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Eastern University Biology

Course Descriptions

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BIO 103 General Biology: Earth-Keeping 4
Basic concepts of ecology will be presented in sufficient detail to allow an examination of our environmental problems within an ecological worldview. There will be an emphasis on developing stewardship lifestyles. The laboratory will include field studies of terrestrial and aquatic communities and will examine pollution abatement systems. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. For non-majors only.

BIO 104 Human Biology 4
A study of the origin and structure of cells, energy transformation, the structure and function of major organ systems, inheritance, reproduction and development. Emphasis is on human biology. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. For non-majors only.

BIO 151 General Biology I 4
Required course for the student interested in majoring or minoring in biology, or the pre-physical/occupational therapy tracks in exercise science. The course surveys basic concepts of biology with an emphasis on field-oriented disciplines, including ecology, zoology, botany and macroevolution. Offered every fall; may be taken before or after BIO 152.

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BIO 152 General Biology II 4
Required course for the student interested in majoring or minoring in biology, biochemistry or biokinetics. The course surveys basic concepts of biology with an emphasis on lab-oriented disciplines, including cell biology, physiology, genetics and evolutionary mechanisms. Offered every spring; may be taken before or after BIO 151.

BIO 180  Science in Society  3
This course is for liberal arts and education majors as well as science majors.  Science as a way of knowing and its impact on our society will be critically examined.  The logical and empirical reasoning processes of scientific methodology will be compared to other ways of knowing and its scope of influence evaluated.  Worldview analysis will help students understand relationships between science and Christianity, and how being a scientist can be a God-given calling for Christians.  Issues are presented through the lens of a case study about the way science functions in our society, such as what genetics can tell us about our ethnicities, how ecological knowledge can help us plan our communities, or whether evolution can fit into a biblical worldview.  No prerequisites, but a lab science prior to this course is recommended.  This course satisfies the 3-credit natural sciences elective for the core.

BIO 205 General Biology, Elementary Education Emphasis 4
A study of the major areas of biology that are relevant for teachers at the elementary school level. Topics to be covered include ecosystem, community, and population ecology; human impact on creation; an overview of the five kingdoms; how animals and plants function; cells, tissues and systems; heredity; and evolution/creation. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. Required for Elementary Education major. No prerequisites. Restricted to Elementary Education students.

BIO 206 Ornithology 3
The biology and natural history of birds. Field and laboratory work with emphasis on recognition and behavioral observations of local species. Open to majors and non-majors.

BIO 215 Studies in Botany 3
A course in plant biology which will offer in depth study in specific areas, such as hormone control, physiology, taxonomy, greenhouse management and food production. All will include extensive laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 151. Offered upon adequate demand.

BIO 216 Introduction to Microbiology 4
A study of the classification and biology of microbes and application of microbiological techniques. Three hours lecture, two laboratories, each 1 1⁄2 hours. The course is intended for biology majors and allied health students. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 152 or 233.

Biology Students Checking Plant Species

BIO 233 Human Physiology and Anatomy I 4
The first course of a two-semester sequence which surveys the human as a functioning organism. The first semester will emphasize the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and senses. The laboratory will emphasize human structure and techniques for studying muscle and nerve function. The course is designed for students in athletic training, exercise science, BS psychology, and   nursing and as an elective course for biology students considering graduate work in the health professions. For the biology core, BIO 223 and BIO 234 may substitute for BIO 310. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in BIO 104 or 152.

BIO 234 Human Physiology and Anatomy II 4
The second of a two-semester sequence. Emphasis will be on mechanisms of internal homeostasis, i.e., circulation, nutrition, excretion, etc. Course purpose and format are the same as 233. For the biology core, BIO 223 and BIO 234 may substitute for BIO 310. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 233. 

BIO 290 Tropical Biology 3
An introduction to tropical biology, surveying the most common ecosystems, important themes in tropical communities and selected issues involving environmental degradation. A scheduled field trip to a tropical region is required; this will generally occur during Spring Break. Prerequisite: at least one majors biology course or permission of instructor. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.

BIO 309W Ecology 4
The principles of ecology with some emphasis on their applications to humans. Field projects and laboratory work complement the theoretical considerations. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 151 or 103. Offered every fall.

BIO 310 Animal Physiology 4
An inquiry into the physiological basis of life at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Physiology of multicellular organisms is stressed with an emphasis on human biology and homeostasis. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in BIO 152; CHEM 111 or 121. Offered every fall upon adequate demand.

BIO 311 Cell Biology 4
Emphasis will be on the morphology and physiology of the cell. Biological molecules, reactions and cellular energetics will be studied, as well as membranes and the cell surface, cell motility, and cellular synthesis. Lab work will include fluorescence microscopy, cell culture, and cytological and biochemical analyses. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C in BIO 152, CHEM 122. Offered every fall.

BIO 312 Genetics 4
A survey of genetics, including (1) Mendelian inheritance and variations in chromosomal segregation, (2) molecular and microbial genetics and (3) genetic distribution in populations. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 152. Offered every spring.

BIO 313 Embryology 3
An introduction to classical and current understanding of embryogenesis and development, with an emphasis on the genetic control mechanisms. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in BIO 151, 152 or consent of instructor. Recommended elective for biology majors and other majors with interest in medicine and genetics. Generally offered fall of even-numbered years.

BIO 315 Medical Botany 3
A survey of “biologically active” plants and the techniques used to study them and develop new medicines. Topics include pharmacokinetics and drug application procedures, cultural concepts of healing, medicinal, allergenic and poisonous effects of plants, plant sources of new anticancer drugs, foods as medicine and some problems in natural products research. Generally offered fall of odd-numbered years.

BIO 316 Techniques in Biotechnology 3
The course will introduce students to a wide range of techniques used in research laboratories. Basic skills will be emphasized with hands-on directed experiences. More advanced techniques may be studied via electronic media. Offered upon adequate demand.

BIO 320 Environmental Issues 4
This course builds upon principles established in ecology to examine specific environmental issues. Major issues related to environmental degradation will be covered, including problems of ambiguous data and management choices. Three hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C in BIO 151, 152, 309. Cross-listed as POS 320. Offered spring of even-numbered years.

Students Dissecting Shark

BIO 340 Parasitology 4
An introduction to the general biology of major parasitic groups, parasitic protozoa, monogeneans, digeneans, cestodes, nematodes, acanthocephalans, and parasitic arthropods of humans and domesticated animals. Lectures will emphasize the morphology, physiology (form and function), life cycles, symptomatology, and pathogenesis of representative taxa from these major parasitic groups. The labs will provide students with an opportunity to identify and study commonly occurring parasites. Emphasis will be placed on the taxonomy, morphology, life cycles, and histopathology of parasites of humans and domestic animals. Overall, the course aims at providing a basic theoretical and practical foundation in parasitology so as to enable students to better appreciate the impact that parasites have on society. Recommended elective for Biology majors and other majors with interest in medicine and genetics. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BIO 151 and 152.

BIO 344 Molecular Biology 3
This course is designed to provide the science major with a thorough introduction to the biology of nucleic acids.  It will cover the theoretical aspects of the field. Topics covered will include molecular cloning, an introduction to genomics, and an in depth study of DNA replication, transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, post-transcriptional events, and translation.  Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Bio 311 and 312 and CHE 122/124 or permission of the instructor.  BIO 345 must be taken concurrently.  Offered every spring.

BIO 345 Molecular Biology lab  1
This laboratory course provides hands-on experience with common experimental techniques used in molecular biology research such as restriction digestion, PCR, electrophoresis of DNA and protein, DNA purification, gene cloning, bacterial transformation, bacterial culture manipulation, PCR primer design, and the analysis of genomes and genes using the basic online bioinformatics tools.  Three hours laboratory.  BIO 344 must be taken concurrently. 

BIO 350A Classification and Application -Invertebrate Zoology: Entomology 3-4
Lecture and laboratory. The phyla of the Invertebrates are examined with reference to diversity in taxonomy, morphology and adaptation, with a particular emphasis on insects and consideration of species important in agriculture and medicine. Offered as part of the flexible core on a rotating basis with BIO 350B and 350C. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in BIO 151 or consent of instructor. Recommended for biology majors and other majors with interest in field biology and evolutionary mechanisms.

BIO 350B Classification and Application -Vertebrate Zoology 3-4
Lecture and laboratory. The organization, structure and taxonomy of the major groups of the Chordates. Laboratory work focuses on comparison of anatomy of type-forms of Vertebrates. Application of this discipline to particular research problems will also be made. Offered as part of the flexible core on a rotating basis with BIO 350A and 350C. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in BIO 151 or consent of instructor. Recommended for biology majors and other majors with interest in field biology and evolutionary mechanisms.

BIO 350C Classification and Application -Vascular Plants 3-4
A lecture and laboratory course concerning the classification of vascular plants, with emphasis on family characteristics and relationships. Identification and description of local flora, use of keys and manuals, and field recognition will be emphasized. Application to research problems related to agriculture, biodiversity or medicine will be made. Offered as part of the flexible core on a rotating basis with BIO 350A and 350B. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in BIO 151 or consent of instructor. Recommended for biology majors and other majors with interest in field biology and evolutionary mechanisms.

BIO 417 Evolution, Creation and the Organization of Biology 3
An advanced course studying the theoretical base of the origin of biological forms. The course discusses the nature of scientific theory, evolution and creation as theories, biological system theory, the mechanisms of population change, fitness and speciation, and the integration of faith and scientific work. Prerequisite: Minimum grades of C in BIO 309, 312 or permission of the instructor.  Offered every fall.

BIO 420 Environmental Regulations and Policy 3
The course will briefly survey environmental policy in the United States and give overviews of specific critical areas, such as wetlands, coastal zones, mining, aquifer protection, environmental audits. A case study approach will be used with selected areas, and students will gather and use ecological information and relevant government regulations to create cost-effective, workable solutions. Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C in BIO 151, and 309 or consent of instructor. May apply to Political Science major. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.

BIO 425 Senior Thesis Literature Review 2
This advanced course involves the selection and approval of a thesis topic, the preparation of a comprehensive literature review, and a seminar describing the proposed research project and its relationship to the existing literature. A formal written proposal is submitted at the end of the semester.

BIO 426, 427 Senior Thesis Directed Research I, II 2-4
This course involves performing an original experimental research study, analyzing the data, and preparing a written thesis. A seminar will be presented at the end of the semester describing the research findings and the relationship to the existing data in the field of study. Those students who wish to continue the research for another semester may do so in Biology 427. A second paper and seminar will be required.

BIO 495 Internship 2–12
Qualified students will be assisted in obtaining laboratory/research positions in industry or academia. Up to 5 credits can apply to biology elective requirement.

AU SABLE INSTITUTE PROGRAM
In addition to on-campus biology courses, Eastern students may take biology courses offered by Au Sable Institute. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. For further information and course descriptions, students should consult the Au Sable catalog available in the Registrar’s Office and speak to Eastern’s faculty representative for Au Sable. Au Sable Institute offers competitive scholarships, but does not qualify for federal and state financial assistance. Professional certification as environmental analyst, land resource analyst, water resource analyst, and naturalist is available.