Biological Sciences
Faculty/Staff
Arthur Schwarz, Chair; Arthur Chadwick, Amy McHenry, Peter McHenry, Jared Wood
Aims of the Department
The mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to encourage thoughtful investigation of living systems.
Student Learning Outcomes
Biological Sciences graduates will be able to:
- Use scientific processes (observe nature, pose problems, generate and test hypotheses, design experiments, interpret and evaluate data, and determine how to follow up on findings), especially involving quantitative reasoning and analysis.
- Communicate effectively with people both in biology as well as in other disciplines through written, visual, and oral methods.
- Evaluate the social, ethical, and moral implications of biological research and how science impacts their faith.
Programs
The department offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. The B.A. degree requires 30 semester hours in biology, 18 hours in a minor area and includes a foreign language component. The B.S. degree allows a choice between two areas of emphasis: Biomedical emphasis or Ecology and Conservation Biology emphasis. Students may also choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science or minor in Life Sciences towards Secondary Certification in coordination with the Education Department
- B.A. Biology
- B.S. Biology
- Biomedical emphasis
- Ecology and Conservation Biology emphasis
- Minor in Biology
- B.S. Life Science - Secondary Certification
- Minor in Biology, Life Science - Secondary Certification
Biology, B.A.
| BIOL 111 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 112 | General Biology II | 4 |
| BIOL 180 | Biology Research Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 230 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 320 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 340 | Cell & Molecular Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 419 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| BIOL | *Elective (x2) | 6-8 |
| Total: | 30-32 |
(*include one botany elective.)
Required Cognates:
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| MATH 121 | Precalculus or | |
| MATH 241 | Intro to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| Total: | 14 |
Biology, B.S. Core Curriculum
Required of all B.S. students.
| BIOL 111 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 112 | General Biology II | 4 |
| BIOL 180 | Biology Research Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 230 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 320 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 419 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| Total: | 20 |
Biology, B.S. Biomedical Emphasis
| BIOL 340 | Cell & Molecular Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL | Electives (x3) | 9-12 |
Electives to be selected from the following courses:
| BIOL 333 | Parasitology | 3 |
| BIOL 341 | Cell & Molecular Biology II | 4 |
| BIOL 410 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 443 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 4 |
| BIOL 450 | Histology | 3 |
| BIOL 455 | Immunology | 3 |
| *BIOL 480 | Research in Biology | 3 |
| Total: | 13-16 |
Required Cognates:
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 231 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 232 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CSIS 102 | Microcomputer Literacy and Applications or | |
| CSIS 104 | Spreadsheet and Database Applications or | |
| CSIS 110 | Principles of Computer Programming I | 1-3 |
| PHYS 121 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 122 | General Physics II | 4 |
| MATH 121 | Precalculus or | |
| MATH 241 | Introduction to Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| CSIS 104 | Microcomputer Applications | 3 |
| Total: | 30 | |
*BIOL 480 is a one credit hour course. In order to count as an elective, it must be repeated three times and a final presentation must be given.
Biology, B.S. Ecology and Conservation Biology Emphasis
| BIOL 328 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOL 345 | Environment and Mankind | 4 |
| BIOL 360 | Plant Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 443 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 4 |
| BIOL 475 | Management of Fish & Wildlife Resources | 4 |
| BIOL | **Botany Elective | 4 |
| BIOL | **Ecology Elective | 4 |
| BIOL | **Zoology Elective (x2) | 8 |
| Total: | 35 | |
Botany electives:
| BIOL 314 | Systematic Botany | |
| BIOL 465 | Plant Physiology |
Ecology electives:
| BIOL 335 | Limnology | |
| BIOL 325 | Field Ecology |
Zoology electives:
| BIOL 312 | Ornithology | |
| BIOL 440 | Mammalogy | |
| BIOL 462 | Ichthyology | |
| BIOL435 | Herpetology |
Required Cognates:
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CSIS 102 | Microcomputer Literacy and Applications or | |
| CSIS 104 | Spreadsheet and Database Applications or | |
| CSIS 110 | Principles of Computer Programming I | 1-3 |
| MATH 121 | Precalculus or | |
| MATH 241 | Introduction to Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| Total: | 12-14 | |
**In consultation with the advisor, BIOL 480 Research in Biology, may replace one of the above electives. BIOL 480 is a one credit hour sourse. In order to count as an elective, it must be repeated three times and a final presentation must be given.
Minor in Biology
| BIOL 111 | General Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 112 | General Biology | 4 |
| BIOL | Electives (6 hours must be upper division) | 10 |
| Total: | 18 |
Teaching Certification Program
The following Life Science major and minor are for teaching certification only. Requirements for certification are listed in the Education section of this Bulletin.
You must make formal application for admittance to the Teacher Education Program. Applications are available at the Education Department office.
Option I:
Life Science B.S. - Secondary Certification
| BIOL 111 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 112 | General Biology II | 4 |
| BIOL 180 | Biology Research Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 230 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 320 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 419 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| BIOL | *Electives (x3-4) | 12 |
| Total: | 32 |
(*Must include one botany elective and one zoology elective.)
Required Cognates
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| MATH 121 | Precalculus or | |
| MATH 241 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| Total: | 11 |
Option II:
Minor in Life Science - Secondary Certification
| BIOL 111 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 112 | General Biology II | 4 |
| BIOL 230 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 320 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 419 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| BIOL | Electives - upper division (x2) | 8 |
| Total: | 27 |
Biological Science Courses
BIOL 101, 102 - Anatomy & Physiology I, II (4, 4 hours)
Prerequisite: Have a Nelson Denny score of at least 11 or ENGL 121
An integrated two-semester study of the anatomy and physiology of human organ systems with a focus on homeostasis and the role of cellular processes involved with maintaining that homeostasis. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Does not apply toward a biology major or minor. (BIOL 101 Fall, BIOL 102 Spring)
BIOL 103 - Human Biology (4 hours)
This is a survey course, concerning the structure and function of the human body. Important themes in this course include understanding our bodies’ systems, the impact of disease and injury, as well as disease prevention and the principles of healthful living. This course fulfills the Life Science Competency requirement as specified in the Core Curriculum. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Does not apply toward a biology major or minor. (Fall)
BIOL 111, 112 - General Biology (4, 4 hours)
Prerequisite: Have a Nelson Denny score of at least 11 or ENGL 121
A two-semester course covering the basic disciplines of life science. General concepts in genetics, taxonomy, behavior, ecology, morphology, physiology and speciation of living organisms are taught. A full sequence of high school biology and chemistry is highly recommended. 3 Lec. 3 Lab (BIOL 111 Fall, BIOL 112 Spring)
BIOL 180 - Biology Research Seminar (1 hour)
A freshman level seminar course designed to initiate students early in their careers to the concepts, principles and conduct of biological research by exposing them to active researchers in various disciplines of biology. Class activities include attendance at research presentations by staff and outside researchers, participation with questions and preparation of two page summary of each presentation. Required for all freshmen. All other biology majors will be expected to attend. Presentations by special guests. (Fall)
BIOL 220 - Microbiology and Immunology (4 hours)
Introduction to the structure, function and control of microorganisms in the environment with special emphasis on those organisms of medical importance. Introduction to immune responses and mechanisms including antibody and host-antigen interactions, and humoral and cellular immunological response mechanisms. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Lab fee. (Fall) (Can also be taken as BIOL 318 for MLS students.)
BIOL 225 - Field Biology (4 hours)
This course is a field study of the plants, animals, natural features, and climate of a particular region of North America or perhaps another continent. it includes the study of ecological relationships in the selected study area. Students will be assessed by periodic quizzes in the field. This three week intensive field course will involve camping and extensive travel to National Parks, game reserves, and natural areas. A field trip fee will be charged commensurate with the distance traveled. (Offered periodically as an intensive course spanning 3 weeks before fall term, during Christmas holiday, or 3 weeks after spring term. Offered concurrently with BIOL 325. Non-Biology students should register for BIOL 225.)
BIOL 230 - Ecology (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112
This course will examine the principles governing relationships between organisms and the physical and chemical environment and among organisms. Important topics will include population dynamics, ecosystem processes and the distribution of the earth’s biomes. The principles of ecology will be brought to bear on issues such as conservation of biodiversity and wise use of natural resources. The laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Field trip fee. (Fall)
BIOL 291 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112, and approval of instructor
A study in an area of student interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve data collection, or library work and will involve a written report. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
BIOL 312 - Ornithology (3 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112
A study of birds, with emphasis on avian identification, geographic distribution, migration, habits and conservation. Attention is given to anatomical and physiological features that contribute to their unique lifestyles. Laboratory sessions are largely in the field and include a four-day field trip. 2 Lec 3 Lab. Field trip fee. (Spring, even years)
BIOL 314 - Systematic Botany (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112
This is a taxonomic study of the flowering plants of Texas. It includes methods for identification and preservation of plant specimens. Laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Field trip fee. (Spring, odd years)
BIOL 315 - Field Invertebrate Zoology (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112
A taxonomic and ecological study of invertebrates from marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Some attention is focused on the direct role of invertebrates on human life. Laboratory studies include field work locally and at the Texas Gulf Coast. Field trip fee covering cost of transportation, room and board, and use of a research vessel. 3 Lec 3 Lab (Offered periodically)
BIOL 318 - Microbiology & Immunology (4 hours)
Perquisites: BIOL 111, 112
This course is an introduction to the structure, function and control of microorganisms in the environment with special emphasis on those organisms of medical importance. Included is an introduction to immune responses and mechanisms, antibody and host-antigen interactions, bursal and thymic influences on the lymphoid system, and humoral and cellular immunological response mechanisms. Students must prepare an oral presentation and two written papers. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Lab fee. (Fall)
BIOL 320 - Genetics (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112
The study of inheritance and the molecular mechanisms which impact it with an emphasis on problem-solving and independent laboratory work. Course requirements a comprehensive written report of results from a semester-long laboratory project. 3 Lec 3 Lab. (Spring)
BIOL 325 - Field Ecology (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112
This course is a field study of the plants, animals, natural features, and climate of a particular region of North America or perhaps another continent. It includes the study of ecological relationships in the selected study area. Students will be assessed by periodic quizzes in the field and a field presentation or a summative paper after returning to campus. This three week intensive field course will involve camping and extensive travel to National Parks, game reserves, and natural areas. A field trip fee will be charged commensurate with the distance traveled. (Offered periodically as an intensive course spanning 3 weeks before fall term, Christmas holiday, or 3 weeks after spring term. Offered concurrently with BIOL 225. Biology majors or minors should register for BIOL 325.)
BIOL 328 - Biostatistics (3 hours)
Prerequisites: MATH 241, BIOL 230
The student will learn basic statistical skills, such as hypothesis testing, probability, statistical inference, correlation, regression, curve fitting, and population and sample comparison techniques. The student will also learn to analyze data and generate appropriate graphs using R, SPSS, and Excel. (Spring)
BIOL 330 - Bacteriology and Virology (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112, 320
Biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms, and their interactions with their environment. Includes surveys of microbial diversity and taxonomy, human-microbe relationships, environmental and industrial microbiology. Bacteria and viruses will be used in the laboratory to provide training and experimental methodology. 3 Lec. 3 Lab. (Periodically)
BIOL 333 - Parasitology (3 hours)
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112 or permission of instructor
This course is a comparative survey of the primary parasites of human and veterinary importance with an emphasis on morphology, life cycles, epidemiology, pathogenesis and the interface between the parasite and the host immune system. Students will develop a global perspective of the burden of parasitic diseases and will analyze current literature in molecular parasitology topics. (Spring, odd years)
BIOL 335 - Limnology (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIOL 230
In this course we will examine topics dealing with the biological and ecological characteristics and economic importance of surface waters, including lakes, streams and wetlands. Specific topics will include light and heat in aquatic environments, dissolved gasses, nutrients, dynamics of phytoplankton, periphyton, and consumers and the impact of human society on natural surface waters. Laboratory includes a four-day field trip. 3 Lec 3 Lab. Field trip fee. (Spring, even years)
BIOL 340, 341 - Cell and Molecular Biology I, II (4, 4 hours)
Laboratory introduces students to major techniques in cell and molecular biology.
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112; BIOL 320.
A study of the internal workings of the cell. The molecular basis of various cell activities is emphasized. Particular attention is paid to molecular genetics, replication and synthesis, molecular transport, cell signaling, the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, and the cell cycle. 3 Lec 3 Lab (BIOL 340 Fall, BIOL 341 Spring)
BIOL 345 - Environment and Mankind (4 hours)
Environmental science is a discipline that encompasses learning in the sciences, and touches on human development, governance and policy, and ethics. This course will provide the student with the tools to think critically about the environment and how human decisions and activities influence the quality of our lives and the other creatures we share the earth with. We will engage in lecture, discussion, debate and group projects concerning the impact of environmental problems, such as waste management, climate change, water issues, biodiversity, air pollution, human population, and resource use by society. We will also focus on local problems concerning our environment. 3 Lec 3 Lab (Spring)
BIOL 360 - Plant Biology (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112 or permission of instructor
This is a broad course emphasizing importance of plants and their role in human life. This is an applied botany course in which physiology, structure, development and economic botany are studied. The systematic survey section will include algae, mosses, non-seed plants, and seed plants. 3 Lec 3 Lab. (Spring, even years)
BIOL 410 - Human Physiology (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112 or BIOL 101, 102
Human Physiology is the study of the physiological processes that occur in humans. This one semester course is designed to make students competent in their understanding of human body functions, system by system, and dynamically. Topics included are, an in depth review of metabolism, endocrinology, neurology, muscle physiology, cardiovascular studies, urology and sexual reproduction. 3 Lec 3 Lab (Fall, even years)
BIOL 419 - Philosophy of Science (3 hours)
A study of the philosophies and methodologies of science. Includes a review of the history of scientific and religious thought and the role each has played in the development of modern theories of origin. (Also taught as RELT or GEOL 419.) (Spring)
BIOL 435 - Herpetology (4 hours)
Prequisites: BIOL 111, 112
Lectures will introduce students to topics of importance to the study of reptiles and amphibians. In lecture, we will focus on anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, ecology, behavior and conservation of this fauna. In laboratories, we will focus on external anatomy, identification skills, habitat preferences, distribution, and collection techniques. We will place emphasis on the fauna in our immediate area, but we will discuss reptiles and amphibians from other areas of Texas in our laboratories. (Fall, odd years)
BIOL 440 - Mammalogy (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112
A systematic study of mammals with emphasis on natural history and ecology. 3 Lec 3 Lab. (Offered periodically)
BIOL 443 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112
An introduction to the classification and diversity of chordates and a comparison of the different vertebrate organ systems. Special consideration will be given to taxonomic comparisons of the skeletal and muscular systems. 3 Lec 3 Lab. (Fall, even years)
BIOL 450 - Histology (4 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112
An investigation of the structure and function of the tissues of the human body. The course is lab intensive and is intended to acquaint the student with the microscopic characteristics of tissues. 3 Lec 3 Lab. (Fall, odd years)
BIOL 455 - Immunology (3 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL, 111, 112, 320
This course presents the basic concepts of the innate and adaptive immune systems including details about the molecules, cells and organs involved. Emphasis will be placed on mechanisms of immune system development and response to pathogens, as well as well as on the classic experiments performed to make key discoveries in immunology. (Spring, even years)
BIOL 462 - Ichthyology (4 hours)
Prequisites: BIOL 111, 112
A systematic study of fishes with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, behavior, ecology, and conservation of this fauna. In laboratories, we will focus on external anatomy, identification skills, habitat preferences, distribution, and collection techniques. We will place emphasis on the fauna in our immediate area, but we will discuss fishes of the world in lectures, and fishes from other areas of Texas in our laboratories. 3 Lec 3 Lab (Fall, even years)
BIOL 465 - Plant Physiology (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112
This is a study of primary plant metabolic processes, including the movement of materials in and out of plant cells and within plants, photosynthesis, respiration, mineral nutrition, nitrogen metabolism and growth analysis. Other topics include environmental physiology such as the effects of temperature, salt, and water stress and the implications of globally rising carbon dioxide. 3 Lec. 3 Lab. (Offered periodically)
BIOL 475 - Management of Fish & Wildlife Resources (4 hours)
Prerequisite: BIOL 111, 112, 230
This integrative course focuses on ecological principles as they are applied to the conservation and management of fisheries and wildlife resources. We will also discuss how conservation practices are influenced by politics and law, culture, social acceptability and economic feasibility. In lab, you will be introduced to the techniques and equipment used to survey fisheries and wildlife populations. (Fall, odd years)
BIOL 480 - Research in Biology (1-2 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of research advisor
A supervised research experience involving the development of a research question, data collection, and data analysis. May be repeated for a total of 5 credits. (Fall, Spring)
BIOL 491 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112; two upper division courses; and permission of the instructor
Special study may be pursued beyond completed course work under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve data collection or library work and will involve a written report. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits. (Offered periodically)