Biology Course Descriptions
For Bioethics course descriptions, click here.
BIO 103 Introductory Biology
A general survey of the basic principles of biology with an emphasis on humanity and humanity’s role in nature. The scientific method, evolutionary theory, and Christianity as the basis of understanding nature and its problems are considered. Laboratory is included. Not open to Biology or Health Sciences majors for credit toward a major in Biology or Health Sciences. Laboratory fee. Offered each semester. Four hours.
BIO 105S Environmental Biology
Students will become familiar with the way in which organisms interact with their environment. Topics include the nature of an ecosystem, the definition and biology of a population, the structure of communities, and the process of succession. Field studies and lab work scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (4 hours). An overnight field trip may be required. Prerequisite: BIO 103 or BIO 140 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Not open to Biology majors for credit toward a major in Biology. Laboratory/Field work fee. Offered May term only. Four hours.
BIO 111 General Biology
A concentrated study of the principles and fundamentals of biology. Basic biochemistry, cellular structure and function, energetics, concepts of basic molecular biology, and genetics are included. Laboratory is included. This course is open to majors in the School of Science and Technology only or by consent of the instructor. Prerequisite or corequisite: CH 103 or CH 111 or consent of department. Laboratory fee. Offered spring semester. Four hours.
BIO 112 Biology: The Plant and Animal Kingdoms
A concentrated study of the principles and fundamentals of biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology are studied. Also examined are the diversity, morphology, physiology, and reproduction of microorganisms, plants, and animals. Laboratory is included. This course is open to majors in the School of Science and Technology only or by consent of the instructor. Prerequisite or corequisite: CH 111 or consent of department. Laboratory fee. Offered fall semester. Four hours.
BIO 140 Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology
A study of human anatomy and physiology. Laboratory is included. This course is open to majors in the School of Human Performance and Wellness only or by consent of the instructor. Not open to Biology or Health Sciences majors for credit toward a major in Biology or Health Sciences. Consent of Instructor required. Laboratory fee. Offered fall semester. Four hours.
BIO 150 Laboratory Methods in Biology
This course is designed to meet the needs of the student who requires or desires laboratory experience in a particular area of biology additional to that available as part of the regularly offered course work. The area of study will vary with the needs of the student. Prerequisites: at least one introductory course in the biology and consent of the department chair. Laboratory fee. Offered each semester. One to three hours.
BIO 201X (HS 201X, HPW 201X) Physiology of Exercise
A systematic approach to the study of the function of the human body during physical activity and recovery. Emphasis is placed on how the physiology of the sedentary body responds and adapts to both acute and chronic workloads. The course includes application of these principles to exercise prescription for the achievement of optimal fitness and athletic performance. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites: BIO 140 or BIO 340-341 and current Community First Aid and CPR certification (or acceptable equivalent) or consent of instructor. Laboratory fee. Offered spring semester. Three hours.
BIO 210 Ecology and Field Biology
A study of the fundamental principles and concepts of ecology emphasizing the ecosystem approach. Introduction to the principles and concepts pertaining to the ecosystem, including energy flow, nutrient cycling, limiting factors, ecological development, and organismic, population, and community ecology. The structure and characteristics of various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, environmental problems, and resource management are also included. Laboratory and field work are included. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112 or consent of instructor. Laboratory fee. Offered fall semester 2008-09. Four hours.
BIO 220 General Botany
The taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, and ecology of vascular and nonvascular plants will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of the cellular, organismal, and gross structures of vascular plants with development and function in time and environment. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and CH 112. Laboratory fee. Offered fall semester 2008-09. Four hours.
BIO 250 Advanced Laboratory Methods in Biology
This course is designed to provide the student with advanced laboratory experience in a particular area of interest in the biology beyond that offered as part of the regularly scheduled course work. The field of study will vary with the needs of the student. Prerequisites: at least one introductory course in biology and consent of the department chair. Laboratory fee. Offered on demand. One to three hours.
BIO 285X (MA 285X) Statistics
An examination of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Specific topics include the scientific method, data analysis and production, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and regression, random sampling and probability, nonparametric inferential tests, and parametric inferential tests, including one-way analysis of variance. Specific instruction and computer experience in the use of SPSS is provided. Offered each semester. Computer fee. Four hours.
BIO 305 Scientific Applications
In-depth instructional or laboratory experience designed to enhance the student’s expertise, critical thinking, laboratory and communication skills in any of several areas. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: invitation of instructor. Instructor’s consent by signature required. Offered each semester. One to four hours.
BIO 310 Microbiology
A study of the taxonomy and identification, structure, nutrition and growth, physiology, metabolism, genetics, host microbial interactions, immunology, ecology, epidemiology, and control of microorganisms and viruses. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites or corequisites: BIO 111, CH 111-112. Laboratory fee. Offered fall semester. Four hours.
BIO 315 Genetics (formerly BIO 200)
A study of the basic principles of heredity, including classical, cytological and population genetics. In addition, the course will emphasize the analysis of genes at the molecular level and the study of gene expression. Laboratory is included. Prerequisite: BIO 111, 112. Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years. Four hours.
BIO 320 Immunology
A study of the cellular and molecular nature of immunoglobulins, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, immunopathology, immunobiology, and cancer biology. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112 and CH 112. Courses in microbiology, cell and molecular biology, and genetics are highly recommended. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years. Three hours.
BIO 330 Animal Physiology
A detailed study of the physiological processes of animals. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Four hours.
BIO 340-341 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
An in-depth study of the anatomical and physiological features of the following human body systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, digestive/metabolic, lymphatic, and endocrine. Relevant clinical information and pathology are discussed. A strong emphasis is placed on experimental study and analysis of physiological processes. This course is suitable for premedical students, health sciences students, students wishing to pursue graduate studies in science, and education majors with a science emphasis. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites or corequisites: BIO 111 and CH 103 or CH 111-112, or consent of instructor. Laboratory fee. Offered each year. Both semesters must be completed in order to apply to major. Eight hours.
BIO 350 Topics in Biology
Utilizing the current literature, this course examines an advanced topic in the field of biology. Prerequisites: BIO 111, CH 103, or CH 111 or consent of the instructor. Course may be repeated with different topic. Laboratory fee may be required depending on topic. Offered on demand. Three to four hours.
BIO 400 Origins and Evolution
A critical examination of the empirical and theoretical bases for the theories of the origin of life and biological evolution. The scriptural account of creation and the various schools of thought on creation and evolution are considered. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112 or consent of the instructor. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years. Three hours.
BIO 405 Advanced Scientific Applications
Advanced instructional or laboratory experience designed to enhance the student’s expertise, critical thinking, and laboratory and communication skills in any of several areas. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: invitation of the instructor. Instructor’s consent by signature required. Offered on demand. One to four hours.
BIO 410 Biology Seminar
This course includes presentations and discussions of selected papers, topics of current interest in the field, and senior research projects by students and invited speakers. Starting in the student’s second year in the Biology program, this course must be taken each semester it is offered until graduation or changing of majors. The student will audit all semesters except one. During the spring semester of the student’s senior year, the course must be taken for credit and a senior seminar presentation will be required. Prerequisite: major in the School of Science and Technology or consent of instructor. Offered each each spring semester. One hour.
BIO 415 Molecular Genetics
This course will offer a detailed study of the analysis and manipulations of genes at the molecular level, including control of gene expression, study of genome structure, and molecular evolution. Course will include reading and discussion of current literature relevant to the field of molecular genetics and instruction in the use of biological databases. The application of molecular genetics to analyze the human genome will be considered. Prerequisites: BIO 315, CH 203 or CH 212. Suggested prerequisite or corequisite: CH 320 or consent of instructor. Laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Four hours.
BIO 420 Cell and Molecular Biology
A detailed study of the organization, physiology, metabolism, and molecular biology of the cell. Laboratory included. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112 and CH 320. Laboratory fee. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years. Four hours.
BIO 430 Developmental Biology
A study of the nature of basic developmental processes of animals at the classical, experimental, and molecular level. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 340, 341. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Four hours.
BIO 440 Microbial Physiology
A study of microorganisms (with the emphasis on bacteria) and their nutritional requirements, metabolism, ultrastructure, genetics, and taxonomy. Laboratory included. Prerequisite: BIO 310. One semester of organic chemistry is recommended. Laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Four hours.
BIO 450 Independent Study
Research and specialized studies designed to meet the needs of individual students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Laboratory fee may be required. Offered on demand. One to three hours.
BIO 460 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
A comparative study of the anatomy, morphology, and functions of vertebrates. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Laboratory fee. Offered on demand. Four hours.
BIO 470 Undergraduate Research
A laboratory course involving investigation of a research problem under faculty supervision. Course requirements include a literature survey, research, a written formal report, and oral presentation of results in biology seminar (BIO 410). Prerequisites: BIO 111 and at least one of the following: BIO 310, 340-341, 420. Instructor’s consent by signature required. May be repeated for credit. Laboratory fee may be required. Offered each semester. One to four hours.
