Biology

Courses

BIOL1010: Introduction to Biology

Credits 3

A survey of key biological principles including subject areas of cell structure, physiology, zoology, botany, ecology, genetics and evolution. Course goals include helping students develop an understanding of the nature and processes of science, and exploring how key biological concepts apply to citizens. It is designed for the general student and will not meet major requirements for degrees in biology.

BIOL1030: Earth Science

Credits 3

Study of the earth's crust and mantle with emphasis on the physical and chemical processes at work in the earth. The principle of uniformity and the rock cycle are used to study formation and transformation of rocks and minerals. Topics on erosion, volcanism, earthquakes, and mountain building are included; weather and climate are included whenever pertinent. Although designed primarily for non-science majors, all students may take this course. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement.

BIOL1040: Environmental Science

Credits 3

A study of the issues pertaining to environmental sustainability including topics such as population growth, energy, pollution, and conserving biodiversity. A central theme is Christian Stewardship.

BIOL1060: Human Biology

Credits 3

Selected topics related to the human body with particular emphasis on the integration of form and function as well as genetics and ethics. This course does not apply toward major requirements in biology.

BIOL1060L: Human Biology Laboratory

Credits 1

A laboratory study, using selected topics relating to the human body, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL1060. This course does not apply toward major requirements in biology. Fee: Additional fee required.

BIOL1960: Clinical Observation

Credits 1
Designed to provide an observation experience in physical therapy or athletic training settings. May be repeated for credit. (See KINE1960)

BIOL2010: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Credits 3
A study of the structure and function of the human body using a systems approach. The following topics will be covered: cell biology, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and sensory organs.

BIOL2030: Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Credits 3
A study of the structure and function of the human body using a systems approach. The following systems will be covered: endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

BIOL2220: General Biology I

Credits 3
A survey of the basic concepts of biology with emphasis on cellular processes and genetic principles. This course is designed for students who intend to major in the sciences and those in pre-medicine and related fields.

BIOL2230: General Biology II

Credits 3

A survey of the basic concepts of biology with emphasis on life's diversity. This course introduces students to systematics, taxonomy, and the biology of representatives from the domains of Eubacteria (true bacteria), Archaea (methanogenic bacteria, etc.), and Eukarya (protists, fungi, plants, and animals). This course is designed for students who intend to major in the sciences and those in pre-medicine and related fields.

BIOL2240: Plant and Animal Ecology

Credits 3
A study of the interactions between environment, flora and fauna at the population, community and ecosystem levels, including current theory and application.

BIOL2300: Idaho Amphibians

Credits 4

This field-intensive course acquaints the student with the uniqueness and diversity of Idaho's amphibians. Through lectures, laboratory sessions and field trips, the course explores the distinguishing features for identification, distribution, natural history, and habitat requirements of Idaho's amphibian species. Amphibian declines and the conservation issues of each species are discussed throughout. This course can be used as general education laboratory credit.

BIOL2320: Idaho Birds of Prey

Credits 4

This course acquaints the student with the uniqueness and diversity of Idaho's birds of prey. Through lectures, laboratory sessions and field trips, the course explores the distinguishing features for identification, distribution, natural history, and habitat requirements of most North American birds of prey. Threats to raptor populations and the conservation issues of each species are discussed throughout. This course can be used as general education laboratory credit. Fee: Additional fee required.

BIOL2420: Microbiology

Credits 3

A survey of the structure, metabolism, and control of various bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi with special emphasis on the disease-causing microorganisms.

BIOL2960: Pre-Health Shadowing

Credits 1
A supervised, practical shadowing experience in a local health care facility. By exposure to several different providers (physicians or physicians' assistants, depending on career goals) the students will gain an appreciation for the scope of care provided. Includes basic CPR training.

BIOL2970: Introduction to Research

Credits 1
Students will develop an understanding of the nature and processes of science and how to conduct scientific inquiry. Course content will include literature search, experimental design, and basic analysis.

BIOL3160: Plant Taxonomy

Credits 3
A study of the principles of plant classification with emphasis on collection and identification of native and introduced vascular plants of the Intermountain West.

BIOL3160L: Plant Taxonomy Laboratory

Credits 1

A laboratory oriented to the identification and field study of native and introduced plants of the Intermountain West, which is intended to support BIOL3160Fee: Additional fee required.

BIOL3250: Tropical Ecology

Credits 3
A study of the major themes and principles of ecology applied within the framework of the tropics. Emphasis will be placed on the autecology and natural history of select species (both vertebrate and invertebrate), and the ecological interactions at the population, community and ecosystem levels. Students will gain an understanding of select tropical biomes and representative ecological interactions from each biome. A Christian perspective will be used to explore the human dimensions of tropical ecology and the appropriate ethic for conservation.

BIOL3250L: Tropical Ecology Laboratory

Credits 1

A study of selected topics of tropical ecology conducted in a field setting while visiting various tropical biomes. This laboratory course requires international travel and consequently a current passport. The course fee will cover travel costs including airfare, in-country transport, food, lodging and necessary field supplies. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Experience (CE) requirement. Fee: Additional fee required.

BIOL3300: Herpetology

Credits 3
A survey of the structure, function, ecology and systematics of amphibians and reptiles (herpetology). Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide field context for these explorations, while laboratory explorations will utilize diverse taxonomic representatives. Course will include identification of Idaho amphibian and reptile species.

BIOL3300L: Herpetology Laboratory

Credits 1
A study of selected topics in laboratory and field settings, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3300. Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide field context for these explorations, while laboratory explorations will utilize diverse taxonomic representatives.

BIOL3320: Ornithology

Credits 3
A survey of the structure, function, ecology, behavior and systematics of birds (ornithology). Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide context for these explorations. Course will include identification of Idaho bird species.

BIOL3320L: Ornithology Laboratory

Credits 1

A study of selected topics in laboratory and field settings, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3320. Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide context for these explorations. Course will include identification of Idaho bird species. Fee: Additional fee required.

BIOL3330: Mammalogy

Credits 3
A survey of the structure, function, ecology, behavior and systematics of mammals (mammalogy). Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide context for these explorations. Course will include identification of Idaho mammal species.

BIOL3330L: Mammalogy Laboratory

Credits 1

A study of selected topics in laboratory and field settings, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3330. Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide context for these explorations. Course will include identification of Idaho mammal species. Fee: Additional fee required.

BIOL3420: General Microbiology

Credits 3
A survey of the structure, metabolism, and control of various bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. This course is intended for science majors, with a strong molecular emphasis compared to BIOL2420 .

BIOL3460: Cell Biology

Credits 3

A study of the processes common to life at the molecular and cellular level. This course deals primarily with the structure and function of eukaryotic cells with focus on cell composition, organelles, cytoskeleton, bioenergetics, metabolic processes, cell signaling, the cell cycle, apoptosis, and cancer. It is strongly recommended that BIOL3720 Genetics be taken prior to this course.

BIOL3500: Bioethics

Credits 2
A survey of biotechnological advances and a review of ethical theories. A series of guest lecturers explore various facets of biotechnology and ecology as viewed from each particular discipline. These include issues viewed from research science, ecology, genetics, reproduction technologies, ethics, sociology, and politics.

BIOL3510: Studies in Histology

Credits 1
A supervised practical survey of normal human cells and tissues. This is a microscopic laboratory study of all the organ systems.

BIOL3520: Developmental Biology

Credits 3
An in-depth study of the processes of vertebrate development and reproduction with emphasis on the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. Gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, organogenesis, histological differentiation, early events in embryological development, and late events in embryological development.

BIOL3540: Immunology

Credits 3
This course introduces students to the immune system and the basics of immunology. Topics will begin with a survey of the cells and organs of the immune system, innate and adaptive immunity, lymphocyte development, and effector mechanisms of both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Concluding topics will integrate basic immunological concepts with regulatory interactions between different components of the immune system, deleterious effects of aberrant immune processes, and the immunopathology of various disease states.

BIOL3560: Endocrinology

Credits 3
An introduction to the biology of the vertebrate endocrine glands and the hormones they secrete, as well as their mechanisms of action and regulation.

BIOL3620: Vertebrate Physiology

Credits 3
An in-depth survey of the basic physiological principles of vertebrate organs and systems, with emphasis placed on humans.

BIOL3640: Teaching Science in Secondary Schools

Credits 2

Strategies appropriate to this subject field, instructional materials and tools, curricular structure common to this subject in the secondary school. Field experience: 20-40 hours. (See EDUC3640.)

BIOL3720: Genetics

Credits 3
This course introduces students to classical Mendelian and contemporary molecular genetics. Topics will include Mendelian patterns of inheritance, transmission genetics, chromosome structure and function, genetic mutation, chromosomal aberrations, the structure, function and control of genes, techniques in genetics and model organisms, cell-cycle dynamics, recombinant DNA mechanisms, population genetics, etc.

BIOL3740: Origins

Credits 3
This course is designed to inform students of competing views of origins from a Christian perspective and to prepare students for graduate school. Biblical, classical and current theories of origins will be surveyed, with an emphasis on modern synthetic theory of organic evolution, including mechanisms, adaptations, and phylogeny.

BIOL3820: Pathophysiology

Credits 3
An in-depth exploration of the mechanisms and manifestations of selected human disease states resulting in alterations of the body's dynamic equilibrium.

BIOL3850: Animal Behavior

Credits 3

An introduction to the origins and mechanisms of animal behavior. This course will explore mechanisms of behavior including neural, hormonal, and genetic aspects; as well as the various types of behaviors such as foraging, defense, mating, parental care, social behavior, communication, and territoriality.

BIOL3850L: Animal Behavior Laboratory

Credits 1

Students will complete lab tasks involving exploration of anatomical and physiological concepts, and will learn observation techniques and research methodologies and will conduct an individual research project. Fee: Additional fee required.

BIOL3920: Cadaver Dissection I

Credits 1
A directed dissection of human cadavers using a systems approach focusing on integumentary, muscular, and nervous system anatomy.

BIOL3930: Cadaver Dissection II

Credits 1
A directed dissection of human cadavers using a systems approach focusing on cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive system anatomy.

BIOL3940: Research Seminar I

Credits 1
The second in a series of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of both the nature of science, and the processes of science. It is also intended to promote student professional development and their acquisition of necessary skill sets as they apply to careers in wildlife biology and ecology.

BIOL3950: Research Seminar II

Credits 1
The third in a series of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of both the nature of science, and the processes of science. The course also includes student professional development as they apply to careers in wildlife biology and ecology.

BIOL3960: Internship in Biology

Credits 1 4
A supervised, practical work experience in the student's area of interest performed under a trained professional in a chosen field of biology for a minimum of 40 hours per credit. By exposure to a variety of skills and settings the student gains an understanding of various professions in biology and obtains practical experience in his/her area of interest. May be repeated for credit.

BIOL3970: Research

Credits 1 4
Involves the participation of the student with a faculty member in an individual investigative project or literature review. May be repeated for up to 4 credits.

BIOL4240: Field Ecology

Credits 3
A study of the interactions between environment, flora and fauna in the field with emphasis on the identification and ecology of species. Various ecological techniques such as estimating abundance, evaluating spatial patterns, and sampling and estimating community parameters will be applied and technologies such as geographical information systems (GIS) will be explored.

BIOL4260: Conservation and Management of Wildlife Populations

Credits 3

The principles and techniques within population ecology are essential to the successful conservation and management of wildlife populations as informed decision making cannot take place without it. Foundations from ecology and genetics lead into applied techniques that are used by wildlife biologists and conservation biologists to address the ever-increasing crisis of biodiversity loss on Earth. This course reviews and implements the great variety of techniques used to study populations so that the appropriate management and conservation actions can take place.

BIOL4260L: Conservation and Management of Wildlife Populations Laboratory

Credits 1

Techniques for the study of populations covered in the lecture will be practiced and applied, including estimating population vital rates, quantifying population growth, projecting population dynamics using matrix models, actions in response to population genetic variation, running population viability analyses, and running models to set sustainable harvest yields. Fee: Additional fee required.

BIOL4410: Biochemistry I

Credits 3

A qualitative and quantitative study of the molecular basis of biological function. Major topics include biomolecular structure and behavior, proteins and enzymes, membranes, thermodynamics and cell metabolism. An in-depth survey of the major areas of biochemistry.

BIOL4410L: Biochemistry I Laboratory

Credits 1

A practical application of biochemistry techniques to investigate the principles of biochemistry. Students will engage in experiments that make use of spectroscopy, chromatography, electrophoresis, kinetics assays, and other methods. Abilities in written communication, in the form of reports and notebooks, will be developed around these standard laboratory skills. Fee: Additional fee required.

BIOL4420: Biochemistry II

Credits 3

A qualitative and quantitative study of the molecular basis of biological function. Major topics include cell metabolism and molecular genetics. An in-depth survey of the major areas of biochemistry.

BIOL4960: Internship in Physical Therapy

Credits 1 3
A supervised, practical work experience in physical therapy. The pre-physical therapy student works with registered physical therapists in clinical settings. By exposure to a variety of skills and settings the student gains an understanding of the profession of physical therapy. May be repeated for credit.

BIOL4970: Pre-Physical Therapy Capstone

Credits 1
This experience is required of seniors completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Physical Therapy and involves the written and oral presentation of work completed in BIOL4960. It will also include a written reflection pertaining to University Outcomes.

BIOL4980: Senior Seminar/Capstone

Credits 1
This experience is required of seniors completing the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology, as well as the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees in Wildlife Biology and Ecology. This seminar course involves the written and oral presentation of work completed in BIOL3970 and/or BIOL3960, as well as written reflections on University Outcomes.