Courses

The Department of Biology offers courses designed to give the student a broad foundation in the principles of biology and a familiarity with current problems in specific subdisciplines of biology. The approach taken by the Department is to explore a Christian interpretation of the scientific facts and theories of life processes, emphasizing the harmony of such theories
with a biblically based world view.

The Biology Department, in cooperation with the Chemistry Department, offers pre-professional training for students interested in a career as a dentist, physician, medical technologist, nurse, optometrist, pharmacist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician assistant, public health worker, and veterinarian. Graduates of the Biology Department may look forward to careers in a number of fields including teaching, research, bioethics, biotechnology, field biology/naturalist area, camp and recreation, missions, and government service. The curriculum includes courses normally required for admission to graduate schools. Any of the degree options can be combined with a minor in Education to prepare for alternative secondary teaching certification.

BIO 1003 Biological Science - Three hours
An introductory survey of biology designed for liberal arts students who are not majoring in the sciences. Topics addressed include genetics, evolution, biotechnology, biodiversity, and ecology, with emphasis on current issues. Laboratory experiences emphasize the scientific method and biological processes. Two hours lecturediscussion and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Offered each semester

BIO 1093H Honors: Biological Science - Three hours
A consideration of the fundamental principles of biology with an emphasis on ecological associations, biotechnical applications, genetics, and evolution. Prerequisites: admission to the honors program or permission of the Honors Committee
Offered spring semester

BIO 1124 Cell Biology - Four hours
An introduction to the study of living systems, beginning with the molecules of life and progressing to cellular and organismic levels of organization. Students are exposed to numerous topics in biochemistry, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, and genetics. Laboratory exercises reinforce concepts and biological processes discussed in the lecture. Three hours lecture-discussion and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Offered fall semester

BIO 1134 Plant Biology - Four hours
An introduction to the study of the plant kingdom, emphasizing adaptive aspects of anatomy, morphology, classification, physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants. Three hours lecture-discussion and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Offered spring semester

BIO 2134 Animal Biology - Four hours
A study of major zoological phyla. Emphasis is placed on anatomical and physiological distinctions of each taxon, as well as classification and interrelationships. Three hours lecture-discussion and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Offered fall semester

BIO 2164 Marine Biology - Four hours
A study of the biological, chemical, and physical processes that promote and maintain marine life, establishing links between marine systems, biological processes, and human activity. The laboratory portion of the course consists of an intensive springbreak study trip to the Florida Keys. Normal tuition does not cover the costs of this trip; an additional fee is associated with this course. Prerequisite: BIO 2134 (or consent of instructor)
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)

BIO 2174 Genetics - Four hours
A study of basic concepts in classical and molecular genetics. Topics include Mendelian inheritance and its variations, linkage, chromosomes, gene mapping, bacterial and viral genetics, extranuclear inheritance, DNA structure and replication, mutation, DNA repair, recombinant DNA technology, genetic code, and gene expression/regulation. Laboratory exercises illustrate principles of inheritance in various biological systems and provide hands-on experience with several recombinant DNA techniques. Three hours lecture-discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 1124
Offered spring semester

BIO 3101 Biology Teaching Practicum - One hour
Practical experience in lab preparation and instruction. Three hours per week. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of instructor. May be repeated once for credit
Offered upon sufficient request

BIO 3114 Ecology - Four hours
A study of the principles of ecology with emphasis on the interrelationships between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments. Prerequisites: BIO 1134, 2134
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)

BIO 3134 Field Botany - Four hours
A study of taxonomy, morphology, and ecology of representatives of the plant kingdom in a laboratory and/or field setting. Three two hour lecture/lab/field periods per week. Prerequisites: BIO 1134
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)

BIO 3174 Molecular Cell Biology - Four hours
An advanced study of structure-function relationships in eukaryotic cells. Emphasis on cell membranes, organelles, protein targeting, secretory pathway, bioenergetics, cytoskeleton, and cell motility. Regulation of the cell cycle, cell signaling, and recognition/adhesion are also examined, particularly as they relate to malignancy. Labs focus on experimental studies of cellular structure and function using techniques of modern cell and molecular biology. Three hours lecture-discussion and one threehour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 2174, CHM 3144
Offered fall semester

BIO 3184 Developmental Biology - Four hours
Development of vertebrates and invertebrates from gametogenesis through organogenesis. Emphasis is on cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in differentiation, morphogenesis, and determination of the body plan. Labs focus on experimentation with living, developing organisms. Three hours lecture-discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 2174; BIO 2134 and 3174 are recommended
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)

BIO 3201 Cadaver Dissection - One hour
A practical study designed for transfer students who have successfully completed a college-level anatomy course that lacked cadaver dissection. Offered concurrently with the BIO 3514 laboratory.
Offered fall semester

BIO 3214 Selected Topics in Environmental Science - Four hours
John Brown University offers a wide variety of environmental and field courses during the summer at Au Sable Institute for Environmental Studies and through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. See departmental advisor for courses offered. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is studied. A maximum of eight hours may be earned toward the major in biology, twelve hours toward the major in environmental science.
Offered summer, Au Sable Institute

BIO 3301 Field Experience - One hour
Experience for Biology, Biochemistry, and Environmental Science majors in their area of interest while they observe a science- or health- related profession in a setting approved by the department. A journal and/or paper is required. Prerequisite: junior standing and approval of major advisor
Offered each semester

BIO 3334 Microbiology - Four hours
A study of the structure, function, control, physiology, and classification of prokaryotes and viruses. Two hours lecture and two two-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites: BIO 1124, CHM 1124
Offered fall semester

BIO 3514 Human Anatomy - Four hours
Description and discussion of basic tissues, organs, and organ systems of the human. The laboratory is a concentrated study of histology and gross human anatomic structure. Analysis of prepared slides, anatomical models, and cadaver dissection are included. Three hours lecture-discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 1124, 2134 (or consent of instructor)
Offered fall semester

BIO 3524 Animal Physiology - Four hours
A detailed study of the basic physiology of vertebrate organisms, including muscle, neural, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive system. Laboratories include surgical procedures and experimental manipulations of live specimens to observe and record various physiological functions. Three hours lecture-discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 1124, 2134, and CHM 1124; BIO 3514 recommended
Offered spring semester

BIO 4103 Bioethics - Three hours
A comparison of secular and Christian approaches to basic ethical issues related to the environment, the treatment of animals, and the practice and distribution of health care. Utilizes a highly interactive format to examine various ethical theories, case studies, and current literature on a number of contemporary issues, with primary focus on biomedical ethics. Three hours of lecture-discussion per week. Prerequisite: junior standing with a major in biology, biochemistry, or environmental science; or consent of instructor.
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)

BIO 4121, 4122, 4123, 4124 Selected Topics in Biology - One to four hours
Topics are chosen from areas of life science such as anatomy, biotechnology, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, genetics, histology, marine biology, microscopy, molecular biology, and physiology. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is studied. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing and consent of instructor.
Offered upon sufficient request

BIO 4220, 4221, 4222, 4223 Biological Research - Zero to three hours
Laboratory-based research projects in an area of biology of interest to the student and supervising faculty. May be repeated for credit, but a maximum of 8 hours may be counted towards a major in Biology or Biochemistry. Prerequisite: consent of instructor
Offered each semester