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.
BIOL 100 Biology in the Modern World Credits: 3
A study of the major themes in biology including the nature of life, genetics, evolution, ecology and biological diversity.
Goal: Goal: 03- Natural Science
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 100L Biology in Modern World Lab Credits: 1
A study of the major themes in biology including the nature of life, genetics, evolution, ecology and biological diversity.
Goal: Goal: 03- Natural Science
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 104 Medical Terminology Credits: 1
A presentation of the basic principles inherent in the formation of medical terms. Students will develop a medical vocabulary of common and contemporary terms.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 120 Conservation Biology Credits: 3
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.
Goal: Goal: 03- Natural Science 10- People/Environment
Spring: Even Years
Course Outline
BIOL 120L Conservation Biology Lab Credits: 1
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.
Goal: Goal: 03- Natural Science 10- People/Environment
Spring: Even Years
Course Outline
BIOL 150 Physiological Anatomy for Non-science Majors Credits: 3
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.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 100
Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 150L Physiological Anatomy for Non-science Majors Lab Credits: 1
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.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 100
Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 186 Special Topics in Biology Credits: 1-4
A study of topics in biology not normally provided as part of the curriculum.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 200 Introduction to Cellular Biology Credits: 3
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.
Goal: Goal: 03- Natural Science
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 200L Introduction to Cellular Biology Lab Credits: 1
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.
Goal: Goal: 03- Natural Science
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 201 Introduction to Biodiversity & Evolution Credits: 4
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.
Goal: Goal: 03- Natural Science
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 203 Basic Microbiology for Allied Health Credits: 3
This is an introductory level course that introduces the core concepts and basic principles of microbiology, examining microorganisms and how they interact with humans and the environment. Topics include cellular structure, viruses, microbial nutrition, genetics, methods of controlling growth, and the interactions of bacteria and viruses with humans.
Fall: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 203L Basic Microbiology for Allied Health lab Credits: 1
This lab accompanies Biol203 lecture and covers basic laboratory skills recommended in the American society for microbiology (ASM) curriculum guidelines for undergraduate microbiology in nursing and allied health (MINAH) including proper handling of microorganisms, techniques to isolate and enrich microorganisms, procedures for identification of microorganisms, methods to quantify microbes, and microscopy.
Fall: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 205 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 3
This is the first semester of a two-semester course designed to introduce allied health majors and non-science majors to the fundamentals of anatomy (body structures) and physiology (body functions). This semester, the emphasis is on basic cell biology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Diseases, disorders, drug actions, and therapeutic procedures will be used to reinforce basic concepts of normal anatomy and physiology.
Goal: Goal: 03- Natural Science
Fall: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 205L Basic Anatomy and Physiology I Lab Credits: 1
This is the first semester of a two-semester lab course designed to introduce allied health students and non-science majors to the fundamentals of anatomy (body structures) and physiology (body functions). This semester, the emphasis is on basic cell biology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems.
Goal: Goal: 03- Natural Science
Fall: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 206 Basic Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 3
This is the second semester of a two-semester course designed to introduce allied health majors and non-science majors to the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. This semester, the emphasis is on the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, and metabolism, fluid/electrolyte, and acid/base balance. Diseases, disorders, drug actions, and therapeutic procedures will be used to reinforce basic concepts of normal anatomy and physiology.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 205
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 206L Basic Anatomy and Physiology II Lab Credits: 1
This is the second semester of a two-semester lab course designed to introduce allied health majors and non-science majors to the fundamentals of anatomy (body structures) and physiology (body functions). This semester, the emphasis is on the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 205
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 286 Topics in Biology Credits: 1-4
This course is designed to guide students in identifying career goals and to relate those goals to their academic major(s) and coursework. Students will write a curriculum vitae, a resume, and develop a calendar plan with timelines to meet their coursework and career goals. This course will provide the student with skills and knowledge needed to apply for jobs, graduate schools, and professional programs. The course is designed primarily for freshman and sophomore students but can be taken by students at all levels.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion Summer Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 287 Sophomore Biology Seminar Credits: 1
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.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 292 Honors Credit in Biology Credits: 1
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.
Course Outline
BIOL 302 Botany Credits: 3
Introduction to plant anatomy, physiology, growth, and development. Topics also include plant ecology, biotechnology, and human uses of plants.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 302L Botany Lab Credits: 1
Introduction to plant anatomy, physiology, growth, and development. Topics also include plant ecology, biotechnology, and human uses of plants.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 303 Microbiology Credits: 3
Functional and structural diversity of bacteria, protozoans, fungi and viruses; environmental, economic, and pathogenic significance of representative forms.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 200
Fall: All Years Summer Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 303L Microbiology Lab Credits: 2
Functional and structural diversity of bacteria, protozoans, fungi and viruses; environmental, economic, and pathogenic significance of representative forms.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 200
Fall: All Years Summer Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 305 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Credits: 3
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.
Fall: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 305L Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab Credits: 1
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.
Fall: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 306 Human Anatomy & Physiology II Credits: 3
Lecture and lab exercises covering the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems; metabolism; fluid/electrolyte and acid/base balance.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 305
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 306L Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab Credits: 1
Lecture and lab exercises covering the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems; metabolism; fluid/electrolyte and acid/base balance.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 309 Invertebrate Zoology Credits: 3
A survey of major invertebrate phyla, including structure, function, evolutionary relationships, life histories, adaptations, and health and/or economic importance.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 201
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 309L Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory Credits: 1
A survey of major invertebrate phyla, including structure, function, evolutionary relationships, life histories, adaptations, and health and/or economic importance.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 201L
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 310 Vertebrate Zoology Credits: 3
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.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 201
Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 310L Vertebrate Zoology Lab Credits: 1
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.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 201
Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 311 Ecology Credits: 3
Discussion of ecosystem structure and function, population ecology, evolution, and applied ecology. Lab emphasizes field experiments.
Fall: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 311L Ecology Lab Credits: 1
Discussion of ecosystem structure and function, population ecology, evolution, and applied ecology. Lab emphasizes field experiments.
Fall: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 321 Genetics Credits: 3
An analysis of hereditary principles covering classical Mendelian inheritance and recent advances in molecular genetics. Expression and inheritance of characteristics in eukaryotes.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 321L Genetics Lab Credits: 1
An analysis of hereditary principles covering classical Mendelian inheritance and recent advances in molecular genetics. Expression and inheritance of characteristics in eukaryotes.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 326 Animal Behavior Credits: 3
This course examines mechanisms and evolutionary processes that drive animal behavior. Topics include communication, social organization, imprinting, courtship and mating, & agonistic behavior, among others.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 326L Animal Behavior Lab Credits: 1
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.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 333 Histology Credits: 3
Histology techniques and microscopic anatomy of selected animal tissues.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 305
Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 337 Natural Medicines & Clinical Trials Credits: 3
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.
Fall: Even Years
Course Outline
BIOL 338 Plant Diversity Credits: 3
A survey of the diversity of plants, their life cycles, evolutionary relationships among major groups as well as plant distribution and factors affecting distribution.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 338L Plant Diversity Lab Credits: 1
A survey of the diversity of plants, their life cycles, evolutionary relationships among major groups as well as plant distribution and factors affecting distribution.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 371 Food Microbiology Credits: 2
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.
Course Outline
BIOL 371L Food Microbiology Lab Credits: 2
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.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 377 Principles of Nutrition Credits: 3
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.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 401 Evolution Credits: 3
Introduction to the concept of evolution, origin and types of genetic variation, modes of selection, and evidence for the evolutionary process.
Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 401L Evolution Lab Credits: 1
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.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 403 Ornithology Credits: 3
An introduction to ornithology, including the anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, life history, classification, and identification of birds.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 201 AND BIOL 201L
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 403L Ornithology Laboratory Credits: 1
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.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 201 AND BIOL 201L
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 405 Insect Ecology & Diversity Credits: 3
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.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 201
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 405L Insect Ecology & Diversity Lab Credits: 1
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.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 201L
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 407 Restoration Science and Management, Credits: 4
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.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 311
Fall: Even Years
Course Outline
BIOL 425 Advanced Cell Biology Credits: 3
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.
Spring: Even Years
Course Outline
BIOL 430 Gross Anatomy and Human Movement Credits: 3
This course explores human gross anatomy, and examines human movement through the study of functional anatomy, musculoskeletal relationships and body systems integration. Students will explore how various body systems work together to create and control movement. Using virtual cadaver technology, students will study detailed anatomical structures and their role in movement production, with emphasis on muscle function, joint actions, and neurological control. Laboratory sessions combine movement analysis with virtual dissection to enhance understanding of human anatomy and system relationships. Students will also choose a topic of their choice to then develop a presentation for the course final.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 461 Immunology Credits: 3
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.
Pre-Requisite : BIOL 200 and junior status.
Spring: Odd Years
Course Outline
BIOL 471 Virology Credits: 3
Course is designed to address the structure, classification, and diagnosis of major viral pathogens; and the viral diseases affecting humans and animals.
Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 486 Advanced Topics in Biology Credits: 1-4
This course will provide the student with skills and knowledge needed to apply for jobs, graduate schools, and professional programs. The student will learn to write professional statements and cover letters, as well as learn interviewing skills. The student will gain experience through a number of mock interviews. The course is designed primarily for junior and senior students.
Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
BIOL 487 Senior Biology Seminar Credits: 1
An applied learning experience which involves critical evaluation of biological research articles, scientific writing, and oral seminar presentation.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 494 Directed Studies in Biology Credits: 1-3
Independent research, directed by a faculty member, which may be laboratory research, library research, or other experiences approved by the Biology Program.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 499 Internship in Biology Credits: 1-15
Supervised experiences in learning situations that cannot be obtained on campus.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
BIOL 589 Special Topics in Biology Credits: 1-4
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.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion Summer Department Discretion
Course Outline