Course Descriptions

SCI 110 Natural Science I
The first semester of a two-semester survey of natural science. This course focuses on the nature of science and major concepts of physics and chemistry. Laboratory work stressing experimentation and measurement will include the use of computers and electronic sensors. (Three one-hour lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Prereq.: MPG 3)

SCI 111 Natural Science II
The second semester of a two-semester survey of natural science. This course focuses on major concepts of earth science and biology. Laboratory work will complement lectures and will include the use of computers and electronic sensors. (Three one-hour lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Prereq.: SCI 110)

SCI 280 Introduction to Research
This is a topics course for discovery-based research introducing concepts and skills based on instructor-generated research projects. It is offered through a selection process based on student interest, invitation, and interview selection. It is recommended for students in the Honors program and can also fulfill an Augsburg Experience as an experiential course in research if the student project results in presentation of the work in subsequent semesters. All are welcome to apply. (Prereq.: Invitation to participate in course; 0.5 course)

BIO 102 The Biological World
The basic concepts of biology pertaining to both plants and animals are emphasized. The nature of science and the approach used by scientists to gather and analyze data and propose and test hypotheses are considered. (Three one-hour lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Does not apply to the major or minor. Prereq.: MPG 2 and pass CT assessment or GST 100)

BIO 103 Human Anatomy and Physiology
A survey of the structure and function of the human body. (Three one-hour lectures, one three-hour laboratory. A student may not receive credit for both BIO 121 and 103. Does not apply to the major or minor. Prereq.: HPE 104 or MUS 101 or MUS 111 or permission of the instructor; CHM 102 or another chemistry course strongly recommended. Spring)

BIO 121 Human Biology and Lab
An introduction to basic biological principles with a human perspective and application. Includes discussion of the molecular and cellular basis of life, genetics, and genetic disease, selected organ systems and disease, and the sustainability of life on earth. (Three one-hour lectures, one three-hour laboratory. A student may not receive credit for both BIO 121 and 103. Does not apply to the major or minor in biology. Students are strongly encouraged to take CHM 102 before taking this class. Fall and spring)

BIO 150 Introductory Biology Workshop
An elective workshop for students concurrently enrolled in BIO 151. Students will explore topics covered in BIO 151 in more depth using AVID-based strategies for succeeding in college-level biology courses. P/N grading only. (Coreq: BIO 151 and consent of the instructor)

BIO 151 Introductory Biology
First of a two-semester sequence. An introduction to biology for science majors, including cell and molecular biology, energy metabolism, genetics. BIO 151 and 152 must be taken in sequence except by permission of instructor. (Three hours of lecture, three hours laboratory, some Saturday field trips. Prereq.: MPG 3 or concurrent registration in MAT 105. Fall)

BIO 152 Ecology, Evolution, and Diversity
Second of a two-semester introductory sequence. An introduction to evolution, ecology, and biological diversity for science majors. (Three hours of lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 151. Spring)

BIO 253 Introductory Cellular Biology
An introduction to structure and function in tissues, cells, and subcellular organelles. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: CHM 106 or 116. Fall)

BIO 297 Directed Study: Research in Biology (0.5 credit)
Directed research with a faculty member. No more than two terms may be applied to minimum graduation requirements. (Requires permission of the instructor and chair of the department.)

BIO 351 Invertebrate Zoology
A study of the invertebrate animals stressing classification, morphology, behavior, life history, and phylogeny. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 151, 152. Fall)

BIO 353 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Comparative anatomy, functional morphology, and evolutionary morphology of vertebrates. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 151, 152. Spring)

BIO 355 Genetics
A study of the principles of heredity. The course integrates classical transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and genomics. Special topics will include epigenetics, developmental genetics, and human disease genetics.  Contemporary genetic model systems will be utilized in laboratory experiments. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253 and MAT 114 or 145 or 163 or 164 or 248 or PSY 215. Spring)

BIO 361 Plant Biology
A survey of the diversity and evolution of algae and plants. Topics on plant anatomy, physiology, phylogeny, ecological and economic importance, and plant-microbe interactions are integrated throughout. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 151, 152. Fall)

BIO 369 Biochemistry
The course addresses the chemical structure and function of the major biological macromolecules. Key topic areas are protein structure and function, enzyme mechanisms, thermodynamics, intermediary metabolism, and metabolic regulation. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253, CHM 351 and MAT 114 or 145 or 163 or 164 or 248 or PSY 215. Fall)

BIO 440 Plant Physiology
A consideration of the processes involved in photosynthesis, growth, development, and water relations in plants including the relationship of process to structure and life history. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253.)

BIO 471 Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology
An examination of mechanisms of molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology, cell-signaling, cell cycle control, the cytoskeleton and select additional topics. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 369. Spring)

BIO 473 Animal Physiology
A study of digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion, movement, and sensory perception as well as neural and hormonal control of these functions, emphasizing vertebrates. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory.  Prereq.: BIO 253 and MAT 114 or 145 or 163 or 164 or 248 or PSY 215. Fall)

BIO 474 Developmental Biology
A study of development from the embryonic to adult stages. The course will focus on the physiological, molecular, and morphological changes that occur during development. Additional topics to be covered will include evolutionary developmental biology (evo devo), teratology, stem cells, regeneration, and cell death. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253.)

BIO 475 Neurobiology
An introduction to the nervous system. Topics to be studied include the electrical activity of neurons, sensory and motor systems, mechanisms of learning and memory, animal behavior, and human cognition. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253. Spring)

BIO 476 Microbiology
An introduction to the study of microorganisms. Environmental, industrial, and medical issues are discussed, with particular attention paid to human pathogens. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253. Spring)

BIO 481 Ecology
A study of interactions between organisms and the biotic and abiotic environment. Topics include physiological ecology, energy flow, nutrient cycling, a survey of biomes, population and community ecology, and conservation. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory, some Saturday field trips. Prereq.: BIO 152, CHM 106 or 116 and MAT 114 or 145 or 163 or 164 or 248 or PSY 215. Fall)

BIO 486 Immunology
This course is a study of the body’s immune defense. The course investigates the structure and mechanisms of human body’s three lines of immune defense. Protection from microorganisms and parasites, and cancer surveillance are
considered. The role of immunity in vaccination and transplantation, and mechanisms of immune malfunction in allergy, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency are included. (Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 355. Spring)

BIO 490 Biology Keystone (.5 course)
A seminar course that fulfills the AugCore keystone requirement. Several important biological issues that have ethical and societal implication and ramifications are explored, including the topics of the vocation of a scientist, connections between faith and science, and moral, ethical, and societal challenges faced by scientists. (Prereq.: senior biology major. Fall, spring)

SCI 490 Integrated Keystone (.5 course)
The Natural Science Keystone explores the connections of science with the world at large, including faith, vocation, ethics, and professional accountability. Students will reflect on science as a vocation and the philosophy of science in a global context of the interconnectedness of faith, reason, ethics, sustainability, and socio-politicaleconomic situation. (Prereq.: senior biology, chemistry, or physics major; P/N for 0.5 course)

BIO 495 Special Topics in Biology
Courses covering special topics not otherwise covered by other course offerings. Topics may vary.

Internships and Independent Study Courses

BIO 199 lnternship
(Prereq.: BIO 151, 152. P/N only)

BIO 299 Directed Study

BIO 399 Internship
(Prereq.: BIO 253. P/N only)

BIO 497 Independent Study/Research (.5 course)
(Prereq.: BIO 253. P/N only)

BIO 499 Independent Study/Research
(Prereq.: BIO 253. P/N only)