DWU - Catalog

Biological Sciences (BIO)
The biological sciences department provides a curriculum that enables its students to develop an understanding of and an appreciation for the diversity of living organisms and their structure, function and interactions. All courses emphasize laboratory and/or field activities. The program is intended to prepare students to meet the entrance requirements of graduate and professional schools, to teach biology in high school and to enter science-related careers in business and industry. In addition to the coursework requirements listed, each biology candidate must complete the biology assessment exam before graduation.

* Some of the above courses have prerequisites that must be met. Only BIO 150, 350, and BIO 450 may be taken as directed studies. A CLEP test is available for BIO 101 and BIO 102.

Biochemistry
Biochemistry is a branch of chemistry concerned with the chemical and biological processes occurring in living organisms. Biochemistry uses the combined knowledge of biology, chemistry and genetics to investigate the complexity of the life processes of animals and plants.

A degree in biochemistry prepares the student for several postgraduate activities, including graduate study in the life sciences and professional careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and agriculture. Current biochemical research in the biology department is focused on the interactions between plants and plant pathogenic viruses.

Wildlife Management
The Bachelor of Arts program in wildlife management is designed to prepare students for employment as wildlife biologists, conservation officers, game wardens and consultants. The curriculum includes courses designed to familiarize students with the broad diversity of life and commonly used techniques in both fisheries and wildlife management. Students interested in careers as conservation officers are encouraged to complete the emphasis in wildlife law enforcement.

* This emphasis may be used as a minor only by students majoring in wildlife management.

Any student planning a premedical, predental or physical therapy program should see the preprofessional section of this catalog. A student who anticipates a biology career such as forestry, wildlife biology or technical work, or who will be considering further studies should plan his/her program with the advice of the biology department.

Biology Education
Students interested in teacher certification in science-biology need to complete the following program which constitutes both a major and a minor. The courses enable the teacher to teach 7-12 science-biology after passing the appropriate Praxis tests. Students may add to their certificate all science endorsements by passing the appropriate Praxis II test. For further clarification, see Education.

Course Descriptions
101 General Biology I 4 hours F
Students will examine concepts and theories in the following areas: the philosophy and methods of science; ecology; cell structure and function; genetics; and evolution. Three lectures, one laboratory. This course is intended to primarily serve majors in Biological Sciences.
General Education: Critical & Collaborative Thinking – Science Technology & Human Experience

102 General Biology II 4 hours S
This course includes the philosophy and methods of science, nutrition, gas exchange, internal transport, osmoregulation, chemical control, nervous control, reproduction, development, diversity and classification of organisms. Three lectures, one laboratory. Three lectures, one laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 101

115 Environmental Science 4 hours TBA
Students will study the interactions between humans and the environment. Basic principles of biology are included to provide a basis for understanding the problems of overpopulation, depletion of resources and pollution, as well as how to achieve a sustainable environment. Three lectures, one laboratory.
General Education: Critical & Collaborative Thinking – Science Technology & Human Experience

150/350 Readings in Biology 1 hour F,S
This course includes assigned readings and term papers in biological literature. Students may earn a total of two hours of credit for the major or minor.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

203 Comparative Zoology 4 hours F10
Students will study the gross morphology of representative vertebrates and invertebrates. The class will consider taxonomy, evolution, anatomy, physiology and behavior. Two lectures, two laboratories.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102.

211 Human Anatomy 4 hours F
This is an introduction to the structure of the human body. The class will consider a balanced study of developmental, cellular, histological and gross levels of anatomy and its application to students in health and biological sciences. Three lectures, one laboratory.

221 Plant Morphology 4 hours F09
This course is a comparative study of the structure and reproduction of algae, fungi, mosses, ferns and seed plants. Two lectures, two laboratories.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102.

222 Microbiology 4 hours S
Students will study the biology of bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds and certain animal parasites. Lectures and laboratory exercises cover microbiological techniques, morphology, anatomy, growth, reproduction, physiology and genetics. Three lectures, two laboratories.
Prerequisite: CHM 113 or CHM 150.

275 Field Experience 1-2 hours TBA

299 Selected Topics – Basic 1-4 hours TBA

302 Ecology 4 hours F09
Students will study the principles governing the relationships of plants, animals and their environment. Three lectures, one laboratory, including field trips.
Prerequisites: BIO 101, BIO 102 and MTH 130.

304 Science Teaching Methods 4 hours F10
This course is an introduction to the texts, manuals, materials, apparatus and methods of teaching science. Two lectures, two laboratories. It cannot be taken as a directed study.
Prerequisites: 20 hours of biological science, including BIO 101, BIO 102; CHM 150, PHS 100, EDU 201 and SPD 206.
Corequisites: EDU 300 and EDU 330.

312 Human Physiology 4 hours S
This course introduces students to the mechanisms that control the functioning of the human body at the level of the cell, organ, organ system and whole body. Three lectures, one laboratory.
Prerequisite: CHM 113 or CHM 150.
General Education: Critical & Collaborative Thinking – Science Technology & Human Experience

315 Genetics 4 hours F10
This is an introduction to the study of genetics using classical and molecular approaches. Topics covered include transmission genetics, replication of DNA, gene expression and control, and population genetics. Three lectures, one laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102.

317 Plant Systematics 4 hours S10
Students will study the principles of plant classification, identification and nomenclature, including the systematic relationships of vascular plants with an emphasis on flowering plants. Laboratories will include field trips, identification of collections and techniques used in gathering evidence for classification. Two lectures, two laboratories.
Prerequisites: BIO 101, BIO 102 and BIO 221.

319 Animal Development 4 hours F09
Students will study the development of animals through an integration of descriptive, experimental and biochemical approaches. Topics include gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation and formation of organ rudiments. Two lectures, two laboratories.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102.

322 Plant Physiology 4 hours TBA
Students will study the physiology of plant nutrition and metabolism. Topics include photosynthesis, respiration and water relations. Three lectures, one laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIO 101, BIO 102, CHM 150 and CHM 160.

323 Mammalogy 4 hours F10
Topics covered in this course include the evolution, taxonomy, distribution, adaptations, ecology and behavior of mammals. Three lectures, one laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 101, BIO 102 or consent of instructor.

324 Ornithology 4 hours S11
This course involves the study of the origin, evolution, structure, behavior, adaptations, distribution and classification of birds. Three lectures, one laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 101, BIO 102 or consent of instructor.

325 Principles of Wildlife Management 3 hours TBA
This course is an introduction to the basic principles used in the management of wildlife and fish populations, their habitats and human uses. The course is directed toward the presentation of general concepts that are integral to understanding the discipline.
Prerequisite: BIO 101, BIO 102 or consent of instructor.

326 Limnology 4 hours F10
This course integrates the chemistry, physics, hydrology and ecology of freshwater ecosystems. It also considers the human impact on these systems. Three lectures, one laboratory, including field trips.
Prerequisites: BIO 101, BIO 102, CHM 150, CHM 160, BIO 203 and BIO 221.

335 Introduction to Biochemistry 3 hours S11
(Refer to CHM 335)

336 Introduction to Biochemistry Lab 1 hour S11
(Refer to CHM 336)

341 Biochemistry I 4 hours F09
This is the first semester of a comprehensive biochemistry course providing an introduction to the chemical and physical properties of biologically important molecules. Topics to be discussed in this course include carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and enzymes.
Prerequisite: BIO 101, BIO 102, CHM 331 or consent of instructor.

342 Biochemistry II 4 hours S10
This is the second semester of a comprehensive biochemistry course with emphasis on metabolism, energy utilization and synthesis of biologically important molecules.
Prerequisite: BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 341, CHM 331, CHM 332 or consent of instructor.

344 Immunology 4 hours F09
This course provides an introduction into the chemical, genetic and biological properties of immune responses, acquired immunity and the production of antibodies.
Prerequisite: BIO 315, BIO 341 and BIO 342, or BIO 335 and BIO 336 or consent of instructor.

346 Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology 4 hours S10
This course focuses on the study of the structure and function of the cell and its subcellular components. The course is designed to provide an understanding of membrane and cellular physiology from a molecular aspect.
Prerequisite: BIO 315, BIO 341 and BIO 342, or BIO 335 and BIO 336 or consent of instructor.

400 Research 1-4 hours F,S
This course involves advanced independent work using biological methods. Students will choose a research activity acceptable to the biology department.
Prerequisites: BIO 101, BIO 102, an approved proposal and consent of instructor.

403 Research in Biochemistry 1-4 hours F,S
This course is designed to provide an introduction into the methodology and techniques used in the modern biochemistry research laboratory. Students are encouraged to design and investigate an individual research project within the instructor’s scope of research and to present their results.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

410 Physiology of Exercise 3 hours F
(Refer to SPX 410)

450 Internship 1-4 hours F,S
Internships are available in allied health fields, biochemistry, wildlife management and other biological vocations.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

499 Selected Topics – Advanced 1-4 hours TBA