Biology

Biology

Contact
Teri Miller
Liberal Arts Building, Room 308
Direct: 313.927.1333
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science, Biology Major (B.S.)
Biology Minor
Secondary Teacher Certification

Faculty
Donald C. Rizzo, Ph.D.
Jeanne M. Andreoli, Ph.D.

Potential Careers
College Professor • Dentist • Ecologist • Environmentalist • Food Scientist • High School Teacher • Laboratory Technician • Medical Doctor • Nurse • Paramedic • Physical Therapist • Pharmacist • Research Assistant • Sales Representative • Science Journalist                           

 

Biology Overview

The Department of Biology offers undergraduate programs for students interested in careers in teaching; research; graduate study; medical, dental and nursing schools; scientific illustration; technical writing; industrial technology; pharmaceutical work; the Peace Corps; natural resources; public health; and food and drug technology.

As a student in the biology department, you will take courses in organismal and molecular biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. You will be prepared professionally and academically, and your course work will be practical, comprehensive and specialized.

Specific Information
The Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in biology is designed to provide you with a broad-based biology curriculum. Requirements include 38 credit hours of biology, 16 credit hours of chemistry, 4 credit hours of mathematics and fulfilling the general education requirements.

You will experience laboratory investigations and observations, field work, individual research projects with a faculty member, and preparation of library and laboratory research papers.

A minor in biology provides you with knowledge and skills to complement your major area of study-usually, but not limited to chemistry or mathematics-while expanding career options such as teaching. The minor in biology consists of 20 credit hours in biology and 8 credit hours of chemistry.

The Secondary Teacher Certification program provides you with a strong background to teach high school biology. You will take the same required courses for the major; but you must take clinical anatomy and physiology (BIO 267), ecology and the environment (BIO 201), the teaching of biology (BIO 347) and all of the courses required by the Edu­cation Department in the certification sequence.

Career Information
Graduates from the Biology Department have a wide variety of career opportunities available to them. Marygrove’s graduates are working as teachers, research assistants in hospitals and universities, doc­tors, dentists, college professors and supervisors in industry.

Our graduates have stated that the strong background in biology, library and laboratory research experiences; oral and writing communication skills requirements; and computer literacy training provided them with the tools to become successful leaders in their chosen fields.

Special Elements of the Program

Academic Performance
Only required courses with a grade no lower than a C can be applied to fulfill the biology major or minor degree.

Standardized National Assessment Exam
All students majoring in Biology must participate in a National Assessment Instrument (i.e., MTTC, GRE, MCAT, ACS) prior to graduation (See F below).

Sigma Zeta National Honor Society
Sigma Zeta is a national science and mathematics honor society. It was founded at Shurtleff College, in Alton, Illinois in 1926. Today, more than forty local chapters are active in colleges and universities across the United States. The society encourages and fosters achievement of greater knowledge in the fields of science and mathematics. Outstanding scholastic achievement in the fields is recognized through membership in this society.

Program Offering
The B.S. in Biology program is primarily a day program, some courses are offered in the evening on a rotating schedule. A student may complete a minor program in biology in the day or evening.

 

Course Descriptions

BIO 118 Medical Terminology 2 hours
Prerequisites: None; Term: Fall, Winter

This course is designed for students with an active interest in the medical and paramedical fields. The course provides the student with the fundamental principles needed to understand medical vocabulary. The student will learn to use the techniques of word building with an emphasis on spelling, pronunciation and the meanings of medical terms.

BIO 139 Principles of Biology 4 hours
Prerequisites: Completion of developmental and foun­dation courses; Term: Fall, Summer; Fee: yes. General Education option – not for science majors.

This course is a survey of the major generalizations of biology with an emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms, organismic structures and functions, basic concepts in genetics, the principles of evolution, and the interdependence of all living things with the environment. The laboratory exercises introduce the student to the process of scientific investigation and laboratory technique. Students will examine various biological structures and survey representatives of the five kingdoms of living organisms. Laboratory included.

BIO 141 Nutrition Through the Life Cycle 3 hours
Prerequisites: MTH 099; Term: winter

Fundamentals of nutrition and its effect on the individual’s growth, development, and total health; related topics of current concern, including weight control, dietary fats, fiber, and world health; impact of culture and environment on food choices. Computer nutrition analysis.

BIO 150 Biology I: From Molecules to Cells 4 hours
Prerequisites: Completion of developmental and foun­dation courses; Term: Fall; Fee: yes.

Biology 150 is a course which, together with Biology 151, is designed to give the student a broad experi­ence in the biological sciences. This course empha­sizes the cellular and molecular aspects of biology. Science majors, including many health professionals, are the intended audience. Laboratory included.

BIO 151 Biology II: Unity and Diversity of Life 4 hours
Prerequisites: Completion of developmental and foun­dation courses, BIO 150; Term: Winter; Fee: yes.

The course is designed to give the student a broad experience in the biological sciences. In this course, we deal mainly with the organismal and supra-organismal levels of biological organization. Evolution will be the unifying theme. The diversity, form, function, and ecology of organisms will be covered, with particular emphasis on plants and animals. Science majors, including many health professionals, are the intended audience. Laboratory included.

BIO 201 Ecology and the Environment 4 hours
Prerequisites: LS 105, ENG 107; Term: Fall; Fee: yes. General Education option. Cross-listed with ENV 201

A survey of the biological, chemical and physical environmental problems caused by overpopulation. Topics include the interrelationship of living things with the environment, ecological principles, land resources, energy, land pollution, pest control, water and air pollu­tion, and endangered species. Laboratory included.

BIO 226 General Zoology 4 hours
Prerequisites: BIO 150, BIO 151, ENG 108 or equiva­lent; Term: Fall; Fee: yes. Offered alternate years

This course deals with the general principles of zoology. Beginning with an introduction to the classification of the animal kingdom, the major groups of invertebrate and some vertebrate animals will be surveyed. Emphasis will be placed on development, structure, function, reproduction, and evolution. Laboratory exercises will enable the student to directly observe internal and external morphology of selected animal groups and will provide for observations and experiments with various living organisms. Laboratory included.

BIO 234 General Botany 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIO 150; BIO 151, Term: Fall; Fee: yes. Offered alternate years

This course deals with a survey of the plant-like protists, the fungi, and members of the plant kingdom. Students study the process of photosynthesis and its relevance to life on our planet. They then study the life cycles and reproduction of plants. Transport systems of vascular plants are covered in detail. In addition the anatomy and physiology of all plant-like organisms, their growth and development is studied. The current success and diverse numbers and species of plants are related to their evolutionary success and role in the earth’s ecosystems. Laboratory exercises enable the students to directly observe the structure of botanical organisms and provide for observations and experiments with living organisms. A field collection of leaves is required. Laboratory included.

BIO 257 Human Anatomy and Physiology 4 hours
Prerequisites: Completion of developmental and foundation courses, BIO 118 recommended; Term: Fall, Summer; Fee: yes. General Education option – not for science majors.

A survey of human anatomy and physiology with selected labs. Topics include cells, metabolism, tissue and skin. Also includes the skeletal and articular, mus­cular, digestive, circulatory and lymphatic, endocrine, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and nervous systems.

BIO 267 Clinical Anatomy and Physiology 4 hours
Prerequisites: BIO 150; BIO 118 recommended; designed for science majors and minors - not for general education; Term Winter; Fee: yes.

This course is a study of human anatomy and physiology with virtual human cadaver labs as well as other hands on selected labs. Topics include: tissues and the following systems: integumentary; skeletal and articular, muscular, digestive; blood, cardiovascular and lymphatic circulatory, endocrine, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, nervous, and their major diseases. This class is not for general education, it is specifically for science majors and minors.

BIO 312 Junior Seminar 2 hours
Corequisites: Junior standing in the major, ENG 312; Term Winter; Fee: yes; Cross-listed with BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 312.

Junior Seminar has been designed to help science majors improve their writing AS SCIENTISTS. Competence in writing in science requires critical evaluation of one’s work. In order to encourage the development of critical thinking, students critique published work as well as write essays, reviews, and research reports. The heart of the course lies in the weekly interaction between the instructor and students through discussion both in class sections and one-on-one. A weekly lecture provides structure and continuity and allows consideration of other topics such as interviewing and resume writing, poster presentations, ethics in science, and the nature of science and creativity. This is the program’s writing intensive course.

BIO 321 Microbiology 4 hours
Prerequisites: BIO 150, BIO 151; one semester of general college chemistry; Term: Fall; Fee: yes. Offered alternate years

Microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria and viruses, form, structure, reproduction, genetics, physiology, me­tabolism and identification, disease, transmission and control. Lab included. Written lab reports required.

BIO 347 The Teaching of Biology 3 hours
Prerequisites: EDU 240, 241; Co-requisite: EDU 347; Term: Winter. Offered as needed

Philosophical basis for science teaching; survey of special programs in biology; specific objectives, materials and curriculum planning for biology; emphasis on role of laboratory in biology teaching. Observations of classroom/laboratory teaching.

BIO 360 Biochemistry 4 hours
Prerequisites: BIO 150, CHM 140, CHM 325, Term: Fall; Fee: yes. Offered alternate years; Cross-listed with CHM 360

Biochemistry 360 is an advanced-level course for students majoring in chemistry or biology. This course provides an overview of fundamental concepts in biochemistry which focuses upon the major macromolecules and chemi­cal properties of living systems. Topics include the structure, function and metabolism of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; the physical properties of water, pH, and buffers; enzyme kinetics and regulation. The principles of bioenergetics and the integration of metabolic control will be developed. Laboratory included.

BIO 388 Cooperative Field Experience 1-4 hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing, biology major, departmental approval; Term: Fall, Winter, Summer

Supervised work experience in activity related to an area of specialization. This is planned in consultation with advisor, co-op supervisor and employer. Recording, reporting and evaluation of experience will be required.

BIO 485 Genetics 4 hours
Prerequisites: BIO 150, BIO 151; one semester of general college chemistry, one semester of organic chemistry; Extra lab time required. Term: Winter; Fee: yes. Offered alternate years

Study of hereditary material, its chemical and physical nature. Transmission and function will be emphasized. Mendelian inheritance, human genetics and evolution. Lab included. Written and oral lab reports required.

BIO 490 Cell and Molecular Biology 4 hours
Prerequisites: BIO 150, BIO 151; BIO 321 recommended, one semester of general college chemistry, one semester of organic chemistry; Term: Winter; Fee: yes. Offered alternate years

Cell doctrine, genes, cell metabolism, biosynthesis, photosynthesis, molecular replication, transcription, mutation and regulation of cell processes, biochemistry. Lab included. Formal lab reports and oral presentation required.

BIO 491 Independent Study 1-4 hours
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; biology major or minor; Junior status; Term: Fall, Winter, Summer

Opportunity to earn credit for the independent study of a course not listed in the catalog as a specific offering. By arrangement.

BIO 496A  Senior Seminar: Library Research 2 hours
Prerequisites: BIO 312; Senior standing in BIO major; completion of general education and writing requirements; Term: Fall, Winter; Cross-listed with BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 496A.

This course is designed for senior science majors to have the opportunity to write and orally present a research proposal. This will include conducting a literature review and designing an original research project. Students carry out their research project in BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 496B. Use of computer for informational searches, data analysis, and word processing; oral presentations and final research paper required.

BIO 496B Senior Seminar: Laboratory Research 2 hours
Prerequisites: BIO 496A; Senior standing in BIO major; completion of general education and writing requirements; Term: Fall, Winter; Fee: yes; Cross-listed with BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 496B.

This course is designed for senior science majors to conduct research with the direction of a faculty member. The student will carry out a research project of their own design. Specifically students will conduct experiments, write up the results of those experiments, write up the conclusions based on those results and present the results and conclusions of the project both in written and oral formats.

 

Bachelor of Science, Biology Major (B.S.)

The requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree with biology major are a minimum of 38 credit hours in biology and completion of the following components:

A. General Education Requirements

B. Required Core Courses
BIO 150      Biology I: From Molecules to Cells
BIO 151      Biology II: Unity and Diversity of Life
BIO 312      Junior Seminar
BIO 496A    Senior Seminar: Library Research
BIO 496B    Senior Seminar: Laboratory Research

Choose three out of the four following courses:
BIO 321      Microbiology
BIO 360      Biochemistry
BIO 485      Genetics
BIO 490      Cell and Molecular Biology

Choose three out of the four following courses:
BIO 201      Ecology and the Environment
BIO 226      General Zoology
BIO 234      General Botany
BIO 267      Clinical Anatomy & Physiology

C. Related Discipline Requirements
CHM 140     General Chemistry I
CHM 241     General Chemistry II
CHM 325     Organic Chemistry I
CHM 326     Organic Chemistry II
MTH 251     Calculus I
              -OR-
MTH 325     Statistics

D. Electives
BIO 118      Medical Terminology
BIO 388      Cooperative Field Experience
BIO 491      Independent Study

E. Other Experiences
Credit by examination (C.L.E.P.), tutorial study and cooperative work experiences are other features of the program. Permission of the department head is required to select these options. Not more than four credit hours in cooperative work experience may be counted within the 128 credit hours required for a degree.

F. Standardized National Assessment Exam
All students majoring in Biology must participate in a National Assessment Instrument (i.e., MTTC, GRE, MCAT, ACS) prior to graduation.

In addition, all majors must complete a research expe­rience approved by the department. This typically may include a summer undergraduate research experience either with a Marygrove College faculty member (BIO 491) or an off-campus internship or fellowship (BIO 388 or BIO 491).

 

Minor in Biology

A minor in biology consists of a total of 20 credit hours in biology and 8 credit hours in chemistry divided as follows:

A. Core Requirements
BIO 150   Biology I: From Molecules to Cells
BIO 151   Biology II: Unity and Diversity of Life

B. Electives

At least three courses from the following:
BIO 201   Ecology and the Environment
BIO 226   General Zoology
BIO 234   General Botany
BIO 267   Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
BIO 321   Microbiology
BIO 360   Biochemistry
BIO 485   Genetics
BIO 490   Cell and Molecular Biology

C. Related Discipline Requirements
CHM 140     General Chemistry |
                -AND-
CHM 241     General Chemistry I
                -OR-
CHM 325     Organic Chemistry I
Biology Minors in secondary teacher certification must take:

BIO 201, BIO 226, BIO 234 and BIO 267.

 

More Information

 First Name *
 
 Last Name *
 
 Email (we will keep your email completely private) *
 
 Phone *
 
 Zip/Postal Code
 
 Student Inquiry Type
 
 Program
 
 Start Term
 
 Message
 

Back to Top