Requirements & Courses
-
Major Requirements
Thirty-six credits, which must include:
- Core (20 cr): BIO-121, 221, 222, 223, 290, and 490
- Electives (16 cr; complete 4-cr per group):
- Evolution and Genetics (4 cr): BIO-204 or 360
- Ecology and Biodiversity (4 cr): BIO-215, 302, 309, 319, and 361
- Form and Function (4 cr): BIO-205, 207, 305, 387 or IPH-232
- Cell and Molecular (4 cr): BIO-125, 308, 325, 330, 333, or BCM-430
- Completion of the MFT examination for Biology
- Pre-approved spring term courses may be used to fulfill any of the four elective areas.
-
Teaching Major
Thirty-six credits which must include:
-
Core (24 cr): BIO-121, 222, 223, 204, 290, 302, and 490.
-
Twelve credits of upper level BIO electives.
-
Completion of MFAT examination.
-
-
Program Considerations
- Potential Biology majors should note that many career opportunities for biologists, including graduate and professional programs, require two terms each of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Therefore, Biology majors are encouraged to complete CHM-115, 223, 224 and 230; PHY-112 and 113 or PHY-121 and 122; and MTH-112 and 113, 116, or 121 and 122. Additional courses may be required for specific graduate/professional schools; majors should check prospective program websites for specific admission requirements.
- Students are also encouraged to complete a primary research experience either through independent study or a summer internship at Alma College or another institution. For those students considering graduate school and/or a career in research, multiple experiences are highly recommended.
-
Minor Requirements
Twenty-four credits which must include:
-
BIO-121, 222, 223.
-
12 additional credits of upper level BIO electives.
-
-
Teaching Minor Requirements
Twenty-four credits which must include: BIO-121, 222, 223, 204, 290, 302, and 490.
-
Four credits from BIO, with the exception of practicum or independent study courses, count towards the Distributive Requirements in the Natural Sciences - Life Sciences.
Courses
-
BIO121.Foundations of Biology4 creditsFoundational concepts of biology are introduced through a combination of activities, case studies, presentations and discussions, and hands-on laboratory experiences. Students explore the essentials of metabolism, basic cell membrane and organelle structure and function, biosynthesis, DNA replication, cell division, reproduction, and Mendelian genetics within broader biological contexts such as human ecology and health, environmental issues, and evolution. The laboratory component provides students with practical experiences that develop laboratory skills and that employ the scientific method and basic data analyses. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO180.Biological Topics4 creditsLecture, laboratory and/or field experiences of special relevance to biology. Recent topics have included animal behavior, recombinant gene techniques, microbial ecology and cell culture. May be taken more than once for credit. May include a course fee.
-
BIO180.Conservation Biology: Preserve Diversity2 creditsConservation Biology encompasses policies and practices related to wildlife management and restoration biology, and to preservation through zoos and botanical gardens. More broadly, conservation biologists are concerned with preserving biodiversity in a world with expanding human disturbance. Course content will include the general foundations of conservation biology, approaches to conservation, and the importance of, and threats to, biodiversity. Through lectures and discussions of research articles and videos, we will explore how conservation biology can be applied to our careers and personal lives.
-
BIO204.Genetics4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121 and Sophomore StandingThe mechanics of inheritance at the molecular and cellular levels and the relationship of this phenomenon to gene action, organismal development, population changes and evolution. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO205.Human Embryology4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121Development of the organism from its beginning to the establishment of the basic body plan and organ systems. Live embryos and developmental morphology of vertebrates. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO207.Comparative and Environmental Physiology4 creditsThe study of dynamic organ system functions that maintains animal homeostasis under varying activity levels and in the face of changing environmental conditions. Focus is placed on negative or positive feedback control systems that regulate physiological variables and on the mediating cellular mechanisms of sensors, effectors, integrators, and intervening pathways. Physiological adaptations as they allow animals to cope in their environments are stressed. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO215M.Human Biodiversity4 creditsPrerequisite: Sophomore Standing or permissionHuman variation and diversity is examined from genetic and epigenetic perspectives. Topics will likely include discussions on human migration, genetic measures of diversity, race, eugenics, genocide, among others. Course fee.
-
BIO221.Cell Biology4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121The course focuses on the molecular structure of cells and how those structures permit and constrain cell functions. BIO 221 answers questions regarding how cells function from protein, lipid, and organellar trafficking, chromatin organization, and cytoskeletal function, to cell division mechanics. Course includes clinical correlates involving many common disease conditions including cancer, cystic fibrosis, lysosomal storage diseases, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, and muscular dystrophy. Laboratory includes in vitro cell culturing experience and basic molecular techniques. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO222.Plant Biology4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121An introductory course emphasizing plants as the model organism for learning about basic biological principles including plant development, anatomy, physiology, behavior, evolution, and ecology. Studio format course, in which lectures and labs are combined for a student-focused, active-learning experience. Students work throughout the semester as members of collaborative groups to answer and develop questions, solve problems, perform experiments, and conduct research that is intended to help them learn. Laboratory. Course fee. (Formerly offered as BIO-202).
-
BIO223.Animal Biology4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121This course examines the diversity of the animal kingdom. Animals will be studied in an evolutionary context, emphasizing morphology, life history, ecology and behavior. The laboratory will include dissections and demonstrations that allow students to appreciate the physical differences across the major phyla. Laboratory. Course fee. (Formerly offered as BIO-203).
-
BIO280.Topics in Biology2 creditsBiological topics selected by the instructor. May be taken more than once for credit.
-
BIO290.Experimental Design & Analysis in BIO2 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121 and sophomore standingBiology as a quantitative, experimental, and theoretical science is a central focus of the course. Foundational skills essential for conducting research in biology and for critical evaluation of research are established. Students learn the underlying principles and practical skills necessary for the exploration of questions and for testing hypotheses with special emphasis on research design and analysis and interpretation of data using statistical techniques. Sound experimental and statistical principles are demonstrated through the use of data from several diverse fields of biology. The course provides an essential foundation for undergraduate research in biology. Course fee.
-
BIO299.Biology Independent Study1 creditPrerequisite: PermissionAn opportunity for exceptional freshmen and sophomores to work directly with faculty on a research project. Typically, students help gather data and participate in the analysis of data. Introduction to the research process. Course fee.
-
BIO302.Ecology4 creditsPrerequisite: Sophomore Standing or PermissionInvestigation of population, community and ecosystem structure, dynamics and energetics. Laboratory and field studies. Course fee.
-
BIO305.Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-223Explores the use of homology and cladistics to recover phylogenies and to understand the evolution of anatomical features of vertebrates. The function, form, and biodiversity of chordates with emphasis on vertebrates are discussed. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO308.Microbiology4 creditsPrerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing or PermissionSurvey of the bacteria, viruses and other protists emphasizing their structure, physiology, systematics, ecology and genetics. Focuses on microbes important to humans including disease and the immune response. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO309.Aquatic Biology4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121 or PermissionThe physical, chemical and biological factors that affect fresh water organisms. Comparison of streams, rivers and lake habitats of Michigan. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO319.Toxicology4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121 and CHM-115 (one course from CHM-223, BIO-223, or IPH-227 recommended)The study of toxic effects of chemicals on human and ecological populations. This includes the basic principles of toxicology and toxicity testing, fate and transport of materials in the environment and the body, key toxins and toxicants, and modes of toxic action among other topics. These subjects are supplemented with scientific literature on current topics in toxicology. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO320.Medical Botany4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121 and CHM-223Study of the contribution of plants to modern medicine. Topics include the botany, anthropology, chemistry, and pharmacology of plant derived drugs. Cross-listed with BTC-320. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO330.Immunology4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121 or IPH-131 or permissionThe basic elements of the immune system that govern the innate and adaptive immune responses will be covered. Emphasis will be spent on B and T lymphocyte functions and the mechanisms of immune defense against pathogens. Course fee.
-
BIO333.Cancer Biology4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121 or IPH-131 or permissionCancer biology is an interdisciplinary field spanning several disciplines that include genetics, cell biology, immunology, and microbiology. Basic principles of tumor biology are explored initially from a historical view of diagnosis and treatment paradigms and then through discussions of chemo- and immune-therapies, an introduction to oncogenes, tumor suppressor and DNA repair genes that are disrupted during carcinogenesis, and an in-depth look into several common types of malignancies.
-
BIO360.Evolution4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121Study of evolution as it applies to aspects of the biological sciences. Topics include history, mechanisms of evolution and population genetics. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO361.Animal Behavior4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO 222 or 223 or PermissionAnimal behavior is examined from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Topics include reproduction, habitat selection, foraging and fighting behaviors. Laboratory. Course fee.
-
BIO380.Topics in Biology2-4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121 (or equivalent) or PermissionLecture, laboratory and/or field experiences of special relevance to biology. Recent topics have included animal behavior, recombinant gene techniques, microbial ecology and cell culture. May be taken more than once for credit. Course fee.
-
BIO385.Biology Practicum2-4 creditsPrerequisite: BIO-121 and PermissionBiological knowledge is applied to an outside working situation. Pass/fail only.
-
BIO387M.Clinical Histopathology4 creditsPrerequisite: Take BIO-121Normal cytologic structure of major tissue types in various species will be studied. Abnormal changes will be identified and studied, and pathophysiologic causes of these abnormalities discussed. Cytologic changes will be related to gross anatomical appearance and abnormalities that would be evident on diagnostic imaging modalities. Students will gain understanding of the symptoms created in the patient by the diseased tissue and which diseases/disorders must therefore be considered. Lab will develop skills utilized in histological preparation and examination of normal and diseased tissue. Course fee.
-
BIO399.Biology Independent Study1 creditPrerequisite: PermissionAn opportunity for exceptional first-year and sophomore students to work directly with faculty on a research project. Typically, students help gather data and participate in the analysis of data. Introduction to the research process. Course fee.
-
BIO490.Senior Capstone Seminar2 creditsPrerequisite: Senior StandingA retrospective of each student’s experiences as a biology major that encourages students to make the connections among the various areas of biology, to reflect upon opportunities and personal pathways through the biology major, and to link their past experiences to future endeavors. Students complete reading and writing assignments and are required to complete the Mean Field Aptitude test. Course fee.
-
BIO499.Biology Independent Study1 creditPrerequisite: PermissionIndividual study of a particular subject in biology of an experimental or analytical nature. It may be a synthetic library analysis at the junior or senior level. Course fee.
-
BIO500.Senior Thesis4 creditsPrerequisite: PermissionIndependent laboratory research of an original problem culminating in a thesis. Course fee.
