Biology courses

An introduction to an understanding of Earth's basic life support systems,the impact of human activity on such systems, and the ethical basis andstrategies for human response to environmental degradation. (4 credits)(NWCore option under Science and the Natural World)Note: Includes 1 1/2 hours of lab per week. Does not count towarda biology major or minor.

An introduction to the structure and function of the human body. (4 credits)(NWCore option under Science and the Natural World)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.

This course will explore life processes common to plants, animals, andprotists; cell structure and function; biodiversity; an introduction togenetics; biochemistry and development; evolution and ecology. Laboratoryexercises will help students explore each topic using the scientific method.Hypothesis forming, data analysis and reporting will be essential componentsof the laboratory. An accompanying text will introduce students to Christianperspectives on current issues in molecular genetics and evolutionarytheory. (4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World)Note: Does not count toward a biology major or minor.

An introduction to molecular and cellular biology,with an examinination of the processes common to living organisms, and 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, the relationship between gene structure and function, 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 per week.

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. (4 credits)(NWCore option under Science and the Natural World)Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week.

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: CHE101SN or 111.(4 credits)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week as well as lab practical examinationsusing either dissected organs from animal source or A.D.A.M. interactiveanatomy. Does not count toward a biology major or minor.

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: CHE101SN or 111; Concurrent requisite: CHE102 or 112. (4 credits)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week which will emphasize the measurementof organ system function. Does not count toward a biology major or minor.

An interdisciplinary introduction to the biological, psychological, andneuroscientific foundations of the brain, mind and behavior that integratesChristian perspectives to address questions like "who amd I" and "how andwhy do I do what I do." (4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and theNatural World)Note: Includes 3 lectures and 1 1/2 hours of lab per week. Does not counttoward a biology major or minor.

A seminar which applies Christian perspectives to selected problems in the field of biology. (4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)Note: Does not count toward a biology major or minor.

An introduction to the principles of heredity and their practical application.Prerequisites: BIO115 or 116 (4 credits) (Writing Intensive)Note: Includes 1 1/2 hours of lab per week.

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 or BIO121, 122 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112. (4 credits)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.

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)Note: Course includes required field trips and 3 hours of lab per week.

A study of the gross structure of the systems of the human body. Prerequisite: BIO102SN, 115 or permission of instructor. (4 credits)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.

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: BIO102SN or 115 and CHE101SN, 102 or CHE111, 112 or permission of instructor. (4 credits)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.

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)

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)Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week.

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)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.

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)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.

A study of the structure and function of cells and of their subcellularorganelles. Structural detail will be described to the level ofmacromolecular assemblages. Wherever possible, function will be described interms of the molecular mechanisms that underlie biological processes.Prerequisites: BIO115, 116, and CHE101SN, 102, or CHE11, 112. (4 credits, alternate years)Note: Includes three lectures and 1 1/2 hours of lab per week.

A survey of the structure, function, classification and behavior of animalswithout backbones. Special attention is given to those which are parasiticin nature. Prerequisites: BIO115 and 116.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.

The basis of the immune system throughout the animal kingdom is the abilityto recognize "self" from "not-self." This course will investigate themolecular and cellular mechanisms that allow organisms to recognize, controland eliminate such not-self entities as bacterial pathogens, foreign tissuegrafts and even transformed cells. Prerequisites: BIO115, 116 and CHE101SN, 102 or CHE111, 112. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department) Note: Includes 3 lectures and 1 1/2 hours of lab per week.

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: BIO122 or BIO222 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112. (4 credits)

A fundamental course surveying biomolecules, catabolism, bioenergetics and biosynthesis. Prerequisites: CHE321 and 322. (4 credits)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.

This course focuses on the structure andfunction of nucleic acids and examines the biochemical techniques involvedin gaining knowledge regarding replication, transcription and translation ofgenetic information, and control of gene expression.Prerequisites: BIO115, CHE321 and 322. (4 credits) (Writing Intensive)Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.

This course examines the application of the scientific principles ofconservation and restoration ecology through the lens of a Biblicallyinformed view of our role as stewards of God's Creation. This courseincludes an in-depth study of our call to stewardship, field projects and anextended field trip. This course creates the foundation for development of aworldview that incorporates a personal responsibility for Christianenvironmental stewardship. Prerequisites: BIO101SN, 116, 205 or permission of instructor.(4 credits; alternate summers; consult department)Note: Each course offering is subject to enrollment. Additional travel costswill be assessed in addition to tuition.

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. (1-4 credits; a minimum of 4 credits will be offered per year)Note: Course may include required field trips and 3 lab hours per week.

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: BIO102SN or 221 or permission of instructor. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)Note: Includes 3 hours of lecture and additional laboratory work each week.

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)

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)Note: Includes three lectures and 1 1/2 hours of lab per week.

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)Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.

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)Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.

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)Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.

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)

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)

(4 credits may apply toward the major)

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)Note: Course may be repeated. Graded on a pass/no pass basis. Student mustattend 90% of the total number of seminars offered during the semester toreceive a passing grade.

(3 credits) Students will learn about the molecular structure of DNA, RNA,andprotein and the processes of the central dogma of biology: replication,transcription, and translation. We will learn the basic anatomy of a geneand how gene structure regulates gene expression. We will examine, indepth, the inheritance of genes during eukaryotic cell division andsexual reproduction and the consequences of mutation and DNA repair. Wewill compare and contrast genetics and genomics and examine the molecularstructure of the human genome. Throughout the course we will consider thegenetic basis of inherited disease and relate this to the central dogmaof biology and also carefully examine ethical issues raised by moderngenetics.

(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.

(3 credits) Building on the foundation of molecular and Mendeliangenetics, this course focuses on the genetics and genomics ofpopulations. Both single-gene and complex diseases will be covered.Students will use statistics and evaluate experimental design frompopulation studies in order to draw conclusions about individual diseaserisk.

(3 credits) This course focuses on the applications of personalizedmedicine. Students will learn about the Human Genome Project and itsimplications for human health and disease. Comparative and functionalgenomics, transcriptosomics, and proteomics will be studied. Studentswill learn how genomes are sequenced and data bases are mined(bioinformatics). Students will learn how genetic testing and screeningis done and the implications of genetic testing and screening forpatients. Ethical, social, cultural, and legal implications of genomicmedicine will be considered.

(3 credits) Building on the foundation of molecular and Mendeliangenetics, this coursefocuses on pharmacogenetics and the use of gene therapy in human health.

(3 credits) Building on the foundation of genetics and genomics, thiscourse focuses on the ethical, legal, cultural, economic, psychological,and social implications of genetic and genomic medicine.