Requirements
for the Major in Biology
A four-year program
leading to a B.S. in biology is offered and includes 4 options:
Biology, Human Biology, Biotechnology, and Ecology. All programs of
study provide students with a liberal arts education emphasizing
the sciences. The required biology courses in the Biology
specialization expose students to an examination of
life from the molecular to the community level. The required
courses in the Ecology specialization
prepare students for careers in ecology, environmental sciences,
and conservation. The required courses in Human
Biology prepare students for the health
professions. The required courses in the Biotechnology
specialization emphasize cell and molecular biology.
Other biology courses may be elected to suit individual
interests and needs. The required courses in chemistry,
mathematics, and physics reflect the interdisciplinary status
of the biological sciences. Graduates of these programs
have found careers in biological and medical research laboratories,
field biology, and in biotechnology companies, or they have
furthered their education by entering graduate, medical,
dental, optometry, veterinary, and law schools, as well
as schools for allied health professions.
Please see the
suggested four-year plans of study
and the 2008-2010 tentative course schedule to facilitate the planning of your classwork.
Biology
Specialization
The
major in Biology requires a minimum of 73 credit hours in
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math. (University
degree requirements also include Core Curriculum and other
courses for a minimum of 120 credit hours total.)
A grade of C- or higher is required for all courses listed
below.
Course
requirements for the major are
1)
All six core courses
2)
One elective lecture/laboratory combination from each of
the four areas: Organismal, Communities & Ecosystems, Functional,
and Cellular
3)
Two additional biology lecture courses or one biology lecture/laboratory
course with prefix numbers of 200 or above
4)
One of two sets of additional science and
math courses given below
Core
courses
| BIO
105K |
Biological
Principles I: Cellular Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
106K |
Biological
Principles: Laboratory Biology |
1.5
Credits |
| BIO
107 |
Biological
Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
109 |
Biological
Principles III: Functional Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
201 |
Genetics |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
217 |
Evolution |
3.0
Credits |
Elective
courses, by area
| AREA
1: Organismal
Biology |
| BIO
205 |
Comparative
Vertebrate Anatomy |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
231 |
Botany |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
291 |
Ornithology |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
335 |
Entomology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
351 |
Invertebrate
Zoology |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
353W |
Vertebrate
Zoology |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
361 |
Parasitology |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
362 |
Parasitology
Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
405W |
Animal
Behavior |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
406 |
Animal
Behavior Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
|
AREA 2: Communities
& Ecosystems |
| BIO
331 |
Ecological
Principles |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
332 |
Field
Ecology |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
337 |
Marine
Ecology |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
383 |
Plant
Ecology |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
415 |
Microbial
Ecology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
416 |
Microbial
Ecology Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
|
AREA 3: Functional
Biology |
| BIO
321 |
Neurobiology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
322 |
Neurobiology
Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
381 |
Plant
Physiology |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
401 |
General
Physiology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
402 |
General
Physiology Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
403 |
Comparative
Physiology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
404 |
Comparative
Physiology Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| AREA
4: Cellular Biology |
| BIO 305 |
Developmental Biology |
3.0 Credits |
| BIO
306W |
Developmental Biology Laboratory |
2.0 Credits |
| BIO
311 |
Microbiology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
312W |
Microbiology
Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
409 |
Cell
and Molecular Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
410 |
Cell
and Molecular Biology Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
Additional
Math & Science courses
Mathematics
| MAT
152D |
Calculus
A |
4.0
Credits |
| MAT
220 |
Statistics
for the Biological Sciences |
4.0
Credits |
Chemistry
| CHY
113K |
Principles
of Chemistry I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
114K |
Principles
of Chemistry I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| CHY
115 |
Principles
of Chemistry II |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
116 |
Principles
of Chemistry II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| CHY
251 |
Organic
Chemistry I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
252 |
Organic
Chemistry I Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| CHY
253 |
Organic
Chemistry II |
3.0
Credits |
Physics
| |
EITHER |
|
| PHY
111K |
Elements
of Physics I |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
114K |
Elements
of Physics I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| PHY
112 |
Elements
of Physics II |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
116 |
Elements
of Physics II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| |
OR |
|
| PHY
121K |
General
Physics I |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
114K |
Elements
of Physics I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| PHY
123 |
General
Physics II |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
116 |
Elements
of Physics II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
Biology with emphasis in Ecology
The
concentration in Ecology requires a minimum of 78 credit
hours in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, and Math. (University
degree requirements also include Core Curriculum and other
courses for a minimum of 120 credit hours total.) A
grade of C- or higher is required for all courses listed
below.
Course
requirements for the specialization are
1)
Seven core courses in the biology
major
2)
Ten credits of Organismal Biology courses
3)
Ten credits of courses in Ecology
4) Additional
science and math courses given below
Core courses
| BIO
105K |
Biological
Principles I: Cellular Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
106K |
Biological
Principles: Laboratory Biology |
1.5
Credits |
| BIO
107 |
Biological
Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
109 |
Biological
Principles III: Functional Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
201 |
Genetics |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
217 |
Evolution |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
331 |
Ecological
Principles |
3.0
Credits |
Organismal
biology courses
| BIO
205 |
Comparative
Vertebrate Anatomy |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
231 |
Botany |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
291 |
Ornithology |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
335 |
Entomology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
351 |
Invertebrate
Zoology |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
353W |
Vertebrate
Zoology |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
361 |
Parasitology |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
362 |
Parasitology
Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
381 |
Plant
Physiology |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
405W |
Animal
Behavior |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
406 |
Animal
Behavior Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
Ecology
courses
| BIO
332 |
Field
Ecology |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
337 |
Marine
Ecology |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
383 |
Plant
Ecology |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
403 |
Comparative
Physiology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
404 |
Comparative
Physiology Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
415 |
Microbial
Ecology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
416 |
Microbial
Ecology Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| ESP
303 |
Wetlands
Ecology |
3.0 Credits |
| ESP
413 |
Forest
Ecology |
4.0 Credits |
Additional
Math & Science courses
Mathematics
| MAT
152D |
Calculus
A |
4.0
Credits |
| MAT
220 |
Statistics
for the Biological Sciences |
4.0
Credits |
Chemistry
| CHY
113K |
Principles
of Chemistry I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
114K |
Principles
of Chemistry I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| CHY
115 |
Principles
of Chemistry II |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
116 |
Principles
of Chemistry II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| CHY
251 |
Organic
Chemistry I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
252 |
Organic
Chemistry I Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| CHY
253 |
Organic
Chemistry II |
3.0
Credits |
Geography-Anthropology
| GEO
108 |
Introduction
to ArcGIS |
3.0
Credits |
Physics
| |
EITHER |
|
| PHY
111K |
Elements
of Physics I |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
114K |
Elements
of Physics I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| PHY
112 |
Elements
of Physics II |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
116 |
Elements
of Physics II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| |
OR |
|
| PHY
121K |
General
Physics I |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
114K |
Elements
of Physics I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| PHY
123 |
General
Physics II |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
116 |
Elements
of Physics II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
Biology
with emphasis in Human Biology
The
minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University's
Core curriculum) required for the emphasis in human biology:
82. A grade of C- or higher is required for all courses
listed below.
Required
Biology Courses
| BIO
105K |
Biological
Principles I: Cellular Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
106K |
Biological
Principles: Laboratory Biology |
1.5
Credits |
| BIO
107 |
Biological
Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
111 |
Human
Anatomy & Physiology I |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO 112 |
Human
Anatomy & Physiology I Laboratory |
1.5
Credits |
| BIO 211 |
Human
Anatomy & Physiology II |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
212 |
Human
Anatomy & Physiology II Laboratory |
1.5
Credits |
| BIO
345 |
Pathophysiology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
401 |
General
Physiology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
402 |
General
Physiology Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
Choose
15 credits from the following:
| BIO
201 |
Genetics |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
205 |
Comparative
Vertebrate Anatomy |
5.0
Credits |
| BIO
305 |
Developmental
Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
306W |
Developmental
Biology Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
311 |
Microbiology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
312W |
Microbiology
Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
321 |
Neurobiology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
322 |
Neurobiology
Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
361 |
Parasitology |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
362 |
Parasitology
Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
409 |
Cell
and Molecular Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
410 |
Cell
and Molecular Biology Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
431 |
Principles
of Immunology |
3.0
Credits |
The
following courses are also required:
Chemistry
| CHY
113K |
Principles
of Chemistry I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
114K |
Principles
of Chemistry I Laboratory |
1.0
Credits |
| CHY
115 |
Principles
of Chemistry II |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
116 |
Principles
of Chemistry II Laboratory |
1.0
Credits |
| CHY
251 |
Organic
Chemistry I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
252 |
Organic
Chemistry I Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| CHY
253 |
Organic
Chemistry II |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
254 |
Organic
Chemistry II Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| |
AND,
EITHER |
|
| CHY
461 |
Biochemistry
I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
462 |
Biochemistry
I Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| |
OR |
|
| CHY
461 |
Biochemistry
I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
463 |
Biochemistry
II |
3.0
Credits |
Physics
| |
EITHER |
|
| PHY
111K |
Elements
of Physics I |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
114K |
Elements
of Physics I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| PHY
112 |
Elements
of Physics II |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
116 |
Elements
of Physics II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| |
OR |
|
| PHY
121K |
General
Physics I |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
114K |
Elements
of Physics I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| PHY
123 |
General
Physics II |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
116 |
Elements
of Physics II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
Mathematics
| MAT
152D |
Calculus
A |
4.0
Credits |
| MAT
220 |
Statistics
for the Biological Sciences |
4.0
Credits |
Biology
with emphasis in Biotechnology
The
minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University's
Core
curriculum) required for the emphasis in biotechnology: 80.
A grade of C- or higher is required for all courses listed
below.
All
of the following are required:
Biology
| BIO
105K |
Biological
Principles I: Cellular Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
106K |
Biological
Principles: Laboratory Biology |
1.5
Credits |
| BIO
107 |
Biological
Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology |
4.5
Credits |
| BIO
201 |
Genetics |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO 311 |
Microbiology |
3.0 Credits |
| BIO
312W |
Microbiology Laboratory |
2.0 Credits |
| BIO
408 |
Experimental
Genetics |
2.0
Credits |
| BIO
431 |
Principles
of Immunology |
3.0 Credits |
| |
AND,
EITHER |
|
| BIO
409 |
Cell & Molecular
Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| BIO
410 |
Cell & Molecular
Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| |
OR |
|
| AMS
530 |
Molecular Biology |
3.0
Credits |
| AMS
531 |
Molecular Biology Laboratory |
3.0
Credits |
Applied
Medical Sciences
(BIO
441 may be substituted for one AMS class)
| AMS
551 |
Immunology
Laboratory |
3.0
Credits |
Chemistry
| CHY
113K |
Principles
of Chemistry I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
114K |
Principles
of Chemistry I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| CHY
115 |
Principles
of Chemistry II |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
116 |
Principles
of Chemistry II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| CHY
251 |
Organic
Chemistry I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
252 |
Organic
Chemistry I Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| CHY
253 |
Organic
Chemistry II |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
254 |
Organic
Chemistry II Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| CHY
461 |
Biochemistry
I |
3.0
Credits |
| CHY
462 |
Biochemistry
I Laboratory |
2.0
Credits |
| CHY
463 |
Biochemistry
II |
3.0
Credits |
Physics
| |
EITHER |
|
| PHY
111K |
Elements
of Physics I |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
114K |
Elements
of Physics I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| PHY
112 |
Elements
of Physics II |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
116 |
Elements
of Physics II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| |
OR |
|
| PHY
121K |
General
Physics I |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
114K |
Elements
of Physics I Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
| PHY
123 |
General
Physics II |
4.0
Credits |
| PHY
116 |
Elements
of Physics II Laboratory |
1.0
Credit |
Mathematics
| MAT
152D |
Calculus
A |
4.0
Credits |
| MAT
220 |
Statistics
for the Biological Sciences |
4.0
Credits |
Courses
in Science and Math Relevant for
Biology Majors
BIO
105K Biological Principles I:Cellular Biology
This is an introduction to the
scientific principles of molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics. Prerequisite:
students must have fulfilled the University minimum proficiency requirements
in writing and mathematics. Cr 3.
BIO
106K Laboratory Biology
Laboratory experiences illustrating concepts and principles
introduced in BIO 105K. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 105K is
highly recommended. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher
in, or concurrent enrollment in, BIO 105K. Students must have
fulfilled the University minimum proficiency requirements in
writing and mathematics. Cr 1.5.
BIO
107 Biological Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity,
and Ecology
This is an integrated lecture-laboratory course introducing
students to the scientific principles of evolution, biodiversity
and ecology. The lecture and laboratory each meet three hours
weekly. Prerequisites: grades of C minus or higher in BIO
105K and BIO 106K. Cr 4.5.
BIO
109 Biological Principles III: Functional Biology
This is an introduction to the scientific principles of structure
and function in plants and animals. Prerequisites: grade of
C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 3.
BIO
111 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
The course is the first semester of a two-semester
sequence concerning the structure and function
of the human body. The course focuses on the study
of cell chemistry, cell physiology, tissues, integumentary
system, skeletal system, muscle system, and nervous
system. Prerequisite: satisfactory completion of
minimum proficiency requirements. Cr3.
BIO
112 Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology
I
Laboratory experiences illustrating concepts and principles
introduced in BIO 111. The course will cover the following
topics: metrics, language of anatomy, cell physiology, tissues,
integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and
nervous system. Prerequisite: BIO 111 or concurrent. Cr 1.5.
BIO
201 Genetics
This is a study of the molecular basis of heredity
and methods of genetic analysis. Prerequisites: grade of C
minus or higher in BIO 107 or BIO 211, 212 and CHY 115; or
permission of instructor. Cr 3.
BIO
205 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
A modern look at
an old subject: the comparative study of vertebrate organ
systems from an adaptational and evolutionary point of view.
Lecture three hours/week; one four-hour laboratory/week. Prerequisites:
grade of C minus or higher in BIO 109. Cr 5.
BIO
211 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This
course is a continuation of BIO 111. The structure and function
of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive,
digestive, and urinary systems will be discussed. Prerequisite:
grade of C minus or higher in BIO 111. Cr 3.
BIO
212 Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Laboratory
studies of the structure and function of the endocrine, cardiovascular,
respiratory, reproductive, digestive, and urinary systems.
Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 112; BIO 211
or concurrently. Cr 1.5.
BIO
217 Evolution
This course teaches the geological and fossil records, the mechanism
of selection as a creative principle, the genetic basis of natural
selection, the pervasive imprint of extinction in living and
fossil species, the evolution of complex molecules and organ
systems, and the geological and ecological processes that have
influenced diversification. Prerequisites: Grade of C minus
or higher in BIO 109, or permission of instructor. Cr 3.
BIO
231 Botany
A study of structure, function, development, reproduction,
and environmental adaptations of representative non-vascular
and vascular plants. Lecture three hours/week; one three-hour
laboratory/week. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher
in BIO 107 or permission of instructor. Cr 4.5.
BIO
251 History of Biology
A chronological survey of developments in
biological investigations from earliest records
to the present day. Prerequisites: grade of C
minus or higher in BIO 105K or BIO 111, or permission
of instructor. Cr 3.
BIO
281 Microbiology and Human Disease
Fundamentals of microbiology with emphasis on infectious
diseases of people, including bacteria, rickettsia, fungi, viruses,
protozoa and helminths. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher
in BIO 105K or BIO 111, and college chemistry. Cr 3.
BIO
282 Microbiology and Human Disease Laboratory
Laboratory techniques in the cultivation,
identification, and control of microorganisms.
Prerequisite: BIO 281 or concurrently. Cr 2.
BIO
291 Ornithology
This course studies the basic biology of birds: their life histories,
migration, ecology, and economic importance, with emphasis on
species found in Eastern North America. Numerous field trips
to a variety of habitats will be taken for purposes of field
identification. Students are responsible for their own appropriate
outdoor clothing and footwear and for binoculars. Prerequisites:
A grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107, or permission of instructor.
Cr 4.5.
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