Biology

The biology curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to prepare for professional work in health sciences, prepare for teaching, pursue graduate work, train for semi- professional work in industry or civil service, or obtain a broad education in biology. Students planning for careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, or physical therapy attend a graduate program in one of these disciplines after completing their bachelor’s degree at EU.

Biology tracks which include an embedded Chemistry Minor include Pre-Medical, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Physical Therapy. See requirements below.

Biology tracks which include an embedded Physical Science minor include Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physician Assistant, and Pre-Veterinary. See requirements below.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Biology Program will:

  1. Develop understanding of function/structure/classification of life.
  2. Effectively communicate principles of biology through oral means.
  3. Effectively communicate principles of biology through written means.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory and field techniques.
  5. Demonstrate ability to know, analyze, and synthesize scientific principles.

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

BIOL 101 : Biological Science

Introduces biological science with an emphasis in the development of critical thinking skills in science, procedure skills, and content competency. Laboratory is required and involves scientific inquiry methods and a research component. Meets Core Curriculum requirements. Biology majors should take BIOL 200.

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 101 Laboratory.

BIOL 123 : Nutrition

Explores nutritional requirements of human beings. Topics include the roles of nutrients throughout the life cycle. Meets Core Curriculum requirements.

Credits

3

BIOL 124 : Human Biology

Explains the physiology and anatomy of the human body. Topics include a unit on origins and bioethics.

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 124 Laboratory.

BIOL 131 : World Agricultural Systems

Discusses agro-environmental characteristics of world agriculture. Topics include historical and contemporary features of world food production, interactions between agriculture and human societies (past and present), historical discussions on the world's major food crops and farming methods, current agricultural systems on our planet, climate and soils' roles in agricultural systems, and how agriculture and the rest of the environment interact.

Credits

3

BIOL 200 : General Biology

Introduces cell biology, genetics, and concepts important to contemporary society. Develops critical thinking skills in science. First course in four-course sequence for Biology and Applied Science & Sustainability majors.

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 200 Laboratory.

BIOL 201 : Zoology

Explores zoology. Topics include adaptations, taxonomy, and physiology. Second course in four-course sequence for Biology and Applied Science & Sustainability majors.

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 201 Laboratory.

BIOL 202 : Botany

Examines botany with the study of fungi and ecology. Third course in a four-course sequence required for Biology and Applied Science & Sustainability majors.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 200.

Corequisites

BIOL 202 Laboratory.

BIOL 202 : Botany Lab

Accompanies BIOL 202 as laboratory component.

Credits

1

Corequisites

BIOL 202 Lecture.

BIOL 221 : Human Structure and Function

Focuses on musculoskeletal movement and associated peripheral nerves. Designed to meet the needs of students preparing for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, or athletic training. 3 hours per week.

Credits

3

BIOL 235 : Microbiology for the Health Sciences

Examines microorganisms and their growth and control. Topics include bacteria of medical importance, aseptic lab procedures, and care in the medical environment.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CHEM 110.

Corequisites

BIOL 235 Laboratory.

BIOL 298 : Internship

Provides opportunity for students to engage in special projects while working in some vocation related to biology under the supervision of both a facility manager (i.e.- Physician) and an academic advisor.

Credits

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Permission of the professor.

BIOL 305 : Applied Sustainability

Prepares students to meet the challenges of the destitute of this world through compassion, cutting edge technology, sustainable processes, and financially viable methods. Students investigate approaches to the provision of clean water and adequate food resources to the Least Developed Countries and to people most impacted by physical and economic disaster.

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 305 Laboratory.

BIOL 311 : Human Anatomy and Physiology

Introduces the study of human anatomy and physiology. Topics include homeostasis, pathology, and their interactions. This course is for those interested in health-related careers such as medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, and physical therapy.

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 311 Laboratory.

BIOL 312 : Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Continues introduction of human anatomy and physiology. Topics include an emphasis on the roles of homeostasis and pathology and their interactions. This course is for those interested in health-related careers such as medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, and physical therapy.

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 312 Laboratory.

BIOL 320 : Plant Propagation

Encourages an interest, understanding, and appreciation of the principles and techniques of plant propagation, and enhances skills in finding and understanding published research about scientific advances in plant propagation.

Credits

3

BIOL 334 : Medical Terminology

Introduces comprehensive medical terminology organized by body systems with emphases on anatomy, physiology, pathological conditions, and diagnostic treatments and procedures. Online Course.

Credits

2

BIOL 335 : Microbiology

Examines microorganisms and their growth and control. Fourth course in a four-course sequence required for Biology and Applied Science & Sustainability majors.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 201 and CHEM 112.

Corequisites

BIOL 335 Laboratory.

BIOL 338 : Molecular and Classical Genetics

Explores genetics topics covered broadly in general biology. Topics include linking classical transmission genetics, molecular genetics, human genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 335.

Corequisites

BIOL 338 Laboratory.

BIOL 342 : Ecology

Discusses basic ecological theories and practice. Field trips required.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 202.

Corequisites

BIOL 342 Laboratory.

BIOL 343 : Environmental Biology

Discusses the influence of environmental factors. Topics include geology, climate, water, wastes; political factors on plants, animals, and microbes and their interactions; conservation and utilization; population growth; and sustainability of resources and ethics.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

One course in Biology.

Corequisites

BIOL 343 Laboratory.

BIOL 360 : Pathophysiology

Examines the physiological response to disease, stress, and the environment, including a review of basic human physiology.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 212 or 312. Online course.

BIOL 375 : Biochemistry

Explores chemistry related to life processes in plants and animals. Topics include enzymes and metabolism, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acid chemistry.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CHEM 271. BIOL 335 recommended.

Corequisites

BIOL 375 Laboratory.

BIOL 376 : Basic Neuroscience for Allied Health

Discusses the human nervous system, with emphasis on the structure and function of human brain, spine and peripheral nerves. The course will also integrate knowledge of normal and abnormal neuroanatomy and neurophysiology into a meaningful basis for understanding movement dysfunction. Topics include the function of nerve cells, sensory systems, control of movement, and neurologic dysfunctions.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 211, 212, and 221.

BIOL 437 : Cell Biology

Examines cellular organization and function with primary emphasis on eukaryotic cell.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 335 and BIOL/CHEM 375.

BIOL 448 : Special Topics

Available as needed. Topics selected from specialized areas of biology not regularly offered. Courses include vertebrate physiology, plant physiology, virology, medical botany, bacterial pathogenesis or advanced microbiology.

Credits

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Permission of the professor.

BIOL 454 : Marine Biology

Examines field biology proceedures and theories with particular emphasis on marine biology. Includes a 2-week field trip during the summer.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

One course in biology.

Corequisites

BIOL 454 Laboratory.

BIOL 460 : Bioethics

Explores the basic ethical principles and applications as they pertain to healthcare environments. Topics include in-depth discussion of ethical principles.

Credits

3

BIOL 493 : Special Problems

Available as needed. Intended for research projects.

Credits

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Junior or senior standing and permission of the professor.

BIOL 496 : Senior Seminar

Required for all biology majors. Topics include development of scientific research and writing skills, one formal paper and a formal oral presentation.

Credits

1 - 2

Prerequisites

Senior standing.

BIOL 498 : Internship

Provides students with an internship experience in a vocation related to biology under the supervision of both a facility manager and an academic advisor. This course is available as needed.

Credits

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Permission of Department Chair.