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 dentistry, environmental science, medicine, optometry, pharmacology, physician assistant, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine attend a graduate program in one of these disciplines after completing their bachelor’s degree at EU.

Although pre-medical/pre-professional students are free to select almost any major, Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry are highly recommended and are the ones most frequently chosen. 
Strong competition exists for admission to medical/professional schools, so it is important for a student to obtain proper advising and be well acquainted with the Prerequisites and the application process. Early admission medical and dental programs are also available.

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

Biology tracks which include an embedded Physical Science minor include Environmental Science, 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 optional and involves scientific inquiry methods and a research component. Meets Core Curriculum requirements. Biology majors should take BIOL 200.

Credits

3

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

Discusses how the human body works with a focus on the 11 human body systems. Provides an overview of basic physiology and anatomy of the human body.

Credits

3

Corequisites

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 majors.

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 201 : Zoology

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

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 202 : Botany

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

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Corequisites

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 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

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 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 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

Prerequisites

BIOL 325 : Animal Behavior

Examines the functional significance and underlying theories of animal behaviors within and among species. Emphasizes how behaviors contribute to survival and reproductive success in diverse ecological contexts and across taxa.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 101 or BIOL 200 recommended.

BIOL 332 : World Agricultural Systems

Explores the agro-environmental characteristics of global agricultural systems, focusing on both historical and contemporary methods of food production. We will analyze major food crops and farming methods used worldwide, examining the interaction between agriculture, climate, soil, and environmental factors. This course will also address how agricultural systems have influenced and been influenced by human societies over time. Discussions will focus on the sustainability and future of agriculture in the context of a growing global population, environmental challenges, and the intersection of agriculture with policy and technology. The course is designed for students from various backgrounds with or without prior knowledge of agriculture or science.

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.

Credits

2

BIOL 335 : Microbiology

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

Credits

3

Corequisites

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

Corequisites

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 388 : MCAT Preparation

Prepares students for the MCAT exam by providing an overview of exam content, strategies for studying, and test-taking strategies. This elective biology course is taken by students planning to take the MCAT exam and apply to medical school.

Credits

1

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

Credits

3

Corequisites

BIOL 460 : Bioethics

Explores the basic ethical principles and applications as they pertain to healthcare environments. Topics include in-depth discussion of ethical principles. Cross-listed with PHIL 460.

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

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.