The paradigm below is one example of how this major may be completed. Students may use their elective credits to explore other majors or to enroll in skill-building courses in mathematics, reading, writing and/or study skills. With planning, students may use these credits to complete a minor, enroll in a practicum or internship, or study abroad.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| P201 and P202 are highly recommended for students planning to attend graduate schools or getting technical jobs dealing with the environment. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * | Students must take either B493 (doing a thesis) or B494 (doing an internship experience approved by the environmental biology professors beforehand for at least 3 credits). The major should be considered minimal preparation. Students should take as many environmentally related biology electives as possible. Additional work in chemistry and computer science is strongly recommended. Coursework in communication skills, economics and other fields may be of considerable value, depending on career goals. Courses should be carefully selected in consultation with an advisor in the biology department. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ** | To enroll in C131/133, a student must have passed the equivalent of college algebra. A student may meet the requirement for college algebra and calculus by taking the sequence M148 and M149. In this case, M148 and M149 should be taken during the first year and C131/133 and C142/144 during the second year. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
It is the responsibility of the student to complete all major and university requirements. Please refer to the university catalog for additional information regarding this major. Course title and content is subject to change. Not all courses are offered each semester or year. Please consult with your major advisor for the most current information.
Students enrolled in the Lasallian Honors Program should consult the program director for the appropriate sequence of courses.
(From the 2011-13 Catalog)
The following courses are required for graduation.
A. Biology Core
All of the following:
(Either M148 and M149 or M151)
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.
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: M149, or grade of C or better in M148 with concurrent enrollment in M149, or M151 placement; 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.
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.
Offered fall semester. Concurrent with C323; prerequisites: C131/133 and C142/144.
Prerequisites:
C131 General Chemistry I
C133 General Chemistry I Laboratory
C142 General Chemistry II
C144 General Chemistry II Laboratory
C323 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (1 credit)
This laboratory complements the lecture segment of the course by demonstrating and utilizing the concepts learned in the classroom to acquire, isolate, and characterize desired organic reaction products In this laboratory students become familiar with the equipment, glassware, techniques, and expertise required to implement the chemistry proposed on paper, to optimize it, and to communicate it to the chemical community. A practical context for the developed chemical intuition is provided.
Offered fall semester. Concurrent with C321; prerequisites: C131/133 and C142/44.
Prerequisites:
C131 General Chemistry I
C133 General Chemistry I Laboratory
C142 General Chemistry II
C144 General Chemistry II Laboratory
M148 - Calculus with Precalculus I (4 credits)
This course, followed by M149, provides a two-semester sequence that covers the material of a traditional Calculus I course along with built-in coverage of precalculus topics. Topics in M148 include: solving equations, functions, classes of functions (polynomial, rational, algebraic, exponential, logarithmic), right triangle trigonometry, angle measure, limits and continuity, derivatives, rules for derivatives. Credit is not granted for this course and M151 or courses equivalent to college algebra and college trigonometry.
Prerequisite: mathematics competency satisfied.
M149 - Calculus with Precalculus II (4 credits)
This course completes the two-semester sequence that begins with M148, and together with M148 provides a two-semester sequence that covers the material of a traditional Calculus I course along with built-in coverage of precalculus topics. Topics in M149 include: trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, rules for derivatives, applications of derivatives, and definite and indefinite integrals. Credit is not granted for this course and M151.
Prerequisite: M148.
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.
B. All of the following:
B301 - Ecology with Laboratory (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.
Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: B110/111 and B120/121.
B310 - Genetics with Laboratory (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.
Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: B110/111 and B120/121.
B315 - GIS Theory and Applications with Laboratory (2 credits)
The first half of this course introduces the basic concepts necessary to an understanding of geographic information systems (GIS) including their purpose, hardware, software, data bases, and applications. Special attention is paid to the concept of map projections, coordinate systems and georeferencing data. The second half introduces and spurs the development of core competencies with the desktop GIA Arcview. Students learn how to conduct queries, undertake simple and complex spatial analyses and develop presentations, incorporating views, charts, and images, among others. Two lecture/mini-laboratory periods per week.
Offered spring semester.
B323 - Plant Communities and Taxonomy with Laboratory (3 credits)
A course that combines collection and identification of local terrestrial and aquatic plants with a survey and analysis of plant communities. Two lectures and one laboratory period or field trip per week.
Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: B110/111, B120/121 and B301.
B340 - Limnology with Laboratory (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.
Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: B301.
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 is not granted for this course and any of the following: BU215, ST132, ST232.
B460 - Sustainable Resource Management (2 credits)
A course that examines the causes of environmental problems and the interconnections among environmental issues, with the goal of providing a framework for the search for long term solutions. Two lectures/discussion sessions per week.
Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: a course in ecology and junior or senior standing.
B461 - Environmental Seminar (1 credit)
A course that permits presentations and discussions of ecological and environmental topics, with an emphasis on the primary literature. In any given semester, the course may be organized around a particular issue or involve consideration of a significant book or other work. The course meets once per week.
Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: a course in ecology and junior or senior standing required.
C. One of the following:
B313 - Physiology with Laboratory (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.
Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: B110/111 and B120/121. Recommended: C142/144.
B380 - Earth Science with Laboratory (3 credits)
This lecture and lab course introduces students to the Earth’s dynamic systems. An overview of physical geology is first presented. The class then examines specific processes of erosion, transport and deposition and the resultant land forms that are produced. Other geomorphological processes are also discussed. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the inter-relatedness of these processes, and how they may impact and be altered by humans. Two lectures and one three-hour lab per week.
Offered in alternate fall semesters.
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.
Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: B110/111, B120/121, and C321.
D. One of the following:
B384 - Pollution Ecology with Laboratory (3 credits)
This course involves an examination of major pollutants and their sources; ecological, health, and economic effects; and control technology. Class sessions emphasize industry, transportation, agriculture and energy production. Laboratories emphasize monitoring equipment and techniques. Two one-hour lecture/discussion sessions and one three-hour laboratory or field trip per week.
Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisite: B301.
B385 - Freshwater Ecology with Laboratory (3 credits)
Advanced studies of the freshwater aquatic ecosystems, both lotic and lentic, are undertaken. Emphasis is placed on ecological adaptations, life histories, and interactions between organisms and their physical environment. Secondary emphasis is placed on aquatic ecosystem production and measurement. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory each week.
Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: B340.
E. Section E or F
B494 - Environmental Experience (1-5 credits)
This experience is designed for those students who want exposure to the world of post-graduate work, but not to the degree required for an internship. It would consist of a part-time assignment off-campus with an environmental agency. The work experience must be approved by the environmental committee and completed during one semester or one summer.
F. Section E of F
All of the following:
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 and B492.
Recommended elective courses:
B371 - Ornithology with Laboratory (3 credits)
This course examines birds from aspects of ecology, behavior, taxonomy, physiology, and identification. Two one-hour lecture/discussion sessions and one three-hour lab/field trip each week.
Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: B301.
B465 - Herpetology with Laboratory (2 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the biology of amphibians and reptiles, with an emphasis on the ecology, distribution, and conservation of the species found in Minnesota and neighboring states. One lecture/discussion period and one lab period per week, with the possibility for some evening or weekend field trips.
Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: a course in ecology or instructor’s consent.
B475 - Ichthyology with Laboratory (3 credits)
A course on the classification, morphology, physiology, and ecology of fishes. Two lectures and one laboratory period per week. Laboratory activities may include individual student projects and the collection and identification of Midwestern fishes.
Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisite: a course in ecology or instructor’s consent.
B490 - Fisheries Biology with Laboratory (3 credits)
An introduction to fisheries biology, this course has a lecture emphasis on population dynamics and lake, pond, and stream fishery management. Attention is given to the recreational and commercial value of freshwater fish species. Lab and field studies emphasize field fish collection techniques, taxonomy, population studies, energetics, and age and growth studies. Two lectures and one three-hour lab/field study weekly.
Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: B340.
B491 - Wildlife Ecology and Management with Laboratory (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to wildlife ecology with emphasis on techniques, population dynamics, recreational and commercial value. Wildlife management techniques are also be introduced through study of case histories of selected species. Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory/field trip each week.
Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisite: B301.
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: minimum grade of C in 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: minimum grade of C in C131/133 and concurrent with C142.
C322 - Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory (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.
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: M149 or M151 (M151 may be concurrent) and concurrent with P202.
P202 - Introductory Physics I Laboratory (1 credit)
One three-hour laboratory is held each week covering topics studied in the lectures.
Offered fall semester. Concurrent with P201.












