Biology–Ecological Science
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 credits
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 330 - Topics in Ecology (8 credits)
(1-4 credits; a minimum of 4 credits will be offered per year) Advanced studies of the function and structure of local ecological communities and/or life forms. Courses will emphasize the use of fieldwork, research projects and/or primary literature. Prerequisites: BIO205 or permission of instructor.Note: Course may include required field trips and 3 lab hours per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Choose one course:
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:
BIO 202WI - Genetics and Genomics
(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:
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:
AUS 365: Insect Ecology of Streams, Forests and Fields
AUS 322: Aquatic Biology
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:
MAT 116QR - Statistics for the Natural and Social Sciences
(3 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This course is designed to introduce topics in probability and statistics with an emphasis on problems in the sciences. We will study discrete and continuous distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, p-values, correlation, and simple linear regression. There will be three main sections in this course, examining descriptive statistics (the nature of data and how to summarize it), basic probability concepts (the mathematical study of uncertainty), and inferential statistics (making claims or decisions based on one or more sets of data). Prerequisite: ACT math score of 20 or above (SAT 510 or above), ALEKS placement exam score of 46 or above, concurrent enrollment in MAT100, or permission of instructor. Note: Students may receive credit for only one course among MAT116QR, MAT117QR and MAT208QR.
Choose one sequence:
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 1.5 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 1.5 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 22 (SAT 540 or above) or sophomore status. 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: 47
Note:
All Biology Ecological Science majors are required to take at least 12 credits of 300-level (or above) biology courses, 8 credits of which must have a laboratory.
Field experience:
All Biology Ecological Science majors are required to complete at least one field experience. This requirement can be met in one of two ways:
Option 1: Completion of a pre-approved AuSable or other experiential ecology course.
Option 2: Complete an approved summer field research or professional employment experience. Submission of a form requesting approval of a summer experience must be submitted to the department chair at least 60 days prior to the initiation of the experience. Experiences will not be approved retroactively.
