Biology–Ecological Science
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.
Major requirements:
AuSable or biology electives: 4 credits
BIO 115SN - General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology
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. (4 credits) (NWCore option under
Science and the Natural World) Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week.
BIO 116 - General Biology: Ecology and Organismal Biology
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)
Choose one course:
AUS 361 - Field Natural History
BIO 205 - Ecology
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)
Choose one course:
BIO 202WI - Genetics and Genomics
An introduction to the principles of heredity and their practical
applications. Prerequisites: BIO115SN or 116. (4 credits) (Writing
intensive) Note: Includes 3 credits of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course (http://www.nwciowa.edu/tuition/fees).
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.
Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.
Prerequisites: BIO115, CHE321 and 322.
Choose one course:
AUS 311 - Field Botany
AUS 315 - Woody Plants
BIO 309 - Plant Taxonomy
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)
Choose one course:
BIO 280 - Vertebrate Zoology
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)
BIO 312 - Invertebrate Zoology
A fee is associated with this course (http://www.nwciowa.edu/tuition/fees).
Choose eight credits:
BIO 329 - Stewardship Ecology
A fee is associated with this course (http://www.nwciowa.edu/tuition/fees).
BIO 330 - Topics in Ecology
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)
Cognate requirements:
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).
Note: Students may receive credit for only one course among MAT
116QR, MAT 117QR and MAT 208.
Prerequisites: C- or better in MAT090, an ACT math score of 20 or above
(SAT 510 or above), a passing score on the basic algebra placement exam,
or permission of instructor.
Choose one sequence:
CHE 101SN - College Chemistry
(4 credits)(NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) This course is
an introduction to inorganic chemistry, with an emphasis on the health sciences. It is well
suited for students whose programs require one year of chemistry.
Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Open to
all students.
CHE 102 - College Chemistry
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: CHE101.(4 credits)
CHE 111 - General Chemistry
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). (4 credits)
CHE 112 - General Chemistry
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.(4 credits)
Total credits required: 47
Note:
All Biology Ecological Science majors are required to take at least 12 credits of 300-level (or above) biology courses, 8 credits of which must have a laboratory.
Field experience:
All Biology Ecological Science majors are required to complete at least one field experience. This requirement can be met in one of two ways:
Option 1: Completion of BIO329 or a pre-approved AuSable or other experiential ecology course.
Option 2: Complete an approved summer field research or professional employment experience. Submission of a form requesting approval of a summer experience must be submitted to the department chair at least 60 days prior to the initiation of the experience. Experiences will not be approved retroactively.
