Academic Catalog

Biology (BIO)

BIO-110  INTRO TO BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE  (3 Credits)  
An introductory course in Biology in which plants and animals are used to illustrate basic biological principles. The course will examine the relationships among living organisms, including man, and their environment. It is designed to increase student awareness and appreciation of organisms in nature as well as the natural history of selected plants and animals.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-112 concurrently  
BIO-111  INTRO TO BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE  (4 Credits)  
An introductory course in Biology in which plants and animals are used to illustrate basic biological principles. The course will examine the relationships among living organisms, including man, and their environment. It is designed to increase student awareness and appreciation of organisms in nature as well as the natural history of selected plants and animals. The laboratory includes the identification of common organisms living in West Michigan during field trips. This course is for non-science majors and minors and satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: None  
BIO-112  INTRO TO BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE LAB  (1 Credit)  
An introductory course in Biology in which plants and animals are used to illustrate basic biological principles. The course will examine the relationships among living organisms, including man, and their environment. It is designed to increase student awareness and appreciation of organisms in nature as well as the natural history of selected plants and animals.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-110 concurrently  
BIO-121  BIOSTATISTICS  (3 Credits)  
This course teaches the statistical methods and principles of biostatistics. Students will learn to use the statistical program R to understand, interpret, and analyze data used in the biological sciences.
Prerequisite: Complete math core  
BIO-151  GENERAL BIOLOGY  (4 Credits)  
This course is designed to provide a natural science foundation for all science majors and minors. Foundational concepts in cell biology/chemistry, genetics (classical and molecular) and microbiology will be stressed in both lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: None  
BIO-153  GENERAL BIOLOGY I: GENETICS & CELL BIOL  (3 Credits)  
This lecture course introduces biology majors to the molecular and cellular foundations of life. Topics include biomolecules, cell structure and function, metabolism, photosynthesis and respiration, cell division, inheritance, embryogenesis, gene expression, signal transduction and basic genetic technologies. Emphasis is placed on core biological concepts and scientific reasoning. The course integrates a Christian worldview by examining the order and complexity of cellular systems as reflections of God's design and by encouraging ethical consideration of genetic research and scientific responsibility.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-155 concurrently  
BIO-154  GENERAL BIOLOGY II: BIODIV, TAXO, ECOLO  (3 Credits)  
This course examines the diversity of life with an emphasis on plant and animal taxonomy, ecological relationships, population biology, community interactions, and ecosystem processes. Students explore patterns of biological diversity and the principles governing organismal and ecological relationships. The lecture integrates a Christian worldview by emphasizing creation care, biodiversity stewardship, and ethical responsibility in understanding and managing God's creation.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-156 concurrently  
BIO-155  GENERAL BIOLOGY I: GEN/CELL BIO LAB  (1 Credit)  
The laboratory course provides hands-on investigation of cellular and genetic principles introduced in lecture. Students conduct experiments involving biomolecules, enzymes, membranes, metabolism, cell division, and inheritance using modern laboratory techniques. Emphasis is placed on experimental design, data collection, analysis, and scientific communication. The laboratory reinforces a Christian worldview through ethical research practices, care for living systems, and responsible stewardship of scientific inquiry.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-153 concurrently  
BIO-156  GENERAL BIOLOGY II: BIODIV/TAX/ECO LAB  (1 Credit)  
The laboratory component emphasizes hands-on investigation of biological diversity and ecological systems through field experiences and experimental study. Students engage in organism identification, taxonomic analysis, ecological sampling, and data-driven experimentation in both natural and controlled environments. Fieldwork and laboratory exercises develop skills in observation, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and scientific communication while reinforcing a Christian commitment to stewardship, responsible research practices, and care for the natural world.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-154 concurrently  
BIO-161  HUMAN BIOLOGY  (4 Credits)  
This course includes examination of the structure and function of the human body with special emphasis on disease process as it relates to dysfunction along with practical applications for a lifestyle of healthful living. Emphasis is placed upon cell biology, tissues and various systems of the body including integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems. This general survey course fulfills the science core requirements for a lab science and is open to students desiring basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: None  
BIO-162  HUMAN BIOLOGY  (3 Credits)  
This course includes examination of the structure and function of the human body with special emphasis on disease process as it relates to dysfunction along with practical applications for a lifestyle of healthful living. Emphasis is placed upon cell biology, tissues and various systems of the body including integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems. This general survey course fulfills the science core requirements for a lab science and is open to students desiring basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-163 concurrently  
BIO-163  HUMAN BIOLOGY LAB  (1 Credit)  
Laboratory experiences focusing on practical application of principles of human biology. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-162 concurrently  
BIO-171  INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY  (4 Credits)  
This course will provide students with an introduction to the microbial world. The lectures cover topics including microbial growth and metabolism, microbial diversity, ecology, and a survey of common diseases and control mechanisms. The laboratory sessions introduce proper culture and identification, microscopy, aseptic transfer, and medical tests involving microorganism. Lecture and lab. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: None  
BIO-172  INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY  (3 Credits)  
This course will provide students with an introduction to the microbial world. The lectures cover topics including microbial growth and metabolism, microbial diversity, ecology, and a survey of common diseases and control mechanisms.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-173 concurrently  
BIO-173  INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY LAB  (1 Credit)  
Laboratory sessions introduce proper culture and identification, microscopy, aseptic transfer, and medical tests involving microorganism. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-172 concurrently  
BIO-225  BOTANY  (4 Credits)  
Studies basic plant science, including the structure, reproduction, and ecological relationships among plants. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-111 or BIO-151  
BIO-226  BOTANY  (3 Credits)  
Studies basic plant science, including the structure, reproduction, and ecological relationships among plants.
Prerequisite: BIO-110 and BIO-112 or BIO-153 and BIO-155, Take BIO-227 concurrently  
BIO-227  BOTANY LAB  (1 Credit)  
Field studies and laboratory experiences based on the structure, reproduction and ecological relationships among plants. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-111 or BIO-151, Take BIO-226 concurrently  
BIO-233  ZOOLOGY  (4 Credits)  
Introduction to the basic principles of zoology, including development, distinguishing characteristics and interactions of the major animal kinds, with special emphasis on the invertebrates. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-111 or BIO-151  
BIO-234  ZOOLOGY  (3 Credits)  
Introduction to the basic principles of zoology, including development, distinguishing characteristics and interactions of the major animal kinds, with special emphasis on the invertebrates.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-110, BIO-112 or BIO-153, BIO-155, Take BIO-235 concurrently  
BIO-235  ZOOLOGY LAB  (1 Credit)  
Field and Laboratory studies based on the principles of zoology, major animal kinds and field techniques. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-234 concurrently  
BIO-241  ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I  (4 Credits)  
A systems approach to the structure and function of the human body with special emphasis on disease process as it relates to dysfunction along with practical applications for a life-style of healthful living. Includes integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Laboratory experiences will use microscopic and lab animal investigation. Stresses the homeostatic function and intricacy of the body and its analogies to the Body of Christ, the Church. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: None  
BIO-242  ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II  (4 Credits)  
A systems approach to the structure and function of the human body with special emphasis on disease process as it relates to dysfunction, along with practical applications for a life-style of healthful living. Includes cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory experiences will use microscopic and lab animal investigation. Stresses the homeostatic function and intricacy of the body and its analogies to the Body of Christ, the Church. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science. Lab fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-241, C- or higher  
BIO-243  ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I  (3 Credits)  
A systems approach to the structure and function of the human body with special emphasis on disease process as it relates to dysfunction along with practical applications for a life-style of healthful living. Includes integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-245 concurrently  
BIO-244  ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II  (3 Credits)  
A systems approach to the structure and function of the human body with special emphasis on disease process as it relates to dysfunction, along with practical applications for a life-style of healthful living. Includes cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary, and reproductive systems.
Prerequisite: BIO-243 and BIO-245, C- or higher, Take BIO-246 concurrently  
BIO-245  ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I LAB  (1 Credit)  
Laboratory experiences will use microscopic and lab animal investigation. Stresses the homeostatic function and intricacy of the body and its analogies to the Body of Christ, the Church. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-243 concurrently  
BIO-246  ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II LAB  (1 Credit)  
Laboratory experiences will use microscopic and lab animal investigation. Stresses the homeostatic function and intricacy of the body and its analogies to the Body of Christ, the Church. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-241, C- or higher, Take BIO-244 concurrently  
BIO-331  ORNITHOLOGY  (4 Credits)  
Study of bird anatomy, behavior, life cycles, migration, distribution, and economic relations. Field work is concerned with identification by sight and song and observing the habitat requirements of each species. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: None  
BIO-347  INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITION  (3 Credits)  
This course is designed to study foods and their effects upon health, development, and performance of the human body. Students will develop an understanding of healthful and performance nutrition as it relates to optimal health and physical performance. Also, students will study energy pathways in the body and the six basic nutrients related to performance. Additionally, students will investigate body composition and weight control.
Prerequisite: None  
BIO-351  GENETICS  (4 Credits)  
A study of classical Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, genomes and developmental genetics, as well as the current molecular basis of gene expression. Lab investigations include inherited traits studied with fruit flies and corn. Lab experience includes modern techniques in molecular genetic analysis, PCR, gel electrophoresis, transformation and cloning. Ethical issues will also be considered. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-151  
BIO-352  MICROBIOLOGY  (4 Credits)  
A survey study of the structure and function of micro-organisms, with an emphasis on bacteria. Lab included basic techniques in the isolation, identification and culture of micro-organisms. Lecture and lab. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-233 or BIO-151  
BIO-353  PATHOPHYSIOLOGY  (3 Credits)  
The Pathophysiology course is designed to promote the understanding and application of fundamental concepts of disease processes. General concepts of disease (e.g. cell injury, inflammation, necrosis, wound healing, immune response, infectious disease, and neoplasia) are discussed. These concepts are then applied in a systems-oriented approach, including the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of the various disease processes.
Prerequisite: BIO-241, BIO-242  
BIO-354  GENETICS  (3 Credits)  
A study of classical Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, genomes and developmental genetics, as well as the current molecular basis of gene expression.
Prerequisite: BIO-153, BIO-155 and BIO-154, BIO-156, Take BIO-355 concurrently  
BIO-355  GENETICS LAB  (1 Credit)  
Lab investigations include inherited traits studied with fruit flies and corn. Lab experience includes modern techniques in molecular genetic analysis, PCR, gel electrophoresis, transformation and cloning. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-151, Take BIO-354 concurrently  
BIO-356  MICROBIOLOGY  (3 Credits)  
A survey study of the structure and function of micro-organisms, with an emphasis on bacteria.
Prerequisite: BIO-153, BIO-155 or BIO-154, BIO-156, Take BIO-357 concurrently  
BIO-357  MICROBIOLOGY LAB  (2 Credits)  
Laboratory for Microbiology focusing on basic techniques in the isolation, identification and culture of micro-organisms. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-233 or BIO-151, Take BIO-356 concurrently  
BIO-400  CAPSTONE SEMINAR: BIOETHICS & ARGUMENT  (3 Credits)  
This course is a senior capstone course for Biology and Pre-Professional Majors, and investigates the ethical and theological issues confronting one choosing a biology-related career. Emphasis will be placed upon constructing a personal, Christian philosophical framework. Students will address these concepts as they investigate and evaluate relevant biological issues.
Prerequisite: None  
BIO-431  VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY  (4 Credits)  
Introduction to the characteristics of the seven classes of vertebrate animals, their structure and life history. Lecture and lab. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-233  
BIO-432  VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY  (3 Credits)  
Introduction to the characteristics of the seven classes of vertebrate animals, their structure and life history.
Prerequisite: BIO-154 and BIO-156, Take BIO-433 concurrently  
BIO-433  VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY LAB  (1 Credit)  
Laboratory and field experiences focused on the ecology, physiology and anatomy of vertebrates, with a special focus on field techniques. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-233, Take BIO-432 concurrently  
BIO-451  MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY  (4 Credits)  
Examines the structure, function, differentiation and reproduction of cells at all levels of organization with special emphasis on current research in oncology, immunology, neurology and embryology. Lab experience includes modern techniques in sterile tissue culture and cell growth as well as some computer graphics. Lecture and lab. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: BIO-351  
BIO-452  MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY  (3 Credits)  
Examines the structure, function, differentiation and reproduction of cells at all levels of organization with special emphasis on current research in oncology, immunology, neurology and embryology.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-354, BIO-355, Take BIO-453 concurrently  
BIO-453  MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY LAB  (2 Credits)  
Lab course includes modern techniques in sterile tissue culture and cell growth as well as some computer graphics. Course fee applied.
Prerequisite: Take BIO-452 concurrently  
BIO-480  SPECIAL TOPICS BIOLOGY  (1-3 Credits)  
Prerequisite: None