Graduation Requirements

Majors

Minors

Course Descriptions
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Department Description
The Department of Biology provides a variety of classes for students seeking a degree in Biology and for non-major students completing the four credit Biological Science General Education requirement. Students may obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Biology Education and minors in Biology, Natural Resources and Biology Education.
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Program Description
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B.S. in Biology (700)
The Biology degree provides a solid foundation in biology. It will provide preparation for those students seeking employment after a bachelor's degree.
In addition, it is designed to prepare students for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry or graduate programs in botany, ecology, forestry, wildlife biology, zoology, etc.
Students selecting this degree will have opportunities to participate in advanced and integrated topics in biochemistry, botany, ecology, genetics, cell and molecular biology, evolution, natural resource policy, physiology and zoology. Once the core requirements have been met, students may select additional biology classes consistent with their interests and career goals. Students are strongly advised to seek research internships that will give them practical experience with the concepts and techniques taught in the classes. Minor Required
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General Education Requirements
As you fill the General Education and University requirements, take the classes listed below and then go to the General Education section for a complete listing of the requirements.
Take the following classes while filling the general education requirement.
Take 1 Course
BIO 200, 208 AND
Take all of these Courses
CHEM 105
ENG 316
MATH 110 AND
Take 1 Course
COMM 101
IS 140 Major Requirements
AND
Requirement 2:
Three of these courses MUST be upper division (300 level or above). Biology 221 & 222 must be taken together and count as one course of the five required.
Take 5 Courses
BIO 204, 209, 210, 221, 222, 240, 302, 312, 331, 350, 351, 374, 380, 381, 386, 407, 440, 446, 447, 460, 461, 462
CHEM 481 |
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B.S. in Biology Education (800)
The Biology Education Major at BYU-Idaho requires completion of specific coursework in Biology, BYU-Idaho General Education classes, and Education classes needed for certification as a secondary education teacher in the state of Idaho. The Biology Education major at BYU-Idaho also requires the completion of any Education Minor. Students who graduate from this program are eligible for teacher certification in biology with a minor endorsement in the physical sciences.
For a listing of approved Secondary Education majors and minors see the Secondary Education section of this catalog.
Minor Required
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General Education Requirements
As you fill the General Education and University requirements, take the classes listed below and then go to the General Education section for a complete listing of the requirements.
AND
Requirement 2:
Take this Course
ED 270 | Major Requirements
Requirement 1:
Take all of these Courses
BIO 204, 221, 222, 305, 375, 405, 475 AND
Take 1 Course
BIO 209, 210 AND
Take 1 Course
BIO 312, 331, 446, 447 | AND AND
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B.S. in Biology Education Composite (805)
A second pathway to the Biology Education Major at BYU-Idaho requires completion of specific coursework in Biology, BYU-Idaho General Education classes, and Secondary Education classes needed for certification as a teacher in the state of Idaho. The Composite Biology Education major at Byu-Idaho does not require a minor, but gives more emphasis to preparation in the various biological sciences. Students who graduate from this program are eligible for teacher certification in biology but do not receive any other teaching endorsements.
For a listing of approved Secondary Education majors and minors see the Secondary Education section of this catalog.
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General Education Requirements
As you fill the General Education and University requirements, take the classes listed below and then go to the General Education section for a complete listing of the requirements.
AND
Requirement 2:
Take this Course
ED 270 | Major Requirements
Requirement 1:
No double counting of Major courses.
Take these Courses
BIO 204, 211, 221, 222, 305, 375, 405, 461, 475
PH 101, 101L AND
Take 1 Course
BIO 250, 302 AND
Take 1 Course
BIO 209, 210 | AND
Requirement 2:
Take 1 Course
BIO 312, 331, 446, 447 AND
Take 1 Course
CHEM 106
MATH 221 AND
Take 1 Course
BIO 312, 331, 350, 374, 380, 440, 446, 447, 460 | AND
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Minor in Natural Resources (141)
This minor is intended to educate students in the fields of botany, ecology, forestry, and wildlife management. Deals with concepts, issues and policies present in today's world.
Take all of these Courses
BIO 302, 351, 362, 423, 452
AND
Take 1 Course
BIO 208, 210
AND
Students who select Agron 220 must also take 220L
Take 1 Course
AGRON 220, 220L
BIO 209, 331, 398, 440, 446, 447, 498R
RL 342
Minor in Biology (143)
AND
Requirement 2:
Take 12 Credits
BIO 302, 312, 331, 350, 351, 362, 374, 375, 380, 407, 423, 440, 446, 447, 452, 460, 461, 462, 475
CHEM 481
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Minor in Biology Education (173)
For a listing of approved Secondary Education majors and minors see the Secondary Education section of this catalog.
AND
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Course Descriptions
| BIO 100 Principles of Biology |
(3:3:0) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| An introduction to biology, designed around the areas of cell structure, function, laws of heredity, evolution and ecology. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 102 Principles of Biology Lab |
(1:0:3) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $5.00 |
| Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or previous completion of BIO 100. |
| A laboratory course in biology designed to accompany the BIO 100 lecture. Together, BIO 100 and BIO 102 fulfill the General Education Biological Science requirement. The goal of the laboratory is to provide students with a positive and memorable exposure to biology, and enhance lifelong learning by training them in the scientific method and critical thinking skills. The BIO 102 course is not designed to coordinate with the BIO 100 lecture and may be taken either concurrently with BIO 100 or in any semester after the BIO 100 has been completed. (Winter, Summer, Fall)
*Students registered for BIO 102 MUST attend the first class to be guaranteed a seat. |
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| BIO 118 Field Biology |
(4:3:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $50.00 |
| This is an introductory level ecology course. It includes field identification techniques, ecological relationships, and field study methods. Field Biology is field oriented. We strive to create an atmosphere of experiential education where students can learn by experiencing nature. The class integrates lecture and lab in a field setting. Many local ecosystems are visited including cold deserts, coniferous forests, streams and rivers, and riparian areas. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 120 Biology of Cultivated Plants |
(4:3:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $15.00 |
| Plants grown in homes and gardens are used to introduce biological principles. Laboratory work emphasizes individual projects utilizing living plants. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 130 Plant Life |
(4:3:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $15.00 |
| Major plant groups and their impact on man are studied. Four different approaches to this course may be offered: (1) Wildflowers (2) Tree & Shrubs (3) Survey of the Plant Kingdom (4) Plants and Society. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 150 General Zoology |
(3:3:0) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| An introduction to the diversity of animals with emphasis on their structure,function, behavior, and economic importance. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 150L General Zoology Lab |
(1:0:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $5.00 |
| Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 150 |
| Selected activities that reinforce the concepts introduced in lecture. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 176 Heredity |
(4:3:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| An introductory course in genetics for non-science majors. This course uses mathematics and reasoning as it applies to the inheritance of traits in living organisms. The lab provides an opportunity to master the scientific method and experimentation. Students will be expected to communicate their findings in writing.
(Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 199 Biological Careers Orientation |
(1:1:0) |
| The course will be divided into 6 modules as follows:
#1: General Overview *Required for all students*
#2: Ecology/Wildlife
#3: Graduate Programs / Academic Careers
#4: Pre-Professional Careers (med, dent, opt, vet, etc)
#5: Industry Careers (lab, pharmaceutical reps, etc)
#6: Allied Health (chiropractics, PA, OP, PT, etc)
Each student will be expected to attend all of Module 1: General Overview, then select three of the remaining five modules. Modules may be taught by different faculty members. Each module will have it's own unique information pertinent to the topics covered and a set of requirements for those students who attend that module. These requirements may include reading assignments, reports, summary sheets or written papers. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 200 Introduction to Biology I : Biological Chemistry, Cell Biology, Metabolism, & Genetics |
(4:4:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| Prerequisite: Previous credit in Chem 105 or equivalent |
| An intensive introduction to biology, including cell structure and function, basic metabolic pathways, and genetics. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 202 Natural Resource Management |
(4:3:3) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $50.00 |
| Prerequisite: None |
| The management of natural resources such as wildlife, fisheries, forests, range, and recreational lands. The orientation of the course will be ecological with emphasis on ecosystem interrelationships and current National Natural Resource Policy. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 204 Vertebrate and Invertebrate Strategies |
(4:3:3) |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| Comparative organization and evolutionary significance of adaptive morphological, physiological, behavioral, reproductive and ecological differences in vertebrates and invertebrates. One required field trip. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 208 General Botany |
(4:3:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $15.00 |
| For students majoring in Natural Resource Management, Education, and Botany. An introduction to cell structure, plant anatomy, physiology, reproduction, heredity, evolution and ecology. Lab is required. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 209 An Evolutionary Survey of Plants |
(4:3:3) |
| Fee: $15.00 |
| Prerequisite: BIO 208 or permission by the instructor |
| Structure, function evolution and diversity of prokaryotes, algae, fungi, and higher plants. (Winter) |
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| BIO 210 Plant Classification |
(4:2:4) |
| Fee: $30.00 |
| Prerequisite: BIO 208 or consent of the instructor |
| A basic course in vascular plant classification, systematics, and nomenclature, including a survey of common or important vascular plant families, with emphasis on flowering plants and the local flora. Students will also learn the skills necessary for plant identification.
1st Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 211 Introduction to Biology II : Plant & Animal Morphology, Diversity, & Ecology |
(4:4:3) |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| Prerequisite: BIO 200 or BIO 208 |
| Second semester of introduction to biology for majors and minors. Includes the study of the evolutionary history of biological diversity, plant form and function, animal form and function, and ecology. (Winter, 1st Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 221 General Microbiology |
(3:3:0) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Prerequisite: Knowledge of the structure and function of the cell. |
| In this course, students will study the microorganisms (especially bacteria and viruses), their metabolism and requirements for growth, the methods used to grow and study them, the disease processes caused by them, methods used to control their growth, and the immune response to infection and disease. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 222 General Microbiology Lab |
(1:0:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $5.00 |
| Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in Bio 221 General Microbiology |
| In this course, students use the microscope to study different types of microorganisms and learn the methods used to grow, identify, and characterize them. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 240 Neurobiology |
(4:3:0) |
| This is an introductory course in Neuroscience. It covers the elements of Neurobiology by providing an introduction to the nervous system; examines cellular communication, sensory, motor and integrating systems, such as, the neural basis of behavior; and explores the plasticity of neural systems in learning, during development and via hormonal influences. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 250 Environmental Biology with Lab |
(4:3:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Basic ecological principles in relationship to environmental issues. The environmental issues range from local to global and include direct and indirect human impact on ecosystems. This class includes a 2 hour lab to allow hands on understanding of what is covered in lecture. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 264 Human Anatomy & Physiology I |
(4:3:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| Prerequisite: Recommended: one biology course |
| First part of a two semester course to prepare students for further study in the health and medical fields. Specifically designed for students of nursing and the allied health professions. Includes basic biochemistry, structure and function of the cell, tissues, skeleton, muscles and nervous systems of the body. Not acceptable for biology major credit. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 265 Human Anatomy & Physiology II |
(4:3:2) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| Prerequisite: Completion of BIO 264 |
| Second part of a two semester course to prepare students for further study in the health and medical fields. Specifically designed for students of nursing and the allied health professions. Includes structure and function of the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine and reproductive systems. Not acceptable for biology major credit. (Winter, Summer, Fall). |
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| BIO 268 Human Anatomy & Physiology (Restricted) |
(8:12:8) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $20.00 |
| Prerequisite: Recommended: one biology course |
| An accelerated, one term course for high school graduates who need to complete their Anatomy and Physiology requirement prior to beginning the nursing program at BYU-Idaho. Covers all of the topics taught in Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BIO 264 and BIO 265). Restricted to high school graduates who have already been accepted into the nursing program. (Summer 2nd term) |
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| BIO 280 Introduction to Pathophysiology |
(3:3:0) |
| Prerequisite: BIO 264 & BIO 265 |
| An application of basic principles of physiology to pathological conditions. Designed for students of paramedicine and related fields. Does not fulfill requirements for Bachelors of Nursing Degree. (1st Summer) |
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| BIO 302 Ecology |
(4:3:3) |
| Fulfills GE Biological Science requirement. |
| Fee: $50.00 |
| Interrelationships between plants and animals characteristics of aquatic, mountain, and deserts ecosystems with emphasis on structure and function. (Winter, 2nd Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 305 Biology Teaching Practicum |
(2:1:3) |
| Prerequisite: Completion of all 200 level biology classes required for Biology Education Majors. |
| This class gives students experience in lesson preparation and teaching of general biology topics to non-majors biology students. Meeting times will be linked to designated sections of non-majors biology classes. This class is based on a mix of out of class preparation and student directed teaching experiences. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 311 Professional School Preparation |
(1:1:0) |
| A pre-professional service course designed to increase your understanding of the professional school admissions process, provide exposure to many aspects of the medical fields and strengthen your qualifications as a professional school applicant. This course should be taken by those who plan to apply for schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, etc. (Fall) |
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| BIO 312 Invertebrate Zoology |
(4:3:3) |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| Prerequisite: Bio 211 |
| Emphasis on classification, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and the medical and agricultural significance of the invertebrates. (Winter) |
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| BIO 331 General Entomology with Lab |
(3:2:1) |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| An examination of the structure, function, and classification of insects and selected arthropod taxa. (Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 350 Biochemistry & Lab |
(4:3:3) |
| Prerequisite: BIO 200 and Chem 351 |
| Biological Chemistry covering the molecular components of the cell; protein conformation, dynamics and functions; generation and storage of metabolic energy; biosynthesis of cellular building blocks and its regulation; gene replication and expression. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 351 Principles of Wildlife Management with Lab |
(4:2:2) |
| Fee: $30.00 |
| Emphasis on the life histories and management of fresh water fisheries, big game, waterfoul, upland game, furbeares, and predators. Outdoor lab experience. (Fall) |
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| BIO 362 Wetland & Riparian Ecology |
(3:3:2) |
| Fee: $35.00 |
| Prerequisite: General Ecology |
| An in depth examination of Wetland and Riparian Ecology. Emphasis is placed on stream channel and wetland morphology and function as well as riparian plant succession. Links to terrestrial and riparian components of applicable ecosystems will be investigated. (Fall) |
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| BIO 374 Cell and Molecular Biology |
(4:3:3) |
| Prerequisite: BIO 200 or BIO 208 |
| Principles, processes and methodology of molecular and cell biology. Interactions at the cellular level including: structure and function of membranes, organelles and cytoskeletal elements; energy metabolism, signal transduction, cell cycle, gene expression, cell-cell communication and cellular movement. growth and physiology of organisms used in molecular biology. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 375 Genetics and Molecular Biology |
(4:3:2) |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| Prerequisite: BIO 200 or BIO 208 |
| An investigation of the transmission of heritable material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Topics include classical genetics (patterns of inheritance, linkage and chromosome mapping), molecular biology (DNA structure and function, gene expression, biotechnology), and population genetics. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 380 Histology with Lab |
(4:3:3) |
| Prerequisite: BIO 200 or BIO 264 & 265 |
| Microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues and their relationship to the function of the cell. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 381 Pathophysiology |
(3-4:4:0) |
| Prerequisite: Bio 264 & 265; Chem 101 or equivalent |
| An application of basic principles of physiology to pathological conditions. Designed for nurses and students of the allied health professions. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 386 Nursing Pharmacology |
(3:3:0) |
| Prerequisite: BIO 264 & 265. Some chemistry background is helpful. |
| This course is designed to help nursing students understand the basic principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and the clinical application of drugs. The mechanisms of drug action are emphasized to correlate physiological and pharmacological principles. (Winter) |
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| BIO 398 Natural Resource Internship |
(1-4:0:0) |
| The BYU-Idaho Biology (Natural Resources Emphasis) Internship is designed to give students a personal experience in the professional arena.
The internship may be a specific work experience project or may be part of a larger seasonal-type job. Internships are available with government agencies, consulting firms, as research assistants at other universities, etc.
(Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 405 Teaching Methods for the Biological Sciences |
(3:2:3) |
| Fee: $10.00 |
| Prerequisite: Senior status and 80% of biology coursework must be completed before enrolling in this course. |
| This course will cover biological and general science teaching methods needed for state teaching certification in biology secondary education. The course will focus on classroom and laboratory techniques utilized in the biological sciences. Practical experience in teaching laboratories, lectures and demonstrations will be included.(Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 407 Medical Microbiology and Immunology |
(4:3:2) |
| Fee: $15.00 |
| Prerequisite: BIO 200 |
| Fundamental and clinical principles of microbiology and immunology as they relate to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 423 Natural Resource Policy |
(3:3:0) |
| Fee: $30 |
| Introduction to theory, processes, and techniques for the management of natural resources. Emphasis on ecological processes and public policy issues. (Winter) |
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| BIO 440 Plant Physiology |
(4:3:3) |
| Fee: $15.00 |
| Prerequisite: BIO 200 or 208, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chem 252 (organic chemistry). |
| An advanced biology course that examines the functioning, growth, and development of vascular plants. (Winter) |
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| BIO 446 Ornithology |
(3:2:2) |
| Fee: $25.00 |
| Prerequisite: Students should have completed a general education biology course |
| In depth study of avian (bird) biology systematics, distribution, evolution and natural history. At least one field trip required. (Winter) |
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| BIO 447 Mammalogy |
(3:2:2) |
| Fee: $25.00 |
| A study of mammalian diversity, systematics, evolution, morphology, distribution, and natural history. At least one field trip is required. (Fall) |
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| BIO 460 Advanced Human Anatomy with Lab |
(4:2:3) |
| Prerequisite: BIO 200 or BIO 264 & 265 |
| Advanced human anatomy for Human Biology Majors.
Comprehensive regional study of gross human anatomy with emphasis on the limbs, and the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities. A portion of the course will be devoted to head and neck anatomy and some neuroanatomy. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 461 Principles of Physiology |
(4:4:3) |
| Fee: $15.00 |
| Prerequisite: BIO 200 or equivalent |
| Study of general physiologic processes and control of human organ systems. (Winter, Summer, Fall) |
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| BIO 462 Gross Anatomy |
(1:0:2) |
| Fee: $20.00 |
| Prerequisite: Completion of BIO 264 and consent of the instructor. |
| This is a gross human anatomy course that takes a regional approach to the study of body systems through the dissection of cadavers. |
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| BIO 475 Evolutionary Biology |
(3:2:2) |
| Prerequisite: Completion of Bio 200 or 208 and Bio 375 or permission of instructor. |
| Basic Darwinian evolution and the history of evolutionary thought is presented. Includes the study of the scientific evidences for evolution and the processes through which evolution occurs. The history of life on earth will also be explored. (Winter, Fall) |
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| BIO 497 Senior Seminar |
(1:0:0) |
| Prerequisite: Bio 200 or 208, Bio 211, and junior or senior class standing. |
| A capstone course in which participants discuss topics related to the practice of science, the development of a research project, and the presentation of research. Each participant produces a review paper or a research proposal that could be used to carry out an independent research project. The proposal or review paper is developed in consultation with a faculty mentor. (Winter, Fall) |
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