BIO (Biology)
BIO 1003 Biological Science
Three hours
An introductory survey of biology designed for liberal arts students who are not majoring in the sciences. Topics addressed include cellular processes, genetics, evolution, biotechnology, biodiversity, and ecology, with emphasis on current issues. Laboratory experiences emphasize the scientific method and biological processes. Two hours lecture-discussion and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Offered each semester
BIO 1093 Honors: Biological Science
Three hours
A consideration of the fundamental principles of biology with an emphasis on cellular processes, ecological associations, biotechnical applications, genetics, and evolution. Prerequisite: admission to the Honors Program or permission of the Honors Committee.
Offered spring semester
BIO 1124 Cell Biology
Four hours
An introduction to the study of living systems, beginning with the molecules of life and progressing to cellular and organismic levels of organization. Students are exposed to numerous topics in biochemistry, cell structure, energy processing, genetics, and molecular biology. Laboratory exercises reinforce concepts and biological processes discussed in the lecture. Three hours lecture-discussion and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Offered fall semester
BIO 1134 Plant Biology
Four hours
An introduction to the study of the plant kingdom, emphasizing adaptive aspects of anatomy, morphology, classification, physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants. Three hours lecture-discussion and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Offered spring semester
BIO 2134 Animal Biology
Four hours
A study of major zoological phyla. Emphasis is placed on anatomical and physiological distinctions of each taxon, as well as classification and interrelationships. Three hours lecture-discussion and one two-hour laboratory per week. An additional fee associated with this course.
Offered fall semester
BIO 2174 Genetics
Four hours
A study of basic concepts in transmission genetics and population genetics with an introduction to molecular genetics. Laboratory exercises illustrate principles of inheritance in selected model organisms. Two hours lecture-discussions and 2 two-hour laboratories per week. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisite: BIO 1124.
Offered spring semester
BIO 3101 Biology Teaching Practicum
One hour
Practical experience in lab preparation and instruction. Three hours per week. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
Offered upon sufficient request
BIO 3114 Ecology
Four hours
A study of the principles of ecology with emphasis on the interrelationships between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: BIO 1134 and 2134.
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)
BIO 3144 Marine Biology
Four hours
A study of the biological, chemical, and physical processes that promote and maintain marine life, establishing links between marine systems, biological processes, and human activity. The laboratory portion of the course consists of an intensive spring-break study trip to the Florida Keys. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisite: BIO 2134 or consent of instructor.
Offered spring semester (odd-number years)
BIO 3174 Molecular Cell Biology
Four hours
An advanced study of structure-function relationships in eukaryotic cells. Emphasis on cell membranes, organelles, protein targeting, secretory pathway, bioenergetics, cytoskeleton, and cell motility. Regulation of the cell cycle, cell signaling, and recognition/adhesion are also examined, particularly as they relate to malignancy. Labs focus on experimental studies of cellular structure and function using techniques of modern cell and molecular biology. Three hours lecture-discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: BIO 1124 and CHM 1134.
Offered fall semester
BIO 3201 Cadaver Dissection
One hour
A practical study designed for transfer students who have successfully completed a college-level anatomy course that lacked cadaver dissection. An additional fee associated with this course. Offered concurrently with the BIO 3514 laboratory.
Offered fall semester
BIO 3302 Field Experience
Two hours
Job shadowing experience in a science- or health-related profession as approved by the Biology Department. A journal and/or paper is required. Prerequisites: junior standing and approval of major advisor.
Offered each semester
BIO 3314 Molecular Genetics
Four hours
A study of the structure, function, and regulation of the molecules involved in heredity - DNA, RNA, and proteins. Includes an introduction to genomics and bioinformatics. Lab exercises provide hands-on experience with several recombinant DNA techniques. Three hours lecture-discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisite: BIO 2174.
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)
BIO 3334 Microbiology
Four hours
A study of the structure, function, control, physiology, and classification of prokaryotes and viruses. Two hours lecture and 2 two-hour laboratories per week. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: BIO 1124 and CHM 1124.
Offered fall semester
BIO 3514 Human Anatomy
Four hours
Description and discussion of basic tissues, organs, and organ systems of the human. The laboratory is a concentrated study of histology and gross human anatomic structure. Analysis of prepared slides, anatomical models, and cadaver dissection are included. Three hours lecture-discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisite: BIO 1124.
Offered fall semester
BIO 3524 Human Physiology
Four hours
A detailed study of the basic human physiology, including muscle, neural, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Laboratories include surgical procedures and experimental manipulations of live non-human vertebrate specimens to observe and record various physiological functions. Three hours lecture-discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week. An additional fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: BIO 1124, and CHM 1124 or CHM 1014; BIO 3514 recommended.
Offered spring semester
BIO 4103 Bioethics
Three hours
A comparison of secular and Christian approaches to biomedical, environmental, and research ethics. Utilizes a highly interactive format to examine contemporary issues related to the beginning and end of human life, stem cells, cloning, genetic testing and manipulation, distribution of health care, experimentation on animal and human subjects, and care of the environment. Three hours of lecture-discussion per week. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing or consent of instructor.
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)
BIO 4121, 4122, 4123 Selected Topics in Biology
One to three hours
Topics are chosen from areas of life science such as anatomy, biotechnology, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, genetics, histology, marine biology, microscopy, molecular biology, and physiology. May be repeated for credit when content differs. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing and consent of instructor.
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)
BIO 4221, 4222, 4223 Biological Research
One to three hours
Laboratory-based research projects in an area of biology of interest to the student and supervising faculty. May be repeated for credit for up to the maximum number of hours allowed for research credit in Biology or Biochemistry majors. An additional fee associated with this course.
Offered each semester









