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Biology: Course Listing 

Chair: Associate Professor Tara Allen
Associate Professor Paul Klawinski
Assistant Professor Scott Falke
Instructor Anne Nickel
Visiting Assistant Professer Jennifer Moody-Weiss
Visiting Assistant Professor Wei Wu, Ph.D. 

Goals for Student Learning

Within an ethical framework that recognizes the important role of science in society, William Jewell College biology, biochemistry and molecular biology majors should be able to:

• understand major concepts in biology,
• critically evaluate information both logically and quantitatively,
• conduct research, and
• communicate scientific information to a diverse audience.

The department offers three majors. Admission into the department requires the completion of three biology classes of at least 4 credit hours each, including BIO 133 and 134 or the equivalent; a GPA minimum of 2.5 in biology and 2.5 overall; and a formal application including a self-assessment form. After admission into the program, students will complete a Senior Thesis. Students must have a G.P.A. minimum of 2.5 in biology and 2.5 overall to begin the project. Students must complete a thesis to graduate with a major in biology. Those who select biology as a second major must complete all requirements for the BA degree.

 The Majors 

Biology

The major in biology leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Upon completion of a biology major, a student will have been exposed to a broad biology background while having had the opportunity to explore specific areas of interest through a senior thesis project. A degree in biology would allow a student career options in such fields as education, research, medicine, biotechnology, conservation, and industry either through immediate entry into the career or further study at the graduate level.

The department also offers opportunities for study outside the traditional major. Those interested in careers in health-related fields may add a pre-physical therapy concentration or earn a BS degree in clinical laboratory science with emphasis in biology. For those interested in applied professions relating to the environment, William Jewell offers a three-two program with Duke University leading to a Master of Forestry degree or a Master of Environmental Management degree. Applicants for this liberal arts/environment program should so indicate at the time of enrollment in college. Details of the program are available in the Biology Department.

Students majoring in biology may receive certification to teach biology in grades 9-12 in the state of Missouri by double majoring in biology and secondary education. Procedures to be followed in obtaining teacher certification are included in the Student Handbook for Teacher Certification. Specific course requirements for all certification programs may be found on check sheets available in the Education Department.

The Core
BIO 133	Evolution and Ecology (4)
BIO 134	Biological Diversity and Design (4)
BIO 135	Introduction to Biological Investigation (1)
BIO 233	Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
BIO 234	Genetics (4)
	17 hours
Required Courses One course from each of the following groupings. Must include at least three 300-400 level courses. BIO 243 Human Anatomy and BIO 250 Human Physiology may not be taken to satisfy the requirements for a biology major.
Botany
BIO 310	Plant Biology (4)
BIO 444	Plant Ecology and Conservation (4)
Zoology
BIO 312	Entomology (4)
BIO 357	Animal Behavior (4)
Cell and Molecular
BIO 321	Microbiology (4)
BIO 351	Cell Physiology (4)
BIO 450	Biochemistry (4)
BIO 452	Molecular Genetics (4)
Field
BIO 309	Conservation Biology (4)
BIO 453	Ecology (4)
Cognate Field Courses
CHE 122	General Chemistry II (4) or equivalent
CHE 301	Organic Chemistry (4) strongly recommended
PHY 111	College Physics (4) or PHY 112 College Physics (4) Two semesters of physics strongly recommended
CTI 103	Math Model Building and Statistics (4) or CTI 104 Statistics and Applied Calculus (4) One semester of calculus strongly recommended

Only grades of C- or higher will be accepted as satisfying the biology major requirements. Transfer students must complete a minimum of twelve hours in biology courses at William Jewell College toward the major. 

Any student in this major must complete all requirements for the BA degree. A grade of C- or higher is required in each course in the major.

The major prepares graduates for employment in sales and marketing in high-technology industries. Graduates of this program have the knowledge and experience needed to understand the manufacture and operation of high-technology products. In addition, they have skills in marketing and organizational behavior that are necessary to operate successfully in the world of business. This proficiency in science and business, when combined with abilities in communication and leadership that are developed through a liberal-arts education, provide the background needed to progress to management-level positions.

Course Descriptions

BIO 126 Introduction to Microbiology (4 cr. hrs.)
The structure, genetics and physiology of both bacteria and viruses will be explored. This basic knowledge will be utilized to understand disease mechanisms using a systems approach that correlates important human diseases with both human organ systems and causative microbial agents. Selected topics in immunology and public heath will complement the course material. The laboratory will introduce the methods used to isolate, culture, stain, visualize, and identify microorganisms. Prerequisite: CHE 113 or and equivalent course.

BIO 133 Evolution and Ecology (4 cr. hrs. )
This is the first of a four-semester introductory sequence of courses for the biology major and introduces students to the topics of evolution and ecology. The principles of ecology are studied from the individual to ecosystem level. The principles of evolution are examined, including macro- and micro-evolutionary processes. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Required of all biology majors. Co-requisite: BIO 135. Fall semester.

BIO 134 Biological Diversity and Design (4 cr. hrs.)
Survey of living organisms, including bacteria, protests, fungi, plants and animals, emphasizing their importance to the biosphere, their ecological niches and the design of their physiological systems. Morphology and physiology will be studied beginning with simple organisms and progressing to more complex ones. Biodiversity will be explored by comparing how phyla in similar habitats adapt to external physiological stresses. With ever-increasing complexity, the design and function of major physiological systems will be examined. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Required of all biology majors. Prerequisites: None. Spring semester.

BIO 135 Introduction to Biological Investigation (1 cr. hr.)
An introduction to skills necessary to be a successful biology major, including computer literacy, library research, scientific writing and keeping laboratory and field notebooks. Research opportunities, both in the department and off-campus through internships, will be discussed, as well as career options in biology. Ethical issues relevant to biological research will be examined. Prerequisite: must be an intended biology major. To be taken concurrently with BIO 133, fall semester.

BIO 233 Cell and Molecular Biology (4 cr. hrs.)
An introduction to the cellular and molecular levels of biological organization. The students will investigate the numerous, complex events which occur in the life of a cell. The structure and function of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells will be explored. This survey includes the principles of bioenergetics, cell metabolism and its regulation, photosynthesis, membrane transport, enzyme catalysis, gene expression, and the cell cycle. The laboratory experience will utilize cellular and molecular biological techniques to explore these concepts further. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Required of all biology majors. Prerequisite: CHE 122 or currently enrolled in CHE 122. Fall semester.

BIO 234 Genetics (4 cr. hrs.)
This course involves the study of classical and population genetics. Classical genetics will include the study of Mendelian genetics, chromosomal and cytogenetics, and quantitative inheritance. Student learning will occur mainly by solving problems, group work and investigative laboratories. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Required of all biology majors. Prerequisites: BIO 233; CTI 103 or equivalent. Spring semester.

BIO 243 Human Anatomy (4 cr. hrs.)
An introduction to the form of the human body. All organ systems will be considered. Some aspects of development of postnatal growth will also be discussed. Does not apply toward a biology major. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Fall semester.

BIO 250 Human Physiology (4 cr. hrs.)
A comprehensive study of organ systems used to maintain a constant internal environment. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Does not apply toward a biology major. Prerequisites: CHE 113 or 121. Spring semester.

BIO 309 Conservation Biology (4 cr. hrs.)
Conservation Biology applies ecological principles to practical issues in the conservation of nature and natural resources. Topics of special interest in conservation biology are species diversity, demography, disturbance, habitat fragmentation, genetics, reserve design, economics, politics, and the role of humans in disturbed ecosystems. Practical application of ecological theory will be stressed in both the lecture portions of the course, as well as in the lab where students will examine habitat fragmentation, resource utilization, species diversity, etc., in the expanding urban landscape of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Prerequisite: BIO 133.

BIO 310 Plant Biology (4 cr. hrs.)
A survey of photosynthetic organisms, including their morphology, physiology, ecology, systematics and economic importance. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Prerequisites: BIO 133, 134. Spring semester of even-numbered years.

BIO 312 Entomology (4 cr. hrs.)
A study of the morphology, life histories, evolution, and ecological and economic significance of the major insect groups. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Prerequisites: BIO 133 and 134. Spring semester of odd-numbered years.

BIO 321 Microbiology (4 cr. hrs.)
Study of the structure, physiology, genetics, taxonomy and ecology of bacteria and viruses, including study of the immune response to those agents. Prerequisites: BIO 233;CHE 122 or currently enrolled in CHE 122. The course includes two laboratory sessions each week. Fall semester of even-numbered years.

BIO 351 Cell Physiology (4 cr. hrs.)
A study of the structure, function, and molecular biology of cells. Will include a discussion of how various cellular events relate to the functioning of the entire organism. This course will discuss membrane structure & function, membrane transport processes, cellular metabolism, and cellular signaling. Prerequisite: BIO 233. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Fall semester of odd-numbered years.

BIO 357 Animal Behavior (4 cr. hrs.)
This course will consider the underlying principles that determine how an animal behaves. Animal behavior will be considered from a variety of perspectives, including: genetic, physiological, evolutionary, and ecological. The course includes one lab period per week. Prerequisites: BIO 133, BIO 134. Spring semester of even-numbered years.

BIO 444 Plant Ecology and Conservation (4 cr. hrs.)
This course will examine the biology, ecology, and conservation of plants. Topics to be considered include, among others: the ecology of small populations, the genetics of conservation, and invasion by non-native plants. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Prerequisites: BIO 133, 134. Spring semester of odd-numbered years.

BIO 450 Biochemistry (4 cr. hrs.)
A detailed course in biochemistry which includes a study of the occurrence, structure, function, and metabolism of biologically important molecules. There is an emphasis on molecular species such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The course includes work in the laboratory. The course may be credited toward a biology, biochemistry, or chemistry major, as the student elects, but it cannot count towards more than one major. Prerequisites: BIO 233, CHE 301, and/or currently enrolled in CHE 302, and admission to the major (Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry). Spring semester in even-numbered years. Also listed as CHE 450.

BIO 452 Molecular Genetics (4 cr. hrs.)
A detailed experimental analysis of the molecular biology of genes. Emphasis will be placed on the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, especially as it relates to the progression of the cell cycle. In addition, the role of molecular genetics in the areas of molecular diagnostics, gene therapy, and biotechnology will be considered. The course includes one laboratory session each week emphasizing molecular techniques to manipulate DNA and analyze gene expression. Prerequisite: BIO 234. Spring semester in odd-numbered years.

BIO 453 Ecology (4 cr. hrs.)
The study of ecological principles and how they relate to population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Application of principles to specific problems will be emphasized. Field work will include investigation of ecological principles as well as independent data collection and statistical analysis. The course includes one field trip/lab per week. Saturday field trips or trips covering several days may occur. Prerequisites: BIO 133, 360, 361, 460, 461. Fall semester of odd-numbered years.

BIO 360, 361, 460, 461. Senior Thesis (1-3 cr. hrs. each.)
A three-credit (minimum) laboratory, field or library research project required for the major. BIO 360 (0.5 -3 cr. hrs.), the first course in the Senior Thesis, is generally taken the fall of the junior year and will involve mainly library research. BIO 461 (0.5-3 cr. hrs.) is generally taken the last semester of the senior year and will require presenting, in written and oral form, the results of the research project. BIO 361 and 460 (1-3 cr. hrs. each) will involve lab, field or library research. Prerequisites: admission to the major and GPA minimums of 2.5 in biology and 2.5 overall.