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Biology

Mr. Edwin Bessler, chairman
Dr. Rose Cerroni
Dr. Winifred Dickinson
Mr. Raymond Petrilla

Are science and faith at odds? At Franciscan University we believe they go together. We rigorously emphasize your development as a critical thinker while encouraging reverence for the Creator of all things. Our Biology Program provides an excellent preparation for a career in medicine, dentistry, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and optometry. Small class sizes allow easy access to state of-the-art equipment and professors who care about your professional and personal development.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology

(Program of Study)

FRESHMAN YEAR

First Semester

Bio 122 General Botany 4
Chm 111 Intro. Chemistry I 4
Mth 160 Precalculus 3
Social Science Core 3
Communications Core 3

Second Semester

Bio 123 General Zoology 4
Chm 112 Intro. Chemistry II 4
Mth 161 Analytic Geom/Calc. I 4
Social Science Core 3

SOPHOMORE YEAR

First Semester

Bio 229 Developmental Anatomy 4
Chm 203 Organic Chemistry I 4
Elem. Foreign Lang. or Elective 3
Humanities Core (History) 3
Theology Core 3

Second Semester

Bio 230 Comparative Anatomy 4
Chm 204 Organic Chemistry II 4
Elem. Foreign Lang. or Electiv
Theology Core 3

JUNIOR YEAR

First Semester

Biology Elective 3
Interm. Foreign Lang. Req. 3
Phy 201 General Physics I 4
Humanities Core (Literature) 3
Elective 3

Second Semester

Bio 405 Genetics 3
Chm 225 Quantitative Analysis 4
Interm. Foreign Lang. Req. 3
Phy 202 General Physics II 4
Humanities Core (Philosophy) 3

SENIOR YEAR

First Semester

Bio 426 Cell Physiology 4
Bio 435 Coordinating Seminar 1
Humanities Core 3
Electives 6

Second Semester

Biology Electives 6
Humanities Core 3
Electives 6

*Chm 225 is an elective course. The department advises election at this point.

**Electives are to be chosen with the guidance of the student's departmental advisor.

Biology Major Requirements

Bio 122, 123, 229, 230, 405, 426, 435, and 3 upper-level biology electives; Chm 111, 112, 203, 204; Mth 160 and 161; Phy 201 and 202; and 6 credits of intermediate-level foreign language.

Biology Minor

18 credit hours with minimum of 9 credit hours in 200-400 level biology courses. Bio 106 is excluded.

COURSES

BIO 106

SURVEY OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE is designed to train students in observing biological principles involved in the organization of living things around them. The conservation of natural resources is stressed. Not for credit in Biology major. (Natural Science Core)

3 credit hours

BIO 122

GENERAL BOTANY provides a comprehensive survey, ranging from the giant redwood trees to the molds that spoil the bread or flavor the cheese to the plants that supply vitamins and antibiotics, conserve water and soil, and provide food and clothing. This course deals with what plants are and how they accomplish these things. 3 lectures and 3 laboratory hours per week. (Natural Science Core)

4 credit hours

BIO 123

GENERAL ZOOLOGY investigates the classification, functions, and relationships of animals along with their basic biological problems to survive and perpetuate their kind. 3 lectures and 3 laboratory hours per week. (Natural Science Core)

4 credit hours

BIO 133

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I focuses on the normal structure and function of cells, tissues, skin, skeleton, and the muscular, digestive, and respiratory systems of the body. This course is designed to meet the needs of those students majoring in Nursing, Psychology, Mental Health, and Social Work. 2 lectures and 2 laboratory hours per week. Not for credit in Biology major. (Natural Science Core)

3 credit hours

BIO 134

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II is the sequel to Bio 133. It is devoted to an in-depth study of the circulatory, nervous, sensory, endocrine, excretory, and reproductive systems of the human body. This course is designed for Nursing, Psychology, Mental Health, and Social Work majors. 2 lectures and 2 laboratory hours per week. Not for credit in Biology major. (Natural Science Core)

Prerequisite: Bio 133 3 credit hours

BIO 203

HUMAN EMBRYOLOGY focuses on the events from fertilization to birth. Special attention is given to the event of fertilization, the first eight weeks of development, development and function of the placenta, fetal circulation, the hormonal control of ovulation and pregnancy, parturition, anomalies of development, and infertility. Not for credit in Biology major. (Natural Science Core)

3 credit hours

BIO 204

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY deals with disruptions of normal physiology and with the ways and processes in which these disruptions are exhibited as symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings. 3 lectures per week. Not for credit in Biology major.

Prerequisites: Bio 133-134; Chm 114 3 credit hours

BIO 215

NUTRITION discusses the principles of nutrition as they apply to the needs of normal persons of all ages and to the more specific needs of those individuals requiring dietary therapy. The relation of diet care to total nursing care is stressed. Emphasis is placed on the application of the principles of good nutrition in the maintenance and improvement of one's own health and that of others. This course is designated for Nursing majors. Not for credit in Biology major.

Prerequisite: Chm 111 or Chm 114 3 credit hours

BIO 217

MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY introduces nursing and allied health students to the basic concepts of microbiology, as well as the role of microorganisms in health and human disease and host immune responses to infection. 3 lectures and 4 laboratory hours per week. Not for credit in Biology major.

Prerequisites: Bio 133-134; Chm 114 4 credit hours

BIO 229

DEVELOPMENTAL ANATOMY carefully follows the progress of a fertilized egg to a completely formed frog, chick, and pig, in order to appreciate the similarities, and yet unique differences of our backboned fauna. The course fosters a heavily descriptive approach to the early beginnings of vertebrate life interspersed with significant experimental findings about the knitting together of an embryo.
3 lectures and 4 laboratory hours per week.

Prerequisite: Bio 123 4 credit hours

BIO 230

COMPARATIVE ANATOMY studies the skeletons, muscles, blood vessels, and all other body systems to gain a vast knowledge and awesome appreciation of structures found in the major groups of adult vertebrates. This rigorous course sets the anatomical groundwork for both professional and graduate schools. 3 lectures and 4 laboratory hours per week.

Prerequisite: Bio 123 4 credit hours

BIO 235

FIELD BIOLOGY extends the science laboratory to the out-of-doors, permitting the student to study animals and plants as they occur in nature. Field trips are included. 1 lecture and 6 laboratory hours per week.

Prerequisites: Bio 122, 123 3 credit hours

BIO 236

CONCEPTS OF ECOLOGY presents the key concepts and principles about the relationships between organisms and their environment. Particular emphasis is devoted to the conservation of our natural resources. This format fosters a greater appreciation and understanding of man's dependency upon other flora and fauna.

Prerequisites: Bio 122, 123 or Bio 106 3 credit hours

BIO 306

BIOPHYSICS is an introduction to biological and medical physics. It is also a survey of the application of physical principles as applied to biology.

Prerequisites: Bio 123; Chm 111-112; Phy 201 3 credit hours

BIO 308

MICROTECHNIQUE acquaints the student with the theory and methods of preparing specimens for microscopic study. 1 lecture and 6 laboratory hours per week.

Prerequisites: Bio 122, 123 3 credit hours

BIO 310

BIOCHEMISTRY deals with the chemico-physical aspects of biological systems as they relate to the structure, function, and regulation of biological processes and organisms. Relationships between the structure and functions of water and of each of the classes of biomolecules will be considered. An overview of metabolism precedes discussion of the major metabolic pathways.

Prerequisites: 6 credits in biology; Chm 204 3 credit hours

BIO 333

MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY studies those microbes that are too small to be seen by the human eye. While some microbes are beneficial to man, others are harmful. Consideration is given to their significance in the living world, medicine, health, our daily lives, and industry. Basic immunology is included in this course. 3 lectures and 4 laboratory hours per week. A previous year of chemistry is recommended.

Prerequisites: Bio 122, 123 4 credit hours

Corequisite: Chm 203

BIO 404

SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN BIOLOGY challenges the senior Biology major with a good scholastic record to pursue original investigations. Students are required to apply the scientific method to some biological problem of their own choosing. The problem and the amount of credit must be approved by the department.

variable credits

BIO 405

GENETICS investigates the inheritance of genetic traits, which has puzzled mankind for centuries. Over 100 years ago an Augustinian monk, Gregor Mendel, working with pea plants, uncovered the basic laws that govern inheritance in all living things. The study of these laws, their application, and their physical and chemical basis are the subject matter of this course. 3 lectures per week.

Prerequisites: Bio 122, 123 3 credit hours

BIO 426

CELL PHYSIOLOGY analyzes the tiny units that make up all living things. A close look and study of life at this level results in a better understanding of such phenomena as growth, movement, respiration, and related topics. 3 lectures and
4 laboratory hours per week.

Prerequisites: Bio 230; Chm 203-204 4 credit hours

BIO 427

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY presents an understanding of the biological, chemical, and physical functioning of the human body. 3 lectures and 4 laboratory hours per week.

Prerequisites: Bio 230; Chm 203-204 4 credit hours

BIO 435

COORDINATING SEMINAR keeps the student majoring in Biology abreast of current developments in the field, as well as illustrating the impact of modern research upon various related fields. This is done through reading, reporting, and discussing selected topics. 1 meeting per week.

1 credit hour