Biology
- Department Office: SM 178
- Phone Number: 507-537-6178
- Website: https://www.smsu.edu/academics/programs/biology/
The Biology Program offers a diversified selection of courses in the life sciences. These courses are designed for students having specific degree objectives and for students interested in certain pre-professional programs. Degree programs available include Biology, Biology Education, and Medical Laboratory Science.
The major in Biology is broadly based on biology and the supporting sciences. It is designed especially to prepare students for continued study at the graduate level and can lead to a wide variety of career opportunities.
Note: The Biology Education major including coursework in the Education Department prepares the graduate for a teaching career at the secondary level. The major in Medical Laboratory Science is designed for entry into the Medical Technology professions at graduation, contingent upon certification by National Registry Examination.
Requirements:
- Students must have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 in Biology courses applied toward the major or minor requirements.
- Students must have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 in Related Fields courses required for the Biology major.
Note: Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate with a Bachelor's degree.
A study of the major themes in biology including the nature of life, genetics, evolution, ecology and biological diversity.
A study of the major themes in biology including the nature of life, genetics, evolution, ecology and biological diversity.
A presentation of the basic principles inherent in the formation of medical terms. Students will develop a medical vocabulary of common and contemporary terms.
This course will provide an interdisciplinary introduction to the biologic processes that generate and maintain biological diversity, the value of biodiversity to human societies and natural ecosystems, the causes and environmental and human consequences of biodiversity loss, and biodiversity conservation. Core concepts include evolution, ecological-evolutionary interactions, ecosystem services, and conservation strategies.
This course will provide an interdisciplinary introduction to the biologic processes that generate and maintain biological diversity, the value of biodiversity to human societies and natural ecosystems, the causes and environmental and human consequences of biodiversity loss, and biodiversity conservation. Core concepts include evolution, ecological-evolutionary interactions, ecosystem services, and conservation strategies.
A lecture-laboratory course designed for the non-major to study human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on skeletal and muscular systems, as well as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, renal, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.
A lecture-laboratory course designed for the non-major to study human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on skeletal and muscular systems, as well as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, renal, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.
A study of topics in biology not normally provided as part of the curriculum.
This is an introductory level course emphasizing the basic cellular/molecular aspects of biology including scientific inquiry, biological molecules, cell structure and function, metabolism, cell division, and genetics.
This is an introductory level course emphasizing the basic cellular/molecular aspects of biology including scientific inquiry, biological molecules, cell structure and function, metabolism, cell division, and genetics.
This course is an introduction to plant and animal diversity with an emphasis on evolutionary relationships of organisms and the ways in which these organisms interact and function in ecological communities. Core concepts include evolution, plant and animal phylogeny and classification, and energy flow through ecosystems. This course is one part of a two course introductory biology sequence intended for biology majors.
This course is an introduction to plant and animal diversity with an emphasis on evolutionary relationships of organisms and the ways in which these organisms interact and function in ecological communities. Core concepts include evolution, plant and animal phylogeny and classification, and energy flow through ecosystems. This course is one part of a two course introductory biology sequence intended for biology majors.
A study of topics in biology not normally provided as part of the curriculum
In this course, students will learn to find, read, analyze, and evaluate published research in biology. The skills developed in this course will be used to prepare the student for advanced biology courses and the requisite seminar presentation in BIOL 487.
An independent study course designed primarily for Honors Program students. This course allows more in-depth or comprehensive study or research by certain students concurrently enrolled in at least one other Biology course.
Introduction to plant anatomy, physiology, growth, and development. Topics also include plant ecology, biotechnology, and human uses of plants.
Introduction to plant anatomy, physiology, growth, and development. Topics also include plant ecology, biotechnology, and human uses of plants.
Functional and structural diversity of bacteria, protozoans, fungi and viruses; environmental, economic, and pathogenic significance of representative forms.
Functional and structural diversity of bacteria, protozoans, fungi and viruses; environmental, economic, and pathogenic significance of representative forms.
Lecture and lab exercises covering basic anatomical and directional terminology; selected principles of cell biology; histology; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems. Course designed for science and allied health majors.
Lecture and lab exercises covering basic anatomical and directional terminology; selected principles of cell biology; histology; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems. Course designed for science and allied health majors.
Lecture and lab exercises covering the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems; metabolism; fluid/electrolyte and acid/base balance.
Lecture and lab exercises covering the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems; metabolism; fluid/electrolyte and acid/base balance.
A survey of major invertebrate phyla, including structure, function, evolutionary relationships, life histories, adaptations, and health and/or economic importance.
A survey of major invertebrate phyla, including structure, function, evolutionary relationships, life histories, adaptations, and health and/or economic importance.
A survey of vertebrates including discussion of characteristics of each class, representative species, and adaptations for survival and reproduction. Lab emphasizes vertebrates in the Midwest.
A survey of vertebrates including discussion of characteristics of each class, representative species, and adaptations for survival and reproduction. Lab emphasizes vertebrates in the Midwest.
Discussion of ecosystem structure and function, population ecology, evolution, and applied ecology. Lab emphasizes field experiments.
Discussion of ecosystem structure and function, population ecology, evolution, and applied ecology. Lab emphasizes field experiments.
An analysis of hereditary principles covering classical Mendelian inheritance and recent advances in molecular genetics. Expression and inheritance of characteristics in eukaryotes.
An analysis of hereditary principles covering classical Mendelian inheritance and recent advances in molecular genetics. Expression and inheritance of characteristics in eukaryotes.
This course examines mechanisms and evolutionary processes that drive animal behavior. Topics include communication, social organization, imprinting, courtship and mating, & agonistic behavior, among others.
This course examines mechanisms and evolutionary processes that drive animal behavior, including but not limited to communication, social organization, imprinting, courtship and mating, & agonistic behavior. Laboratory sessions allow students to gain hands-on experiences in many of these areas.
Histology techniques and microscopic anatomy of selected animal tissues.
An investigation into the medicinal use of drugs and supplements derived from plants and other natural sources, and how to evaluate evidence about the safety and efficacy of these medicines. Topics include characteristics of good clinical trials, how plant-derived drugs are developed, how drug mechanisms are studied, psychoactive drugs from plants, and history of some natural medicines.
A survey of the diversity of plants, their life cycles, evolutionary relationships among major groups as well as plant distribution and factors affecting distribution.
A survey of the diversity of plants, their life cycles, evolutionary relationships among major groups as well as plant distribution and factors affecting distribution.
This course is a study of the nature, physiology, and interactions of microorganisms in food. Emphasis is placed on food-borne illness, food spoilage, food preservation, food fermentations, microbial standards, identification and detection of microbes in food, and sanitation and quality control of foods.
This course is a study of the nature, physiology, and interactions of microorganisms in food. Emphasis is placed on food-borne illness, food spoilage, food preservation, food fermentations, microbial standards, identification and detection of microbes in food, and sanitation and quality control of foods.
A course focused on the biology of the digestive system, cellular functions of the macro- and micro-nutrients, diseases of malnutrition, and critical evaluation of nutrition research.
Introduction to the concept of evolution, origin and types of genetic variation, modes of selection, and evidence for the evolutionary process.
Introduction to the concept of evolution, origin and types of genetic variation, modes of selection, and evidence for the evolutionary process. Laboratory experiences complement the lectures and discussions.
An introduction to ornithology, including the anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, life history, classification, and identification of birds.
An introduction to ornithology, including the anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, life history, classification, and identification of birds. Lab emphasizes identification of birds by sight and sound; The lab class to accompany BIOL 403 lecture.
An introduction to entomology, including the biology, ecology, diversity, and classification of insects. Emphasis is placed on the ecological, agricultural, health, and economic importance of insects.
An introduction to entomology, including the biology, ecology, diversity, and classification of insects. Emphasis is placed on the ecological, agricultural, health, and economic importance of insects; The lab class to accompany BIOL 405 lecture.
An introduction to the ecological principles and management practices used in restoring and rehabilitating wildland and semi-natural ecosystems after alteration or disturbance. Examines the scientific and ethical foundations of restoration as well as the social, economic, and political forces that impinge on any restoration project. Includes practical hands-on experience in restoration activities.
A critical evaluation of recent research on cellular structures and phenomena, with a special emphasis on the technological and methodological advances that have facilitated this research.
Course will address the basics and applications of immunologic functions and will enable the student to understand one of the basic protective systems in humans.
Course is designed to address the structure, classification, and diagnosis of major viral pathogens; and the viral diseases affecting humans and animals.
A study of more advanced topics in biology not normally provided as part of the curriculum.
An applied learning experience which involves critical evaluation of biological research articles, scientific writing, and oral seminar presentation.
Independent research, directed by a faculty member, which may be laboratory research, library research, or other experiences approved by the Biology Program.
Supervised experiences in learning situations that cannot be obtained on campus.
Advanced interdisciplinary study of the biological sciences. Intensive lectures, literature reviews, and discussions on fundamental and contemporary topics that have shaped and continue to shape our understanding of natural systems. Topics vary based on the interests of the students and the instructor.