Biology courses

An introduction to an understanding of earth's basic life support systems, the impact of human activity on such systems, and the ethical basis and strategies for human response to environmental degradation.(4 credits)

An introduction to the structure and function of the human body.(4 credits)

General Biology I emphasizes the unity of life, examining the processes common to living organisms, and introduce the diversity of life, examining unicellular organisms. This introduction will provide students with a basic understanding of macromolecules, cell structure and function, respiration and photosynthesis, the cell cycle, meiosis, the relationship between gene structure and function, mechanisms of evolutionary change and Christian perspectives on evolutionary biology. (4 credits)

General Biology II is an introduction to organismal biology emphasizing the diversity of life forms. Representative organisms from the plant and animal kingdoms will be emphasized. Students will also be introduced to basic ecological concepts and Christian perspectives on stewardship. (4 credits)

An introduction to the anatomical structures of the human body. The focus of the course will be on structures of: cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. The systems studied will include (but not necessarily limited to) integument, bone, skeletal system (including joints), muscle, cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal.Concurrent requisite: CHE101 or 111.(4 credits)

An introduction to the physiology of the human body. The focus of the course will be on homeostasis and the function of: biomolecules, cells and tissues, organs and organ systems. The contribution of each of the following organ systems to physiologic homeostasis will be examined: nervous, muscle, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal. Prerequisite: CHE101 or 111; Concurrent requisite: CHE102 or 112. (4 credits)

A seminar which applies Christian perspectives to selected problems in the field of biology.(4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)

An introduction to the principles of heredity and their practical application.Prerequisites: BIO115 or 116.(4 credits)

A study of the morphology and physiology of microorganisms with special emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Those organisms that have an economic or medical importance will be highlighted, and basic laboratory techniques will be stressed.Prerequisites: BIO115, 116 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112.(4 credits)

A study of the processes determining the distribution and abundance of organisms in space and time, their exchange of matter and energy with their environment, the measurement of these phenomena, and the application of ecological knowledge in the care of creation. Prerequisites: BIO115 and 116 (4 credits)

A study of the gross structure of the systems of the human body.Prerequisite: BIO102, 115 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)

A study of the mechanisms by which the human body functions. Emphasis will be given to nerve and muscle function, and thereafter to hormonal control and the integrated systems that allow for respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive activities.Prerequisites: BIO102 or 115 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)

Courses and topics not taught on a regular basis are assigned to this category. Extended field trips for which credit is offered also fall into this category.(2-4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)

An in-depth study of the major groups of vertebrate species. Topics include vertebrate taxonomy, classification, comparative vertebrate anatomy, physiology, behavior, and life histories. Prerequisites: BIO115 and 116. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

A study of the microscopic structure of cells, tissues and organs in vertebrate animals with special emphasis on human tissues. An effort is made to correlate structure and function and highlight important pathologies. Prerequisites: BIO115 and 116. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

An introduction to principles of classification of plants and characteristics of major plant families with emphasis on the plants of the Midwest. Includes field study and laboratory practice in identifying, collecting and preserving plants.Prerequisites: BIO116 or permission of instructor.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

A study of the structure and function of cells and of their subcellular organelles. Structural detail will be described to the level of macromolecular assemblages. Wherever possible, function will be described in terms of the molecular mechanisms that underlie biological processes. Prerequisites: BIO115, 116, and CHE101, 102, or CHE111, 112 (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

The basis of the immune system throughout the animal kingdom is the ability to recognize "self" from "not-self". This course will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that allow organisms to recognize, control and eliminate such not-self entities as bacterial pathogens, foreign tissue grafts and even transformed cells. Prerequisites: BIO115, 116 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

A survey of the pharmacologic basis of therapeutics beginning with an introduction to the principles of pharmacology. This is followed by a survey of the more important drugs used in medicine with emphasis on mechanism of action, clinical use, and adverse effects. Prerequisites: BIO222 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112. (4 credits)

A fundamental course surveying biomolecules, catabolism, bioenergetics and biosynthesis. Prerequisites: CHE321 and 322. (4 credits)

This course focuses on the structure and function of nucleic acids. Topics include replication, transcription and translation of genetic information, and control of gene expression.Prerequisites: CHE321 and 322.(4 credits)

Advanced studies of the function and structure of local ecological communities and/or life forms. Courses will emphasize the use of fieldwork, research projects and/or primary literature.Prerequisites: BIO205 or permission of instructor.(2-4 credits; a minimum of 4 credits will be offered per year)

Introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, emphasizing neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and aspects of neuropathology. Multiple levels will be explored from the molecular and cellular levels through brain and spinal cord networks that contribute to complex behavioral and cognitive function.Prerequisites: BIO102 or 221 or permission of instructor.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Interdisciplinary lectures, discussions and presentations related to the reading and critiquing of literature on selected topics in the area of neuroscience and persons. Student-led discussions and presentations (oral and written) will be emphasized. Possible topics include: artificial/machine intelligence, clinical neuroscience and neuropathology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience and Christianity, neuroscience of emotion, neuroethics, neuromodeling, neuroscience of mental illness, neurophilosophy, neurotheology and social neuroscience; consideration of NAPs-related student research may also be included.Prerequisite: BIO340 or permission of instructor.(2 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Courses and topics which are of special interest to faculty and students but which are not offered on a regular basis may be assigned this number. Examples of such offerings would be developmental biology, cardiovascular physiology and virology. Extended field trips for which credit is offered also fall into this category. Prerequisites: appropriate 200-level biology courses. (2-4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)

The experience acquaints the student more fully with the profession of physical therapy. Most professional schools of physical therapy require applicants to have had practical experience. Prerequisites: sophomore class standing, physical therapy pre-professional, minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. (2 credits)

Under the overall supervision of the pre-veterinary advisory committee the student will spend time in clinic and on call observing the work of local veterinarians. An attempt will be made to expose the student to as many different veterinary specializations as possible.Prerequisites: junior class standing, veterinary medicine pre-professional.(2 credits)

The student would work under the supervision of persons involved in conservation work at the site of the cooperating agency.Prerequisite: junior class standing and prior arrangement.(2 credits; non-yearly, consult department)

An introduction to the pathophysiology associated with the disease states of the human body. The focus of the course will be on disruptions in homeostasis as the result of organ system malfunction or failure. The pathophysiology associated with the following systems will be examined: blood, cells and cell growth, nervous, muscle, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal. Prerequisites: BIO122 or 222 and CHE102 or 112. (4 credits)

A research experience for biology ecological science majors in fulfillment of the department's field skills requirement. The research experience course shall be designed to provide credit and documentation of a field experience. During enrollment in the research experience course, the student shall, under supervision of department faculty, analyze data collected during the field experience, organize and synthesize such data into a professional scientific paper, submit such a paper to an appropriate, peer-reviewed journal and make subsequent response to the journal pursuant to publication. Departmental approval required.(1 credit)

(4 credits may apply toward the major)

A research seminar of in-progress studies in chemistry and biology by Northwestern students, faculty and selected invited guests from other institutions. Features presentation, discussion, analysis and critique of original research.Prerequisite: permission of instructor.(1/4 credit; non-yearly, consult department)