Biology Courses
COURSE NUMBERCOURSE NAMEDEPARTMENTCREDIT HOURSYEARCOURSE DESCRIPTION
BIO 001Laboratory AssistantBiology1Students will assist a faculty member in setting up the labs, lab instruction, research, or maintaining biological facilities. While doing this, students will learn proper laboratory procedure techniques. The course is highly recommended for graduate school bound students or students interested in science teaching. Counts as an activity course credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Fall and spring.
BIO 114General BiologyBiology4FreshmanExplores the functional and organizational principles of life from the cellular to the ecosystem level using evolutionary theory as the unifying framework. Topics in human and plant biology are used to illustrate basic biological concepts. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. Satisfies laboratory sciences requirement. Fall and spring.
BIO 121Medical Term and Doc for Allied Hlth ProfBiology2This course presents a basic study of medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, root words, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. This course is intended to assist those studying in medical and allied health-care fields by learning a system for defining, using, spelling, and pronouncing medical words. Basic principles of documentation and the various forms used by allied health-care professionals are also encompassed in this course. Same as KIN 121. Fall.
BIO 134Principles of BiologyBiology4FreshmanThis course is the first semester of a two semester sequence in biology for biology and chemistry majors. The purpose of this course is to provide science majors with a basic understanding of biology and aid in the development of critical thinking skills. Topics including Mendelian and population genetics, natural selection and evolution will be discussed. Four hours lecture and discussion, two hours laboratory. Satisfies laboratory sciences requirement. Fall.
BIO 140Cell BiologyBiology4FreshmanA detailed understanding of cells will be developed in relationship to the following topics: ultra structure, biochemistry, metabolism, reproduction, molecular genetics, gene regulation, membrane transport, photosynthesis and respiration. Four hours lecture and discussion, two hours laboratory. Satisfies scientific thinking requirement. Prerequisite: minimum grade of C- in BIO 134, or permission of the instructor. Spring
BIO 140LCell Biology LabBiology0Lab portion of Cell Biology. Must be taken concurrently with BIO 140.
BIO 205Environmental IssuesBiology3In this interdisciplinary course, students will examine various environmental issues of the 21st century. Governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and grassroots efforts will be examined as students learn how to actively address global issues. This course is intended for non-biology majors, and may not be taken if credit for BIO 320 has been earned. Satisfies Civic Learning exploratory. Spring, even, and fall, odd academic years. Prerequisite: LA 101.
BIO 210Human Anatomy and Physiology IBiology4SophomoreThis is the first of a two-semester sequence in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. The first semester covers an introduction to scientific principles, principles of cell biology, histology, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and respiratory systems. The laboratory includes physiological investigations, and dissections of fetal pigs and vertebrate organs. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 140. Fall
BIO 215Human Anatomy and Physiology IIBiology4SophomoreThis is the second of a two-semester sequence in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. The second semester covers the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. The laboratory includes physiological investigations, and dissections of cats and vertebrate organs. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Satisfies scientific thinking. Prerequisite: BIO 210 or permission of instructor. Spring.
BIO 221BotanyBiology4SophomorePrinciples of form, function, growth, reproduction, physiology, classification and evolution in algae, fungi and plants. Flowering plants will be keyed. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 140. Spring.
BIO 225BioethicsBiology3SophomoreIn this course students will explore ethical issues relating to medicine and scientific research. Each topic will be examined using a values-based analysis, and awareness of leadership principles. Emphasis will be on biological principles, decision-making, and conflict management. Specific topics will include: use of humans in research, genetics and fertility, end of life issues, and topics concerning embryos, cloning, and genetic engineering. Satisfies philosophy and religion exploratory requirement. Prerequisite: BIO 114, BIO 115, or BIO 134. Fall.
BIO 230ZoologyBiology4SophomoreA survey of animals with an emphasis on evolution, structure, function, and life cycles of representative taxa. Three hours lecture and three hours lab. Prerequisite: BIO 140. Fall.
BIO 240EcologyBiology4SophomoreRelationship of plants and animals to their biological and physical environment, particularly in Indiana. Field trips to representative habitats. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 140 or consent of instructor. Fall.
BIO 310Principles of ImmunologyBiology3JuniorA foundational course in immunology, which explores how human health depends on the immune system?s ability to detect and destroy invading pathogens. Mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity will be emphasized. The course is targeted towards students interested in pursuing careers in biotechnology, medicine, and health-related research. Fall, odd academic years. Prerequisites: BIO 134 and BIO 140.
BIO 320Conservation BiologyBiology3SophomoreIn this course, students will be immersed into the principles of conservation biology. Important topics include species diversity, habitat preservation, habitat management, invasive species, endangered species, ecological economics, global climate change, and various legislation that impacts conservation biology. As a Civic Learning course, we will also examine government authorities associated with conservation biology and learn how to effectively communicate/advocate to stakeholders and decision-makers. Students who are enrolled in or have earned credit for BIO 205 must petition the Biology department to enroll in BIO 320. Satisfies Civic Learning exploratory requirement. Prerequisites: BIO 134, BIO 140. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 240. Fall, odd academic years.
BIO 322OrnithologyBiology3JuniorAn introductory course in general ornithology. Emphasizes field identification, ecology, and behavior of birds. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Satisfies laboratory sciences requirement. Spring, even academic years.
BIO 334BiochemistryChemistry3JuniorAn introduction to the chemistry of biomolecules, metabolism, and biosynthesis. Three hours lecture. Note: This course may count toward either a Biology major or a Chemistry major, but not both. Same as CHE 334. Prerequisites: BIO 140, CHE 222 and CHE 224. Spring
BIO 335Plant CommunitiesBiology3JuniorAn introduction to the plant communities in Indiana with emphasis on plant identification, plant associations, and exotic species. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 114 or BIO 134. Fall, even academic years.
BIO 342Ecosystem ManagementBiology2JuniorAn immersive, field-based study of the natural resources and socioeconomic realties of complex ecosystems such as the Mississippi Delta and associated coastal marshes of Louisiana. Students will gain firsthand knowledge of the methods used by contemporary biologists to study and conserved plants and wildlife. This course includes a week-long field trip over spring break with significant amounts of travel, hiking, wading, boating, kayaking, angling, and time outdoors. Spring, even academic years. There is a variable course fee depending on changing travel costs. See instructor for exact amount.
BIO 350GeneticsBiology4JuniorA study of the principles of heredity, including Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 140, junior status or consent of instructor. Spring.
BIO 355UltrasonographyPhysics3JuniorUltrasound is integrated in the health professions and medical education curriculum extensively because of its non-invasive nature and diagnostic utility. The course is divided into four sections: introductory ultrasonography, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and abdominal ultrasonography. The course provides hands-on training for proper utilization and appropriate operation of ultrasound equipment to assess various regions of the body, as well as a review of Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) assessment. Same as PHY 355. Spring, odd academic years, rotating with PHY 365.
BIO 360Animal PhysiologyBiology4JuniorExplores the chemistry and physics of the living animal. Topics include cellular physiology, metabolism, organ systems, and mechanisms of control. Emphasis is placed on specific adaptive mechanisms of the animal to its environment. The course stresses interpretation of experimental results both in the lecture and lab. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 140; CHE 121 and 122. Fall, odd academic years.
BIO 365Geographic Information SystemsBiology3JuniorAn experiential study of spatial analysis and cartography using geographic information systems (GIS). Students will engage in project-based learning to develop the fundamental skills needed to use the industry?s leading software tool, ArcGIS. As technical consultants, we will create maps and conduct spatial analyses to assist local non-profit organizations in their conservation objectives. Spring, odd academic years.
BIO 372Exercise PhysiologyBiology3JuniorExercise physiology is the study of acute and chronic adaptions of the body?s physiological systems to movement and physical conditioning. Physiological foundations and the development of physiological fitness components will be discussed. A laboratory component is integrated into class sessions. Same as EXE 372. Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 115 and BIO 120. Fall
BIO 372LExercise Physiology LabBiology0JuniorLab portion of Exercise Physiology. Must be taken concurrently with BIO 372.
BIO 373MicrobiologyBiology4JuniorMorphology, classification, physiology, genetics, and cultivation of bacteria. The relationship of micro-organisms to human health and the human immune system is discussed in detail. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 140 and consent of instructor. Spring.
BIO 374Advanced Cell and Molecular BiologyBiology3JuniorThis course is an in-depth, advanced look at cellular and molecular processes applicable to both research and medicine. Mechanisms of DNA repair, transcription and translation regulation, cell communication and cellular transport will be discussed. Much of this course will rely on the analysis of primary literature and interpretation of experimental data to understand cell biology in the context of cancer and other cellular dysfunctions. The course is 3 hours of lecture with no laboratory component. Prerequisites: BIO 140 is required, BIO 350 is preferred but not required. Spring, odd years.
BIO 375Undergraduate Research in BiologyBiology2JuniorTo receive academic credit for an undergraduate research experience students must complete a project proposal endorsed by a sponsoring science faculty member. The application will contain an overview of the project, specific project goals, deadlines for the completion of the project, and specific project outcomes that will be evaluated and used to determine the final grade. All projects must meet the following criteria: a) spending an average of 6 hours/week during the semester (for 2 credits) working on the project; b) writing a scientific paper summarizing the results of the study; c) preparing an electronic poster of the project results; d) maintaining a lab notebook, and e) presenting the results of the project to an audience. The project must be approved by the Chair (or designee) of the sponsoring department.
BIO 380Field BiologyBiology2JuniorThis course meets once a week for the entire semester and has a one week field trip during Spring Break to a distinctive ecosystem (e.g., Smoky Mountains). Natural history and ecological analysis of animal and plant communities are emphasized. Students conduct a research project that is presented to the class and public in addition to keeping a detailed journal that includes both scientific information and reflections of the experience. Hiking and other outdoor skills are required. Prerequisite: BIO 134 and consent of instructor. Spring. There is a variable course fee depending on changing travel costs. See instructor for exact amount.
BIO 382Comparative Animal BehaviorBiology3An introductory course to animal behavior (ethnology). The genetics, physiology, ecology, and history of behavior from an evolutionary perspective are studied. Prerequisites: BIO 140. PSY 117 recommended but not required. Spring, odd academic years.
BIO 387BiomechanicsBiology3The course will provide the student with a mechanical examination of the motion of the human body. Application of anatomical, physiological and mechanical data will be used to explain and predict movements of the body to improve technique or prevent injury. A laboratory experience is integrated into class sessions. Same as EXE 387. Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 115, BIO 120; EXE 234 and 372. Spring.
BIO 387LBiomechanics LabBiology0JuniorLab portion of Biomechanics. Must be taken concurrently with BIO 387.
BIO 390Professional Development PlanningBiology1JuniorThe primary objective of this course is to prepare students for the Professional Development Experience and chosen careers. Students will participate in professional development workshops. Course Fee: $20. Fall and spring.
BIO 392Techniques in Biotechnology and BiochemistBiology3JuniorStudents in this course will investigate the myriad of technology available to study DNA, RNA and proteins covering both the theories and applications in research, medical, and industrial settings. Techniques covered will include use of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms in recombinant DNA technologies, gene expression microarrays, protein analysis by Western blot, and protein interaction analysis in yeast and higher eukaryotes. Lab work involves using techniques which are the foundation for research in molecular biology. Four hours laboratory. Note: This course may count toward either a Biology major or a Chemistry major, but not both. Same as CHE 392. Prerequisite BIO 140, CHE 121, and CHE 122. Spring, even years.
BIO 470Biology SeminarBiology2SeniorBiology topics of current or special interest will be researched and presented by students. Prerequisite: At least junior class standing and prerequisites of BIO 230 and BIO 390. Fall and spring (as needed).
BIO 499Senior Competency PracticumBiology0SeniorA written comprehensive, objective, and essay examination covering basic biological principles and material from required biology courses. Grade of D- or better required. Fall and spring.
PDP 301Medical School Admission PreparationProfessional Development1SophomoreThis course will help students to prepare for application to medical school. Topics covered will include: 1) the medical school admissions/application process, 2) the medical school interview, 3) alternative careers to medicine, and 4) preparation for the standardized admissions test to medical school (MCAT). The latter topic will be a major emphasis in the course. Pass/Fail. Spring.

r. 12-20-21