BIOL 160 / 4 Credits

Introduction to the molecular, genetic, and cellular aspects of biology. It includes a study of the nature of science, integration of faith and science, biological molecules, cell structure and function, enzymes, metabolism, and classical and molecular genetics. Laboratory emphasizes molecular and biochemical techniques applied to the study of DNA, proteins, and cells, and the process of writing scientific manuscripts. This course is taught at a level appropriate for science majors.

BIOL 162 / 3 Credits

Studies the diversity of plants and their natural histories in relation to their respective form and function. Topics include anatomy, physiology, reproduction and ecology with specific reference to economically and medicinally important plant groups (i.e., ethnobotany). The distribution of major plant communities with global climate patterns and plant roles in critical biogeochemical cycles will also be studied, together with the principles of Creation Care.

BIOL 164 / 2 Credits

Introduction to the diversity of the Animal Kingdom, including comparative morphology, systematics, evolutionary theory and natural history. Laboratory emphasizes dissection of representative organisms and broad comparative analysis of morphology across the animal clades. This complements the co-requisite course, BIOL 166 Principles of Comparative Physiology taken the following Spring-term.

BIOL 166 / 2 Credits

Introduction to comparative physiology across the Animal Kingdom. Uses a systems approach to functional morphology, emphasizing how multicellularity, cellular specialization, and system integration in animal life enable maintenance of homeostasis amidst unique challenges of diverse aquatic, marine and terrestrial environments. Complements the co-requisite course, BIOL 164 Animal Form and Systematics.

BIOL 260 / 4 Credits

Building on concepts from BIOL 160, Molecular and Cellular Biology, this course provides a deeper foundation in classical and molecular genetics, including topics of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, linkage, gene interactions, regulation, molecular genetics, mutations, and developmental genetics. Laboratory emphasizes hands on experience working with the genetic model systems Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Topics include gene mapping, RNAi, genotyping analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific writing.

BIOL 262 / 4 Credits

Students will explore the interactions of organisms at the species, community, and ecosystem levels as well as investigate ecology as it relates to the biosphere. Additionally, evidence for modern evolutionary thought will be discussed within the framework of a Christian worldview. Through comprehensive and investigative approaches to learning, this course will stress the development of students' critical thinking and writing skills. This course meets the writing-intensive requirement for the Biology, Biology with Teaching Certification, and Environmental Science majors.

BIOL 495 / 3 Credits

Historical, philosophical, and ethical aspects of the biological sciences, with some discussion of various models for relating science and Christian faith.

CHEM 105 / 4 Credits

Solution chemistry, stoichiometry, chemical analysis, atomic structure and chemical bonding, the periodic table, and states of matter. The laboratory experience utilizes a discovery approach.

CHEM 106 / 4 Credits

Kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions, types of chemical reactions, equilibrium and applications in aqueous solution, and electrochemistry.

CHEM 309 / 4 Credits

The characterization and chemistry of simple carbon compounds as organized by functional group. This includes nomenclature, three-dimensional structure, physical properties, reaction mechanisms, kinetics, thermodynamics, reactions, and NMR and IR spectroscopy.

CHEM 310 / 4 Credits

The characterization of carbon compounds with increasing complexity. Emphasis will be on the chemistry of aromatic compounds, carbonyl compounds, amines, and biological molecules that contain multiple functional groups. This includes nomenclature, physical properties, reaction mechanisms, kinetics, thermodynamics, reactions, multi-step syntheses, and the integration of spectroscopic methods for the structure determination of organic molecules.

MATH 108 / 3 Credits

A one-semester survey of the basic topics of the calculus of functions of one variable, demonstrating their applications in a wide variety of fields. Recommended for students who will take only one semester of calculus.

MATH 111 / 4 Credits

Introduction to differential and integral calculus with associated analytic geometry. Note that all MATH 111 registrations have a concurrent MATH 103 registration until the proficiency exam is taken.

PHIL 101 / 3 Credits

Both critical and constructive thinking is developed in dealing with the theory of human knowledge and the theory of reality.

PHIL 102 / 3 Credits

Study of Western philosophical systems from the sixth century B.C. to the present with particular attention to major historical periods and developments.

PHYS 201 / 4 Credits

Survey of classical mechanics, stressing basic concepts and problem solving. Topics include vectors, motion in one and two dimensions, gravitation, Newton's Laws, the conservation of energy and momentum, harmonic motion, and waves. Recommended for biology, chemistry, and health science majors.

PHYS 202 / 4 Credits

Survey of electricity and optics, stressing basic concepts and problem solving, culminating in an historical and conceptual treatment of relativity and modern physics. Recommended for biology, chemistry, and health science majors.

PHYS 211 / 4 Credits

First of a two-semester calculus-based general physics sequence. Models static and dynamic mechanical phenomena by classical methods for basic analysis, prediction, and problem solving. Experiments provide practice in measurement, data analysis, and illustrations of physical principles. Vector analysis and standard SI units are utilized. Topics include kinematics, Newton's Laws, work and energy, momentum and impulse, and rotational kinematics and dynamics. Required for engineering, mathematics, chemistry and physics majors; Recommended for computer science majors.

STAT 269 / 3 Credits

Descriptive measures, normal distributions, one-sample and two-sample hypothesis testing and estimation, correlation, and analysis of variance.

BIOL 381 / 4 Credits

A study of microorganisms, including diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes; viruses; microbial growth, metabolism, nutrition, environment; microbial genetics; ecology, symbiosis, pathogenicity and host response; detection and control of microbial diseases; applied microbiology. Laboratory emphasizes techniques such as microscopy, aseptic technique, microbial quantification and identification, bacteriophage infection, molecular analysis, immuno-based tests. Designed for students majoring in natural or health sciences.

BIOL 382 / 4 Credits

Study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms of medical importance, including bacteria, protists, fungi, and viruses. This course focuses on morphology, classification, habitat, and pathogenicity, with emphasis on clinical, epidemiological, and immunological aspects. Designed for students entering allied health professions. Laboratory includes classic and medically-related microbiological techniques. 

BIOL 412 / 4 Credits

Study of cell and subcellular structure and function highlighting cellular processes such as protein sorting, vesicular trafficking, signal transduction, protein degradation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and regulation of protein activity. Emphasizes critical reading and discussion of primary literature in cellular biology. Laboratory covers fundamentals of microtechnique and histology, microscopy, and tissue culture.

BIOL 413 / 4 Credits

Emphasizes the molecular nature of genes: structure, organization, expression, and regulation. Considered with discussion of experimental approaches used to arrive at current models. Laboratory emphasizes recombinant DNA methodologies include cloning, transformation, restriction analyses, PCR, site directed mutagenesis, and DNA sequence analysis. This course meets the writing-intensive requirement for the Molecular Biology major.

BIOL 313 / 3 Credits

Principles of animal development, with major emphasis on vertebrate embryology. Additional topics: growth, differentiation, and metamorphosis.

BIOL 348 / 3 Credits

Animal Behavior describes and investigates the proximate and ultimate causes of animal actions. An interdisciplinary approach will examine and integrate the functional behavior of animals through ecological, evolutionary, genetic, neurophysiological and psychological bases.

BIOL 385 / 4 Credits

Study of the integrated physiological processes essential for maintenance of homeostasis. Material spans cellular, tissue, organ, and systemic functions, with strong emphasis on human physiology. The laboratory focuses on hypothesis-driven studies in several model organisms, including humans, and utilizes computerized instrumentation and clinical diagnostic tests.

BIOL 387 / 3 Credits

A study of the structure and function of the human nervous system. Emphasis on motor control, sensory input, the special senses, and behavior; including disease and dysfunction. Additional topics include sleep, learning and memory, and neural development.

BIOL 418 / 4 Credits

Introduction to the mammalian immune system with emphasis on host-pathogen interaction. Control and specificity of the adaptive immune system are illustrated by studying the structure and function of antibodies and T cell receptors, development of immune cells, cytokines and chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, response to immunization, allergy, autoimmunity, graft rejection and immunity to tumors. Highly recommend completion of BIOL 381 or BIOL 382 prior to course registration.

BIOL 325 / 3 Credits

A survey of the use of plants in modern pharmacology and herbal supplements. Topics include historic developments in medicine; biosynthesis and function of plant secondary molecules; selected plant-based pharmaceuticals; analysis of efficacy, safety, and regulation of herbal supplements; taxonomy of important medicinal plant families, and using the literature to screen for potential medicinal plants as well as clinical efficacy of currently used plants.

BIOL 332 / 4 Credits

This course emphasizes plant taxonomy and systematics of vascular flowering plants. Focuses on nomenclature, classification, identification, and taxonomy of plants. Topics also include evolutionary relationships, natural history, ecological adaptations, physiology, morphology, and reproductive biology of vascular flowering plants. Includes the collection, identification, and preservation of specimens.

BIOL 334 / 4 Credits

Study of changes in plant form, function, community composition, and community diversity as plants adapt to and complete across environmental gradients. Emphasizes study of regional vegetation through research projects.

BIOL 335 / 3 Credits

Principles and practices of sexual and asexual plant propagation using seeds, plant tissue culture, and leaf, stem and cutting propagation for woody and herbaceous plants. The focus of the course is on performing and evaluating propagation techniques, and understanding the relevant genetics and physiology.

BIOL 297 / 3 Credits

Students will explore the structure, function, history, biodiversity, and conservation of tropical ecosystems in Costa Rica or Panama. Attention will be given to lowland rain forest, montane cloud forest, paramo, dry forest, savanna, mountain complex, riverine and marine ecosystems. This course encourages learning through context-based biological research and cultural interaction.

CHEM 410 / 4 Credits

Types of biochemical compounds with emphasis on structure/function relationships, i.e., bioenergetics, catabolism and human nutrition. The laboratory includes the isolation and purification of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological compounds; and enzyme kinetics.

BIOL 391 / 1-3 Credits

Realities of the biological field through direct participation. May involve experience as a lab assistant, assistance with faculty research, or off-campus employment. Maximum of three credits per semester (no more than four credits counting towards major requirements). Recommended for juniors and seniors in the Department of Biological Sciences.

BIOL 393 / 1 Credits

This course will focus on research methodology including advanced literature searching, experimental design, and modeling. Students working under the guidance of a departmental faculty member will select a research topic, conduct a literature review, and write a research proposal. BIOL 393 earns biology elective credit only when followed by BIOL 422/BIOL 497/BIOL 498.

BIOL 218 / 3 Credits

By living and studying in rural Zambia while observing the operation of an established mission hospital and the surrounding community, students develop an informed knowledge of healthcare available in other parts of the world. Students gain an understanding of disease patterns, the importance of community-based public health measures and political, cultural, and infrastructural factors that limit access to health care for people living in the developing world.

BIOL 422 / 1-3 Credits

Offered during the fall and spring semester for fourth year students. Students will carry out the research project proposed in the Research Methods course under the direction of a faculty mentor. The semester culminates with the submission of a written thesis and an oral presentation to a departmental gathering that is advertised campus wide. Maximum of three credits per semester; a maximum of five credits may be used as elective credit for the biology major. Students pursuing departmental honors must enroll in BIOL 497, 498.

BIOL 497 / 2-3 Credits

Independent research program for students who have a strong academic record for a minimum of five previous semesters of college study.

BIOL 498 / 2-3 Credits

Independent research program for students who have a strong academic record for a minimum of five previous semesters of college study.

ASI 302 / 4 Credits

Field study of lakes and other freshwater systems with applications to planning and management. Includes an introduction to limnology and investigation of representative lakes, streams, and wetlands of the region and compares the North American Great Lakes with the other great lakes of the world and their stewardship. 

ASI 318 / 4 Credits

Biology of marine plants and animals in the field. The focus of the course is on intertidal life and marine ecology in oceanic and geophysical context. Includes trophic dynamic relationships of eel grass communities and the intertidal zone, workings of the island systems of Puget Sound, ecological roles of sea birds and fishes, population and community structure dynamics, exploitation and oceanic microbialization, and biogeochemical processes and their linkages with the biosphere. Marine stewardship and effects of human activity on the marine environment are examined in all course components. 

ASI 342 / 4 Credits

Introduction to the relation of freshwater fish species and their environments in lakes and streams with concurrent examination of techniques and technologies employed to manage populations and species for conservation, recreational use, and commercial harvest. This course will provide understanding of freshwater fish taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships, habitat requirements of major fish species by life stages, stream habitat assessment, population measuring and monitoring, and strategies for management of recreational and commercial species and conservation of threatened and endangered species.

ASI 345 / 4 Credits

Ecology, conservation, and stewardship of wildlife and their habitats. Includes examination of growth and structure of populations, environmental and human social factors affecting wildlife communities, and theories and applications of wildlife conservation. Set in the context of the historical development of the field from management to ecology to the land ethic of Leopold. Includes management and stewardship of non-game and endangered species, and long-term prospects of wildlife in changing environmental, climatic, and social contexts. Prerequisite: one course in biology, or permission of professor.

ASI 359 / 4 Credits

Biology, behavior, ecology, identification, and conservation of the marine mammals of the Pacific Northwest. This course examines habitats of marine mammals in Puget Sound and the Salish Sea, with special attention to diving physiology, social behavior, and communications of whales and seals. The course aims to develop a stewardship perspective rooted in biological principles and directed at the global conservation of marine mammals and their ecosystems. Special attention is given to their use by cultures of the region and the relation of such use to current controversies in management of marine mammals. 

ASI 371 / Credits

Introduction to site-level, landscape and multi-stakeholder approaches to forest management, including strategies of climate change adaptation and mitigation. Theory, application, and techniques of forest management for specified values and objectives including instrumental (economic/utilitarian and life support such as wood production, habitat and watershed protection and climate moderation) and non-instrumental values (such as aesthetic, moral/spiritual values e.g. recreation). The course will address the evolution of forest management practice and some specific practices, methods and techniques of growing trees and the development and care of forests (silviculture) as applied to natural forests managed for various objectives.

ASI 381 / Credits

Rapidly expanding human populations and the heavy dependence on technology have intensified the human impact on ecosystems. Urban areas have expanded and are increasingly altering environmental conditions. It is important to understand the conditions present in these human-altered environments and the impact on wildlife. This course focuses on issues relating to the vertebrates that have chosen to live in urban areas. Using Chicago as a resource, we will explore real issues and concepts including the impact of habitat fragmentation and modification, synanthropy, and issues such as the predator paradox and population management. Site visits frame opportunities for active engagement.

ASI 471 / 4 Credits

Principles of conservation biology with applications to sustainable human society and biospheric integrity. An integrative approach to biology and society that interrelates population biology, ecological principles, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem functions, and human society in the context of biospheric degradation. The course develops a stewardship perspective rooted in biological principles and directed at conservation of plant and animal species, biotic communities, ecosystems, and human society, including topics in human development, poverty, and economic growth.

ASI 478 / 4 Credits

Ecology of the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, with particular attention to adaptation of plant and animal life to montane climates and altitudes, and analysis and interpretation of altitudinal zonation of biotic communities with applications to latitudinal biogeography. The course also examines physiological responses of organisms to reduced oxygen levels, low temperatures and high altitude radiation regimes. Field work includes on-site studies in the Olympic Mountains of the Olympic Peninsula.

ASI 482 / 4 Credits

Ecological principles for ecosystem restoration and applications for restoring degraded and endangered species. Field studies include analysis of restoration and rehabilitation work with the Kirtland’s warbler, an officially designated wild river, coastal dunes, kettle-hole bogs, deforested lands, degraded residential and farming sites, and abandoned oil wells. A practical field lab is included in which techniques are applied to a specific site.