to illustrate the basic principles presented in lecture.

Course Prerequisites: Complete one: Complete MAT-003 with a grade of P1 or higher;Place out of MAT-003; Complete MAT-025; Place out ofMAT-025; Complete MAT-035; Place out of MAT-035 Complete one: Complete ENG-002 with a grade of P1 or higher;Place out of ENG-002; Complete ENG-025; Place out ofENG-025; Complete ENG-110
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-111: General Biology I

This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is placed on basic biological chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, evolution, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. This course is the first in a two-semester series intended for science majors. Students will also learn academic skills essential to learning in STEM-based courses.

Course Prerequisites: Complete one: Complete MAT-003 with a grade of P1 or higher;Place out of MAT-003; Complete MAT-025; Place out ofMAT-025; Complete MAT-035; Place out of MAT-035 Complete one: Complete ENG-002 with a grade of P1 or higher;Place out of ENG-002; Complete ENG-025; Place out ofENG-025; Complete ENG-110
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-112: General Biology II

This course is a continuation of BIO 111. Emphasis is placed on organisms, evolution, biodiversity, plant and animal systems, ecology, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of life at the organismal and ecological levels. This course is the second in a two-semester series intended for science majors.

Course Prerequisites: Take BIO-111 Complete BIO-111 with a grade of C or higher
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-140: Environmental Biology

This course introduces environmental processes and the influence of human activities upon them. Topics include ecological concepts, population growth, natural resources, and a focus on current environmental problems from scientific, social, political, and economic perspectives. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of environmental interrelationships and of contemporary environmental issues. Individual actions as part of the solution to regional environmental problems is stressed.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-140A: Environmental Biology Lab

This course provides a laboratory component to complement BIO 140. Emphasis is placed on laboratory and field experience. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a practical understanding of environmental interrelationships and of contemporary environmental issues. Environmentally responsible behavior at the individual level is investigated.

Course Prerequisites: Take BIO-140
Total Credits:1
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-155: Nutrition

This course covers the biochemistry of foods and nutrients with consideration of the physiological effects of specialized diets for specific biological needs. Topics include cultural, religious, and economic factors that influence a person's acceptance of food, as well as nutrient requirements of the various life stages. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the functions and sources of nutrients, the mechanisms of digestion, and the nutritional requirements of all age groups. Students will also learn academic skills essential to learning in STEM-based courses.

Course Prerequisites: Complete CHM-090 or place out of CHM-090 OR complete BIO-110 or BIO-111
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-161: Introduction to Human Biology

This course provides a basic survey of human biology. Emphasis is placed on the basic structure and function of body systems and the medical terminology used to describe normal and pathological states. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology and the appropriate use of medical terminology. Students will also learn academic skills essential to learning in STEM-based courses.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-163: Basic Anatomy & Physiology

This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Students will also learn academic skills essential to learning in STEM-based courses.

Course Prerequisites: Complete one: Complete CHM-090; Place out of CHM-090,Complete BIO-110; Complete BIO-111 Complete one: Complete ENG-002 with a grade of P1 or higher;Place out of ENG-002; Complete ENG-025; Place out ofENG-025; Complete ENG-110
Total Credits:5
Class Credits:4
Lab Credits:2
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-168: Anatomy and Physiology I

This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory exercises will include investigation of structural and functional aspects of the indicated organ systems.

Course Prerequisites: Complete one: Complete CHM-090; Place out of CHM-090,Complete BIO-110; Complete BIO-111 Complete one: Complete ENG-002 with a grade of P1 or higher;Place out of ENG-002; Complete ENG-025; Place out ofENG-025; Complete ENG-110
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-169: Anatomy and Physiology II

This course provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory exercises will include investigation of structural and functional aspects of the indicated organ systems.

Course Prerequisites: Complete BIO-168 with a grade of C or higher. Take BIO-168
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-175: General Microbiology

This course covers principles of microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms and human disease. Topics include an overview of microbiology and aspects of medical microbiology, identification and control of pathogens, disease transmission, host resistance, and immunity. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of microorganisms and the disease process as well as aseptic and sterile techniques.

Course Prerequisites: Complete BIO-110, BIO-111, BIO-163, BIO-165, or BIO-168 with a grade of C or higher. Take One: BIO-110, BIO-111, BIO-163, BIO-165, or BIO-168
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:2
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-250: Genetics

This course covers principles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell genetics. Emphasis is placed on the molecular basis of heredity, chromosome structure, patterns of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, evolution, and biotechnological applications. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and describe genetic phenomena and demonstrate knowledge of important genetic principles.

Course Prerequisites: Take BIO-112 Complete BIO-112 with a grade of C or higher.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

BIO-275: Microbiology

This course covers principles of microbiology and the impact these organisms have on man and the environment. Topics include the various groups of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, genetics, microbial pathogenicity, infectious diseases, immunology, and selected practical applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills including microscopy, aseptic technique, staining, culture methods, and identification of microorganisms.

Course Prerequisites: Complete BIO-111, BIO-163, BIO-165, or BIO-168 with a grade of C or higher. Take One: BIO 111, BIO 163, BIO 165, or BIO 168
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0