Biology–Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Cellular Biology

Biology provides a broad background in the life sciences in order to equip you with knowledge and skills to serve God’s creation. Required courses will introduce you to the created order of life, while advanced courses will permit you to concentrate in areas of particular interest. The biology major options will prepare you for a career in ecological science, in medicine and related health professions, in teaching, or to begin graduate or other professional studies in these areas.

Biology department homepage

Major requirements

Biology electives: 4 credits
BIO 115SN - General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) An introduction to molecular and cellular biology, with an examination of the processes common to living organisms and an introduction to the diversity of life, emphasizing unicellular organisms. This introduction will provide students with a basic understanding of macromolecules, cell structure and function, respiration and photosynthesis, the cell cycle, meiosis, genetics, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and Christian perspectives on evolutionary biology. Prerequisite: Combined Math + Science ACT of at least 44, sophomore standing, or permission of instructor. Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 116 - General Biology: Ecology and Organismal Biology
(4 credits) An introduction to organismal biology and ecology. Structure and function of representatives from the plant and animal kingdom are emphasized. In addition, students will be introduced to basic ecological concepts and Christian perspectives on stewardship. Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 202WI - Genetics and Genomics
(4 credits) (Writing intensive) An introduction to the principles of heredity and their practical applications. Prerequisites: BIO115 or 116. Note: Includes 3 credits of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 310WI - Cell Biology
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) (Writing intensive) 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: BIO115SN, 116, and CHE101SN, 102, or CHE111, 112. Note: Includes three lectures and 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 326x - Biochemistry:Proteins and Metabolism
(4 credits) A fundamental course surveying biomolecules, catabolism, bioenergetics and biosynthesis. Prerequisites: CHE321 and 322. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in chemistry. Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 327WI - Biochemistry: Molecular Genetics
(4 credits) (Writing intensive) This course focuses on the structure and function of nucleic acids and examines the biochemical techniques involved in gaining knowledge regarding replication, transcription and translation of genetic information, and control of gene expression. Prerequisites: BIO115SN and CHE321 and CHE322, or BIO202WI. Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Choose one course:
BIO 203 - Microbiology
(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: BIO115SN or BIO122 and CHE102 or CHE108SN or CHE112. Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 222 - Human Physiology
(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: BIO102SN or 115 and CHE101SN, 102 or CHE111, 112 or permission of instructor. Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.

Cognate requirements:

CHE 321 - Organic Chemistry I
(4 credits) The study of carbon compounds and their functional groups, including nomenclature, synthesis, reactions, structures, mechanisms and spectroscopic analysis. Prerequisites: CHE102 or 112 or permission of instructor. Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
CHE 322 - Organic Chemistry II
(4 credits) A continuation of the study of carbon compounds and their functional groups, including nomenclature, synthesis, reactions, structures, mechanisms and spectroscopic analysis.Prerequisite: CHE321.
Choose one sequence:
CHE 101 - College Chemistry
No course description available.
CHE 102 - College Chemistry
(4 credits) An introductory course in organic and biological chemistry. The content is especially suited to meet the needs of students whose programs require only one year of chemistry. Prerequisite: CHE101SN. Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
or
CHE 111 - General Chemistry
(4 credits) An introductory course in chemistry that emphasizes physical and inorganic concepts, problems and calculations. Topics include chemical reactions, stoichiometry, properties of gases, thermochemistry, theories of atomic structure, and chemical bonding. The general chemistry sequence (Chemistry 111 and Chemistry 112) is recommended for students with good math / science preparations who intend to proceed to advanced courses in chemistry, the biological sciences or engineering. Prerequisites: high school chemistry and ACT math score of at least 24 (SAT 570 or above). Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
CHE 112 - General Chemistry
(4 credits) A continuation of Chemistry 111. Topics covered include kinetics, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisite: CHE111 or consent of the instructor. Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Choose one course:
MAT 116QR - Statistics for the Natural and Social Sciences
(3 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This course is designed to introduce topics in probability and statistics with an emphasis on problems in the sciences. We will study discrete and continuous distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, p-values, correlation, and simple linear regression. There will be three main sections in this course, examining descriptive statistics (the nature of data and how to summarize it), basic probability concepts (the mathematical study of uncertainty), and inferential statistics (making claims or decisions based on one or more sets of data). Prerequisite: ACT math score of 20 or above (SAT 510 or above), ALEKS placement exam score of 46 or above, concurrent enrollment in MAT100, or permission of instructor. Note: Students may receive credit for only one course among MAT116QR, MAT117QR and MAT208QR.
MAT 208QR - Biostatistics
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This course is a study of statistical methodology commonly used in the biological and health sciences. Material includes basic descriptive methods in statistics, foundational concepts in probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests involving one or two samples, correlation and regression including multiple regression, contingency tables, and ANOVA. Students will also complete a substantial project. Prerequisite: ACT math score of 20 or above (SAT 510 or above), ALEKS placement exam score of 46 or above, or concurrent enrollment in MAT100. Note: Students may receive credit for only one course among MAT116QR, MAT117QR and MAT208QR.
CSC 170 - Statistical Programming
(4 credits) In today's data-driven world, statistical literacy and data analysis are increasingly important skills. This course introduces students to the fundamental aspects of programming, such as data types, procedural abstraction, control structures, and iteration, with a focus on the application of these concepts to statistics and data analysis. Topics will include the programmatic implementation of summary statistics, correlation, linear modeling, and clustering. A statistics-focused language, such as R, is covered in-depth for the purpose of gaining mastery of these principles. Prerequisites: Math ACT subscore of 20 or above (SAT 510 or above)

Total credits required: 51-52

Research experience:

All GMBCB majors are required to complete an independent research project, pre-approved by the department. Submission of a form requesting approval must be submitted to the department chair at least 45 days prior to the initiation of the experience. Experiences will not be approved retroactively.

loading
LOADING …