Biology

Elementary principles of biology: cell composition, basic genetics, life processes of living organisms, ecological relationships among organisms. Includes plants and animals. Prerequisites: ACT reading score of at least 18 or ACT English score of at least 18 (SAT verbal or writing score of at least 470). If ACT/SAT scores do not satisfy prerequisites then students must successfully complete (C- or better) ENGL 099 before enrolling. Corequisite: BIOL 100L lab, 1 credit hour. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall and Spring.

This is a laboratory-based course designed to reinforces topics presented in the Biology 100 lecture course.  Students will use graphing software, analytical instruments, and laptop computers to perform a variety of experiments and exercises. Corequisite: BIOL 100 lecture, 3 credit hours. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall and Spring.

The first part of a two-course sequence covering topics of biological chemistry, biomolecule structure and function, cell organelles, metabolism, Mendelian and molecular genetics. Prerequisites: ACT reading score of 23 (or analogous SAT verbal score), placement in ENG 101 or higher, OR successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 100. Corequisite: BIOL 111L lab, 1 credit hour. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum Requirement. Fall and Spring

This is a hands-on, interactive course designed to provide students with a basic understanding of fundamental biological concepts and techniques. Students will engage in a variety of laboratory exercises that explore topics such as the scientific method, microscopy, and various molecular and cellular processes. Corequisite: BIOL 111 lecture, 3 credit hours. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall and Spring.

The second part of a two-course sequence covering principles of taxonomy and classification, evolution, comparative survey of major phyla, general anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, and ecology. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 with lab. Corequisite: BIOL 112L lab, 1 credit hour. When taken in sequence with BIOL 111, BIOL 111-112 meet a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall and Spring.

This lab provides students with hands-on activities exploring life diversity, ecology and evolution concepts, microscopes and microbiological techniques, dissection and anatomy, and basic physiological measurements. Students will gain a deeper understanding of these topics and develop basic laboratory techniques. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 with lab. Corequisite: BIOL 112 lecture, 3 credit hour. When taken in sequence with BIOL 111, BIOL 111/L-112/L meet a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall and Spring.

Students will learn the basics of gross anatomy of the following systems: skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. Lectures meet two times per week via Canvas live lectures. Corequisite: BIOL-115L lab, 1 credit hour. Fall and Spring.

Students will learn the gross anatomy of the following systems: skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive through the use of prosected cadavers. Students will attend one 1.5 hour lab per week at the DCOM medical school. Corequisite: BIOL-115 lecture, 3 credit hour. Fall and Spring.

This course offers the student interested in a career in the health care professions exposure to various topics and speakers relevant to different health care fields. Students will explore various health care careers through professional guest speakers and reflective assignments where they explore their values and interests as compared to possible health care career paths. Fall and Spring.

This course addresses the field of ethics in biological research. The course will use discussion, readings, and debate to investigate the values, politics, and standards of biological research. The course will introduce students to the philosophy of scientific ethics and modern debate. Topics covered in the course will include animal and human autonomy in research and dissection, handling and collection ethics, invasive vs. noninvasive techniques, as well as land and ecosystem conservation ethics. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Spring

The microbial world: emphasis on techniques of studying microbes, isolation and identification of bacteria, and modern methods of molecular techniques used in the study of microbes. Corequisite: BIOL 230L lab, 1 credit hour. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall and Spring.

This course will introduce students to basic hands-on laboratory skills in microbiology with an emphasis on medical related techniques.  The course will cover essential techniques commonly used in microbiology laboratories including microscopy, bacterial isolation, serial dilutions, control of microbial growth, and antibiotic sensitivity. Corequisite: BIOL-230 lecture, 3 credit hours. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall and Spring.

This course is the first of a two-semester sequence of courses addressing the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis. Emphasis will be given to aspects relevant to medical science. The first semester will focus on anatomical terminology and the anatomy and physiology of cells with relevant biochemistry, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Corequisite: BIOL 261L lab, 1 credit hour. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall.

This course is the first of a two-semester sequence of courses addressing the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis. Emphasis will be given to aspects relevant to medical science. The first semester will utilize mammalian dissections, physiological experiments, histological preparations, skeletal and muscular models, and physiological experiments to understand human anatomy. Corequisite: BIOL 261 lecture, 3 credit hours. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Fall.

This course is the second of a two-semester sequence of courses addressing the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis. Emphasis will be given to aspects relevant to medical science. The second semester will focus on endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. The final topic will be discussion of the application of both semesters’ topics in the context of human disease. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 261 and BIOL 261L Lab. Corequisite: BIOL 262L lab, 1 credit hour. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Spring

This course is the second of a two-semester sequence of courses addressing the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis. Emphasis will be given to aspects relevant to medical science. The second semester will utilize mammalian dissections, physiological experiments, histological preparations, organ models, and physiological experiments to understand human anatomy. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 261 and BIOL 261L lab. Corequisite: BIOL 262 lecture, 3 credit hours. This course meets a General Education Core Curriculum requirement. Spring.

This course examines scientific writing and communication for proposals, papers, and posters in the life sciences. Students will examine modern scientific writing, how it differs among scientific fields, and provide weekly critiques of current scientific literature. Pre or Corequisite: ENGL 102. Fall and Spring.

In this course, students will examine the requirements and application processes for a variety of health care careers. Topics will include examining core competencies related to health professions, avenues of application, professionalism, personal statements, mock interviews, and developing an academic plan. Guest speakers of current professional students and admissions officers will help students explore the processes. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL-194. Fall and Spring.

This course focuses on understanding the similarities and differences in the anatomical structure of vertebrates. Emphasis will be given to the human body’s form and function with comparison to that of other vertebrates in an evolutionary and environmental context. The topics of vertebrate radiations and developmental anatomy; tissue; the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, excretory, reproductive, and nervous systems; and sensory apparatuses will be discussed. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs, CHEM 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 310L lab, 1 credit hour. Fall. 

This course focuses on understanding the similarities and differences in the anatomical structures of vertebrates. Emphasis will be given to the human body’s form and function with comparison to that of other vertebrates in an evolutionary and environmental context. These connections will be demonstrated through dissection of representative vertebrate specimens (cat, dog, fish, cow, sheep) in conjunction with human models. The topics of the skeletal, muscular, digestive, excretory, reproductive, and nervous systems, and sensory apparatuses will be discussed. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs and CHEM 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 310 lecture, 3 credit hours. Fall.

Focuses on providing students with a deeper understanding of molecular principles and processes of heredity. Through lecture, case studies, and hands-on activities students will explore gene structure, expression, and regulation; chromosome organization and replication; mutations and DNA repair; and advances in biotechnology. Additionally, Mendelian, non-Mendelian heredity, and population genetics are studied within a molecular context. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs and CHEM 111 with lab. Corequisite: BIOL 315L lab, 1 credit hour. Fall and Spring.

Through scientific inquiry in a partial course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) students will learn basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis. Students will gain an understanding of the use of model organisms to conduct various experimental lab work including genetic crosses. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs and CHEM 111 with lab. Corequisite: BIOL 315 lecture, 3 credit hours. Fall and Spring.

This course examines the anatomy, physiology, reproduction, ecology, and evolutionary history of plants and non-plant organisms traditionally included in "botany" (fungi and photosynthetic eukaryotes and prokaryotes). Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 320L lab, 1 credit hour. Spring.

This course is a field-based laboratory with a focus on the vegetative community and the assessment of its components. Food preference, species richness, and point-center-quarter method of vegetative assessment procedures are some of the primary topics covered in the laboratory. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 320 lecture, 3 credit hours. Spring.

This course will teach students the characteristics of plant families, botanical terms, dissection techniques, and how to use floral keys and other resources to identify plants. While angiosperms will be the primary focus, gymnosperms and seedless vascular plants will also be examined. Particular focus will be on local flora and plants of the southeastern U.S. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 330L lab, 1 credit hour. Fall.

Students will use field and taxonomic keys to identify plants using a dissecting microscope. Labs will include field trips (on and off campus), specimen collecting, identifying plants to the species level, and the compiling of an herbarium. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 330 lecture, 3 credit hours. Fall.

This course will expose the student to example techniques for typical tissue fixation and staining as well as require identification of general and specific types of tissue. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 310 with lab. Spring.

A detailed study of the morphology, physiology, and taxonomy of microorganisms. Topics will include a survey of microorganisms and viruses, in-depth focus on prokaryotic genetics and physiology, anti-microbial methods and strategies, host-parasite interactions, microbial diseases as well as applied and environmental aspects. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs and CHEM 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 336L lab, 1 credit hour. Spring.

Laboratory investigations will focus on culturing from multiple sources, techniques for the isolation and identification of major groups of microorganisms, safe handling of bacteria and aseptic practices, and medical diagnostic techniques. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs and CHEM 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 336 lecture, 3 credit hour. Spring.

Survey and comparative studies of the morphology, physiology, and ecology of representative invertebrates. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 340L lab, 1 credit hour. Fall

Taxonomic survey of invertebrate biodiversity through a comparative study of invertebrate phylogeny, morphology, and ecology through laboratory and field activities involving representative invertebrates. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 340 lecture, 3 credit hours. Fall odd years.

This course introduces the major patterns of diversity among insects and related taxa and provides a foundation for their taxonomy and classification. Through integrated lecture, laboratory, and field experiences, we explore basic biology, natural history, evolution, and ecology of insects as well as the relationships between structure and function across various insect groups. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 370 with lab. Fall even years.

Principles of inflammation, infection, and immunity in the human organism. Immunoglobulin and blood cell structure; theories of formation, function, and cell cooperation in the immune mechanisms; abnormalities of the immune system. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and112 with labs and CHEM 111 and112 with labs. Fall

This course emphasizes the functions of human physiology and cellular metabolism. The course will cover the regulation and maintenance of homeostasis. It will also cover the major body systems, their functions, and their physiological interactions. The course will provide an in-depth review of the physiology of cardiovascular conduction, oxygen and carbon dioxide metabolism in respiratory and circulatory systems; ion regulation and urinary systems; digestive systems and digestive enzyme functions; and the nervous system and cellular conduction. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 310 with lab. Corequisite: BIOL 365L lab, 1 credit hour. Spring.

In this lab course, experiments will be designed and performed to demonstrate principles of the physiology discussed in lecture. Emphasis will be placed on human physiology systems. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 310 with lab. Corequisite: BIOL 365 lecture, 3 credit hours. Spring.

The course examines organisms and their abiotic and biotic interactions in natural and human-impacted environments. The importance of temperature, water, and energy are evaluated in the context of physiology and how this impacts distribution patterns. The effects of competition, predation, herbivory, parasitism, mutualism and commensalism on population and community dynamics are examined in detail. An ecosystems approach is explored and discussed in terms of conservation and natural resource management. The significance of evolutionary processes and life history are explored throughout the semester. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite:  BIOL 370L lab, 1 credit hour. Fall.

The lab explores organisms and their interactions in natural and human-impacted environments. Through a combination of lab, field, and computer-based activities, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of ecological applications. Activities involve grant writing, study design, presentation skills, data collection techniques, phylogenetics and software, population estimation methods, ecological modeling, spatial analysis, and community ecology. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Corequisite: BIOL 370 lecture, 3 credit hours. Fall.

Builds on students’ understanding of scientific research methodologies and statistical analysis techniques. Explores concepts from scientific epistemology, epidemiology, and conservation biology. Utilizing a combination of lectures, readings, discussions, and practical activities, students will have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to critically analyze scientific literature, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and present research findings. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of MATH 270 and BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Fall and Spring.

Junior pre-health students will gain an understanding of a biomedical topic through the critical analysis of a peer-reviewed published meta-analysis journal article. Students will work with a faculty mentor to develop an analysis of the article. The critique will be summarized and presented in both written and oral forms as part of the university SEWS requirement. Prerequisites: BIOL pre-health major. Successful completion (C- or better) of ENGL 102 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL 387X. Fall and Spring.

This zero credit hour section complements BIOL 387 in which students conduct a critical analysis of a peer-reviewed meta-analysis journal article. Students work with a faculty member to better understand the article and present their analysis in both written and oral formats. This section satisfies the university SEWS requirement. Prerequisite: BIOL pre-health major. Successful completion (C- or better) of ENGL 102 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL 387. Fall and Spring.

Contact professor for specific course description.

Students identify a faculty mentor and work with them to develop a proposal for a field or laboratory based research project. Class meetings discuss the writing of an introduction including a research statement and hypothesis, methods, and anticipated results sections appropriate for a professional scientific manuscript. Professional development topics such as seeking internships, writing resumes, and mock interviews are discussed. Students present their proposal as a written paper and a poster presentation as part of the university SEWS requirement. Corequisite: BIOL397X. Fall and Spring.

This zero credit hour section complements BIOL 397 in which students develop a field or laboratory-based research proposal. Students work with a faculty mentor to develop a research statement, hypothesis, methods, and anticipated results. The proposal is presented as a written paper and poster presentation. This section satisfies the university SEWS requirement. Corequisite: BIOL 397. Fall and Spring.

Evolutionary relationships of taxonomy, embryology, comparative anatomy, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, and geology. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs. Spring odd years.

This course is an intensive undergraduate treatment of focused portions of human gross anatomy with a portion of the course utilizing prosected cadavers. Some human histology and radiology will also be incorporated. Prerequisites: Successful completion (B- or better) of BIOL 310 with lab AND consent of instructor. Spring.

This course will explore contemporary issues in microbiology. Topics may include the microbial pathogenesis and clinical presentation of infectious diseases; microbial food safety; environmental microbiology; or other relevant topics. General information will be presented prior to engaging in in-depth class discussion and analysis. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs and CHEM 111 and 112 with labs. Fall.

The first part of a two-course sequence covering topics of thermodynamics, in-depth structure and function of proteins, catalysis, and metabolism of carbohydrates. This includes in-depth treatment of oxidative- and photo-phosphorylation. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 and 112 with labs and CHEM 221 and 222 with labs. Fall.

The second part of a two-course sequence covering metabolism of lipids, metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds, and nucleic acid structure, metabolism, and function. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 441. Corequisite BIOL 442L lab, 1 credit hour. Spring.

This lab equips students with essential techniques in modern biochemistry. Emphasis is placed on recombinant protein expression from bacterial systems, protein purification and identification, nucleic acid handling, and spectrophotometry. Students will gain hands-on experience in proper laboratory practices. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 441. Corequisite: BIOL 442 lecture, 3 credit hours. Spring.

An advanced molecular study of cell structure and function focused on eukaryotic models. In-depth study and connection of material will be the focus of the course while covering topics such as structure and function of cell organelles, gene expression and regulation, the cell cycle, apoptosis, cell junctions, and cell-cell communication. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 315 and lab. Spring.

This course focuses on human development from gametogenesis and fertilization to birth. The first section of the course covers developmental processes and early development of the embryo and fetus. The second section of the course emphasizes organ system development. Both sections will incorporate developmental genetics and clinical case vignettes to explain normal and abnormal development. Emphasis is placed on anatomical change with some discussion of developmental mechanisms and physiology. This in-depth look at human development and embryology will provide a better understanding of adult anatomy. Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 310 with lab and BIOL 315 with lab. Fall.

Students conducting an approved laboratory or field research project in the life sciences under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The student is required to complete 30 hours of work for each credit hour enrolled. The course may be repeated for a maximum 6 total credit hours toward degree requirements. Prerequisite: Consent of faculty mentor. Fall/Spring/Summer.

Senior pre-health students will develop a paper based research project to investigate a biomedical related topic of their choosing. Students will create a research statement, identify peer-reviewed publications related to their topic, and conduct a mini meta-analysis. Major findings will be presented in both written and oral forms as part of the university SEWS requirement. Prerequisites: BIOL pre-health major and successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 387. Corequisites: BIOL 487Z. Fall and Spring.

A zero credit section for senior pre-health students enrolled in BIOL 487. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students will create a research statement, identify peer-reviewed publications related to their topic, and conduct a mini meta-analysis. Major findings will be presented in both written and oral forms. This section serves as the university SEWS requirement. Prerequisites: BIOL pre-health major and successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 387. Corequisites: BIOL 487. Fall and Spring.

A Special Topic course (195, 295, 395, 495) is a limited time offering, by an Academic Department, of a course not listed in the undergraduate catalog. Special Topic courses are designed and offered by full-time faculty members and provide an opportunity to (a) offer a course that addresses a recently emerging issue, (b) pilot a course before submission for approval as a regular offering in the undergraduate programs course catalog, and/or (c) provide a limited offering of a topical course to enrich and expand offerings based on current student and faculty interest. Special Topic courses must be approved by (a) the department chair and (b) the school Dean. The Course Approval Form documenting departmental and school approval, as well as the course syllabus, will be archived in the Dean’s Office. Special Topic courses cannot be used as course equivalent substitutions for satisfying LMU’s General Education Core Curriculum requirements. The Department Chair can approve a Special Topic course as an elective toward a major. A Special Topic course can be taught as many as three times before it must be submitted to Academic Council for consideration as a regular course offering to be published in the Undergraduate Programs Catalog.

Students enroll in this seminar at the completion of their proposed field or laboratory based research project that was developed in BIOL 397 and conducted under the supervision of their faculty mentor. Class meetings discuss the writing of the results and discussion sections appropriate for a professional scientific manuscript. Professional development topics such as seeking internships, obtaining employment, applying to graduate/professional school, writing resumes, and mock interviews are discussed. Students present their findings as a written paper and an oral presentation as part of the university SEWS requirement. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 397. Corequisite: BIOL 497Z. Fall and Spring.

A zero credit hour course in which students enroll as part of BIOL 497. Students enroll in this seminar at the completion of their proposed field or laboratory based research project that was developed in BIOL 397 and conducted under the supervision of their faculty mentor. Students work with the faculty mentor to present their findings as a written paper and an oral presentation. This fulfills the university SEWS requirement. Prerequisites: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 397. Corequisite: BIOL 497. Fall and Spring.

Staff/apprentice work experience at an approved business/agency directly related to biology. Each credit hour earned requires 60 hours of logged, on-duty work. The student must submit a written report or journal at the conclusion of the internship. The internship is monitored and evaluated by a faculty sponsor, in verification and close consultation with the supervising representative of the business/ agency. (Lincoln Memorial University retains ultimate control and supervision of the internship.) Prerequisites: at least Junior classification and approval of the Department Chair. Fall, Spring, Summer as needed.