Biology courses
AUS311 - Field Botany
AUS312 - Insect Biology and Ecology
AUS315 - Woody Plants
AUS321 - Animal Ecology
AUS322 - Aquatic Biology
AUS346 - Winter Stream Ecology and Watersheds
AUS361 - Field Biology in Spring
BIO101SN - Introduction to Environmental Science
(4 credits)(IGE option under Science and the Natural World) An
introduction to an understanding of Earth's basic life support systems,
the impact of human activity on such systems, and the ethical basis and
strategies for human response to environmental degradation.
Note: Includes 1 1/2 hours of lab per week. Does not count toward
a biology major or minor.
BIO102SN - Human Anatomy and Physiology
(4 credits)(IGE option under Science and the Natural World) An
introduction to the structure and function of the human body.
Note: Includes 1 1/2 hours of lab per week. Does not count toward a
biology major or minor. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO110 - Introduction to the Life Sciences
A fee is associated with this course (http://www.nwciowa.edu/tuition/fees).
BIO110SN - Introduction to Life Science
This course explores life processes common to plants, animals, and protists;
cell structure and function; biodiversity; an introduction to genetics;
biochemistry and development; evolution and ecology. Laboratory exercises
explore each topic using the scientific method. Hypothesis forming, data
analysis and reporting are essential components of the laboratory.
Accompanying materials introduce students to Christian perspectives on
current issues in molecular genetics, evolutionary theory and creation
stewardship. (4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) Note: Does not count toward a biology major or minor.
BIO115SN - General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology
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. (4 credits) (NWCore option under
Science and the Natural World) Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week.
BIO116 - General Biology: Ecology and Organismal Biology
General Biology II is an introduction to organismal biology emphasizing the diversity of life forms. Representative organisms from the plant and animal kingdoms will be emphasized. Students will also be introduced to basic ecological concepts and Christian perspectives on stewardship. (4 credits)
BIO121 - Introduction to Human Anatomy
An introduction to the anatomical structures of the human body. The focus of the course will be on structures of: cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. The systems studied will include (but not necessarily limited to) integument, bone, skeletal system (including joints), muscle, cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal.Concurrent requisite: CHE101 or 111.(4 credits)
BIO122 - Introduction to Human Physiology
An introduction to the physiology of the human body. The focus of the course will be on homeostasis and the function of: biomolecules, cells and tissues, organs and organ systems. The contribution of each of the following organ systems to physiologic homeostasis will be examined: nervous, muscle, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal. Prerequisite: CHE101 or 111; Concurrent requisite: CHE102 or 112. (4 credits)
BIO150SN - Brain and Behavior: The Mind's Machine
A fee is associated with this course.
BIO201 - Bioethics
A seminar which applies Christian perspectives to selected problems in the field of biology.(4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)
BIO202WI - Genetics and Genomics
An introduction to the principles of heredity and their practical
applications. Prerequisites: BIO115SN or 116. (4 credits) (Writing
intensive) Note: Includes 3 credits of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course (http://www.nwciowa.edu/tuition/fees).
BIO203 - Microbiology
A study of the morphology and physiology of microorganisms with special emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Those organisms that have an economic or medical importance will be highlighted, and basic laboratory techniques will be stressed.Prerequisites: BIO115, 116 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112.(4 credits)
BIO205 - Ecology
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 (4 credits)
BIO221 - Human Anatomy
A study of the gross structure of the systems of the human body.Prerequisite: BIO102, 115 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)
BIO222 - Human Physiology
A study of the mechanisms by which the human body functions. Emphasis will be given to nerve and muscle function, and thereafter to hormonal control and the integrated systems that allow for respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive activities.Prerequisites: BIO102 or 115 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)
BIO250 - Special Topics
Courses and topics not taught on a regular basis are assigned to this category. Extended field trips for which credit is offered also fall into this category.(2-4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)
BIO280 - Vertebrate Zoology
An in-depth study of the major groups of vertebrate species. Topics include vertebrate taxonomy, classification, comparative vertebrate anatomy, physiology, behavior, and life histories. Prerequisites: BIO115 and 116. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
BIO307 - Histology
A study of the microscopic structure of cells, tissues and organs in vertebrate animals with special emphasis on human tissues. An effort is made to correlate structure and function and highlight important pathologies. Prerequisites: BIO115 and 116. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
BIO309 - Plant Taxonomy
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.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
BIO310WI - Cell Biology
A study of the structure and function of cells and of their subcellular
organelles. Structural detail will be described to the level of
macromolecular assemblages. Wherever possible, function will be described in
terms of the molecular mechanisms that underlie biological processes.
Note: Includes 3 lectures and 3 hours of lab per week.
Prerequisites: BIO115SN, 116, and CHE101, 102, or CHE111, 112. (4 credits;
alternate years, consult department) (Writing intensive) A fee is associated with this course.
BIO312 - Invertebrate Zoology
A fee is associated with this course (http://www.nwciowa.edu/tuition/fees).
BIO315WI - Immunology
The basis of the immune system throughout the animal kingdom is the ability
to recognize "self" from "not-self." This course will investigate the
molecular and cellular mechanisms that allow organisms to recognize, control
and eliminate such not-self entities as bacterial pathogens, foreign tissue
grafts and even transformed cells. Prerequisites: BIO115SN, 116 and CHE101,
102 or CHE111, 112. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
(Writing intensive) Note: Includes 3 lectures and 3 hours of lab per week.
BIO320 - Pharmacology
A survey of the pharmacologic basis of therapeutics beginning with an introduction to the principles of pharmacology. This is followed by a survey of the more important drugs used in medicine with emphasis on mechanism of action, clinical use, and adverse effects. Prerequisites: BIO222 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112. (4 credits)
BIO326 - Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism
A fundamental course surveying biomolecules, catabolism, bioenergetics and biosynthesis. Prerequisites: CHE321 and 322. (4 credits)
BIO327WI - 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.
Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.
Prerequisites: BIO115, CHE321 and 322.
BIO329 - Stewardship Ecology
A fee is associated with this course (http://www.nwciowa.edu/tuition/fees).
BIO330 - Topics in Ecology
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.(2-4 credits; a minimum of 4 credits will be offered per year)
BIO335 - SEA-GENES
In this course, students will design, implement, and interpret experiments
that will uncover the function of phage genes. Students will generate a gene
expression library for a phage genome collaboratively. Then, each student
will test the ability of a subset of phage gene products to modulate
bacterial host phenotypes. Students will screen genes of interest against
the bacterial host proteome to identify putative host target(s) using a
two-hybrid assay. Putative interactions revealed by the two-hybrid assay
will represent phage-host interaction pairs, linking phage genes to host
phenotypes, proteins, and processes. SEA-GENES is part of the Howard Hughes
Medical Institute's (HHMI) Science Education Alliance (SEA).
Prerequisites: BIO115/116, CHE101/102 or 111/112, BIO202 or BIO203 with
preference given to students who have completed (or are taking concurrently)
both BIO202 and BIO203 and/or are in the Honors Program and are taking this
course with an honors component. (2 credits)
Note: A fee is associated with this course.
BIO340 - Neuroscience
Introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, emphasizing neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and aspects of neuropathology. Multiple levels will be explored from the molecular and cellular levels through brain and spinal cord networks that contribute to complex behavioral and cognitive function.Prerequisites: BIO102 or 221 or permission of instructor.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
BIO345 - Neuroscience and Persons Seminar
Interdisciplinary lectures, discussions and presentations related to the reading and critiquing of literature on selected topics in the area of neuroscience and persons. Student-led discussions and presentations (oral and written) will be emphasized. Possible topics include: artificial/machine intelligence, clinical neuroscience and neuropathology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience and Christianity, neuroscience of emotion, neuroethics, neuromodeling, neuroscience of mental illness, neurophilosophy, neurotheology and social neuroscience; consideration of NAPs-related student research may also be included.Prerequisite: BIO340 or permission of instructor.(2 credits; alternate years, consult department)
BIO350 - Special Topics
Courses and topics which are of special interest to faculty and students but which are not offered on a regular basis may be assigned this number. Examples of such offerings would be developmental biology, cardiovascular physiology and virology. Extended field trips for which credit is offered also fall into this category. Prerequisites: appropriate 200-level biology courses. (2-4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)
BIO351 - Physical Therapy Field Experience
The experience acquaints the student more fully with the profession of physical therapy. Most professional schools of physical therapy require applicants to have had practical experience. Prerequisites: sophomore class standing, physical therapy pre-professional, minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. (2 credits)
BIO352 - Veterinary Medicine Field Experience
Under the overall supervision of the pre-veterinary advisory committee the student will spend time in clinic and on call observing the work of local veterinarians. An attempt will be made to expose the student to as many different veterinary specializations as possible.Prerequisites: junior class standing, veterinary medicine pre-professional.(2 credits)
BIO353 - Conservation of Natural Resources Field Experience
The student would work under the supervision of persons involved in conservation work at the site of the cooperating agency.Prerequisite: junior class standing and prior arrangement.(2 credits; non-yearly, consult department)
BIO360 - Pathophysiology
An introduction to the pathophysiology associated with the disease states of the human body. The focus of the course will be on disruptions in homeostasis as the result of organ system malfunction or failure. The pathophysiology associated with the following systems will be examined: blood, cells and cell growth, nervous, muscle, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal. Prerequisites: BIO122 or 222 and CHE102 or 112. (4 credits)
BIO393 - Research Experience
A research experience for biology ecological science majors in fulfillment of the department's field skills requirement. The research experience course shall be designed to provide credit and documentation of a field experience. During enrollment in the research experience course, the student shall, under supervision of department faculty, analyze data collected during the field experience, organize and synthesize such data into a professional scientific paper, submit such a paper to an appropriate, peer-reviewed journal and make subsequent response to the journal pursuant to publication. Departmental approval required.(1 credit)
BIO398 - Directed Study
BIO417 - Internship
(4 credits may apply toward the major)
BIO425 - Biology/Chemistry Research Seminar
A research seminar of in-progress studies in chemistry and biology by Northwestern students, faculty and selected invited guests from other institutions. Features presentation, discussion, analysis and critique of original research.Prerequisite: permission of instructor.(1/4 credit; non-yearly, consult department)
BIO450SR - Science and the Christian Faith
Science and Christian Faith is a senior seminar course designed for biology
and chemistry majors. The course revisits the three FYS course questions:
Who am I? Who are my neighbors? How will we live in the world? Our
thoughtful examination of these three questions will draw on knowledge
gained from your biology and chemistry courses, but also integrates broadly
with your liberal arts education (religion, philosophy, etc.) as we explore
questions of origins, creation care, and bioethics and through the lens of
Christian faith and theology. The readings, written assignments, oral
presentations, and discussions will lead us to consider how God calls us, as
scientists and people of faith, to be agents of redemption in our world.
Prerequisites: senior biology or chemistry major. Junior biology or
chemistry majors who cannot take this course during their senior year may
request permission from their advisor who will consult with the department
chairs to register. (3 credits) (Cross-referenced in chemistry)
BIO510 - Molecular and Biochemical Genetics and Genomics
(3 credits) Students will learn about the molecular structure of DNA, RNA,
and
protein and the processes of the central dogma of biology: replication,
transcription, and translation. We will learn the basic anatomy of a gene
and how gene structure regulates gene expression. We will examine, in
depth, the inheritance of genes during eukaryotic cell division and
sexual reproduction and the consequences of mutation and DNA repair. We
will compare and contrast genetics and genomics and examine the molecular
structure of the human genome. Throughout the course we will consider the
genetic basis of inherited disease and relate this to the central dogma
of biology and also carefully examine ethical issues raised by modern
genetics.
BIO520 - Heredity, Human Genetics and Genomics
(3 credits) Building on the foundation of molecular genetics, this course
focuses on heredity. Students will review Mendelian genetics with
applications to human genetics and genomics and will connect Mendelian
inheritance of dominant and recessive traits to meiosis and gamete
formation. Students will learn how to construct a pedigree from a family
history, to analyze a pedigree, and to explain a pedigree to patients.
Students will also learn about extensions of Mendelian genetics including
aneuploidy, mosaicism, pleiotrophy, multifactorial traits, penetrance,
and expressivity. Students will consider the complex relationship between
genes, the environment, and the interactions of other genes in the
context of genomics in addition to the relationship between phenotype and
genotype and the impact of genetics on fetal development.
BIO610 - Population and Quantitative Genetics and Genomics
(3 credits) Building on the foundation of molecular and Mendelian
genetics, this course focuses on the genetics and genomics of
populations. Both single-gene and complex diseases will be covered.
Students will use statistics and evaluate experimental design from
population studies in order to draw conclusions about individual disease
risk.
BIO620 - Technological Applications of Personalized Medicine
(3 credits) This course focuses on the applications of personalized
medicine. Students will learn about the Human Genome Project and its
implications for human health and disease. Comparative and functional
genomics, transcriptosomics, and proteomics will be studied. Students
will learn how genomes are sequenced and data bases are mined
(bioinformatics). Students will learn how genetic testing and screening
is done and the implications of genetic testing and screening for
patients. Ethical, social, cultural, and legal implications of genomic
medicine will be considered.
BIO630 - Therapeutic Modalities in Genetic and Genomic Medicine
(3 credits) Building on the foundation of molecular and Mendelian
genetics, this course
focuses on pharmacogenetics and the use of gene therapy in human health.
BIO640 - Ethical,Legal and Social Implications of Genetic/Genomic Medicine
(3 credits) Building on the foundation of genetics and genomics, this
course focuses on the ethical, legal, cultural, economic, psychological,
and social implications of genetic and genomic medicine.
HCP500 - Gross Anatomy for Health Care Providers
In this course, the first-year graduate students will work as part of their
first professional team to organize facts into concepts, as well as
appreciate the association between structure and function. This course is
designed for first year health care students to acquire the foundations for
basic descriptive, functional, clinical and radiological human anatomy.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a graduate healthcare profession program or
permission of instructor. (4 credits)
HCP510 - Research Methods
This course focuses on the essentials of the research process to facilitate
student's ability to knowledgeably and effectively identify, appraise, and
apply scientific findings to health care practices. The course introduces
the language of research, ethical principles and challenges, and the
elements of the research process within quantitative, qualitative, and mixed
methods approaches. Students will use theoretical underpinnings to begin to
access and critically review credible sources using a systematic approach,
evaluate the quality of research, discuss methods of translating, and
integrating findings into health care practice and evaluate patient
outcomes. Students will also determine how research findings are useful in
forming their understanding of their work, social, local and global
environment. Prerequisite: Acceptance into a graduate healthcare profession
program or permission of instructor. (3 credits)
HCP511 - Human Physiology
This course covers basic human physiology, providing a foundation for the
Medical Pathophysiology course series offered in terms two through four.
Students will learn about the physiologic functions of each body system as
well as mechanisms of disease that can impact the human body. Case studies
will be used to apply student knowledge of normal physiology to patient care
scenarios. Prerequisite: Admission to the PA program. (3 credits)
HCP600 - Clinical Pharmacology
This course emphasizes the basic pharmacology principles and practices.
Pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacokinetics principles will be
taught using clinical examples. Reasons for individual variation, drug
monitoring, and types of adverse drug reactions will be discussed using
interactive and problem based scenarios. Students will gain a good
understanding of the mechanisms of action and effects of common prescribed
medications as well as over the counter and recreational misused drugs.
Common clinical toxicology/ poisoning case scenarios will be explored so
students can develop analytical reasoning to aid diagnostic and management
decisions. Prerequisite: Acceptance into a graduate healthcare profession
program or permission of instructor. (3 credits)
HCP602 - Pharmacology I
This is the first in a three-course pharmacology series which covers
pharmacological therapies in a systems-based approach correlating with
topics covered in the Clinical Medicine course series. Students will examine
all aspects of prescribing medication including mechanisms of action, side
effects, and drug interactions. Prerequisite: PAS 611, Biomedical Science.
Note: A fee is associated with this course. (2 credits)
HCP603 - Pharmacology II
This is the second in a three-course pharmacology series which covers
pharmacological therapies in a systems-based approach correlating with
topics covered in the Clinical Medicine course series. Students will examine
all aspects of prescribing medication including mechanisms of action, side
effects, and drug interactions. Prerequisite: HCP 602, Pharmacology I. (2
credits)
HCP604 - Pharmacology III
This is the third in a three-course pharmacology series which covers
pharmacological therapies in a systems-based approach correlating with
topics covered in the Clinical Medicine course series. Students will examine
all aspects of prescribing medication including mechanisms of action, side
effects, and drug interactions. Prerequisite: HCP 603, Pharmacology II. (2
credits)
HCP610 - Psychosocial & Spiritual Aspects of Injury and Illness
The purpose of this course is to provide the necessary knowledge and skills
to manage psychosocial issues in health care. Psychological and spiritual
interventions and referral strategies specific to the role of various health
care providers will be discussed. Prerequisite: Acceptance into a graduate
healthcare profession program or permission of instructor. (3 credits)
HCP612 - Medical Pathophysiology I
This is the first course in a three-course series covering pathophysiology
at the molecular, cellular, and organ system levels. The content of this
course is designed to correspond with and support student understanding of
the topics covered in the Clinical Medicine course series. Prerequisite: HCP
511, Human Physiology. (2 credits)
HCP613 - Medical Pathophysiology II
This is the second course in a three-course series covering pathophysiology
at the molecular, cellular, and organ system levels. The content of this
course is designed to correspond with and support student understanding of
the topics covered in the Clinical Medicine course series. Prerequisite: HCP
612, Medical Pathophysiology I. (2 credits)
HCP614 - Medical Pathophysiology III
This is the third course in a three-course series covering pathophysiology
at the molecular, cellular, and organ system levels. The content of this
course is designed to correspond with and support student understanding of
the topics covered in the Clinical Medicine course series. Prerequisite: HCP
613, Medical Pathophysiology II. ((2 credits)
