52 credits
Why biology?
This major is suited for those who desire to enter a variety of fields, including biological research, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science. The program includes a course sequence centered on the hierarchical levels of organization of living systems – the molecule, cell, organ system, individual organism, population, and community. Culminating the program is a sequence of courses intended to develop an approach to independent study through an experience in biological research. For biology majors who wish to enter a specific field, electives can be chosen to satisfy their specific needs and interests.
Career Options
Biological Scientists; Clinical Laboratory Technologists; Dentists; Forensic Scientists; Medical Doctors; Medical Scientists; Science Technicians; Secondary Teachers; Veterinarians
High School Preparation
Biology; chemistry; calculus; environmental science; physics
Sample First Year Schedule |
| Fall Semester |
Course # | Title | Credits |
| B110/111 | Botany & Zoology I & Lab I | 4 |
| C131/133 | General Chemistry I & Lab I | 4 |
| M | | |
| LCT140 | First Year Seminar | 3 |
| E120 | English Composition | 3 |
| | Disciplinary Studies/ Oral Communication Requirement | 3 |
| | 17 total |
| Spring Semester |
Course # | Title | Credits |
| B120/121 | Botany & Zoology II & Lab II | 4 |
| C142/144 | General Chemistry I & Lab I | 4 |
| | Disciplinary Studies/ Oral Communication Requirement | 3 |
| | Disciplinary Studies Course | 3 |
| | Disciplinary Studies Course | 3 |
| | | 17 total |
For more information contact:
|
| Biology Chair |
Phil Cochran, Ph.D. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #10 Winona, MN 55987-1399 (800) 635-5987, Ext. 1544 pcochran@smumn.edu |
(From the 09-11 Catalog)
A. Biology Core
All of the following:
B110 Botany and Zoology I
B111 Botany and Zoology I Lab
B120 Botany and Zoology II
B121 Botany and Zoology II Lab
C131 General Chemistry I
C133 General Chemistry I Lab
C321 Organic Chemistry I
M151 Calculus I
B. All of the following:
B301 Ecology
B310 Genetics
B311 Cell Biology
B312 Molecular Biology
B313 Physiology
B392 Biometrics
B409 Biochemistry
B492 Experimental Planning
B493 Research and Thesis
P201 Introductory Physics I
P202 Introductory Physics I Lab
Recommended elective courses:
B305 Human Anatomy
B322 Developmental Biology
B340 Limnology
B434 Microbiology
B435 Immunology
B450 Radiation Biology
B479 Environmental Toxicology
C142 General Chemistry II*
C144 General Chemistry II Lab*
C322 Organic Chemistry II*
CS110 Computer Science
P211 Introductory Physics II*
P212 Introductory Physics II Lab*
*Required for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, and graduate schools.
Click on courses below for descriptions
B110 Botany and Zoology I (3 credits)Emphasis is placed upon photosynthesis and respiration, and physiological processes including nutrition, gas exchange, transportation and regulation of body fluids. It is an investigation of the structure and function of both plants and animals and intended as an introductory overview. Three lecture/discussion periods are held weekly.
Offered fall semester.
Concurrent registration in B111 is required.
B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory (1 credit)These laboratory studies complement the concepts presented in B110. Investigations including physiological and molecular relationships and interactions are the basis for the course. The lab meets for one three-hour session each week.
Offered fall semester.
Concurrent registration in B110 is required.
B120 Botany and Zoology II (3 credits)Emphasis is placed on plant and animal phyla, organs and organ systems of both plants and animals. Three lecture/discussion periods are held weekly.
Offered spring semester.
Concurrent registration in B121 is required.
B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory (1 credit)Laboratory studies complementing B120 include plant and animal hormones and reproduction, bacterial techniques, and phylogenetic investigations. The lab meets for one three-hour session each week.
Offered spring semester.
Concurrent registration in B120 is required.
B301 Ecology (4 credits)A study of the theoretical and practical ecological concepts pertaining to species, populations, communities and ecosystems; stress is placed on the concepts of energy flow, nutrient cycles, limiting factors, population dynamics and succession. Laboratories include both theoretical and practical applications of concepts as well as some plant and animal identifications. Three class meetings and one three-hour laboratory/field trip each week.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
B305 Human Anatomy (4 credits)This course explores the design and structure of the human body. Lectures present cellular and histological features of the body systems. Laboratory dissections explore gross anatomic features and the three dimensional relationships of structures particularly relevant to the health sciences. Body structures forming superficial features, those visualized by diagnostic imaging techniques and those relevant to kinesiology are empathized. The class meets for two lectures sessions and two two-hour labs weekly.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
B310 Genetics (4 credits)The principles underlying hereditary variation in living organisms are the focus of this course. These topics are centered about the transmission of hereditary traits, cytogenetics, basic gene concepts, introductory molecular biology, population genetics, and the genetic basis of evolution. Three class meetings and one three-hour laboratory period each week with several laboratory periods replaced with a one-hour lecture/discussion.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
B311 Cell Biology (3 credits)This course is a study of the cell at the ultrastructural, biochemical, and physiological levels. Special consideration is given to respiration, photosynthesis, secretion, cytoskeleton, cell cycle, cell growth, movement, membranes, and other organelles. Two lectures and one three-hour lab weekly with two laboratory periods replaced with a one-hour lecture/discussion.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisites: B110/111, B120/121, and C321 (C321 may be concurrent).
B312 Molecular Biology (3 credits)An analysis of the regulation of cellular metabolism at the molecular level is the core of this study. The major themes include the biochemistry of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and the regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The laboratory component incorporates genetic engineering techniques. The class meets for two lectures and one three-hour lab weekly.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisites: B110/111, B120/121, B310, B311 and C321 (B311 and C321 may be concurrent with consent of instructor).
B313 Physiology (4 credits)This course explores the functions of the body systems of humans. The interrelationships of organ-systems processes to maintain homeostasis are emphasized. Laboratory sessions provide experiences with procedures and instrumentation to gather data that highlight the function of the body systems. Course topics are particularly relevant to the health sciences. The class meets for three lectures and one three-hour lab weekly.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
Offered spring semester.
Recommended: C142/144.
B322 Developmental Biology (3 credits)A study of mostly animal development from genetic and molecular perspectives. A brief account of embryology is followed by gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenesis, and organogenesis. All topics are covered with emphasis upon differentiation. Class meets weekly for three hours of lecture/discussion.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B310 Genetics
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
Offered in alternate spring semesters.
B340 Limnology (4 credits)Lecture emphasis is placed on physical and chemical principles and their interpretation. Attention is given to taxonomy, adaptations, distributions and abundance of organisms. Lab and field studies emphasize techniques and aquatic environmental assessment. Three hours of lecture/discussions and one three-hour lab/field study weekly.
B392 Biometrics (3 credits)This course introduces basic and fundamental statistics with emphasis on the more sophisticated tests and analyses common to biologists and other researchers. Substantial attention is given to analysis of variance procedures and experimental design.
Credit cannot be granted for this course and ST132, ST232 or BU215.
B409 Biochemistry (4 credits)The principle concepts of biochemistry are the focus of this course. The major themes include the relationship between the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their biological function and the chemistry and metabolism of biologically important macromolecules including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.
Offered spring semester.
Prerequisites: B110/111, B120/121, C321, and C322 (C322 may be concurrent with the consent of instructor).
B434 Microbiology (3 credits)This course deals with the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of a variety of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi and algae. Emphasis is placed on the control of microbial growth, the characteristics of these organisms and their relationship to disease. Class meets for two lectures and one three-hour lab weekly.
Prerequisites:
- C321 Organic Chemistry I
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
B435 Immunology (3 credits)Topics covered in this course include the nature of the immune system and the immunological response including the roles of lymphocytes, cytokines, antibodies and complement. Some emphasis is placed on the malfunction and diseases of the immune system. Laboratories emphasize practice of immunological theory and the performance of immunological techniques. Class meets for two lectures and one three hour lab weekly.
Prerequisites:
- C321 Organic Chemistry I
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
Offered spring semester.
Recommended: B310, B311 and B312.
B450 Radiation Biology (3 credits)The effects of radiation, particularly ionizing radiation, on molecules, cells, tissues, and the whole organism are studied. A brief background of the nature, sources and absorption of radioactive energy is presented. Some emphasis is also placed on the understanding and use of modern instrumentation and techniques available for biological research and fluorescence analysis. The class meets for three lectures weekly.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
Offered fall semester.
B310 is strongly recommended.
B479 Environmental Toxicology (4 credits)An examination of the principles, methods, and problems of environmental toxicology is presented. Topics include: pollutant dynamics in ecosystems and individuals, dose-effect relationships, sublethal toxicity, interactions between pollutants, ecosystem responses, and others. The laboratory emphasizes professional methods of contaminant analysis and toxicology. Three lecture/discussions and one three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
B492 Experimental Planning (1 credit)The purpose of this course is to design a research project. The necessary reconnaissance, review of the literature, and other preparations are included. Some emphasis is also given to thesis writing and presentations.
B493 Biology Research and Thesis (2 credits)The course consists of an independent investigation of a field or laboratory problem of the student’s choice in a specific area of biology. A written report of the research project in the form of a thesis is required; an oral presentation may be required, at the discretion of the research advisor. This course is a graduation requirement for biology majors.
Prerequisites:
- B392 Biometrics
- B492 Experimental Planning
C131 General Chemistry I (3 credits)This course covers the fundamental principles upon which the study of chemistry is based. Stoichiometry, atomic structure, molecular structure, chemical bonding, behavior of gases, kinetic molecular theory, properties of solutions, chemical reactivity and thermochemistry are included. Three hours of lecture per week.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisite: M115 or equivalent and concurrent with C133.
C133 General Chemistry I Laboratory (1 credit)This laboratory is an inquiry-based approach to understanding the process of doing chemistry. Each week, as a team member with a specific role working for a consulting company, the student receives a letter from a "chemical client" requesting the solution to a chemical problem. It is the responsibility of the team to design a solution, collect data, and report the results to the client in report form.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisite: concurrent with C131.
C142 General Chemistry II (3 credits)This course includes the study of the chemistry of redox reactions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium theory, electrochemistry, chemical dynamics, organic chemistry, phase behavior and solution chemistry. Three hours of lecture per week.
Offered spring semester.
Prerequisite: C131/133 and concurrent with C144.
C144 General Chemistry II Laboratory (1 credit)This laboratory is an inquiry-based approach to understanding the process of doing chemistry. Each week, as a team member with a specific role working for a consulting company, the student receives a letter from a "chemical client" requesting the solution to a chemical problem. It is the responsibility of the team to design a solution, collect data, and report the results to the client in report form.
Offered spring semester.
Prerequisite: concurrent with C142.
C321 Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)Organized by chemical functional groups and reaction mechanisms, this course presents both classical and modern theories of organic chemistry while rigorously exploring chemical structure-reactivity relationships. The fundamentals of nomenclature, physical properties, chemical structure, stereochemistry, organic reactions, mechanisms, synthesis, purification, and compound characterization is emphasized. Biological, medical, and familiar real-world examples are discussed in the context of organic chemistry.
Prerequisites:
- C131 General Chemistry I
- C133 General Chemistry I Laboratory
- C142 General Chemistry II
- C144 General Chemistry II Laboratory
Offered fall semester.
Concurrent with C323.
C322 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)A continuation of C321/323, this course builds upon the fundamental presented in C321/323. It is organized by functional groups and reaction mechanisms, while integrating this knowledge into chemical synthesis. Additional topics include aromaticity, NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, carbonyl chemistry, synthetic strategy, and advanced C-C bond forming reactions.
Offered spring semester.
Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in C321 and C323.
CS110 Computer Science I (3 credits)This course introduces students to the practice of software development. Students learn the fundamentals of programming, algorithm development, and object-orientated design principles.
Students must concurrently register for CS111.
Offered fall semester.
Co-requisites: M115 and M116 or equivalents.
M151 Calculus I (4 credits)This course provides an introduction to the differential and integral calculus. Topics include: the concepts of function, limit, continuity, derivative, definite and indefinite integrals, and an introduction to transcendental functions.
Credit cannot be granted for this course and M308 or M309.
Prerequisites: M115 and M116, or departmental placement.
P201 Introductory Physics I (3 credits)This course is the first half of a two-semester introductory, calculus-based, physics course for all students planning to enter one of the scientific professions. It covers the fundamental principles of mechanics, oscillations, and fluid mechanics.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisites: M151 (may be concurrent) and concurrent with P202.
P211 Introductory Physics II (3 credits)This course is the second half of a two-semester introductory, calculus-based, physics course for all students planning to enter one of the scientific professions. It covers the fundamental principles of waves, physical and geometrical optics, and electricity and magnetism.
Prerequisites:
- P201 Introductory Physics I
- P202 Introductory Physics I Laboratory
Offered spring semester.
Must be concurrent with P212.