Biology

The student who majors in biology will be prepared to seek employment in medical or industrial research laboratories, research institutes, hospital laboratories, quality control organizations, environmental organizations, or various federal agencies. She will also be prepared to make application to graduate school, medical, dental, or other professional schools and with appropriate education courses, the student may teach science courses in secondary schools.

Students admitted to the university who meet the following prerequisites should be able to complete a biology degree in 4 years through consultation with an advisor:

  1. Completing at least one year of high school biology and at least two years of college preparatory mathematics with grades of C (2.0) or better.
  2. Placement into Math and English courses at collegiate level (not developmental courses) by examination or transfer of classes.
  3. The following criteria are also recommended:
    1. High school GPA of at least B (3.0). 
    2. ACT composite of 22 or SAT 1110.

Students found deficient in these prerequisites will be allowed to enter the program but need to be aware that it may take them longer than 4 years to correct their deficiencies and complete the biology degree.

A student will not be permitted to progress in the program without departmental approval if they have not maintained at least a grade of C- in all major or supporting field courses. Students majoring in Biology are limited to two attempts in any Biology course.

Graduation requirements for students majoring or minoring in biology include successful completion of all biology course work with a GPA of 2.50 or better in all biology and supporting field courses. In addition, majors will be required to successfully complete a Capstone project.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

BIO 100: Survey Biology

Survey of fundamental concepts of biology relating how those concepts influence or may influence the student's life. Designed primarily for non-science majors.

BIO 120: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

This is an introductory course on the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Basic cell and tissue structure will be covered, as well as the main organ systems and their functions (Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive).

BIO 121: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology Lab

This laboratory course involves the application of the anatomical and physiological concepts covered in BIO 120. Microscopic analysis, models, and other exercises will be utilized to better understand the body systems covered in lecture.

BIO 192: Scientific Methods

The course gives an overview of the scientific method. Students will learn what the role of science is and how it is done, including formation of a research question, proper experimental design, use of the scientific literature, conducting an experiment, peer review, scientific writing and oral presentation.

BIO 200: Anatomy and Physiology I

This course will cover structure and function of cells, tissues, body organization, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. 

BIO 201: Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

This laboratory course involves the application of the anatomical and physiological concepts covered in BIO 200. Microscopic analysis, models, and other exercises will be utilized to better understand the body systems covered in lecture. 

BIO 202: Anatomy and Physiology II

This course will cover the structure and function of cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems, as well as metabolism and homeostatic control.

BIO 203: Anatomy and Physiology II Lab

Application of anatomical and physiological concepts in a laboratory setting. Microscopic analysis of select tissues will be coupled with cadaver inspection, models, dissections, and laboratory exercises to develop a better understanding of the body systems covered in BIO 202

BIO 225: Personal Nutrition

This course will offer students an additional choice for the general education science requirement. Topics will include digestion and absorption of nutrients, minimum daily requirements and functions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Students will also study the safety and function of food additives, "fad" diets, weight management, the role of nutrition in good health and fitness, and world hunger.

BIO 230: Microbiology

A study of the general and medical bacteriology, immunology, virology, mycology, and parasitology.

BIO 245: Introduction to Field Biology

An introduction to the basic techniques and methods used to study biology in an outdoor environment. A brief survey of botany, zoology, and ecology concepts will be included. Multiple outdoor experiments, collections, and field trips will be performed. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 245 and BIO 345.

BIO 250: Zoology

An introduction to the morphological, behavioral, and ecological diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

BIO 251: Zoology Laboratory

A hands-on laboratory investigation of the morphological, behavioral, and ecological diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

BIO 252: Entomology

Insects represent the largest percentage of the world’s known species and inhabit (or have inhabited) every terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. This course will cover general insect biology, ecology, evolution, and taxonomy. The course will discuss how insects impact our daily lives through things like crop destruction, pollination, food, clothing, and the spread of disease. Current research and topics in entomology will also be covered.

BIO 255: Ecology

As the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment, ecology is a foundational course in biology studies. This course will identify and explain the principles of ecological science, including the concepts of populations, communities, and ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. Students will develop an understanding of how scientific methods are used to construct ecological knowledge. The course will also explore some global ecological challenges, and the research that is addressing these concerns.

BIO 265: Forensic Science

This combination lecture/lab course is an introduction to the basic areas and techniques currently used in the forensic sciences. Topics covered include (but are not limited to) fingerprints, DNA, bloodstain pattern analysis, pathology, entomology, and ethics.

BIO 266: Botany

An introductory study of plants, their classification, identification, structure, and life cycles.

BIO 267: Botany Laboratory

A hands-on laboratory investigation of the classification, morphological, life cycles, and ecological diversity of plants.

BIO 268: Environmental Biology

Study of the basic principles and concepts of the biology of populations, communities, and ecosystems as they relate to environmental sustainability and biodiversity. Environmental threats to biodiversity and environmental sustainability including use of water, mineral, and energy resources and threats from pollution and climate change will be explored.

BIO 271: Practicum

A supervised program in which the student may gain practical experience by participating in an off-campus program in conjunction with a hospital, school system or community agency.

BIO 300: General Microbiology

A study of the basic principles of microbiology. Topics covered will include the history of microbiology including classic experiments, microbial structure and function, nutrition, growth, control, metabolism, and genetics of microbes. Diverse microbial organisms will be covered and include viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Microbial roles in symbiotic relationships, the environment, and the food industry will be discussed. Biotechnology involving microbes will also be covered. This course is designed for upper level biology majors and minors but is appropriate as a general education science course as well. Concurrent enrollment in the associated laboratory, BIO 301, is required.

BIO 301: General Microbiology Lab

An introduction to microbiological techniques. Investigations of bacterial anatomy and physiology, growth conditions, genetics, and basic biotechnology will be conducted. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 300 or departmental approval is required.

BIO 310: Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I

This course will cover the chemical organization, cellular organization and tissue organization of the body. Using an organ system based approach students will learn the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and endocrine system. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the physiology of osseous tissue, muscle contraction and nerve function and conduction, as well as familiarity with the anatomy of neural pathways and CNS regional specialization. Concurrent enrollment in the associated laboratory, BIO 311, is required.

BIO 312: Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II

Application of advanced anatomical and physiological concepts in a laboratory setting. Microscopic analysis of select tissues will be coupled with cadaver inspection, models, dissections, and laboratory exercises to develop a better understanding of the body systems covered in BIO 310 and BIO 311. Concurrent enrollment in the associated laboratory, BIO 313, is required.

BIO 330: Genetics

An introduction to the basis of inheritance from molecular to organismal level with emphasis on the role of genetics in evolution and adaptation to the environment, as well as considerable human application. Concurrent enrollment in the associated laboratory, BIO 331, is required.

BIO 331: Genetics Laboratory

A study of basic genetic principles with the aid of a variety of organisms and online lab exercises. The laboratory requires considerable independent work.

BIO 340: Biochemistry

The course explores the chemistry of key biological molecules such as proteins (and enzymes), nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. Other topics include structure-function correlation, chemical reactivity, kinetics, and equilibrium, thermodynamics, membrane structure and function, and metabolic energy pathways. (Also listed as CHM 340)

BIO 341: Biochemistry Laboratory

Application of basic methods and techniques in biochemistry. Chemical and enzymatic analyses are performed by colorimetric, electrophoretic and chromatographic techniques. Lab meets 3 hours per week. (Also listed as CHM 341)

BIO 345: Field Biology

An introduction to the basic techniques and methods used to study biology in an outdoor environment. A brief survey of botany, zoology, and ecology concepts will be included. Multiple outdoor experiments, collections, and field trips will be performed. Students enrolled in BIO 345 should be able to apply the knowledge and techniques learned to design and implement a field research project that demonstrates an understanding of the scientific method as well as mastery of the field techniques covered in the class. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 245 and BIO 345. This class counts as a lecture/lab course.

BIO 366: Pathophysiology

Deals with the disruption of normal physiology with the alterations, derangements, and mechanisms involved in disruption and how they manifest themselves as signs, symptoms, physical and laboratory findings. General methods of treatment will also be covered.

BIO 390: Molecular Biology

Structure, function and regulation of genes and gene products are discussed extensively using both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. Cell structural/functional relationships are stressed. Special emphasis is placed on biotechnology as it is employed in understanding cell structure and regulation of cellular physiology.

BIO 391: Molecular Biology Lab

Application of basic methods and techniques of biotechnology. Gene cloning, identification, and mutagenesis techniques are emphasized. Methods employed are southern blots, northern blots, western blots, DNA isolation, RNA isolation, plasmid and viral cloning vectors, and chromatography.

BIO 392: Scientific Literacy

Students will learn to distinguish the various types of scientific reporting, identify the type of information found in primary research articles, and examine the role of peer review in the scientific publication process. Additionally they will learn how to critically read primary research articles as they participate in journal club activities.

BIO 450: Intermediate Physiology

Advanced physiological principles of the human body across the lifespan will be covered. The course will build on principles learned in previous courses and will provide a foundation in human physiology required for future professional health programs.

BIO 460: Gross Anatomy

The course will offer a small number of students (an opportunity to learn macroscopic (gross) anatomy using the cadaver as a teaching tool. Modeled after medical school gross anatomy, the students begin the semester with an intact cadaver and, over the course of the semester, work their way through dissecting the entire body. "Class time" is really dissection time, as students learn by identifying structures, tissue planes and the relationships between them using the dissection guide, cadaver and anatomy atlases as resources. Class time is also used to present information to each other as well as to the course instructor (part of assessment). The course requires a significant time commitment on the part of the student — they will be in the lab dissecting for at least 4-5 hours per week (often times more). In addition, students are responsible for a wide range of anatomic terms and structures, so study time is also a significant requirement of the course. This course is perfect for the student who enjoyed anatomy and wants to take their understanding of the structure of the body to the next level.

BIO 464: Immunology/Hematology

A study of normal immune system function (both acquired and innate), normal hematological function and common diseases and derangements of both.

BIO 465: Advanced Forensic Science

This course critically examines forensic science through scientific, political, and ethical lenses. Students will evaluate current literature, techniques, and the impacts they are having on the field. Field trips and guest speakers will be used to gain deeper understanding on the field and how it is changing.

BIO 473: Capstone Project

Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, the student will design and complete an independent project. Projects may involve original disciplinary research, internship, scholarly review and critical analysis of a research topic, or other format as approved by the faculty mentor. The final report must be written in scientific style as a thesis and a seminar presentation of the student's project at Scholar's Day is required.

BIO 475: Capstone Thesis

In a classroom format, students will write a scholarly review and critical analysis of a research topic. The final thesis must be written in scientific style and a presentation of the work at Scholar's Day is required.