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Courses

A summary of each course to help with your selection.

Academic Year

Programs

Course ID

Course ID	Course
BIOL 372	BIOL 372 Molecular Genetics Course Credits: 3 This course considers modern developments and techniques in genetics, especially the basic and applied aspects of recombinant DNA technology. Cross-listed: CHEM 372 Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223. (3-3)
BIOL 384	BIOL 384 Principles of Biochemistry Course Credits: 3 This course studies chemical structure, function, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This class is continued as BIOL 386. Cross-listed: CHEM 384 Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221 and 222. Recommended: BIOL 223. (3-3)
BIOL 386	BIOL 386 Biosynthesis Course Credits: 3 This course explores the modern understanding of the biochemical transfer of genetic information: DNA structure and synthesis, transcription and translation. This course also examines the regulatory mechanisms of gene control in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as well as protein structure and function. The central theme of the course is to illustrate the significance of nucleic acid and protein biochemistry in modern biology. Cross-listed: CHEM 386. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221, 222. Recommended: BIOL 223 and 384. (3-0)
BIOL 390	BIOL 390 Biology & Christian Theology Course Credits: 3 This course is designed to untangle some of the actual or perceived dissonance between issues of biological science and Christian theology. Six major topics are addressed: (1) models, analogies, and metaphors in science and Christian theology; (2) scientific and religious investigations of the biosphere; (3) defining human nature; (4) defining non-human nature; (5) caring for the earth; and (6) the biomedical revolution. The common threads among these topics are the tension between Christian faith and the findings of basic and applied biology (biotechnology), and the call to action required in a faith-based view of creation. As well as speaking from their own disciplines and background, the course instructors take part in panel discussions at the end of each of the six units to foster discussion and dialogue on the issues. Student participation is encouraged by group projects that develop and present a position paper on an area that engenders dissonance between scientific and religious worldview perspectives. Cross-listed: BIOT 390 Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281, and advanced standing in biology. (3-0) NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
BIOL 400	BIOL 400 Directed Studies in Biology Course Credits: 3 Students are required to produce an outline of the topic to be studied in consultation with the instructor. A course of reading and/ or experimentation is pursued according to the approved outline. Assessment may be via examination and/or a final written report. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281 and advanced standing in biology or instructor’s consent. NB: This course, with the appropriate choice of topics, can be used as a preparation for the senior thesis (BIOL 410).
BIOL 409	BIOL 409 Thesis Preparation Course Credits: 1 Students will be required to choose a topic for their senior thesis (BIOL 409-410/GENV 409- 410) in consultation with an instructor. Selected readings and references pertinent to the topic will be assigned. A final written report will be presented consisting of a detailed thesis proposal and a review of the literature. Cross-listed: BIOT 409 Prerequisite(s): Advanced standing in biology or instructor's consent. (1-1; 0-0)
BIOL 410	BIOL 410 Senior Thesis Course Credits: 2 Research in a chosen area of biology or environmental studies with a final written report. Presentation of research findings will also be made by the student in a poster session. Cross-listed: BIOT 410 Prerequisite(s): BIOL 409. A related directed study in preparation, or instructor's consent. (0-0; 1-2)
BIOL 411	BIOL 411 Senior Thesis Course Credits: 3 In this course, students research a chosen area of biology and provide a final written report. Students present research findings in a seminar. This course option allows students with larger projects to gain extra credit. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 409, a related directed study in preparation, or instructor's consent. (0-0; 1-3)
BIOL 423	BIOL 423 Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology Course Credits: 3 A laboratory course emphasizing advanced techniques in cell biology, molecular biology, and developmental genetics. Topics include functional genomics, mobile genetic elements, somatic clonal analysis, molecular cloning, and epifluorescence/ confocal microscopy. This course is designed for students who are interested in a career in the life sciences and who wish to familiarize themselves with a number of applied laboratory techniques. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 372 or 384. (0-4) NB: BIOL 423 is an appropriate addition to or substitution for BIOL 409, 410.

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