Biology Department
The major in biology leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree. The biology major is sufficiently flexible for students to prepare for a wide variety of professional careers. Carefully supervised career planning is a fundamental strength of the program.
The student majoring in biology may plan to enter the workplace upon graduation or continue study in graduate or professional school.
Biomedical Sciences emphasis encompasses prep for pre-professional programs including: pre-chiropractic, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-pharmacy, pre-physician assistant, pre-podiatric medicine, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine or pre-osteopathic medicine. Frequently, pre-professional study involves a combination of majors or a major and minor. For example, many pre-medical students choose a double major in biology and chemistry.
Each of the pre-professional programs has an advisor who can provide detailed and current information about the undergraduate work which the student should pursue to provide the foundation necessary for later entry into a professional school. The student should contact the specialized advisor as early as possible. A list of advisors is available in the departmental office (LS 210).
Biology majors also may seek teacher certification at the secondary level. Interested students may obtain a written description of specific degree requirements from the appropriate education and biology advisors.
Biology students who are considering attending graduate school should take one year of a world language and should plan to take the Graduate Record Examination during the senior year.
The biology department offers several emphasis areas:
- Basic Biology
- Biomedical Science
- Pre-Chiropractic
- Pre-Dental
- Pre-Medical (including Osteopathic, Podiatric and Optometric)
- Pre-Medical Laboratory Science
- Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
- Environmental Biosciences
- Cellular and Molecular Biosciences (Including Forensics & Bioinformatics)
- Biology/Chemistry Double Major
- Biology Secondary Certification
Department Goals
- To prepare students to become productive, accountable and responsible employees upon entering the work force;
- To prepare students to enter and succeed in graduate or professional schools;
- To develop in students a broad-based theoretical foundation supplemented by laboratory and field experience that allow individual observations, interpretations and applications; and
- To allow those students seeking a minor in biology to supplement and strengthen the major field of study.
Elementary Teaching
See Liberal Studies with Science Emphasis
Institutional & General Education
Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Academic Policies section of this catalog or refer to your individual department’s curriculum sheet.
Experiential Opportunities
There are many opportunities to participate in experiences that will complement and reinforce a student’s academic experience. The activities may be either on- or off-campus and may be used to develop leadership and interpersonal skills. The faculty of the biology department actively encourages student participation in such activities.
Wildlife & Natural Resources Program
Majoring in The Wildlife and Natural Resources Program leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree. In addition, supporting courses and general education courses in biology are available to meet a wide range of interests, backgrounds and needs. The Wildlife and Natural Resources Program emphasizes an understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and management with practical skills obtained during laboratory and field exercises. Graduates are prepared for positions with state and federal agencies, tribal departments, conservation organizations, and higher academic degrees. Carefully supervised career planning is provided to all students.
The Wildlife and Natural Resources Program offers Aquatic and Terrestrial emphasis areas, with curriculum for each meeting the certification requirements of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) or The Wildlife Society (TWS), respectively.
Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences
The College of Science and Mathematics offers Master of Science degrees in three disciplines within the Natural Sciences:
- Biology MS,
- Chemistry MS, and
- Biochemistry MS
Students completing any of these degrees will develop advanced skills in the general discipline of choice and will apply these skills in the completion of a thesis research project or internship. GRE scores of at least 300 (verbal and quantitative) based on the current GRE exam are required for regular admission to GPNS programs.
Academic Programs
- Biology 3+2 Plan, Joint Bachelor of Science/Master of Science
- Biology, Bachelor of Science: Basic Biology Emphasis
- Biology, Bachelor of Science: Biology Secondary Certification Emphasis
- Biology, Bachelor of Science: Biology/Chemistry Double Major Emphasis
- Biology, Bachelor of Science: Biomedical Sciences Emphasis
- Biology, Bachelor of Science: Cellular & Molecular Biosciences Emphasis
- Biology, Bachelor of Science: Environmental Biosciences Emphasis
- Biology, Master of Science
- Biology, Minor
- Wildlife & Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science: Aquatic Emphasis
- Wildlife & Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science: Terrestrial Emphasis
Biology (BIOL)
Undergraduate Courses
Introduction to basic principles common to all facets of biology. Topics include a brief history of biology, the scientific method, the diversity of life, cell structure and reproduction, and metabolism. Corequisite: BIOL 100L. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
To expose the student to problem-solving skills emphasizing the importance of observation and data accumulation. Corequisite: BIOL 100. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Analysis of personal dietary habits and behavior in relation to basic human nutritional needs and food composition. (F, S)
Historical review of humankind's interrelationship with and impact on the natural environment. Basic principles of ecology and current issues relating to the use of natural resources and environmental problems. Corequisite: BIOL 121L. (F, S, SS) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Biology majors entering the program are provided guidance on studying and skills specific to science. Biological career diversity and planning for degree completion are discussed. (F, S)
College Biology I/Organismal Bio Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 181. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Critical thinking for College Biology I topics. Corequisite: BIOL 181. (F, S)
Critical thinking for College Biology II topics. Corequisite: BIOL 182. (F, S)
Introduction to Microbiology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 206. (F)
Basic prefixes, word roots, combining forms and suffixes of medical terminology and human anatomy are covered, including pronunciation and patient charting. (S)
Study of human physiology and anatomy designed for students who require or desire a thorough understanding of the functional and structural aspects of the human body. Not for the majority of biology majors except Teacher Education. Topics include body orientation, physiologically important molecules, the cell, tissues, integument, skeleton, muscle, nervous system, and special senses. BIOL 100/100L and CHEM 111/111L are highly recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 223L. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 223. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 224. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Special Topics. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
Faculty directed research project for undergraduate student. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (3).
Volunteer work experience under program director, department coordinator and faculty supervisor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
General Microbiology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 301. (F)
Laboratory preparation, safety, instruction and methods under the guidance and supervision on an instructor. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. (F, S) Repeatable (99).
Faculty directed research project for undergraduate student. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits, total. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (3).
Volunteer work experience under program director, program coordinator, and faculty supervisor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
Vertebrate Physiology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 414. (F)
Histology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 421. (S, O)
Fundamentals of neuroscience, cellular and molecular signaling in the nervous system, electrophysiological properties of neurons, sensory and motor systems, and cellular mechanisms of cognition. Prerequisite: BIOL 351. (S, E)
Developmental Biology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 432. (AN)
Freshwater Invertebrate Zoology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 441. (S, O)
Limnology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 443. (S, E)
Advanced Microscopy Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 452. (AN)
Ecology Field Studies. Corequisite: BIOL 453. (F, E)
Evolution and adaptive significance of animal behaviors with a focus on current research. Prerequisite: BIOL 352 or permission of instructor. (F, O)
Theory and practice of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for geographic data analysis, and to georeference data. (F, O)
Scientific basis of environmental regulations applied to air/water quality, solid waste, and hazardous waste; technologies and procedures used by generators to achieve compliance. Prerequisite: BIOL 352. (S, O)
Coursework and clinical training in an affiliated medical laboratory sciences facility. Specific course of study determined by facility. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (AN)
Coursework and clinical training in an affiliated medical laboratory sciences facility. Specific course of study determined by facility. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (AN)
Coursework and clinical training in an affiliated medical laboratory sciences facility. Specific course of study determined by facility. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (AN)
Ichthyology Laboratory. Corequisite: BIOL 479. (F, O)
Entomology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 481. (F, O)
Mammalogy Lab Corequisite: BIOL 483. (S, E)
Ornithology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 484. (S, O)
Plant Taxonomy Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 485. (F)
Special Topics. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
Faculty directed research project for undergraduate student. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (3).
Seminar for majors and minors concerning unique, current, or unusual topics in biology. Speakers may include guests, faculty, or students. Required of majors. Prerequisite: Senior standing and completion of all biology core courses. (F, S)
Volunteer work experience under program director, program coordinator and faculty supervisor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
Prerequisite: junior standing, biology major, permission of instructor and department. Prerequisite: Junior standing and biology major and permission of instructor and department. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
Work experience in the Biology discipline under the combined supervision of the selected organization and a faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
Graduate Courses
Laboratory safety. Effective sourcing, use, and interpretation of the literature. Scientific methodology, writing, and review of research ethics. Development of a thesis or internship plan. Prerequisite: Admission to MS program. (F)
Cellular Biology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 512. (S)
Histology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 521. (S, O)
Fundamentals of neuroscience, cellular and molecular signaling in the nervous system, electrophysiological properties of neurons, sensory and motor systems, and cellular mechanisms of cognition. Prerequisite: BIOL 351. (S, E)
Developmental Biology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 532. (AN)
Freshwater Invertebrate Zoology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 541. (S, O)
Limnology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 543. (S, E)
Theory and application of microscopy to the biological sciences. Includes preparation of cells and tissues for examination, scope operation, and image analysis. Corequisite: BIOL 552L. (AN)
Advanced Microscopy Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 552. (AN)
Ecology Field Studies. Corequisite: BIOL 553. (F, E)
Evolution and adaptive significance of animal behaviors with a focus on current research. Prerequisite: BIOL 352 or permission of instructor. (F, O)
Theory and practice of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for geographic data analysis, and to georeference data. (F, O)
Scientific basis of environmental regulations applied to air/water quality, solid waste, and hazardous waste; technologies and procedures used by generators to achieve compliance. Prerequisite: BIOL 352. Corequisite: NA. (S, O)
Laboratory preparation, instruction, and methods under the guidance and supervision of a professor. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of department chair. (F, S) Repeatable (4).
Ichthyology Laboratory. Corequisite: BIOL 579. (F, O)
Entomology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 581. (F, O)
Mammalogy Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 583. (S, E)
Ornithology Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 584. (S, O)
Plant Taxonomy Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 585. (F)
Principles and applications of field techniques used in vegetation assessment, surveys, and vegetation monitoring. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (AN)
Graduate internship presentation and examination for completion of MS degree option within the Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (F, S, SS)
Thesis presentation for completion of MS degree option within the Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (F, S, SS)
Special Topics. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
Faculty directed research project for graduate students. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and approval of department chair or program director. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
An interdisciplinary seminar on topics appropriate to the application of natural sciences. Prerequisite: BIOL 510. (AN)
Prerequisite: graduate standing, biology major, permission of instructor and department. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and biology major and permission of instructor and department. (F, S, SS)
Volunteer or paid work experience under the combined supervision of the selected organization and a faculty member. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (F, S, SS)
Continued enrollment is dependent upon satisfactory progress in thesis work. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and approval of department chair. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (6).
Geology (GEOL)
Undergraduate Courses
Four earth spheres: the hydrosphere (oceanography, hydrologic cycle); the atmosphere (meteorology and climatology); the lithosphere (geology; internal and external processes); and space are emphasized. Corequisite: GEOL 101L. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Study of world oceans and their role in the Earth system, including chemical, physical, geological, meteorological and biological aspects of the sea. Corequisite: GEOL 114L. (S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Wildlife & Natural Resources (WANR)
Undergraduate Courses
Principles and concepts of public land and resources policy, administrative decision making, and contemporary issues and problems. (AN)
Science of incorporating human-natural resource relationships with traditional biological sciences information in decision-making processes. (AN)
Problems and solutions of species endangerment. Political and biological aspects to endangered species. Proactive and reactive maintenance and restoration. Prerequisite: WANR 302. (AN)