Biology

BIOL 1001  Humans In The Ecosystem: Renewable Energy   2.0 cr

Introduces students to different types of renewable energy through service learning and active participation in a large education event. Students will participate as hands-on volunteers at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association Fair, one of the largest energy fairs in the country, with over 22,000 attendees. Students will travel to the site in Wisconsin, camp out in an environmentally responsible manner during the fair, assist the organizers in various capacities, and attend informational workshops during the fair itself. This will be supplemented with classroom teaching before, during, and after the event. Students will have an opportunity to see working examples of various renewable energy technologies, and investigate one or more of these in depth.

BIOL 1002  Humans in the Ecosystem: Special Ecosystems   2.0 cr

Introduces students to the interaction of humans and their environment through service learning and active participation in field projects. Students will participate as hands-on volunteers in selected regions, while also investigating the unique natural history of that region. Students will travel to the site, work in partnership with local agencies in various capacities, and engage in field work. This will be supplemented with classroom teaching before, during, and after the event. Prereq: Instructor permission required.

BIOL 1003  Spring Break Biology Service Learning   1.0 cr

Introduces students to the interaction of humans and their environment through service learning and active participation in field projects over spring break. Students will participate as hands-on volunteers in selected ecological regions, while also investigating the unique natural history of that region. Students will travel to the site, work in partnership with local agencies in various capacities, and engage in field work. This will be supplemented with classroom teaching before, during, and after the event. Students will supply their own transportation to the field site and lodging if needed. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission required.

BIOL 1107  Biology of Women   3.0 cr

Provides a "theme based" course for learning biological concepts for both men and women. Objectives include studying reproductive anatomy and physiology of both sexes, studying pregnancy and fetal development, and examining issues related to reproductive biology and women's physical health. Issues to examine include contraception, cancer, menopause, and the relationship of women to the health care system. Students desiring a traditional lab may take BIOL 1110 concurrently or following completion of BIOL 1107.

BIOL 1110  Human Biology Laboratory   1.0 cr

Provides an optional lab with hands on experience for the lecture sections of 1114 (Critical Issues in Human Biology) and 1107 (Biology of Women). The lab covers microscopy, scientific method, study of the cell, genetics, mitosis and meiosis, aspects of human anatomy and physiology and topics of reproduction. Topics covered may also include ethical decision-making, medical autonomy, genetic engineering, stem cell research, use of animals in research, organ donation, the human genome project, examination of issues related to reproductive biology and women's physical health or other current critical issues. This course may be paired with BIOL 1107 or 1114 to fulfill a lab science requirement. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in or previous completion of BIOL 1107 or 1114.

BIOL 1114  Critical Issues In Human Biology   3.0 cr

Presents information for majors and non-majors interested in the critical and ethical issues related to how the human body functions. Topics such as ethical decision-making, genetic engineering, living wills, and issues related to prevention of cancer will be examined. The course will build the biological framework for understanding these dilemmas by exploring the scientific method and human body systems. Students desiring a traditional lab may take BIOL 1110 concurrently or following completion of BIOL 1114.

BIOL 1115  Critical Issues in Human Biology with lab   4.0 cr

Presents information for majors and non-majors interested in the critical and ethical issues related to how the human body functions. Topics such as ethical decision-making, genetic engineering, living wills, and issues related to prevention of cancer will be examined. The course will build the biological framework for understanding these dilemmas by exploring the scientific method and human body systems.

BIOL 1116  Environmental Science (no lab)   3.0 cr

Introduces students to fundamental concepts in ecology focusing on human impact and exploitation of the environment stressing the limits of the biosphere with respect to resources, energy, and pollution. Activities will include discussion, group activities, guest speakers and videos.

BIOL 1117  Environmental Science (with lab)   4.0 cr

Introduces students to fundamental concepts in ecology focusing on human impact and exploitation of the environment stressing the limits of the biosphere with respect to resources, energy, and pollution. Activities will include discussion, group activities, guest speakers and films. One semester credit of lab includes field trips and analysis of factors using the campus landscape. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.3200, Subp. 3, Standard J1, J2 a, b, c, d, e, f, J3, J4 J5, J6, H1 a, b, c, H2 a, b, H3 a, b, c, d, H4 a, b, H5 a, b, H6 a, b, H7 a, b, c, d.

BIOL 1120  Exploring Biology   4.0 cr

Introduces non-majors to important biological concepts. This course serves as the prerequisite for Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 2201) and Microbiology (BIOL 2205 and 2305). The course emphasizes the molecular level of biology and Darwinian evolution as the unifying theme of biology with emphasis on cell structure and function, cell transport, energy transfers, and genetics. Lab exercises will include the design and conduction of scientific experiments, data analysis, microscopy, cell biology, genetics, and ecology. Students will gain hands-on experience in the safe handling and use of living and preserved organisms as well as laboratory instruments and equipment.

BIOL 1123  Introduction To Forensic Science   4.0 cr

Introduces students to the basic techniques of forensic science. Concepts will be examined with the application of scientific principles and emphasizing molecular biology, cell biology and the human body. Specific topics include designing and conducting forensic science lab experiments in hair and fiber analysis, blood splatter and typing, DNA analysis, document examination, fingerprinting and taphonomy. This course will be of interest to liberal arts or science majors pursuing advanced courses in biology or criminal justice and will fulfill the science lab requirement.

BIOL 1154  Biology: From Cell To Organism   4.0 cr

Emphasizes the molecular level of biology with emphasis on cell structure and function, cell transport, energy transfers, genetics, technology, and Darwinian evolution. Units include chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution and critical issues. Labs will include several of the following topics: microscopy, spectrophotometry, permanent slide preparation, electrophoresis comparison of plant and animal metabolism, cell reproduction and genetics. Students will gain hands-on experience in the safe handling and use of living and preserved organisms as well as laboratory instruments and equipment. Prereq: Require one year HS chemistry or a college chemistry course.

BIOL 1155  General Biology: From Organism to Ecosphere   5.0 cr

Intended for biology majors, students requiring a strong biological background for their chosen fields, or interested non-majors. This course introduces students to the study of organisms at the organismal and ecological levels -- macrobiology. It will integrate knowledge, terminology and concepts from all fields of biology to gain an appreciation of the origin of life and how species diversity arose. Units will include the origin of life, population evolution, phylogenetic classification, ecology, and biodiversity. Lab will include comparative anatomy, examining environmental factors, studies of organisms and their interrelationship with the environment, and independent research projects. Lab exercises involve individual and group work in campus lab facilities and field studies off-campus. Students will gain hands-on experience in the safe handling and use of living and preserved organisms as well as laboratory instruments and equipment.

BIOL 1185  Special Topics   2.0 cr

Special Topics

BIOL 1190  Research in Biology   cr

Introduces students to primary research in biology. In consultation with a faculty member, students will develop a plan to investigate a contemporary research question in biology. Under faculty direction, students will gain hands-on experience using equipment, procedures and techniques to collect data in the laboratory or field. Students will be required to analyze primary data and to communicate their results in writing, orally or in poster form. Other requirements to be determined by arrangement, and outlined in a contract with instructor prior to registration. Students may take this class more than once for a maximum of 9 credits.

BIOL 2201  Anatomy and Physiology I   4.0 cr

Introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Systems and topics covered include histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscular system, nervous system, special senses, and endocrine systems. Lab component will include hands-on experience with actual human tissue specimens as well as dissection of a representative mammal. Prerequisites: BIOL 1120 or BIOL 1154 or equivalent biology course (AP, IB); completed with a grade of C or better.

BIOL 2202  Anatomy and Physiology II   4.0 cr

Covers anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Systems and topics covered include cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, acid-base and electrolyte balance, reproductive systems, and development. The lab component will include hands-on experience with actual human tissue specimens as well as group projects. Prerequisites: Biology 2201 completed with a C or better.

BIOL 2205  Microbiology   4.0 cr

Covers a survey of microbial groups, microbial cell structure, nutrition, growth, control of growth, metabolism, genetics, evolution, epidemiology, infection, transmission and pathogenesis, and interactions with host organisms. The lab component requires microscope skills, and includes aseptic technique, culturing, staining, enumeration, identification, and biochemical testing of microorganisms, as well as identification of a bacterial unknown. Students will gain hands-on experience in the safe handling and manipulation of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic microbes. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in either BIOL 1120 or BIOL 1154.

BIOL 2301  Zoology   4.0 cr

Covers the morphological and physiological characteristics of animals emphasizing adaptation, evolution, and ecology. The lab component will include hands-on experience with actual animal tissue specimens as well as group projects. Prerequisites: BIOL 1154 (or equivalent) or permission of instructor. BIOL 1155 is recommended.

BIOL 2303  Genetics   5.0 cr

Introduces students to major concepts in Mendelian, molecular and population genetics. Experiments with viruses, bacteria, insects and plants highlight the study of gene expression, recombination, gene mapping, chromosome analysis and population genetics. Lecture hours include a weekly recitation. Students will gain hands-on experience in the safe handling and manipulation of model organisms. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in BIOL 1154 (or equivalent) or permission of instructor.

BIOL 2305  Principles of Microbiology   5.0 cr

Introduces microbiology including study of prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and viral microorganisms. Topics include microbial pathogenesis, microbial genetics, microbial drug resistance and evolution, the mammalian immune response to microbial infection, microbial diversity, environmental and food microbiology. Labs require basic microscope skills, and include a survey of microbes, isolation of microbes from human specimens and the environment, staining of bacteria, biochemical testing of microbes, enumeration of bacteria, bacterial genetics, immunological testing, and use of microbes in food and beverage production. Students will gain hands-on experience in the safe handling and manipulation of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic microbes. Students are encouraged to complete a honors project to earn an honors designation for this course. Prerequisites: BIOL 1154 (or equivalent), or Biology 1120 with a grade of B or better, or permission of instructor.

BIOL 2306  General Ecology   4.0 cr

Introduces students to the fundamentals of ecology, focusing on the study of organisms in relation to their physical and biological environment. The course includes a survey of individual, population, community, and ecosystem level ecology. Theoretical, empirical and applied ecology will be discussed. Activities may include discussion, group activities, guest speakers, films and field trips. Labs will reinforce lecture content and provide students with research skills including use of primary literature, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation. Prereq: BIOL 1154 (required) MATH 1103 (recommended).