ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
BIO 105. Medical Terminology 2 credits
A course designed to acquaint the student with terminology relating to basic anatomy and physiology of body systems. The student will learn to analyze the components of medical terms and recognize their meaning at a glance. Does not count as a General Education Requirement in science.
BIO 106. Introduction to Marine Biology (BIO 318) 2 credits
This is an introductory course in the study of the marine environment. Topics include: origins and structure of ocean basins, chemical and physical features of oceans, marine plants and animals, ocean ecosystems, and marine resources. Two hours of lecture per week. The course does not meet a General Education Requirement in lab science.
BIO 109. Human Anatomy 3 credits
An introductory course in the study of human structure. Lectures will address basic morphology and histology of skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory,
urogenital, digestive and endocrine systems. Two hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory each week
BIO 117. Environmental Biology 4 credits
This course is an introduction to the study of local and global environments and is intended for freshman and sophomore students. Topics will include: major components of the earth's biospheres, the cause and effect of human impacts, global climate change, and sustainability of natural resources. A major goal of the course is to develop an understanding of how daily actions and attitudes regarding the environment may affect the future of our society. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory each week.
BIO 118. Human Biology for Non-Majors 4 credits
An introductory course which provides the student with the opportunity to study the beauty, the harmony, and the complexity of the human organism. Topics will include food processing and nutrition, circulation, reproductive patterns, respiration, excretion, and neural and chemical control and integration of behavior. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory each week. (Not counted toward a major in Biology).
BIO 121-122. Principles of Biology I and II 4-4 credits
An introductory course presenting basic principles of modern biology. Topics include chemistry of life, cells, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, ecology, mitosis, meiosis and heredity. Fall. BIO 122 is a course continuing the study of living organisms and processes. Topics include DNA structure and function, DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene expression, biotechnology, evolution, biology of simple organisms, diversity of form and function in plants and animals, regulation and growth. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab each week. Spring. BIO 121 is a prerequisite for BIO 122. BIO 121 and 122 are required of all Biology majors.
BIO 201. Invertebrate Zoology 4 credits
A survey of the invertebrates including taxonomy, structural and functional adaptations and evolutionary trends. Prerequisite: BIO 121-122. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory each week. Fall BIO 202. Vertebrate Zoology 4 credits Phylogeny, comparative anatomy and function of the chordates. Natural history and behavior of selected vertebrates. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122, 201. Spring
BIO 207. Human Physiology 4 credits
The study of human function from the cellular level to systemic interactions, from acid-base balance to urine production. Where possible, clinical and pathological examples will be incorporated for practical correlation. Prerequisite: BIO 109. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory each week.
BIO 209. General Botany 4 credits
This course is an introduction to plant biology and the importance of plants to human society. Topics include plant structure, physiology, reproduction, diversity, plant identification, and ethnobotany, economic botany, and ecology. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period each week. Prerequisites BIO 121-122. Fall
BIO 215. Microbiology 4 credits
The study of microorganisms with particular emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Topics discussed include: form and function, life cycles, pathogenicity, antimicrobial agents, methods of control, host defense and major infectious disease. Two hours of lecture and two two-hour laboratory periods each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122 recommended.
BIO 216. Kinesiology (BIO 115) 3 credits
The study of human movement provides a foundation for critical analysis of physical activity. Both qualitative and quantitative principles of anatomy, physics and mathematics will be applied towards a better understanding of how muscle contraction yields coordinated skeletal movements (special emphasis will be placed on sport-related activities). Prerequisites: BIO 109 and PHY 105 (or PHY 201).
BIO 217. Environmental Ethics (Cross-listed as PHL 217) 1 credit
This seminar course focuses on past and present human philosophies on nature and the environment. Special emphasis is placed on the development of ethical perspectives and philosophies towards environmental issues. One hour of lecture per week. Prerequisite: BIO 117. (Spring 2012 and alternate years)
BIO 305. Ecology 4 credits
A study of basic ecological principles and concepts with emphasis on the ecosystem. Human interactions with the environment will be studied as well as natural communities. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period or field trip each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122 and any combination of CHE or GLG, one year. Fall
BIO 306. Embryology 4 credits
A study of the developmental processes of organisms including mechanisms of control, structural and physiological change. Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122, 202, and 315.
BIO 307. Entomology 4 credits
An introduction to the biology of insects including taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, ecology, and economic importance and management. The course is supplemented with several field trips and a carefully prepared collection required from each student. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour period each week for laboratory or field work. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122.
BIO 308. Field Botany 3 credits
Native trees and flowers will be identified and classified using taxonomic keys. Students will learn acceptable methods of collection and preserving plants. Two hours of lecture and one three-hour field trip or laboratory period each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122.
BIO 309. Biochemistry (Cross-listed as CHE 309) 4 credits
A survey of the fundamentals of biochemistry including such topics as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes and cellular metabolism. The three hours of lecture each week. The laboratory contains qualitative and quantitative laboratory experiments on the nature and properties of biological materials. Prerequisite: CHE 202. Fall
BIO 315. Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
This course focuses on the structure and function of animal cells. The major topics are: elements important to life, macromolecules, enzyme action, cellular organelles, cell respiration, cellular reproduction, proteins, and the molecular biology of cancer. Lab includes current biotechnological techniques. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122 and CHE 121-122. Fall
BIO 317. Physiology of Exercise (BIO 208) 3 credits
An in-depth study of human physiological response to exertional stress. Emphasis will be on neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems as well as overall metabolism and thermal regulation. Some participatory demonstrations will be included. Three hours of lecture. Prerequisites: BIO 109 and 207.
BIO 318. Evolution 3 credits
This course will explain the concept of evolution, the evidence for evolution, the mechanisms driving evolution, and the causes of biological diversity. The course covers concepts in population genetics, cladistics, natural selection, and speciation. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122, 201 and 202.
BIO 406. Genetics 4 credits
The principles of inheritance including transmission (classical), molecular, and population genetics. The main focus of the course is Human genetics and genetic engineering. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122, CHE 201. Spring
BIO 407. Neurophysiology 3 credits
An in-depth look at the physiology of the nervous system, including neuronal electrical function, chemical signal transmission, and sensory transduction. Course will examine historically important research as well as the latest advances in the field. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: BIO 109 and 207. (Spring 2012 and alternate years)
BIO 408. Environmental Toxicology 2 credits
An introduction to the science of toxicology and environmental health. Topics include: history of toxicology, fate and transport of contaminants, classes of contaminants, bioaccumulation, endocrine disruptors, and carcinogens, federal regulation and global effects. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior level status; BIO 201, 202; CHE 121, 122, 205. Spring
BIO 409. Global Environmental Issues 3 credits
A survey of global environmental issues including population and carrying capacity, land degradation and global food production, soil and water conservation, deforestation, biodiversity, energy use and climate change, waste disposal and biotechnology. Examines sustainable technologies to address these concerns and the role of international treaties. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior level status. (Spring 2012 and alternate years)
BIO 465. Internship 3-6 credits
The internship is for junior or senior biology majors who wish to gain practical experience with cooperating industries, health-care providers, or government agencies. All internships (summer or one academic semester) will continue for at least ten weeks. A minimum of 400 hours experience is required for six hours of credit. The exact duration and weekly hours of the assignment will vary with the cooperating agency; however, the total hours will normally translate to a program of 20-40 hours per week. The student must submit a written internship request to the department chair and the request must be approve by the advisor and the department before formal application to the cooperating agencies is initiated. Interns will keep a log of what they are learning from on-site activities and prepare a paper evaluating their experience. Pass-Fail grade. Offered in all school sessions.
BIO 475. Advanced Faith and Learning Integration 3 credits
In the spirit of the mission of Waynesburg University, this course intends to provide junior and senior level students with an unparalleled opportunity to integrate the Bible materials and its history of interpretation to the academic disciplines. Students who wish to engage in this level of theological reflection on vocation should consult with both their academic advisors and with the Chair of the Biblical and Ministry Studies Major Program. See page 117 for further information. This course will not substitute for senior capstone/research courses required in the majors. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing; three credits in BMS courses; 3.0 minimum gpa. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.)
BIO 496. Special Topics 1-3 credits
Appropriate and related topics in the biological sciences chosen by the faculty in consultation with students. Choice of topics will vary with instructor, student interest, and semester. Topics may include: environmental biology, human evolution, neurobiology, parasitology, ornithology, human genetic diseases, environmental evolution, pesticides, special senses, etc. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122.
BIO 499. Senior Research Project 1-2 credits
An in-depth course designed to involve senior biology majors in an independent research project emphasizing research methods, a written paper in a scientific journal format and an oral presentation of results. A total of three credits is required; one credit will be taken in the Spring semester of the junior year, one credit in the Fall semester of the senior year, and one credit in the Spring semester of the senior year. Weekly meetings for seminar presentations and mentoring are required for three semesters. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122 and junior status.
