Department of Biology

Bruce Evans, Beth Burch

The Biology Department offers bachelor’s degree programs in biology.  Students majoring in biology may complete the professional major leading to a bachelor of science degree, the biology teaching program leading to a bachelor of science degree, or the liberal arts major in biology leading to a bachelor of arts degree.

Program in Biology

Glimpses into the molecular basis for life have caused biology to grow in scope in recent years, and opportunities in the field are commensurate with this growth. Providing knowledge that students will need about biology in the 21st century is a goal for the department. The Biology Department prepares students for (a) entrance into professional schools, such as medicine, dentistry or optometry; (b) entrance into graduate school in biological fields; (c) teaching careers in middle and secondary schools; and (d) research and application of biology in industry positions.

Students who choose biology as a professional major in the bachelor of science degree complete forty-two hours in biology and environmental science, including BI 161/L, 222/L, 261/L, 321/L, 362/L, 451; ES 211/L; and sixteen additional hours from biology and environmental science, including at least two courses from BI 342/L, 371/L, 422/L, 432/L, and 461. Also required are MA 151; CH 161/L, 162/L, 263/L and 264/L.; and PH 211/L and 212/L. For students planning to attend graduate or professional school, biochemistry and calculus are strongly recommended.  BI 141 is a highly recommended elective in the freshman year.

Students who select biology as a major in the bachelor of arts degree complete BI 161/L, 222/L, 261/L, 321/L, 451; eight additional semester hours in biology, four of which must be in courses numbered 300 or above; MA 151; ES 211/L; CH 161/L and 162/L.  BI 141 is a highly recommended elective in the freshman year.

Students who complete a bachelor of science degree in biology education can be licensed in Indiana to teach science in middle school settings or biology in high school settings.  The program requires BI 161/L, 222/L, 231/L or 342/L, 261/L, 321/L, 422/L, and 432/L; CH 161/L, 162/L, 263/L; MA 151; ES 211/L, 262; PH 211/L, and 212/L.  BI 141 is a highly recommended elective in the freshman year.  Refer to the Department of Education for education courses required for teacher licensing.  Students preparing to teach biology are encouraged to complete a minor in chemistry (or physics) to strengthen their license and give them greater employment options.

The minor in biology requires BI 161/L, 222/L, and 261/L; eleven additional semester hours in biology or environmental science, four of which must be in courses numbered 300 or above; and CH 161/L.

The minor in environmental science is available to students who wish to take a concentration of courses related to the environment.  This program is open to students from all majors and may be of particular interest for students considering missions work, environmental law, or another field that requires an understanding of the relationship between humans and ecosystems and ecosystem function.  The environmental science minor requires ES 211/L; BI 222/L or 261/L, 422/L; one course from Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies; and six to eight additional semester hours from BI 222/L or 261/L (if not taken above); CH 331/L, 333/L; ES 262; PH 212/L; courses from Au Sable Institute; BA 345; EB 321, 324, 413, 421; and CO 322.  MA 151 is recommended for the core mathematics requirement.

Pre-Medicine and Pre-Nursing

Pre-med students are advised to major in biology or chemistry with substantial course work in both, as well as electives in other areas of the liberal arts.  Recommended coursework for pre-medical and health professions is listed under Degrees and Programs, Pre-Medical Study.  Pre-nursing students should meet early with the pre-nursing advisor to determine the appropriate course work for the intended nursing school.  Pre-professional study for physical therapy may follow the pre-medical track while pursuing a major in biology, chemistry, or exercise science (described in the Department of Physical Education, Exercise Science and Recreation).

Courses in Biology

BI 111 Biology in the Modern World                   (3)

This course is a general survey of biological principles for non-science majors.  Students will study ecology and environmental stewardship, origins, nutrition, structure and function of the human body, disease, genetics, and biotechnology.  Christian perspectives on these topics and applications to everyday life are emphasized.  Must be taken concurrently with BI 111L.

Fall, Spring

BI 111L Laboratory for Biology in the Modern World                (1)

Laboratory exercises illustrate biological concepts and provide experience with techniques in biology. Includes field trips, field measurements, and laboratory work. Must be taken concurrently with BI 111.

Fall, Spring

BI 141 Freshman Biology Seminar                     (2)

This course will introduce students to the biology major as well as prepare them for future studies in the sciences.  The course will be organized around a topical theme of current interest, which will require that students attain some basic knowledge in an area of cell biology.  Students will be provided with a foundation of scientific thought, critical analysis, research, and writing.  The course is highly recommended for students planning to major in biology.

Fall

BI 161 Cell Biology                                             (3)

Introduction to cellular organization, function, and genetics; includes biological molecules, energy transformations, differentiation and function of organelles and cells, enzymes, replication, translation, synthesis, and movement. Includes introduction to the processes used in investigating scientific phenomena and those used in communicating the findings of these investigations. Must be taken concurrently with BI 161L. Prerequisite: CH 161/L or concurrently

Spring

BI 161L Laboratory for Cell Biology                    (1)

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations which support or extend concepts presented in the lecture course. Must be taken with BI 161.

Spring

BI 222 Zoology                                                   (3)

Survey of major invertebrate phyla and the chordates, emphasizing anatomy, physiology, classification, adaptations, behavior, evolution, ecological relationships, and the relation of zoology to the broad areas of biology. Must be taken concurrently with BI 222L. Prerequisite: BI 161/L or environmental science minor

Spring Odd Years

BI 222L Laboratory for Zoology                          (1)

Study of the structure and function of representative animals from many different phyla, from sponges through increasing complexity to the vertebrates. Dissection and microscope slides are used to investigate. Must be taken with BI 222.

Spring Odd Years

BI 231 Human Anatomy and Physiology                       (3)

Study of gross and microscopic human anatomy and the maintenance and regulation functions of cells, tissues and organ systems. Designed to meet the need of physical education and psychology majors. Must be taken concurrently with BI 231L. Prerequisite: BI 111 or 161

Fall

BI 231L Laboratory for Human Anatomy and Physiology                      (1)

Physiological experiments on human subjects using the respirometer, physiograph and other equipment. Anatomy is studied using preserved human and sheep material, models and microslides. Must be taken with BI 231.

Fall

BI 261 Botany                                                     (3)

Survey of algae, fungi, and plants. Topics include diversity, evolution, ecology, morphology and anatomy, reproduction, physiology, biotechnology, current issues involving botany, and the relation of botany to the broad areas of biology. The importance of plants to humans will also be discussed. Must be taken concurrently with BI 261L. Prerequisite: BI 161/L or environmental science minor

Fall Odd Years

BI 261L Laboratory for Botany                            (1)

Exploration of algae, fungi and plants, including taxonomy, life cycles, morphology and anatomy, physiology and ecology. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Must be taken with BI 261.

Fall Odd Years

BI 271 Nutrition                                                  (3)

A general course designed to address dietary needs of individuals of all ages. Some attention will be given to the role of the nurse, dietician, and community agencies in promoting good health through the proper use of food.

Spring Even Years

BI 321 Genetics                                                  (3)

A study of heredity at the classical Mendelian, molecular and population levels. Emphasis will be placed on the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene expression, cloning, and related topics. Must be taken concurrently with BI 321L. Prerequisite: one course in college biology

Fall Even Years

BI 321L Laboratory for Genetics                         (1)

Laboratory experiments investigating genetic phenomena in microorganisms, Drosophila, corn and mammals. Must be taken with BI 321.

Fall Even Years

BI 342 Human Physiology                                  (3)

A systems approach is used to study the physical, chemical, and biological processes that contribute to the function of the human body.  Discussion will focus on the integral role of each system in maintaining homeostasis. Must be taken concurrently with BI 342L. Prerequisites: BI 161/L and 222/L, and CH 161/L and 162/L

Spring Even Years

BI 342L Laboratory for Human Physiology         (1)

Functions of various organs and organ systems are investigated using the human, frog, and turtle. Techniques include respirometry, electrocardiography and urinalysis. Must be taken with BI 342.

Spring Even Years

BI 362 Plant Physiology                                     (3)

Study of the physiological functions of plants in response to their environment and in terms of their structure. Includes water relations, photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, and hormonal regulation of plant development.  Must be taken concurrently with BI 362L.  Prerequisites: BI 161/L and 261/L

Spring Even Years

BI 362L Laboratory for Plant Physiology                      (1)

Practice of modern laboratory techniques in the measurement of plant water and mineral balance, measurement of photosynthetic rate, extraction and separation of plant pigments, experiments with plant hormones, and tissue culturing techniques. Must be taken with BI 362.

Spring Even Years

BI 371 Comparative Embryology                        (3)

A study of developmental biology of invertebrates and vertebrates. Includes gametogenesis, fertilization, blastulation, gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis. Must be taken concurrently with BI 371L. Prerequisite: BI 222/L

Fall Odd Years

BI 371L Laboratory for Comparative Embryology   (1)

Study of living and preserved gametes and embryos during development.  Observation and experimentation will focus on slime molds, sea urchins, frogs, and chickens. Must be taken with BI 371.

Fall Odd Years

BI 422 Ecology                                             (3)

Study of the relationships between organisms and their physical and biological environments. Includes effects of the physical environment on plants and animals, population biology and natural selection, and community ecology and dynamics such as succession. Must be taken with BI 422L.

Spring Odd Years

BI 422L Laboratory for Ecology                    (1)

Measurements of physical conditions, soils, plant type and distribution, and other field activities will be performed.  Predator-prey interactions will be simulated.  Field trips will be taken to observe dune succession and bog ecology.  Must be taken with BI 422.

Spring Odd Years

BI 432 Microbiology                                     (2)

Structure and function of viruses, bacteria, and protists, microbial genetics, survey of infectious diseases, immunology, the role of microorganisms in nature, and the relation of microbiology to the broad areas of biology. Must be taken concurrently with BI 432L. Prerequisite: BI 161/L

Spring Odd Years

BI 432L Laboratory for Microbiology                      (2)

Sterile technique, identification of microorganisms through use of staining techniques, growth characteristics, and diagnostic media, preparation of microscope slides, uses of antibiotics and antiseptics, and immunological tests. Must be taken with BI 432.

Spring Odd Years

BI 451 Seminar in Biology                            (2)

Students prepare a major research paper on a topic of their choice in biology and present the information in a formal seminar setting.  Graduate and professional degree programs and career opportunities in biology are discussed and students prepare a resume.  A portion of class time is devoted to examining the philosophical, moral and ethical aspects of biology with discussions based on assigned readings.  Particular attention is given to Christian perspectives.  Prerequisite: Junior biology major or consent

Spring Even Years

BI 461 Introduction to Neuroscience                       (3)

A study of nervous system organization, function, and development.  Topics include neuronal cell biology, molecular biology, and physiology.  We will also discuss higher brain functions and human nervous system disorders as well as the neural basis of behavior.  Prerequisites: BI 161/L and 342/L

Spring Odd Years

BI 490 Independent Study                          (1-4)

Experiments or special projects will be selected according to the interest of the student and will be performed on an individual basis. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent

Fall, Spring

Courses in Environmental Science

ES 211 Environmental Resources                       (3)

Survey of world environmental history with a focus on the United States.  Discussion of current problems and practices involved in the use and conservation of water, tropical and temperate forests, soil, energy sources, agricultural and crop genetic resources, and control of pollution.  Must be taken currently with ES 211L.                                              

Fall Even Years

ES 211L Laboratory for Environmental Resources (1)

Visits to selected sites and activities involving environ-mental management.  Most field trips will involve a two-hour laboratory period but some may involve a full day.  Must be taken currently with ES 211.                                                    

Fall Even Years

ES 262 Physical Geography                         (3)

Survey of basic statics and dynamics of the physical world as these affect human cultural development and demographic trends. Extensive development of conceptual models.

Spring Odd Years

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