B.S. Degree — Biology Major
In addition to the general education requirements, students majoring in Biology must complete 34-39 semester hours in Biology, including the core requirements and one of the five possible concentrations (Animal Biology; Ecology/Environmental Biology; Molecular/Cellular Biology; Preprofessional; Secondary School Teaching).
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology is available as a separate major.
Core Courses - 21 s.h.
BIOL1400 Fundamentals of Biological Science 4 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.
BIOL4110 Biology Seminar 1 s.h.
Students pick one or more of the following five concentrations, however, students must have at least six semester hours unique to each concentration.
Animal Biology - 16-17 s.h.
BIOL3420 Human Anatomy 4 s.h.
BIOL3440 Human Physiology 4 s.h.
BIOL4100 Research 2 s.h.
Choose two of the following:
BIOL3320 Evolution 3 s.h.
BIOL3400 Physiological and Population Ecology 4 s.h.
BIOL3700 Animal Histology 3 s.h.
BIOL4430 Vertebrate Embryology 3 s.h.
Chemistry: 21 s.h. to include CHEM1430/1431, 1440/1441, 3300, 3410/3411, and 3420/3421.
Physics: 8-10 s.h. to include PHYS1410, 1420, or PHYS2550, 2560.
Mathematics: 6 s.h. MATH1380 and MATH1510 or other higher level mathematics course.
Ecology/Environmental Biology - 16 s.h.
BIOL1260 Environmental Biology 3 s.h.
BIOL3400 Physiological and Population Ecology 4 s.h.
BIOL3410 Community and Ecosystem Ecology 4 s.h.
BIOL4100 Research 2 s.h.
Select one ot the two below:
BIOL3320 Evolution 3 s.h.
SCIE3100 Earth Science 3 s.h.
Chemistry: 21 s.h. to include CHEM1430/1431, 1440/1441, 3300, 3410/3411, and 3420/3421.
Physics: 8-10 s.h. to include PHYS1410, 1420 or PHYS2550, 2560.
Mathematics: 6 s.h. MATH1380 and MATH1510 or other higher level mathematics course.
Molecular/Cellular Biology - 16 s.h.
BIOL/CHEM4310 Biochemistry 4 s.h.
BIOL4440 Molecular Genetics 3 s.h.
BIOL4450 Molecular and Cellular Biology 4 s.h.
BIOL4100 Research 2 s.h.
Select one of the two below:
BIOL3320 Evolution 3 s.h.
BIOL4400 Immunology 3 s.h.
Chemistry: 21 s.h. to include CHEM1430/1431, 1440/1441, 3300, 3410/3411, and 3420/3421.
Physics: 8-10 s.h. to include PHYS1410, 1420 or PHYS2550, 2560.
Mathematics: 6 s.h. MATH1380 and MATH1510 or other higher level mathematics course.
Preprofessional 17-18 s.h.
BIOL3420 Human Anatomy 4 s.h.
BIOL3440 Human Physiology 4 s.h.
BIOL/CHEM4310 Biochemistry 4 s.h.
BIOL4100 Research 2 s.h.
Choose one of the following:
BIOL3320 Evolution 3 s.h.
BIOL3500 Applied Pharmacology 3 s.h.
BIOL3700 Animal Histology 3 s.h.
BIOL4400 Immunology 3 s.h.
BIOL4430 Vertebrate Embryology 3 s.h.
BIOL4440 Molecular Genetics 3 s.h.
BIOL4450 Molecular and Cellular Biology 4 s.h.
Chemistry: 21 s.h. to include CHEM1430/1431, 1440/1441, 3300, 3410/3411, and 3420/3421.
Physics: 8-10 s.h. to include PHYS1410, 1420 or PHYS2550, 2560.
Mathematics: 6 s.h. MATH1380 and MATH1510 or other higher level mathematics course.
Secondary School Teaching (for Biology Majors) - 13-15 s.h.
BIOL2560 Nutrition 3 s.h.
BIOL3400 Physiological and Population Ecology or
BIOL3410 Community and Ecosystem ecology 4 s.h.
Selection of one of the following options:
Option A
- BIOL2300 Anatomy & Physiology I 3 s.h.
- BIOL2310 Anatomy & Physiology II 3 s.h.
Option B
- BIOL3420 Human Anatomy 4 s.h.
- BIOL3440 Human Physiology 4 s.h.
Chemistry: 11 s.h. to include CHEM1430/1431, 1440/1441 and either 1320 or 3410/3411.
Physics: 8 s.h. from PHYS1410, 1420.
Mathematics: 6 s.h. from MATH1330, 1380, 1510.
A minor in Biology consists of 22 semester hours or more, including BIOL1400, BIOL1430, BIOL1440 and electives.
Teacher Certification in Biology
- 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 Biology major requirements above with the Secondary School Teaching option and the Secondary Education Program (with SCIE3360 Methods of Teaching Science and Mathematics as the appropriate methods course).
- 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 4 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 Physiological and Population Ecology or - BIOL3410 Community and Ecosystem Ecology 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+)
BIOL1300 Introduction to Biology (3-0) 3 s.h.A study of the fundamental conceptual areas of biology, brief survey on the diversity of life, plant form and function, and structure and function on the animal body with emphasis on humans. Not for credit in the biology major. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)
BiOL1400 Fundamentals of Biological Science (3-2) 4 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. Credit not allowed for both BIOL1300 and BIOL1400. 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 or BIOL 2300, and either CHEM1320 or CHEM1440/1441. 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+)
+ BIOL3320 Evolution 3 s.h.Theory of organic evolution. Includes Darwin and the history of evolutionary thought, the mechanisms, forces, evidences, and social implications of evolution. Prerequisite: BIOL3310 (Genetics) or consent of instructor. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)
+ BIOL3400 Physiological and Population Ecology (3-2) 4 s.h. A study of ecology at the physiological and population levels. In physiological ecology, temperature, water, energy, and nutrient effects on individual organisms will be considered. In population ecology, growth, distribution, abundance, and gene pools of populations will be considered. Prerequisites: BIOL1430 and BIOL1440. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)
+ BIOL3410 Community and Ecosystem Ecology (3-2) 4 s.h.A study of ecology at the community and ecosystem levels. In community ecology, interactions among species, such as competition, predation, parasitism, and mutualism, will be considered. In ecosystem ecology, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and major terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems will be considered. Prerequisites: BIOL1430 and BIOL1440. 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 and BIOL1430. 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+)
+ BIOL3700 Animal Histology (2-2) 3 s.h. A study of cell types and tissues comprising the organs of vertebrate animals. Prerequisite: BIOL1430. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)
+ BIOL3800 Biotechniques (2-2) 3 s.h. Techniques central to biological and biochemical research will be considered. Theory of operation and practical lab experience on specialized equipment will be provided. Prerequisites: BIOL1400, CHEM1440/1441, and upper division status. 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+)
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+)
+ BIOL4430 Vertebrate Embryology (3-0) 3 s.h. Study on the mechanisms and processes involved during embryonic development of vertebrates starting from fertilization to organogenesis. Prerequisites: BIOL1400 and BIOL1430. Goal 2a (Goal 2A Catalog 0809+)
+ BIOL4440 Molecular Genetics (2-2) 3 s.h. In-depth understanding on the molecular principles and mechanisms involved in gene expression and regulation, and the various technologies employed in gene dissection and manipulation. Prerequisite: BIOL2360, BIOL3310, and CHEM3410/3411. 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+)
+ Denotes an alternate year course.
