Environmental Biology Course Descriptions

Principles of structure, function, and cellular organisms. Includes an introduction to the scientific method, characteristics of cytoplasm and basic cytology, energy acquisition and release and heredity. Also includes basic plant structure and function. Students must enroll concurrently in BIO 1620. Four hours

The laboratory is designed to support BIO 1610 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

This course is a traditional introductory calculus course. We will study functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals. Applications of the derivative and the fundamental theorem of calculus will be particular highlights of this class as well as integrals and derivatives of logarithms and exponential functions. Students must enroll concurrently in MAT 1240. Four hours.

The laboratory is designed to support MAT 1230 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

The first half of a basic course covering the topics of kinematics, dynamics, energy, waves and sound. Prerequisite – One of the following: MAT 1120, MAT 1230/40, ACT Math score of at least 26, SAT Math score of at least 610, passing of department placement exam, or permission of the instructor. Students must enroll concurrently in PHY 2150. Four hours.

Designed to support PHY 2140 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

The second half of a basic course covering the topics of thermodynamics, properties of matter, electricity, magnetism, light optics, atomic and nuclear physics. Emphasis is on an understanding of the physical principles operative in biological systems and on the application of physical methods in biology and medicine. Prerequisite: PHY 2140/2150. Students must enroll concurrently with PHY 2170. Four hours.

Designed to support PHY 2160 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

A study of the interaction of organisms with their physical environment and with each other. Particular focus will be on application of ecological concepts and field work in various local ecosystems. Students must enroll concurrently in BIO 2120. Four hours

This laboratory is designed to support BIO 2110 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

This course is designed for students preparing for graduate studies in biology/medically related programs (medicine, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc.). The class includes an in-depth look at organization of the human body, cytology, histology, and the study of several of the major organ systems – integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine. A detailed study of the remaining body systems is covered in course BIO 3310/3320. Students must enroll concurrently in BIO 3220. Prerequisites: BIO 1710/1720 or consent of the instructor. Four hours.

This laboratory is designed to support ENV 3210 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

An exploratory study of secular and Christian views of the natural world and humanity’s place in it. Special attention on practical application of a Biblical stewardship ethic. Prerequisite: 55 credit hours of coursework. Three hours.

This course is designed as a capstone course for science majors and is meant to teach valuable skills and give experience with tools needed for science careers or post-graduate education. Prerequisites: BIO 1610/1620 and senior class standing, or consent of the instructor. Three hours. (Cross-listed; register as BIO 4010.)

A study of both in-depth classical genetics and underlying molecular mechanisms; also genetic mechanisms and processes, recombination, genetic interaction, and gene regulation. The process of expression of genetic information through protein synthesis is also considered in depth. The course includes hands-on laboratory experiments involving current procedures in molecular genetics. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs. Prerequisite: BIO 2310 or consent of the instructor. Three hours.

A course designed to give the student an opportunity to do individual research on special problems in biology. Prerequisite: BIO 1710 and BIO 2310 or consent of the biology program director. One to three hours. Maximum of six hours permitted.

A survey of origin theories with emphasis on creation/evolution. Explores fossils, design, thermodynamics, chronology, flood geology, life in space, and current creation research. Three hours.

A continuation of BIO 1610. Includes structure, function and interrelationships of the organ systems of animals with particular attention to the human body. Also includes introductory taxonomy, surveying the major groups of plants and animals. Prerequisite: BIO 1610/1620 or permission of the instructor. Students must enroll concurrently in BIO 1720. Four hours.

The laboratory is designed to support BIO 1710 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

Integrated study of plants as organisms. Deals with plant structure, physiology, development, genetics, ecology, and classification of major plant groups. Prerequisite: BIO 1010/1020 or BIO 1610/1620 or consent of the instructor. Students must enroll concurrently in BIO 2420. Four hours.

The laboratory is designed to support BIO 2410 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

Integrated study of animals as organisms. Deals with animal structure, physiology, development, genetics, ecology, and classification of major animal groups. Prerequisite: BIO 1010/1020 or BIO 1610/1620 or consent of the instructor. Students must enroll concurrently in BIO 2520. Four hours.

This is a 3-credit undergraduate course that explores the mechanics of American federalism. It covers the actual workings of state, county, and municipal governments, and emphasizes the ways citizens can influence public institutions in their own communities.

This course in statistics provides a rigorous introduction to applied statistics. Topics include sampling principles, elementary probability, the normal distribution, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, inference on numerical and categorical variables, chi-squared, ANOVA, and linear regression. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression will be covered if time permits. Three hours.

ENV 4110 Microbiology is a 4-credit, upper-level biology and environmental science course. This course examines microorganisms, emphasizing their cellular structure, metabolism, genetics, and how they impact human health and the environment. Four hours.

This is a foundational, hands-on laboratory course meant to be taken alongside the ENV 4110 Microbiology lecture. It trains students to safely handle, grow, and identify microorganisms while teaching them to understand how microbes impact human health and the natural environment

Research projects or internships to be chosen in the areas of environmental science and outreach in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the environmental science program director. One to six hours.