College of Arts & Sciences Catalog
The programs in biology provide a broad background in the biological sciences with opportunity for greater depth of study and experience in selected areas. The curriculum is organized into environmental, organismic, cell-molecular, and integrated areas of study. Lectures and laboratories are designed to coordinate closely in content and provide meaningful laboratory experiences, especially in experimentation.
Students are prepared for a variety of graduate or career opportunities. Upon graduation, students majoring in biology typically attend graduate, medical, or dental schools and/or pursue careers in medical technology; teach science in elementary and secondary schools; do laboratory research; perform environmental science duties in government and private industry; or work in allied health areas.
Basic principles of modern biology. Topics include the scientific method, biology of the cell, genetic principles, anatomy and physiology of humans, plant biology, and environmental biology. Laboratory experience is intended to illustrate these principles. Includes 3 lab hrs.
Study of the biological aspects of the human species. Includes basic molecules of life, human cell biology, tissue types, anatomy and physiology of the 10 systems, human embryology and development, human genetics, nutrition, disease, and health, as well as human ecology and impact on the environment. Includes 3 lab hrs.
Study of medical terms. Students study material independently and take proctored examination to demonstrate knowledge of medical language. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Biological principles governing life processes. Topics include biological molecules, cells, metabolism, genetics, reproduction, and development with primary attention to mammalian organisms, tissues, organs, and life systems with reference to comparative anatomy and physiology. Includes 3 lab hrs. Intended for students pursuing allied healthcareers. Not intended for biology majors.
An introduction to cellular and subcellular aspects of living organisms. Includes a study of basic chemistry, biological molecules, cells, enzymes, metabolism, classical genetics, and molecular genetics. Includes 3 lab hrs.
An introduction to how living things work. Focuses on two main themes: the correlation between structure and function, and the capacity of organisms to adjust their internal environment in response to short-term and long-term fluctuations in the external environment. Includes 3 lab hrs.
An introduction to the diversity, interrelationships, and origins of living organisms. Focuses on three themes: an overview of kinds and diversity of organisms found in six kingdoms, the interaction of organisms with each other and their environment, and the change of organisms through time. Includes 3 lab hrs.
An overview of the Minnesota avifauna and bird biology. Bird identification is discussed and practiced in the field. Selected topics from bird biology (migration, flight, reproduction, behavior, food, and conservation) are presented through lectures, numerous slide shows, and video movies. These topics provide an introduction to the prevailing themes in modern biology. Includes 3 lab hrs.
Basic principles and practices in the development, production, and use of ornamental, vegetable, and woody plants. Topics include plant growth, plant domestication, morphology, classification, world food crops, commodities, gardens, propagation, and agrochemicals. Includes 3 lab hrs.
Exploration of the impact of gender on self-image, view of the world, and others. Emphasis on biological factors (particularly neuroendocrine and fetal environmental interaction) that influence gender identity, orientation, and roles.
Detailed study of the anatomy and histology of the human body in relation to its functional systems. Laboratory includes human cadaver prosections. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisite: BIO102D, BIO109D, BIO112D, or declared Nursing major; one course in chemistry. A second course in chemistry is recommended. Not open to students who have taken BIO209.
Integration of basic principles of cell biology and mechanisms of physiology to the functions of the major organ systems of the human body, centered around the theme of homeostasis. Laboratory consists of physiological experiments designed to test student-developed hypotheses. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisite: BIO201. A course in chemistry is recommended. Not open to students who have taken BIO209.
Microorganisms and viruses with respect to their structure, physiology, genetics, identification, control, host-parasite relationships, and exploitation by humans. Topics include pathogenic organisms and the events and products of vertebrate immune responses. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO109D, BIO112D, or declared Nursing major; one course in chemistry. A second course in chemistry is recommended.
Anatomy and physiology of the human body, with a major emphasis on the principle of homeostasis. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisite: BIO101D, BIO103D, BIO109D, or BIO112D. One course in chemistry recommended. Not open to students who have taken BIO201 and BIO202.
An integrated exploration of pathophysiology and pharmacology. The functional changes that accompany a particular injury, syndrome, or disease are correlated with the study of drugs and their actions on the body. Laboratory consists of case studies employing microscopy, experiments, media links, and online interactive explorations. Includes 2 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO201, BIO202 (may be taken concurrently), two semesters of chemistry.
Analysis of terrestrial vertebrate populations, communities, and habitats. Exploration of how these analyses are applied to the manipulation, exploitation, protection, and restoration of animal populations and communities. Laboratory sessions will emphasize field investigation of animal populations and habitats with ecological and management techniques. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: Two semesters of college biology, including BIO113D or BIO311; junior or senior standing. (Carries cross-credit in environmental studies.)
Interrelationships between humans and the natural environment. Overpopulation, resource use, and pollution studied from biological, social, and economic standpoints, and skill development in the critical examination of the impacts of humans and our technology on the natural world. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: One year of biology; one year of chemistry.
Microscopic structure of cells, tissues, and organs in vertebrate animals, with special emphasis on the way structural units are integrated. At all times efforts are made to correlate structure with specific physiological functions. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO112D; BIO113D.
A survey of invertebrate groups from protozoa to prochordates with emphasis on organizational, functional, and ecological significance. Special attention is given to the morphology, life histories, and physiology of invertebrates within the context of survival in specialized environments. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO113D; BIO114D.
Travel to the Philippines and Hawaii to study exotic coral reefs and associated environmental issues. Coral reefs worldwide are currently subject to severe anthropogenic stress. Allows students to get in the water to see reefs firsthand, explore the science and human technology relating to coral reefs, and meet individuals who are working to address environmental problems. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course. (Carries cross-credit in environmental studies.)
Structure and function of wild nature. Topics include interrelationships of organisms with their environments, factors that regulate such interrelationships, and various roles that humans play in modifying patterns and processes of nature at organism, community, and ecosystem levels. Laboratory consists of experimental work in field and laboratory, examining current hypotheses in ecological systems. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO113D; BIO114D or ENS102D.
Principles that control inheritance, with examples chosen from plant and animal research, population genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and current work on human genetics. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: Two courses in chemistry; BIO101D or BIO112D.
A comparative study of the major invertebrate groups from anatomical, physiological, and ecological perspectives with attention to insects and parasitic invertebrates. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO113D; BIO114D.
Travel from base in Quito throughout Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, surveying the land, climate, plants, animals, homes, transportation, and industries, noting especially the impact of human culture, presence, and activities. Sites include the Amazon rainforest, Andean cloud forests, volcanic mountains, highlands, towns, cities, and the Galápagos Islands. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course. (Carries cross-credit in environmental studies.)
Biological and physical aspects of natural, fresh-water ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals, aquatic plants, algae, and their interrelationships with each other and the unique aqueous environment in which they live. Laboratory examines Lake Valentine and other aquatic ecosystems near campus. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO112D; BIO113D; BIO114D.
Behavior from primitive invertebrates to advanced mammals, highlighting trends in behavior systems. Natural setting studies in the ethology tradition, comparative psychology studies, and biosociological principles with their implications for human social systems. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisite: One course in biology or PSY100. (Carries cross-credit in psychology.)
The molecular organization and function of cells and their organelles. Understanding how cell biology information is obtained experimentally. Laboratory consists of research projects that utilize a variety of modern cell biology techniques and equipment. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: Two courses in biology, including BIO112D; two courses in chemistry (organic recommended).
Nervous system of animals and humans. Includes comparative anatomy and physiology of humans with other vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as interactions of sensory, motor, and integrative mechanisms of nervous system control. Includes 2 lab hrs. Prerequisite: BIO101D, BIO103D, or BIO112D; BIO113D recommended.
The basic question of developmental biology is “How does a single fertilized egg give rise to all the different cell, tissue, and organ types of the adult organism?” The developmental processes that give rise to these different cell, organ, and tissue types along with the mechanisms underlying those processes are studied at the cellular, genetic, molecular, and biochemical levels. Laboratory work includes surgical manipulation of living organisms to elucidate developmental principles. Includes 3 lab hours. Prerequisites: BIO112D and one other biology course; two courses in chemistry.
An integrated, systematic approach to embryology and comparative anatomy. Microscopic examination of representative vertebrate embryos and dissection of representative vertebrate types. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: Two courses in biology, including BIO113D.
Identification and distribution of flowering plants, including field work, keying, and laboratory preservation. Biogeography and factors important in plant distribution. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisite: One course in biology or consent of instructor.
Function of animal nerves, muscles, hormones, circulation, respiration, excretion, digestion, and the ways these systems interact in processes of feeding, energetics, osmoregulation, metabolism, locomotion, biomechanics, and temperature regulation necessary for organismal survival. Laboratory consists of research projects examining current physiological questions and techniques. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO112D; BIO113D; BIO114D; CHE111D; CHE212.
Introduction to the fundamentals of how plants grow, metabolize, and respond to their environment. Topics include: the conversion of light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis and carbon fixation; nitorgen assimilation; water and mineral uptake and transport; phloem transport; and plant growth regulators, seed physology, and plant and environmental stress interactions. Laboratory consists of some outdoor and off-campus investigations. Prerequisites: BIO113D; BIO114D; and a semester of chemistry.
The basis of the immune system throughout the animal kingdom is the ability to recognize or discriminate “self” from “nonself.” The molecular and cellular mechanisms that allow organisms to recognize, control, and eliminate such “nonself” entities as bacterial pathogens, foreign tissue grafts, and even transformed (cancerous) cells. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO112D; BIO113D; two semesters of chemistry. BIO207, BIO312, or BIO341 is strongly recommended.
Processes by which hormones exert control over many aspects of development, growth, metabolism, and behavior. Topics include morphology and histology of endocrine organs, regulation of hormone output, chemical nature, and mechanism of action at the target tissue. Laboratory is largely experimental, using bioassay procedures and live animal studies. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO112D; BIO113D.
Modern advanced molecular genetic research. Topics covered include regulation of gene expression during development, molecular biology of cancer, animal virology, eukaryotic gene organization, and methods in gene manipulation. Laboratory consists of research projects utilizing recombinant DNA/genetic engineering techniques. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO312; one additional biology course; CHE221; CHE222.
Physical and chemical properties of living systems with an emphasis on macromolecular interaction, structure, and function. Structure, classification, purification, and function of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, including membrane transport and enzymology. Laboratory techniques include: spectroscopy, chromatography, centrifugation, electrophoresis, and enzyme kinetics. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisites: BIO112D; CHE222. BIO341 recommended. (Carries cross-credit in chemistry.)
Electron microscopy as a tool in the sciences with emphasis on its use in biological investigation. Students prepare a portfolio of micrographs on a variety of material. Demonstrations, discussions, seminars, field trips, and individual practice. Includes 3 lab hrs. Prerequisite: BIO112D.
An introduction to research methodology in the biological sciences, with experience in the use of biological literature and an examination of how to distinguish and evaluate different types of scientific writing and presentations. Experience in the development of a research proposal. Prerequisites: Major in biology or related field; junior standing.
A learning/practicing experience in which the student applies biological understanding and skills in an off-campus professional setting. Prerequisites: Major or minor in biology; junior or senior standing.
Thorough review of the primary and secondary literature pertaining to a particular question, problem, or phenomenon in the biological sciences. Culminates in written report that is presented orally in BIO499. Prerequisites: BIO399; senior standing.
Readings and discussions of topics that relate biology to one’s Christian faith. Prerequisites: BIO399; senior standing.
Students collect original data through independent laboratory research or field research under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: BIO399.
The presentation of scientific research and literature. Culminates in departmental symposium in which students present their original research or literature review. Prerequisite: BIO493 or BIO496.
For the undergraduate pre-health professions student. A regional approach to the study of anatomy through the supervised and directed student dissection of human cadavers. Identification of detailed structures and understanding their significance to the body. Prerequisite: One course in biology involving some dissection.
Several courses in the environmental area are available during the interim and summer terms through the Au Sable Institute for Environmental Studies. Any summer or interim biology course may be used to fulfill the environmental requirement in the biology major. Summer term courses offered on a regular basis include Field Botany, Natural Resources Practicum, Animal Ecology, and Water Resources. See the Au Sable advisor in the Department of Biology for additional course offerings and further details.
See Office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies for additional offerings.
In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.
| BIO112D* | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | 4 |
| BIO113D* | Introduction to Organismic Biology | 4 |
| BIO114D* | Introduction to Biodiversity, Ecology, and Adaptation | 4 |
| BIO399 | Introduction to Research | 1 |
| BIO495 | Biology Seminar | 1 |
| Choose from | 1 | |
| BIO493 | Literature Review in Biology | |
| BIO496 | Biology Research | |
| BIO499 | Biology Symposium | 1 |
| Choose from environmental area: | 4 | |
| BIO301 | Wildlife Ecology and Management | |
| BIO302 | Human Ecology | |
| BIO308 | Invertebrate Biology | |
| BIO310K* | Human Impacts on Coral Reefs | |
| BIO311 | Ecology | |
| BIO318K* | Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: Natural History and Future Prospects | |
| BIO321 | Aquatic Biology | |
| BIO322 | Animal Behavior | |
| BIO361 | Plant Taxonomy and Ecology | |
| BIO366 |
Environmental Plant Biology |
|
| Courses from Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies | ||
| Choose from organismic area: |
4 |
|
| BIO201 | Human Anatomy | |
| BIO202 | Human Physiology | |
| BIO209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | |
| BIO306 | Vertebrate Histology | |
| BIO348 | Neurobiology | |
| BIO352 | Structure and Development of Vertebrates | |
| BIO365 | Animal Physiology | |
| BIO375 | Endocrinology | |
| Choose from cell and molecular area: | 4 | |
| BIO207 | Microbiology | |
| BIO312 | Genetics | |
| BIO341 | Cell Biology | |
| BIO351 | Developmental Biology | |
| BIO370 | Immunology | |
| BIO378 | Molecular Biology | |
| BIO386 | Biochemistry I | |
| BIO390 | Ultrastructure | |
| Electives from | 200-level or above biology courses | 16 |
| Two chemistry courses |
excluding CHE105D* and CHE200 or CHE210D Accelerated Gen Chem, plus one additional biology course numbered 200 or higher |
8 |
|
Total |
52 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 18-19 | |
| TOTAL | 122 |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
| BIO112D* | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | 4 |
| BIO113D* | Introduction to Organismic Biology | 4 |
|
BIO114D* |
Introduction to Biodiversity, Ecology, and Adaptation | 4 |
| BIO399 | Introduction to Research | 1 |
| BIO495 | Biology Seminar | 1 |
| Choose from | 1 | |
| BIO493 | Literature Review in Biology | |
| BIO496 | Biology Research | |
| BIO499 | Biology Symposium | 1 |
| Choose from environmental area: | 4 | |
| BIO301 | Wildlife Ecology and Management | |
| BIO302 | Human Ecology | |
| BIO308 | Invertebrate Biology | |
| BIO310K* | Human Impacts on Coral Reefs | |
| BIO311 | Ecology | |
| BIO318K* | Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: Natural History and Future Prospects | |
| BIO321 | Aquatic Biology | |
| BIO322 | Animal Behavior | |
| BIO361 | Plant Taxonomy and Ecology | |
| BIO366 |
Environmental Plant Biology |
|
| Courses from Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies | ||
| Choose from organismic area: | 4 | |
| BIO201 | Human Anatomy | |
| BIO202 | Human Physiology | |
| BIO209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | |
| BIO306 | Vertebrate Histology | |
| BIO348 | Neurobiology | |
| BIO352 | Structure and Development of Vertebrates | |
| BIO365 | Animal Physiology | |
| BIO375 | Endocrinology | |
| Choose from cell and molecular area: | 4 | |
| BIO207 | Microbiology | |
| BIO312 | Genetics | |
| BIO341 | Cell Biology | |
| BIO351 | Developmental Biology | |
| BIO370 | Immunology | |
| BIO378 | Molecular Biology | |
| BIO386 | Biochemistry I | |
| BIO390 | Ultrastructure | |
| Choose from: | 8 | |
|
CHE111D*/ CHE212 |
General Chemistry I and II |
|
|
CHE210D* |
Accelerated General Chemistry, plus one additional biology course numbered 200 or greater | |
| CHE221 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE222 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| Choose from: | 8 | |
|
PHY200D* /205 |
Introductory Physics I and II | |
|
PHY290D* /295 |
General Physics I and II | |
|
Choose from: |
3-4 | |
| MAT123M* | Pre-Calculus | |
| MAT124M* | Calculus I | |
| MAT125 | Calculus II | |
|
MAT131M* or PSY230M* |
Statistical Analysis Introduction to Statistical Methods and Experimental Design |
|
|
Electives from |
200-level or above biology courses (at least 3 of which must be 300 level) |
16 |
|
Total |
71 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 0 | |
|
TOTAL |
122-123** |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
** Because of possible double counting between General Education and the major, the total of 122 credits can include up to 7-8 credits of electives.
| BIO112D* | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | 4 |
| BIO113D* | Introduction to Organismic Biology | 4 |
| BIO114D* | Introduction to Biodiversity, Ecology, and Adaptation | 4 |
| BIO399, 495, 496, 499 | Introduction to Research/Biology Seminar/Research/Symposium | |
| Choose from environmental area: | 4 | |
| BIO301 | Wildlife Ecology and Management | |
| BIO302 | Human Ecology | |
| BIO308 | Invertebrate Biology | |
| BIO310K* | Human Impacts on Coral Reefs | |
| BIO311 | Ecology | |
| BIO318K* | Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: Natural History and Future Prospects | |
| BIO321 | Aquatic Biology | |
| BIO322 | Animal Behavior | |
| BIO361 | Plant Taxonomy and Ecology | |
| Courses from Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies | ||
| Choose from organismic area: | 4 | |
| BIO201 | Human Anatomy | |
| BIO202 | Human Physiology | |
| BIO209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | |
| BIO306 | Vertebrate Histology | |
| BIO348 | Neurobiology | |
| BIO352 | Structure and Development of Vertebrates | |
| BIO365 | Animal Physiology | |
| BIO366 | Plant Physiology | |
| BIO375 | Endocrinology | |
| Choose from cell and molecular area: | 4 | |
| BIO207 | Microbiology | |
| BIO312 | Genetics | |
| BIO341 | Cell Biology | |
| BIO351 | Developmental Biology | |
| BIO370 | Immunology | |
| BIO378 | Molecular Biology | |
| BIO386 | Biochemistry I | |
| BIO390 | Ultrastructure | |
| CHE111D* | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE212 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| GEL167D* | Geology | 4 |
| PHY110D* | Introduction to Astronomy | 4 |
| PHY200D* | Introductory Physics I | 4 |
| PHY205 | Introductory Physics II | 4 |
| Choose from: | 4 | |
| Any biology course from the above “choose from” listings | ||
| CHE221 | Organic Chemistry I | |
| CHE222 | Organic Chemistry II | |
| Choose from: | 4 | |
| MAT122M* | Pre-Calculus | |
| MAT124M* | Calculus I | |
| PSY230M* | Introduction to Statistical Methods and Experimental Design | |
| EDU200 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| EDU201 | Introduction to Education Field Experience | 1 |
| EDU203 | School Health and Drugs | 2 |
| EDU220 | Introduction to Middle Level Education | 3 |
| EDU240 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDU241 | Educational Psychology Field Experience | 1 |
| EDU317GZ* | Understanding Diversity | 3 |
| EDU320 | Pedagogy of the Young Adolescent Learner | 2 |
| EDU420 |
Methods in Teaching 5–12 Science |
3 |
| EDU429 | Middle Level Education Practicum in Science |
1 |
| EDU490 | Student Teaching Block |
15 |
| Total | 97 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| TOTAL | 148-149** |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
** Because of possible double counting between General Education and the major, the actual total can be reduced to 139-140 credits.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in each content area and education course in the major (BIO, CHE, GEL, PHY, PSY, MAT, EDU). Courses with grades of C- or lower must be repeated.
(See Multidisciplinary section.)
|
Choose two from: |
8 | |
| BIO112D* | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | |
| BIO113D* | Introduction to Organismic Biology | |
| BIO114D* | Introduction to Biodiversity, Ecology, and Adaptation | |
| Electives from |
200-level or above biology courses or the 100-level course not taken in the above “choose from” list |
12 |
|
TOTAL |
20 |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
(See Pre-professional section.)