Biology

B.S. Degree - Biology Major

In addition to the general education requirements, students majoring in Biology must complete 52-54 semester hours in Biology and related sciences.

Core Courses - 22 s.h.

BIOL1400 Fundamentals of Biological Science 3 s.h.

BIOL1430 Fundamentals of Animal Biology 4 s.h.

BIOL1440 Fundamentals of Plant Biology 4 s.h.

BIOL2360 Fundamentals of Microbiology 4 s.h.

BIOL3310 Fundamentals of Genetics 4 s.h.

BIOL/CHEM4120 Research I 1 s.h.

BIOL/CHEM4130 Research II 1 s.h.

BIOL4110 Biology Seminar 1 s.h.

Choose two of the following courses - 6-8 s.h.

BIOL3400 Ecology 4 s.h.

BIOL3420 Human Anatomy 4 s.h.

BIOL3440 Human Physiology 4 s.h.

BIOL3500 Applied Pharmacology 3 s.h.

BIOL4310 Biochemistry 4 s.h.

BIOL4400 Immunology 3 s.h.

BIOL4450 Molecular and Cellular Biology 4 s.h.

Other Required Courses - 24 s.h.

CHEM1430/1431 Principles of Chemistry I with lab 4 s.h.

CHEM1440/1441 Principles of Chemistry II with lab 4 s.h.

CHEM3410/3411 Organic Chemistry I with lab 4 s.h.

CHEM3420/3421 Organic Chemistry II with lab 4 s.h.

PHYS1410 Elements of Physics I with lab 4 s.h.

PHYS1420 Elements of Physics II with lab 4 s.h.

The following courses are strongly recommended for any student planning to attend professional school (medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, etc.)

BIOL3120 Internship in Biological Sciences 1-3 s.h.

BIOL3420 Human Anatomy 4 s.h.

BIOL3440 Human Physiology 4 s.h.

BIOL4310 Biochemistry 4 s.h.

BIOL4450 Molecular and Cellular Biology 4 s.h.

MATH1380 Introduction to Statistics 3 s.h.

MATH1510 Calculus I 3 s.h.

The following courses are strongly recommended for any student planning to attend graduate school in biology (or any related field).

BIOL3120 Internship in Biological Sciences 1-3 s.h.

3 BIOL electives 9-12 s.h. (depending on field of interest)

MATH1380 Introduction to Statistics 3 s.h.

MATH1510 Calculus I 3 s.h.

Biology Minor

A minor in Biology consists of 18 semester hours or more, including BIOL1400, BIOL1430, BIOL1440 and BIOL electives.

Teacher Certification in Biology

1. FOR BIOLOGY MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY ENDORSEMENT (5-12): Students majoring in Biology who desire Iowa Teacher Certification with a Biology secondary endorsement must complete the major requirements above and the Secondary Education Program (with SCIE3360 Methods of Teaching Science and Mathematics as the appropriate methods course).
2. OPTION 1: FOR NON-BIOLOGY MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY BIOLOGY ENDORSEMENT (5-12). Non-Biology majors desiring a secondary Biology endorsement (5-12) in Iowa must complete a major in a secondary teaching field, the Secondary Education Program (with SCIE3360 Methods of Teaching Science and Mathematics as the appropriate methods course), and the following courses:
   BIOL1400 Fundamentals of Biological Science 3 s.h.
   BIOL1430 Fundamentals of Animal Biology 4 s.h.
   BIOL1440 Fundamentals of Plant Biology 4 s.h.
   BIOL2360 Fundamentals of Microbiology 4 s.h.
   BIOL3310 Fundamentals of Genetics 4 s.h.
   BIOL3400 Ecology 4 s.h.
   BIOL4110 Biology Seminar 1 s.h.
   OPTION 2: FOR NON-BIOLOGY MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY BIOLOGY ENDORSEMENT (5-12). Non-Biology majors desiring a secondary Biology endorsement (5-12) in Iowa must complete a major in a secondary teaching field, the Secondary Education Program (with SCIE3360 Methods of Teaching Science and Mathematics as the appropriate methods course), and 30 semester hours in the broad area of Science (BIOL, CHEM, SCIE) to include the following 19 semester hours in Biology:
   BIOL1400 Fundamentals of Biological Science 3 s.h.
   BIOL1430 Fundamentals of Animal Biology 4 s.h.
   BIOL1440 Fundamentals of Plant Biology 4 s.h.
   BIOL2360 Fundamentals of Microbiology 4 s.h.
   BIOL3310 Fundamentals of Genetics 4 s.h.

Courses in Biological Sciences

Lecture hours-lab hours are noted following the titles of courses that have labs.

BIOL1260 Environmental Biology (3-0) 3 s.h.
An exploration of the environment, including the normal structure and functioning of ecosystems and the human impact on these ecosystems. Current environmental issues, such as human population growth, air and water pollution, global warming, loss of biodiversity, and ecosystem degradation, will be considered. Designed for non-majors and biology majors with the Ecology / Environmental Biology option. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL1400 Fundamentals of Biological Science (3-0) 3 s.h.
History and nature of biology as a science, unifying concepts in biology, chemical and cellular bases of life, cellular metabolism, heredity, ecology and evolution. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL1430 Fundamentals of Animal Biology (3-2) 4 s.h.
A survey of the major groups in the animal kingdom, including sponges, molluscs, arthropods, echinoderms, vertebrates, etc. Within each group, taxonomy, internal and external form, reproduction, nutrition, and habitat will be considered. Prerequisite: BIOL1400. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL1440 Fundamentals of Plant Biology (3-2) 4 s.h.
A survey of the major groups in the plant kingdom, including nonvascular plants, ferns and fern allies, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. Within each group, taxonomy, internal and external form, and reproductive life cycles will be considered. In addition, plant growth and metabolism, algae, and fungi will be covered. Prerequisite: BIOL1400. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL2000 Individual Study Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+) 1-3 s.h.

BIOL2300 Anatomy and Physiology I (2-2) 3 s.h.
The study of structure and function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system level. All organ systems are discussed. Emphasis is on the anatomy of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Laboratory includes both gross and microscopic structure and function. (One year each of high school biology and chemistry or the equivalent strongly recommended.) Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL2310 Anatomy and Physiology II (2-2) 3 s.h.
The focus is on the physiology of the organ systems, specifically the endocrine and reproductive systems. Fluid-electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, and metabolism are also emphasized. Prerequisite: BIOL2300. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL2360 Fundamentals of Microbiology (3-2) 4 s.h.
A survey on the three domains of the microbial world; archea, bacteria and eucarya. Emphasis will be placed on the biology and role of microbial pathogens (bacteria) and agents (viruses, prions) affecting human and animal health. (Nursing majors will continue to take this course. Also, it will take the place of BIOL3600 (Principles of Microbiology) for biology majors.)Prerequisites: BIOL1400. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL2560 Nutrition (3-0) 3 s.h.
Study of the principles upon which the science of nutrition is based and the analysis of the principles of nutrition as related to health and disease. Goal 2a. (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL2900 Special Topics 1-3 s.h.
Study of selected topics of general interest in biology, to be announced prior to the semester when the course is offered. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL3000 Individual Study Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+) 1-3 s.h.

BIOL3120 Internship in Biological Sciences 1 – 3 s.h.
Developed in conjunction with and approved by an appropriate faculty member in the Biological Sciences. This internship will be with professionals who are in career areas relating to majors in the department and may be pursued abroad. The student is responsible for arranging their internship. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL3310 Fundamentals of Genetics (3-2) 4 s.h.
A study on the various patterns and mechanisms of heredity, changes in the genetic materials and the consequences of these changes, behavior and changes of genes in populations and their role in evolutionary process. Recent advances in the science of genetics will be incorporated in the lectures. Prerequisite: BIOL1400 or BIOL2300. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

+ BIOL3400 Ecology (3-2) 4 s.h.
A study of the interactions among organisms and their physical environments at the physiological, population, community, and ecosystem levels. Case studies will be taken from animal ecology, plant ecology, and microbial ecology. Prerequisites: BIOL1260 or BIOL1400. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL3420 Human Anatomy (3-2) 4 s.h.
A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Prerequisites: BIOL1400. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL3440 Human Physiology (3-2) 4 s.h.
A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 and one semester of chemistry. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL3500 Applied Pharmacology (3-0) 3 s.h.
A general study of the rationale for current drug therapy including classification of medication, mechanisms of action, main therapeutic effects, clinical indications, adverse reactions, and drug interactions. Does not substitute for NURS3450. Prerequisites: CHEM1320 or CHEM3410. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL3900 Special Topics Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+) 1-3 s.h.

BIOL4100 Research 2 s.h.
Students design and conduct an undergraduate level research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Brief lecture on research methodologies and making a research proposal will be given in the first couple weeks of the semester. A final thesis manuscript is required for submission. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of the instructor. (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL4110 Biology Seminar (1-0) 1 s.h.
Faculty and students will participate in delivering and evaluating seminars dealing with various aspects of a selected topic from the field of biology. Emphasis will be given to developing some proficiency in carrying out a literature search required for presenting information to others, leading to a discussion of the topic under consideration. Prerequisite: Upper division status. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL4120 Research 1 (also CHEM4120) 1 s.h.
Covers the basic elements of scientific research. Brief lectures on research methodologies and design will be provided. The student will develop a research schedule and write a research proposal in cooperation with a faculty mentor. The student will be expected to begin any initial research indicated in the research schedule. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of instructor. (Goal 2A Catalog 0809)(Goal 1A Catalog 0910+)

BIOL4130 Research II (also CHEM4130) 1 s.h.
The student completes the research that was started in BIOL/CHEM4120. Highlights of the research will be presented orally and through a poster presentation. A final thesis manuscript is required for submission. Prerequisite: BIOL/CHEM4120. (Goal 2A Catalog 0809)(Goal 1A Catalog 0910+)

BIOL4310 Biochemistry (also CHEM4310) (3-2) 4 s.h.
An introduction to biologically important molecules and metabolic pathways and the laboratory techniques used to study and characterize them. Prerequisite: CHEM3420/3421. Goal 2a, 10 (Goal 10 Catalog 0809+)

+ BIOL4400 Immunology (3-0) 3 s.h.
Investigation of the immune system, including B and T cell development and function, immunization, and its role in health. Prerequisite: BIOL1400. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

+ BIOL4450 Molecular and Cellular Biology (3-2) 4 s.h.
Investigation on the fine structure and function of the cell and its parts. In depth study of how regulatory mechanisms involved in cellular processes such as transport of material, cell division, metabolism, gene expression and other critical cell processes work. Prerequisites: BIOL1400; CHEM3420/3421 recommended. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)

BIOL4900 Special Topics 1-3 s.h.
Opportunity for a small group of advanced students to pursue in-depth study of an area or topic of interest. Will be offered on demand when faculty are available. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)