Department of Biology

Faculty

Jennifer Chase, John Cossel, Jr. (Department Chair), David Hille, Ayokunle Hodonu, Jamee Nixon

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to apply core concepts of biology in various contexts (ex. health, field biology, research, and future endeavors).
  2. Students will be able to apply the principles of science and methods of scientific inquiry to the study of biology.
  3. Students will be able to demonstrate proper lab/field techniques to collect and analyze biological data.
  4. Students will be able to evaluate their spiritual beliefs, ethics, and actions as they relate to science and the natural world.

Degrees and Certificates

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.

Corequisite Courses

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.

Corequisite Courses

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.

Corequisite Courses

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.

Corequisite Courses

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. 

Corequisite Courses

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.
Corequisites

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.
Corequisites

BIOL2094: Special Topics in Biology

Credits 1 3
A variety of timely topics may be explored as the demand of students or the interest of the faculty involved dictates.
Prerequisites
Instructor's approval

BIOL2100: Medical Terminology

Credits 1

An online, asynchronous study and practical application of medical vocabulary, designed to prepare students for using this terminology in health care settings. Students will be assessed weekly on assigned vocabulary in topical areas.

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.
Corequisites

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.

Corequisites

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.
Prerequisites
BIOL2220, BIOL2230, or instructor's approval.

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. 

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.
Prerequisites
Instructor approval (pass a background check and document current immunizations).

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.

BIOL3094: Special Topics in Biology

Credits 1 3
A variety of timely topics may be explored as the demand of students or the interest of the faculty involved dictates.
Prerequisites
Instructor's approval

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.
Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

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.
Prerequisites
BIOL2240, or instructor's approval.

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.

Prerequisites
BIOL2240, or instructor's approval.
Corequisite Courses

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.
Prerequisites
BIOL2220, BIOL2230, or instructor's approval.
Corequisites

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. Fee: Additional fee required.

Corequisite Courses

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.
Prerequisites
BIOL2220, BIOL2230, or instructor's approval.
Corequisites

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.

Corequisite Courses

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.
Prerequisites
BIOL2220, BIOL2230, or instructor's approval.
Corequisites

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.

Corequisite Courses

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 .
Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

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.

Prerequisites

BIOL2220, BIOL2230, or instructor's approval.

Corequisites

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.
Prerequisites
BIOL1060 or equivalent

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.
Prerequisites
BIOL2220, BIOL2230, or instructor's approval.

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.
Prerequisite Courses

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.)

Prerequisites

Junior classification, Program admission required.

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.
Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

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.
Prerequisite Courses

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.

Prerequisites
Corequisite Courses

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.

Corequisite Courses

BIOL3920: Cadaver Dissection I

Credits 1

A directed dissection of human cadavers using a systems approach focusing on integumentary, muscular, and nervous system anatomy. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prerequisites

Instructor's approval

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.
Prerequisites
Instructor's approval

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.
Prerequisite Courses

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.
Prerequisite Courses

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.
Prerequisites
Completed application form including work supervisor consent, and instructor's permission.

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.
Prerequisites
BIOL2970, or instructor's approval.

BIOL4094: Special Topics in Biology

Credits 1 3
A variety of timely topics may be explored as the demand of students or the interest of the faculty involved dictates.
Prerequisites
Instructor's approval

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.
Prerequisites
BIOL2240, or instructor's approval.
Corequisites

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.

Prerequisites

BIOL2240, or instructor's approval.

Corequisite Courses

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.

Corequisite Courses

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.

Prerequisites
Corequisite Courses

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.

Corequisite Courses

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.

Prerequisite Courses

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.
Prerequisites
KINE1960, Junior classification, and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.20.

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.
Prerequisite Courses

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. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prerequisites