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.
Major requirements
AuSable or biology electives 4
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 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.
Choose one course: 4
BIO 202WI - Genetics
(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 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: 4
AUS 361 - Field Biology in Spring
BIO 205 - Ecology
(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.
Note: Course includes required field trips and 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Choose one course: 4
AUS 311 - Field Botany
BIO 309 - Plant Taxonomy
(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.
Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Choose one course: 4
AUS 322 - Aquatic Biology
AUS 365 - Insect Ecology of Streams, Forests and Fields
BIO 221 - Human Anatomy
(4 credits) A study of the gross structure of the systems of the human body. Prerequisite: BIO102SN, 115 or permission of instructor.
Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 312 - Invertebrate Zoology
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) A survey of the structure, function, classification and behavior of animals without backbones. Special attention is given to those which are parasitic in nature. Prerequisites: BIO115 and 116.
Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Cognate requirements
Choose one sequence: 8
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. A fee is associated with this course.
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.
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.
Total credits required: 40
Notes:
All Biology majors are required to take at least 12 credits of 300-level (or above) biology courses, at least 8 of which must have a laboratory.
Students majoring in biology education must also complete the requirements of the secondary education program. See the education department listing for requirements.
