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
3 credits
This course discusses the various types of marine ecosystems, how they are formed, and how they function. Additionally, students survey the diverse array of organisms found in these systems and explore the kinds of research being conducted in each sub-discipline of this area of study. Finally, students consider impacts of human activity on marine ecosystems and discuss conservation issues as they apply. This course does not meet a General Education Requirement in lab science. (Spring of odd numbered years)
BIO 117 Introduction to Environmental Science (cross-listed with ENV 117)
4 credits
This course is an introduction to the study of issues in environmental science and is intended for students in the environmental science major, the environmental studies minor, and non-majors. Topics include: Ecology, Biodiversity, Environmental Policy and Law, Environmental Ethics, Sustainability, Overpopulation and Consumption, Agriculture and Food, Soil Science, Geology, Global Climate Change, Environmental Health, air and water pollution, and Energy 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. Environmental science majors should take this course in their 1st or 2nd semester of study. Three hours of lecture and one two-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 credits each
An introductory course presenting basic principles of modern biology. BIO 121 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 or form and function in plants and animals, regulation and growth. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab each week. Prerequisite: BIO 121. Spring. BIO 121 and 122 is 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 and 122. Spring
BIO 206 Human Anatomy
4 credits
This is 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. Three hours of lecture and one three hour laboratory each week.
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 206. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory each week.
BIO 209 General Botany (cross-listed with ENV 209)
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
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 206 and PHY 105 (or PHY 201). Fall
BIO 217 Environmental Ethics and Sustainability (cross-listed as ENV 217 and PHL 217)
1 credit
This seminar course focuses on past and present human philosophies on nature, Creation Care, and the environment. It applies these philosophies to address current environmental issues in our society. The course will apply environmental ethics to the design of local environmental projects to address campus and community sustainability. Two hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ENV 117. (Spring of odd numbered years)
BIO 305 Ecology
4 credits
A study of basic ecological principles and concepts with emphasis on species’ interactions and natural history. 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 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. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.)
BIO 308 Field Botany Without Borders (cross-listed as ENV 308)
4 credits
This course provides students with an understanding of why plants are important to the sustainability of our human society and how plants cross the borders of time, geography, and biological disciplines. We will discuss plant form, function and evolution, learn to identify local flora and invasive species, explore ethnobotany, apply methods of ecological restoration and evaluate impacts of climate change. Field trips and special projects will focus how we utilize plants in our modern world including our use in food, fibers, medicinals and energy, and current efforts to sustain native ecosystems. (Fall of even numbered years)
BIO 315 Cell and Molecular Biology
4 credits
This course focuses on the structure and function of animal cells including the theories, methods, and techniques used in the study and analysis of gene structure, organization, and function. The major topics are: gene structure and function, DNA replication and repair, nuclear organization and transport, protein transport, cell signaling, cell cycle regulation, and the molecular biology of cancer. Lab includes current molecular biology techniques for gene analysis. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122; CHE 121, 122 or 206. Fall
BIO 316 Immunology
3 credits
This course focuses on how multicellular organisms defend themselves against disease. Immunology is an all-encompassing science that includes aspects of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, and genetics. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122. (Spring of odd numbered years)
BIO 317 Physiology of Exercise
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 206 and 207. Spring
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. (Spring of odd numbered years)
BIO 321 Biochemistry I (Cross-listed as CHE 321)
3 credits
A survey of the fundamentals of biochemistry including such topics as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes and cellular metabolism. Three hours of lecture each week. The laboratory (CHE 321L) contains qualitative and quantitative laboratory experiments on the nature and properties of biological materials. Prerequisite: CHE 212 with grade of C- or better. Fall
BIO 321L Biochemistry Lab (Cross-listed as CHE 321L)
1 credit
The laboratory compliments BIO 321 (Biochemistry I) and contains qualitative and quantitative laboratory experiments on the nature and properties of biological materials. Co-requisite: BIO 321. Fall
BIO 325 Biometry (cross-listed as MAT 325, Applied Statistics II)
3 credits
This course is a continuation of MAT 215 (Applied Statistics I) and is designed to help students gain facility with common statistical models where both the response variable and predictors (explanatory factors) are quantitative or categorical. Prerequisite: MAT 215. (Fall of even numbered years)
BIO 326 Histology and Molecular Biology (Cross-listed as FSC 326)
4 credits
This course emphasizes the cellular and molecular characteristics of human/mammalian tissues. Topics include structure, function and recognition of histological sections of human tissues. Labs include histological and microscopy techniques, and cell identification. Three hours of lecture and one three hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122; CHE 121, 122 or 206. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.)
BIO 406 Genetics
4 credits
The course covers the principles of inheritance including transmission (classical), molecular, forensic applications, 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 122; CHE 207 or 211. The department also recommends completion of one biology course numbered 300 or higher. 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 206 and 207. (Spring of even numbered years)
BIO 408 Environmental Health and Toxicology (cross-listed with ENV 408)
3 credits
An introduction to the science of environmental health and toxicology. Topics include environmental epidemiology, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, fate and transport of contaminants, heavy metals and pesticides, bioaccumulation, mechanics of biotransformation, endocrine disruption, carcinogenesis and radiation toxicology. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior level status; BIO 201, 202; CHE 121, 122 and 207. (Spring of odd numbered years)
BIO 409 Global Environmental Issues (cross-listed with ENV 409)
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 of even numbered 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 200 hours of 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 approved 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 BMS 475 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; 3.00 minimum grade point average. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.)
BIO 195, 295, 395, 495 Special Topics
3 credits
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 department chair required. Prerequisites: BIO 121-122. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.)
BIO 498 Capstone Research Project
1-2 credits
This course is designed for senior biology majors to conduct an experimental research project, guided by a faculty member that results in a paper written in a scientific journal format. Progress reports, results, and the final paper will be monitored and assessed by the mentor. Weekly meetings for mentoring are required. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status.
BIO 499 Capstone Research Seminar
1-2 credits
An in-depth course designed to emphasize research methods by critically analyzing scientific literature and oral presentation skills. Results from the capstone research project may be presented in this course. A total of three credits is required; one credit will be taken in the spring 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 are required. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122, and junior status.