Biomedical Science Degree Program

Credits: 4

Description: The first course for Biology majors. A grade of C- or better in this course is a prerequisite for all biology courses in the biology concentration. A study of the microscope, basic cell structure and function, DNA replication, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, evolution, population biology, and diversity. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.

Prerequisite: One year of high school biology or BIO 102 Biology for General Studies

Credits: 4

Description: Emphasis on nomenclature, atomic structure, bonding, gaseous and liquid states, equilibrium, and stoichiometry. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.

Prerequisite: High school chemistry or CHE 102 Chemistry for General Studies

Choose one of the following:

• PHY 201 General Physics I (3 credits) – An algebra-based general physics course intended primarily for health professions, life science and education students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: 2 years of algebra.
• PHY301 University Physics I (4 credits)– A calculus- based general physics course intended primarily for scientists, pre-engineers, computer and math majors and advanced health professional students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: High school physics and MAT 140 Calculus I or equivalent calculus class.

Plus:

PHY 321 Physics Laboratory I (1 credit) – Concurrent enrollment in PHY 201/301 recommended but not required. This laboratory is a required course for both PHY 201 General Physics I and PHY 301 University Physics I. Experiments, appropriate to the level of lecture, include topics in mechanics, momentum, work and energy, and fluids. 3 hours lab. Physics lab fee of $20 required.

Credits: 4

Description: A study of the mechanisms of inheritance, the molecular basis of gene action and the use of molecular techniques and molecular technology in biomedical, agricultural, and industrial research. The lab component of this course focuses on hands-on use of molecular equipment and technologies used in graduate and industrial molecular-based research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.

Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, CHE 106 General Chemistry I

Credits: 3

Description: The study of the history of evolutionary thought. The course will explore the evidence for evolution by examining the fossil record, comparative anatomy/physiology, and model field studies. Students will learn the model systems demonstrating the mechanisms that drive evolution: mutation, selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and inbreeding. Students are required to conduct research projects requiring quantitative analysis of evolutionary and ecological data. Evolution is a unifying theme in biology which integrates knowledge from all biological disciplines. 3 hours lecture-lab combined.

Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, BIO 200 Zoology, BIO 210 Experimental Plant Science, and BIO 320 Molecular Genetics

Credits: 4

Description: A continuation of CHE 106 with emphasis on kinetics, redox reactions, molecular geometry, hydrolysis, electrochemistry, and solubility products. Qualitative analysis included. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.

Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 106 or by consent of instructor

Select two of the following:

• BIO 336 Cancer Biology (3 credit hours) – This course will provide an overview of the biology and pathology of cancer. Lecture and discussion will include the various molecular and genetic changes that occur when a cell transforms from a normal to a malignant cancer cell. Changes in cancer prevalence over time, as well as current prevention measures, diagnostics, and treatments, will also be discussed. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts; BIO 320 Molecular Genetics recommended.
• BIO 385 Microbiology (4 credit hours) – Topics of study detail the structure and physiology of microorganisms including mechanisms of pathogenesis. Beneficial aspects of microorganisms are also discussed with regard to both the human body and the environment. Lab techniques include microbial identification, enumeration procedures and student designed research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required. Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts and CHE 106 General Chemistry I.
• BIO 430 Parasitology (3 credit hours) – Study of animal parasites and the effects they have on their hosts. Studies in this course center on parasites of humans, other vertebrates, and invertebrates. Taxonomy, morphology, development, physiology, identification, epidemiology, and pathogenesis are emphasized. An understanding of human anatomy and histology would be beneficial to students taking this course. Parasitology is highly recommended for students interested in health-related, biomedical, and biological careers. 3 hours lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $30 required. Prerequisite: BIO 110 Biology Concepts.
• BIO 486 Immunology (3 credit hours) – The topics for this course will include the biological, physical and chemical properties of antigens and antibodies, host-antigen interaction, humoral and cellular response mechanisms, serologic reactions, mechanisms of antibody formation, hypersensitivity and the role of the immune response in cancer and organ transplants. 3 hours lecture and lab combined. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts; BIO 320 Molecular Genetics recommended.

Select two of the following:

• BIO 330 Histology (3 credit hours) – Study of the structure and function of cells and tissues of the human organism. Light microscopy and digital histology slides of human and other vertebrate organs and tissues will be studied. Tissue morphology and histo-pathology will be discussed along with relevant clinical considerations. An understanding of human anatomy would be beneficial to students taking this course. Histology is highly recommended for students interested in health-related, biomedical, and biological careers. 3 hours lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $30 required. Prerequisite: BIO 110 Biology Concepts.
• BIO 340 Human Physiology (4 credit hours) – A study of the fundamental physiological processes of the human body. Functions of the 11 organ systems will be studied. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required. Prerequisites: BIO 220 Human Anatomy, CHE 106 General Chemistry I, and C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts.
• BIO 409 Comparative Embryology and Anatomy (4 credit hours) – A comparative study of vertebrate embryonic development and anatomy with emphasis on morphogenesis, function, and evolution of organ systems. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisites: BIO 110 Biology Concepts and CHE 107 General Chemistry II.
• BIO 434 Advanced Cellular Biology (3 credit hours) – An advanced study of the structure and function of the eukaryotic cell. Topics will include the basics of modern cell biology including signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and gene expression. 4 hours lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $30 required. Prerequisites: BIO 320 Molecular Genetics and CHE 107 General Chemistry II.
• BIO 443 Advanced Human Anatomy (3 credit hours) – Under close supervision, students will dissect a human cadaver and prepare anatomical specimens. Students will learn proper dissection techniques and expand on their basic knowledge of human anatomy using a team-based approach. 3 hours lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $30 required. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

• BIO 301 Biology Seminar (1 credit hour) – Lecture and discussion of topics relevant to the science and practice of biology. Topics vary based on the faculty member leading the course. This course may be repeated up to a total of 4 hours, by advisement, when no duplication of topic exists, but a maximum of only 2 credit hours can count towards any Life Sciences major. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts.
• BIO 370 Introduction to Research (2 credits hours) – This course is designed for biology majors as an introduction to scientific writing, library research, data collection, and data analysis. The student will be expected to use the skills learned in this course to establish a proposal for a research project for BIO 465 and 470. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, 8 hours of biology.

• BIO 200 Zoology (4 credit hours) – A study of the principles of biology as they apply to the uniformity, diversity, and organization of the animal kingdom. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts.
• BIO 210 Experimental Plant Science (4 credit hours) – A study of the principle of biology through an investigation into the molecular, anatomical, and morphological diversity of the non-animal Eukarya. Students will use laboratory methodology and scientific inquiry to understand plant structure, function, and evolution. Topics related to the human use of plants including phytopharmacology, ethnobotany, and plant biotechnology will also be examined. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts.

Select one of the following:

• BIO 397 Biology Internship (1 credit hour) – The internship program is a credit-bearing program providing undergraduate students with the opportunity to integrate career-related work experience with classroom learning. Work experiences occur in positions relevant to a student’s major. Internships require a minimum of 45-50 work hours for each 1 hour of credit. Contact the Career Services Office, your academic advisor, or department chair for specific details. Graded S/NC. Prerequisite: BIO 370 Introduction to Research, approval of the academic advisor and/or department chair, and a minimum 2.0 GPA requirement and/or the eligibility requirements per the department.
• BIO 465 Continuing Research (1 credit) – This course is a continuation of BIO 370. Students taking this course will be actively involved in research under their chosen advisor. This course is to be taken after BIO 370 but prior to BIO 470 Research Project. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, BIO 370 Introduction to Research.

Plus select one of the following:

• BIO 469 Senior Seminar in Biology (1 credit) – Students will develop an oral and written presentation of their biology internship experience. Students will incorporate current research literature into their presentations. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, BIO 370 Introduction to Research, and BIO 397 Internship.
• BIO 470 Research Project (1 credit) – This course is a continuation of BIO 370 and BIO 465. Students will take this course as a means of completing their individual research project under the direction of a chosen instructor. A presentation of this research in both oral and written form is required at the conclusion of the course. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, BIIO 370 Introduction to Research, and BIO 465 Continuing Research.

Credits: 4-7

Choose any upper-level BIO electives (excluding BIO 399) and/or CHE 326 Biochemistry I that are not repeat courses to complete 55 credits. BIO 301 Biology Seminar may be taken up to two times for a maximum of 2 credit hours with no topic repeat. View the course catalog for full list of courses and descriptions.