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Blackburn Academics

Biology

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BIOLOGY
2005-2006 Faculty: Dr. Zalisko, Dr. Crowell, Dr. Reid, Dr. Bray

Requirements for a Biology Major
BI 201, 202, 203, 205, 299, 301, 307, and 499 (taken twice) plus either 402 or 413 and two additional courses selected from BI 272, 304, 308, 312, 314, 331, 372, 433, 402, 413; CH 101, 102; MA 140, 254 or PY 207 and 207L
TOTAL: 39 or 40 semester hours in Biology, plus 11 or 12 hours from the additional courses listed above.

Requirements for a Biology Major - Pre-Med and Other Health Professions Track
BI 201, 202, 203, 205, 272, 299, 301, 304, 307, 402, and 499 (taken twice); one additional course selected from BI 312, 314 or 331; CH 101, 102, 241, 242; MA 254; PH 201, 202
TOTAL: 43-44 semester hours in Biology, plus 29 hours from the additional courses listed above.

Requirements for an Environmental Biology Major
BI 201, 202, 203, 205, 208, 299, 301, 307, 308, 433, 499 (taken twice); two additional courses selected from BI 312, 372, 402, 413; CH 101, 102; PY 207 and 207L.
TOTAL: 48 semester hours in Biology, plus 11 hours from the additional courses listed above.

Requirements for a Molecular Biology Major
BI 201, 202, 203, 205, 299, 301, 304, 312, 314, 331, 499 (taken twice); BI 402 or 413; CH 101, 102, 241, 312, 313; MA 254 or PY 207and 207L.
TOTAL: 43 semester hours in Biology, plus 24 hours from the additional courses listed above.

Requirements for a Secondary Science Education: Biology Major
BI 201, 202, 203, 205, 299, 301, 307, 312, 350, 402, 413, 499 (taken twice); CH 101, 102, 390; PH 201, 202; MA 140 or higher OR PY 207 and 207L; ED 100, 200, 220, 310, 315, 318, 320, 370, 400, 410, 491, 492. (Additional course work may be required for Illinois State certification.) If middle school endorsement is desired, candidate must complete PY 227 and ED 205.
TOTAL: 41-43 semester hours in Biology, 23 semester hours in additional courses listed above, and 44 semester hours of professional education courses required for certification.

All Biology program majors are required for graduation to earn a grade of at least a C in all classes required for the major. In addition, biology majors must earn a C in all prerequisites for further study in the biology major.

Requirements for a Biology Minor
24 hours of Biology courses, excluding Biology 100, 204, 299, 399, and 499.

 

Courses
100. Fundamentals of Biology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
First Semester
Introduction to biological principles as part of liberal study. Includes historical contributions of biology to society, fundamental concepts of biology, and biological implications of topics of human concern such as ecology, reproduction, development and genetics. Not open to students who have taken Biology 201, 202, or 205 or to students with junior or senior standing. (IAI: L1 900)

132. Plants, Humanity, and Life (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
Second Semester, every third year. Offered 2008-2009.
An introduction to the importance of plants worldwide including their domestication and human uses. Discussions about plant evolution, the rise of agriculture, medicine, and other such developments in the world of plants will be the central focus of the course. Students will work hands-on with plants in relation to everyday life.

151. Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
Second Semester
Introduction to general principles pertaining to the anatomy and functions of major organ systems of the human body, stressing study of cells, tissues, and reproductive, excretory, integumentary, skeletal, muscle, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: BI 100 or consent of instructor. (IAI: L1 904)

201. Introductory Zoology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
First Semester
A survey of the anatomy, life history, and classification of animals. Also includes an emphasis on scientific methods and experimental design. Representative animals are dissected in the laboratory. (IAI: L1 902L)

202. Introductory Botany (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
Second Semester
General survey of major groups in the plant kingdom, including structure and function of leaves, stems, and roots, reproduction, metabolism and evolution of plants. Laboratory work supplements lecture topics. (IAI: L1 901)

203. Evolution (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
First Semester
The history, mechanisms, and evidence of evolution will be explored to understand the origins of biodiversity and the ways in which life changes over time. Laboratory activities will include discussions and activities. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. (IAI: L1907)

204. Animal Behavior (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2006-2007.
The principles of biology taught by studying behavior of animals, with examination of various aspects of ecology, physiology, and evolution of behavior. Prerequisite: Not open to first semester freshmen without consent of instructor.

205. Cell Biology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
Second Semester
Study of cellular phenomena basic to most living organisms. Morphology, biochemistry, and functions of cells are discussed and related to Cell Theory. Basic histotechnique is introduced in the laboratory. Prerequisites: Either BI 201 or 202 and CH 101 or consent of the instructor.

208. Environmental Science (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2006-2007. Second semester, alternate years. Offered 2007-2008.
An introduction to the interrelationships of human and the natural world. Topics will include ecological principles and the impact of human activity on ecosystem function and biodiversity. There will be emphasis on renewable and non-renewable energy sources and the impact of various pollutants on the environment. When appropriate, economic, political, ethical and social issues related to the environment will be addressed. (IAI: L1 905)

210. Human Nutrition (3 hours)
Offered Summer, alternate years. Offered 2007-2008.
This course will address the important nutrients including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water with emphasis on the digestion, absorption, and utilization. Nutritional aspects of development, aging, and disease will be explored. Cultural and social norms associated with diet will be studied.

272. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4 hours: 2 lectures, 2 labs)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2007-2008.
This laboratory intense course examines the evolution of vertebrate form and function relationships. The lectures and laboratories explore how these relationships are constrained by 1) the size of the organism, 2) the properties of biological materials, 3) their function(s), and 4) their evolutionary histories. Students are extensively engaged in the dissection of a cat, salamander, and shark. Prerequisites: BI 201, sophomore standing or consent of the instructor.

299. Communication in Biological Sciences (2 hours)
Second Semester
Techniques involved in literature search and preparation of biological reports. Prerequisites: Open only to biology majors with at least sophomore standing.

300. Internship (1-12 hours)
Each Semester
Internships involve working and learning experiences in Biological Sciences or related technologies off campus. Each student’s program is developed according to established College guidelines under the sponsorship of a faculty member. See the index under “Internships” for reference to additional information on internship guidelines, or consult the department chair. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above. Not open to any student who is on academic, disciplinary, or Work Program probation.

301. Genetics (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
First Semester
Principles of Mendelian genetics are studied in detail as well as principles of molecular genetics. Prerequisites: Junior standing and any two of the following: BI 201, 202, 205.

304. Development (4 hours: 2 lectures, 2 labs)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2006-2007.
Lectures include gametogenesis, fertilization, and the establishment of all major vertebrate organ systems. The microscopic anatomy of living and preserved amphibians, birds, and mammals are studied in the laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 201, 205, junior standing or consent of the instructor.

307. Ecology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
First Semester
Principles and concepts of environmental relationships and interactions of living organisms. Most laboratory work is conducted in the field. Prerequisites: BI 201 and 202.

308. Field Biology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
Second Semester
Identification of the common plants and animals of the area and field trips are included in laboratory work. Lectures include historical development of field biology, and community and ecosystem ecology. Prerequisite: Either BI 100, 201, or 202.

312. Microbiology (4 hours: 2 lectures, 2 labs)
First Semester
Introduction to morphology, physiology and biochemical activities of microorganisms. The study of bacterium will be the focus of the course but viruses, parasites and fungus will also be reviewed. The laboratory portion of the course will deal with techniques of handling, culturing and identification of microorganisms. Prerequisite: Either BI 201, 202, or 205.

314. Immunology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2006-2007.
An introduction to the concepts and terminology of immunity. Course content will include; components of the immune system and the function, malfunction and manipulation of the immune system. Immunological techniques will be introduced in the laboratory concentrating on the function and interaction of antibodies with antigens and the complement system. Prerequisite: BI 205, CH 241.

320. Human Reproductive Biology (2 hours)
Second Semester, as needed. Offered 2006-2007.
The course includes lectures and discussions of anatomy, physiology, and diseases of human reproductive systems, human sexuality, and human embryonic and fetal development through birth. Sexually explicit material will be presented and discussed. Prerequisite: Either BI 100, 151, or 201.

331. Molecular Biology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2006-2007.
Study of the principles of molecular biology concerning gene replication, transcription, translation, and molecular control of these mechanisms. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome structure and function will be compared and contrasted. Molecular techniques will be introduced and demonstrated in the laboratory. Prerequisite: BI 205, CH 241.

350. Topics in Biology (1-3 hours)
As Needed
In depth study of a selected topic in advanced biology. Prerequisites: BI 201, 202 and 205 or consent of instructor.

372. Plant Morphology (4 hours: 2 lectures, 2 labs)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2006-2007.
A comparative study of the structure and life cycles of all major plant groups with a focus on evolutionary history. Representative specimens from the algae through the flowering plants will be an integral part of the laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 202, sophomore standing or consent of the instructor.

399. Independent Study in Biology (1-6 hours)
Each Semester
The student selects and independently conducts a project to be investigated by the experimental method. May be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours. Prerequisites: BI 201, 202, 205, junior standing, and consent of the instructor.

402. Animal Physiology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
Second Semester
Study of general principles concerning functioning, integration, and control mechanisms involved in tissues, organs, systems and the organism. Prerequisites: BI 201, 205, and junior standing.

413. Plant Physiology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2007-2008
Basic principles of plant physiology, including plant-water relationships, photosynthesis, respiration, carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolisms, plant hormones, and growth. Prerequisites: BI 202, 205, or concurrent enrollment, sophomore standing or consent of the instructor.

433. Limnology (4 hours: 3 lectures, 1 lab)
First semester, alternate years. Offered 2007-2008.
The physical, chemical and biological characteristics of lakes, rivers and wetlands are discussed. Lab work will introduce the basic techniques used by aquatic biologists to evaluate water quality from local environments and techniques for collection and identification of organisms associated with these environments. Prerequisite: BI 307.

499. Biology Seminar (1 hour)
Each Semester
Discussion of current and controversial topics of biology, especially designed to introduce the student to modern trends and advances in biology research. Two semesters required of majors. Prerequisite: Senior standing, except for second semester juniors enrolled in secondary education
 

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