Biology Courses
The course focuses on basic principles of biology at the molecular and cellular level: it includes an introduction to biochemistry, a survey of cell structures and functions, the study of energy transformations in cells, inheritance, cell devision, molecular genetics, immunology and development. Designed for science majors and pre-nursing, pre-medical and pre-dental students. Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Laboratory fee $30. Prerequisite: a minumum combined SAT score of 1100 (sum of the critical reading and math section scores), or composite ACT score of 24, or permission of instructor. Four hours. LAB
The course focuses basic principles of biology at the organ system, organism and community levels including a taxonomic survey of the major biological kingdoms. Three hours lecture. Designed for science majors and pre-nursing, pre-medical and pre-dental students. Three hours laboratory. Laboratory fee: $30. Prerequisite: BIO 111 or permission of instructor. Four hours.
The course includes a study of the various types of nutrients, how they are digested, absorbed, and metabolized and how they function. Guidelines are given for amounts of the various nutrients needed to maintain good health and proper weight. Students are provided some experience in analyzing their own diets. Laws regulating ingredients are examined. Additional research paper will be required for upper-division credit. Prerequisites: high school chemistry and biology. Three hours.
The structure and function of the human body from the systems perspective. The course focuses on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems. The cat is used for dissection purposes. Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Laboratory fee: $30. Prerequisite: BIO 111 or 112. Four hours
The structure and funtion of the human body from the systems perspective. The course focuses on the circulatory, respirtory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. The cat is used for dissection purposes. Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Laboratory fee: $30. Prerequisitie: BIO 111 or 112. Four hours. "W"
A detailed study of the nature and utilization of nucleic acid-based information systems in living cells. The course focuses on DNA (structure, replication, repair, gene regulation), RNA (structure, synthesis, processing and function) and proteins (structure, synthesis, function). Techniques for studying and engineering nucleic acids and proteins will also be covered. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. Laboratory fee: $30. Four hours.
Relations of organisms to the physical and biological conditions under which they live. Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Prerequisties: BIO 111, 112. Laboratory fee: $30. Four hours. 'W'
This is a study of the unique interface of northern and southern flora and fauna in the southeastern highlands region.The course will include an overview of the geology of the area and discussions of the interactions among native and European peoples. Issues of conservation will also be addressed. No prerequisite. Three hours.
The course is designed to familiarize students with the historical, philosophical and theological context of modern science in general and modern biology in particular. Examples are drawn from both physical and biological sciences to illustrate the complex and inevitable interplay between philosophical and theological convictions and the practice of science. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Three hours.
Introduction to work in a biologically-related area (medical, nutritional, environmental, business). Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112; CHE 121, 122, plus possible other appropriate courses depending on the area chosen. Not open to freshmen. Thirty hours work time per credit hour. Repeatable. One to three hours.
Introduction to work in the field of physical therapy or occupational therapy. The practicum can be done under a certified therapist in a hospital, clinic or private office. Prerequisite: BIO 220. Not open to freshmen. Thirty hours work time per credit hour. Repeatable. One to three hours
Classification and comparison of typical chordate animals with emphasis on the vertebrates. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Two hours lecture. Six hours laboratory. Laboratory fee: $30. Four hours.
A comparative study of functions of animal organ systems. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Laboratory fee: $30. Four hours.
Experimental and descriptive aspects of animal development, with emphasis on vertebrates. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Laboratory fee: $30. Four hours.
The study of invertebrate animals with emphasis on structure, function and taxonomy. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Laboratory fee: $30. Four hours.
A study of insect taxonomy, ecology, anatomy and physiology, and economic importance. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Laboratory fee: $30. May also be taken at AuSable Institute. Four hours.
The biology, behavior, ecology, and identification of birds. Laboratory work includes field work as well as dissecting a pigeon. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Laboratory fee: $30. May also be taken at AuSable Institute. Four hours.
Herpetology is the study of the taxonomy, anatomy, natural history, and physiology of reptiles and amphibians. Any laboratory work will be done within the lecture periods. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112. Three hours.
The course studies the taxonomy and ecology of vascular plants as components of natural communities. Field identification of plant species will be stressed and will include laboratory dissection and identification. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112; or permission of instructor. Laboratory fee: $30. May also be taken at AuSable Institute. Four hours.
The course studies microbial life histories, morphology, physiology, identification, culture techniques, environmental microbiology, control, and the etiology and pathology of infectious disease. Prerequisite: BIO 242. Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Laboratory fee: $30. Four hours.
A study of human defenses against exogenous infectious agents and endogenous neoplasia. The course includes an overview of the nonspecific defenses but focuses on specific defenses. Prerequisites: BIO 242. Three hours.
An examination of the molecular and cellular events that lead to the unregulated proliferation of cells in the human body. Significant attention is given to tumor immunology, mechanisms of metastasis and anti-cancer therapies. Some material concerning cancer epidemiology, host-tumor interactions and cancer prevention is also included. Prerequisite: BIO 242. Three hours.
Systems level perspective on land forms. Includes analysis and interpretation of data, both on-site and remote-sensing data. Includes readings on land use and planning. Prerequisite: one year of college science. Laboratory fee: $20. Mainly offered at AuSable Institute. Four hours.
This course explores topics of current interest in the department not covered in other courses. Topics might include plant physiology, human genetics, history of biology, animal histology and microtechnique, and methods of biological research. Prerequisites: BIO 111, 112 Repeatable. One to four hours.
Individualized study to pursue or review certain topics in biology. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Repeatable. One to two hours. Course fee: up to $30.
Oral presentation of scientific work is an essential element of all the scientific disciplines. This course provides instruction and practice in this important component of participation in the biological scientific community. Prerequisites: Biology major and junior-level standing. One hour. ‘S'
This course is designed to help senior biology majors develop and execute to a "good draft stage" a scholarly project which deals with a topic of interest suitable for a biology major, in which they have a personal stake and which allows them in some aspect or other to explicitly exhibit the analytical skills of a Christian heart and mind in a "worldview-ish" mode. Prerequisites: Biology major and senior- level standing, or permission of the instructor. Two hours. 'S'
Further refinement development of SIP I course products. Students will begin the course by reading and discussing fellow students' papers and offering suggestions for improvements. Each student will then meet with the instructor to plan and develop a contract for further work on the paper. Prerequisite: BIO 492. One hour.
The following courses are taught only at AuSable Institute (see their catalog for course descriptions):
260. Field Natural History (Natural History in Spring)
262. Field Biology of the Pacific Northwest (Natural History of Pacific Northwest)
315. Tropical Agriculture and Missions
316. Ecological Agriculture
325. Marine Invertebrates
328. Birds and Mammals of South India
329. Marine Mammals
330. Mammals of East Africa
332. Fish Biology and Ecology
336. Wood Plants
371. Aquatic Biology
372. Limnology
381. Global Development and Ecological Sustainability
382. Development and Ecological Sustainability in Africa
467. Ecology of India Tropics
471. Conservation Biology
477. Plant Ecology
478. Alpine Ecology
479. Tropical Mountain Ecology of India
482. Restoration Ecology
485. Marine Stewardship
