Biology
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
For the student who wishes to major in the biological sciences, Purdue University North Central offers several options:
• General Biology
• Biology with a concentration in
Ecology
Microbiology
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Medicine (including optometry and physical therapy)
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
• A Chemistry minor for biology majors
Also, students have a unique opportunity to participate in undergraduate research and independent study on campus and at Purdue University North Central’s Ecology Research Field Station within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
The primary mission of the Biology/Chemistry Department is one of teaching and service to residents of LaPorte, Porter, and Stark counties. The department also has an important mission in conducting research in which undergraduate students are encouraged to participate.
The general education experience at Purdue University North Central is fundamental to the primary and secondary missions of the Biology/Chemistry Department. General education is that component of the undergraduate curriculum at this campus devoted to those areas of knowledge, methods of inquiry, and ideas fundamental and common to all well-educated individuals. It is embedded in and enhanced by courses throughout the specific program of studies offered by this section, including the Bachelor of Science in the biological sciences and the Associate of Science in science. This experience encourages students to develop the ability to represent views clearly and cogently, analyze, think critically, and formulate reasoned conclusions.
OVERVIEW
The biological sciences are undergoing an extraordinary revolution, and the plans of study are formulated to give students a broad basis for comprehending the diverse nature of this field. Biology builds upon this knowledge and tries to understand the complex organization that gives rise to biological organizations and ultimately, to biological diversity. Our curriculum is designed so that this basic biological knowledge can readily be applied to critical practical problems in health and medicine, agriculture and the management of other renewable resources, and the nature of populations and their control.
The amount of information that is currently being discovered in the biological world is daunting, and we recognize that some students may want to focus within an area of specialization. Students begin our curriculum with a four-semester biology core. These courses provide a common knowledge base for all biology majors. The sequence begins with an overview of evolutionary, environmental, and organismal concepts, and then proceeds to examine relationships between development, structure, and function as adaptational mechanisms. The third and fourth semesters are concerned with cellular organization and function followed by genetic and molecular principles so important to modern biology.
Third and fourth year students have acquired a background in
chemistry, mathematics and physics in addition to the common body of biological
knowledge and laboratory skills. Students must take courses in four areas of
Biology: Molecular and Cellular, Structure & Function, Evolution, and
Ecology & Environmental. Students have considerable leeway in choosing
courses from these groups and this allows students to pursue their interests
within the broadly defined areas. This system promotes and reinforces an
understanding of the breadth of modern biology. However, in some
pre-professional programs (Preveterinary Medicine, Predentistry) or Biology
Major options (Microbiology, Ecology), some courses are required for graduation
and this somewhat restricts choices. All majors must complete a minimum of 15
credit hours of upper division courses exclusive of BIOL 407 (Capstone) and x95
(special assignments or research) courses. At least one of these courses must
have a formal laboratory component and at least one must be a 500 level biology
course. If minimal requirements are met, approximately 13 credit hours of
electives remain to meet the 124 credit hours mandated by
In addition, undergraduate research is emphasized, so that all students have an opportunity to perform independent research. Research develops scientific skills and hones critical thinking. Students participating in this program may write an undergraduate honors thesis; present their findings at local, state, regional and national scientific meetings; or be published as co-authors on papers in scientific journals.
Finally, the Biology and Chemistry Department has developed a student-centered environment to enable all students to succeed. In the first semester, students take a resources and problem-solving (freshman experience) seminar that is coordinated with the first-semester biology lecture and lab course, BIOL 121 and 116. This seminar facilitates a student’s transition from high school to the university setting. Graduating seniors must participate in the senior Capstone Experience seminars in the spring of their senior year. This seminar is a synthesis course designed to utilize a student’s knowledge and skills to critically analyze current scientific research. This course is also used by the faculty to access and improve the curricular components of the biology degree program.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Honors Research Program. The Biology and Chemistry Department sponsors an honors research program to supplement the formal course offerings in the department’s degree programs, to increase the breadth and depth of the student’s knowledge of modern biology, and to lead to an honors in research degree in biology at graduation. The program offers guided study in biology through independent research.
The requirements for graduation with honors in research are:
• At least a 3.0 cumulative graduate index.
• Completion of an honors research thesis (BIOL 499) supervised and approved by a member of the biology faculty or by a scientist approved by the Honors Committee, and approved by the Honors Committee and the department chairperson.
• Presentation of an honors seminar (BIOL 497) describing the research.
Special Assignments (BIOL X95).
Students who would like to undertake special study in areas not available through formal course work offered by the section are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty member whose work is in the area of their interest and arrange to enroll in special assignment courses: BIOL 295, 395 or 495. The special study can be: directed readings; independent study, undergraduate research; supervised library, laboratory, or field work; or discussions. Credit will be given for the work, and a title of the area investigated will appear on the transcript. These courses can be repeated for credit. Undergraduate research is emphasized and encouraged at Purdue University North Central.
National Biology Honor Society.
In 1998, Purdue University North Central was granted a local
chapter (XI RHO) of the Beta Beta Beta honor society. It is for students,
particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and
appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge
through scientific research. Since its founding in 1922, more than 145,000
persons have been accepted into lifetime membership, and more than 380 chapters
have been established throughout the
Associate of Science.
Purdue University North Central also offers an Associate of Science degree with Biology or Chemistry Concentration, requiring 64 credits. See the Associate Degree section of this catalog for more information.
Undergraduate Research.
Students are strongly encouraged to become involved in undergraduate research or independent studies (i.e. BIOL 295, 395, 495, 595). Contact a Biology/Chemistry faculty member for specific information about these opportunities. Undergraduate research and independent study courses are listed as: BIOL 295, 395, 495, and 595. These courses are for 1 to 4 credit hours per semester.
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Purdue educated biologists function in many ways: as technicians, technologists, and scientists in industry, government, hospitals, and academic institutions; as teachers in high schools and community colleges; and, given additional talents and training, as science writers, editors, illustrators, and sales personnel in pharmaceutical, hospital, and scientific supply industries. Many graduates later earn a Master of Science or Ph.D. degree, preparing them for positions that involve teaching and research in universities or in industrial or medical laboratories. A basic education in biology is good preparation for advanced work in various aspects of applied pharmacy, agriculture, dentistry, medicine, genetic counseling, marine biology, optometry, veterinary medicine, behavioral sciences, biomedical and environmental engineering, forestry, and wildlife, range, and water management.
GENERAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY
• Completion of the specified plan of study.
• Minimum of 124 semester hours completed as specified by the plan of study.
• Completion of at least
32 semester hours of
• A 2.0 grade point average in all biology and biology elective courses required for the degree. This includes courses outside of biology (e.g., botany, forestry and natural resources).
• A minimum graduation index of 2.0.
It is the student’s responsibility to know and follow the specified degree plan of study. Failure to do so will delay or prevent graduation.
If the student is interested in transferring to another university, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the university of interest relative to admissions, transferability, and degree requirements.
GENERAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The biology core consists of courses required of all undergraduate majors. The sequence begins with the Freshman Experience Seminar in conjunction with an overview of the evolutionary development of organismal diversity and ways organisms interact with their environment and each other. That is followed by a course that introduces the principles of plant and animal development and explores the relationship between their structure and function. The third course includes the study of how cells are structurally organized and how they function. Students are then introduced to the principles of genetics and the molecular mechanisms of gene expression, mutation and replication. Finally, in the senior year, students are given the opportunity to solve real world problems via the Senior Capstone Experience seminar.
In addition to the course and elective biology courses, students
majoring in biology must take certain courses in chemistry, mathematics, and
physics, as well as English, foreign language, humanities, and the social
sciences. In meeting the various requirements, a student fulfills the
A student wishing to graduate with a degree in biology must have a 2.0 gradepoint average in all biology and biology elective courses required for his or her major or specialization. This may include courses outside of the biological sciences if such courses fulfill biology or biology elective requirements for that major or specialization (e.g. botany, forestry and natural resources).
Students majoring in the biological sciences have the choice of focusing or broadening their education by the selection of electives; courses are offered in many aspects of biology. Usually, students take these specialized courses after the sophomore year. It is advantageous for a student to decide by the sophomore year what aspect of the biological sciences he or she wants to emphasize in order to begin the correct sequence of courses required by each major.
Course Requirements: For ALL Biology Majors
The following courses are required for all degrees and concentrations in the biological sciences. In addition, a block of special courses is required for each concentration.
• A minimum of 124 total credits are necessary to graduate. This must include:
• At least 32 credit
hours of
• At least 32 credit hours at the 300 level or above
• 2.0 grade point average in all Biology courses.
• A minimum graduation index of 2.0.
English (6 credits)
|
3 |
ENGL 101 |
English Composition I |
|
3 |
ENGL 102 |
English Composition II |
Physics (8 credits)
|
4 |
PHYS 220 |
General Physics I |
|
4 |
PHYS 221 |
General Physics II |
Foreign Language (12 credits)
|
3 |
FL 101 |
Foreign Language |
|
3 |
FL 102 |
Foreign Language |
|
3 |
FL 201 |
Foreign Language |
|
3 |
FL 202 |
Foreign Language |
Mathematics (12 credits)
|
3 |
MA 223 |
Introductory Analysis I |
|
3 |
MA 224 |
Introductory Analysis II |
|
3 |
CS 220 |
Programming for Engineers and Scientists |
|
3 |
STAT 503 |
Statistical Methods for Biology or |
alternatively,
MA 167, 169 & CS 220 or
STAT 503
Humanities and Social Sciences (18 credits)
A. 6 credits; select one two-course sequence
|
6 |
HIST 151/152 |
American History to 1877/United States Since 1877 |
|
6 |
ENGL 255/267 |
World Literature: From the Beginnings to 1700 A.D./ World Literature: From 1700 A.D. to the Present |
|
6 |
ENGL 350/351 |
Survey of American Literature: From Its Beginnings to 1865/Survey of American Literature: From 1865 to the Post-World War II Period |
|
6 |
IDIS 435/436 |
Great Issues I/Great Issues II |
B. 6 credits
|
3 |
PSY 120 |
Elementary Psychology |
|
3 |
SOC 100 |
Introductory Sociology |
C. 6 credits; select two
|
3 |
POL 101 |
American Government and Politics |
|
3 |
ECON 210 |
Principles of Economics |
|
3 |
PHIL 110 |
Introduction to Philosophy |
|
3 |
COM 114 |
Fundamentals of Speech Communication |
|
3 |
ANTH 100 |
Introduction to Anthropology |
Chemistry (20 credits)
|
4 |
CHM 115 |
General Chemistry |
|
4 |
CHM 116 |
General Chemistry |
|
4 |
CHM 255/255L |
Organic Chemistry & Lab |
|
4 |
CHM 256/256L |
Organic Chemistry & Lab |
|
4 |
CHM 321 |
Analytical Chemistry I |
If you also take CHM 372, Physical Chemistry (4 credits), you can obtain a minor in chemistry.
Biology Core (20 credits)
|
1 |
BIOL 114 |
Freshman Experience (corequisite BIOL 121) |
|
3 |
BIOL 121/116 |
Biology I: Diversity, Ecology and Behavior & Lab |
|
4 |
BIOL 131/118 |
Biology II: Development, Structure and Function & Lab |
|
5 |
BIOL 231/232 |
Biology III: Cell Structure and Function & Lab |
|
5 |
BIOL 241/242 |
Biology IV: Genetics and Molecular Biology & Lab |
|
2 |
BIOL 407 |
Senior Capstone Experience |
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
General Biology Major (15+ credits excluding BIOL x95 courses)
Choose at least one from each of the groups below, at least one laboratory course, and at least one 500 level biology course.
Molecular and Cellular
|
3 |
BIOL 322 |
Microbiology |
|
2 |
BIOL 323 |
Lab in Microbiology |
|
3 |
BIOL 415 |
Molecular Biology |
|
3 |
BIOL 417 |
Biotechnology |
|
3 |
BIOL 529 |
Bacterial Physiology |
|
3 |
BIOL 533 |
Medical Microbiology |
|
2 |
BIOL 534 |
Lab in Medical Microbiology |
|
3 |
BIOL 537 |
Immunobiology |
|
3 |
CHM 333 |
Biochemistry |
|
3 |
CHM 533 |
Biochemistry |
Structure & Function
|
5 |
BIOL 404 |
Gross Anatomy |
|
4 |
BIOL 410 |
Human Physiology |
|
3 |
BIOL 455 |
General & Comparative Physiology |
|
1 |
BIOL 456 |
Lab in Gen & Comp Physiology |
|
3 |
BIOL 466 |
Developmental Biology |
|
3 |
BIOL 505 |
Invertebrate Biology |
|
4 |
BIOL 513 |
Advanced Human Anatomy |
|
4 |
BIOL 531 |
Parasitology |
|
3 |
BTNY 210 |
Intro to Plant Sciences |
Evolution
|
3 |
BIOL 431 |
Geobiology and Evolution |
|
3 |
BIOL 433 |
Intro to Population Genetics |
|
3 |
BIOL 580 |
Evolution |
|
3 |
BIOL 592 |
Evolution of Behavior |
|
3 |
BIOL 597 |
Sex and Evolution |
Ecology & Environmental
|
3 |
BIOL 483 |
Environmental & Conservation Biology |
|
3 |
BIOL 585 |
Ecology |
|
3 |
BTNY 555 |
Aquatic Botany |
|
3 |
FNR 388 |
Ichthyology |
|
3 |
FNR 389 |
Ichthyology Laboratory |
|
3 |
FNR 501 |
Limnology |
|
3 |
FNR 540 |
Wetlands Ecology |
|
3 |
FNR 543 |
Conservation Biology |
Other upper-level courses may be available; check with your advisor.
Free Electives (approximately 13 credits)
Additional upper-level biology courses are encouraged.
Ecology Concentration (15+ credits excluding BIOL x95 courses)
Required
|
3 |
BIOL 580 |
Evolution |
|
3 |
BIOL 585 |
Ecology |
|
3 |
FNR 501 |
Limnology |
|
3 |
BTNY 555 |
Aquatic Botany |
|
3 |
FNR 540 |
Wetland Ecology |
Recommended
|
5 |
BIOL 322/323 |
Microbiology & Lab |
|
4 |
BIOL 531 |
Parasitology |
|
3 |
BIOL 592 |
The Evolution of Behavior |
|
3 |
BIOL 597 |
Sex and Evolution |
|
3 |
CHM 533 |
Introductory Biochemistry |
|
3 |
FNR 388/389 |
Ichthyology & Lab |
Other upper-level courses may be available; check with your advisor.
Free Electives (approximately 13 credits)
Additional upper-level biology courses are encouraged.
Microbiology Concentration (15+ credits excluding BIOL x95 courses)
Required
|
5 |
BIOL 322/323 |
Microbiology & Lab |
|
5 |
BIOL 533/534 |
Medical Microbiology & Lab |
|
4 |
BIOL 531 |
Parasitology |
|
3 |
BIOL 537 |
Immunobiology |
Recommended
|
3 |
BIOL 580 |
Evolution |
|
3 |
CHM 533 |
Introductory Biochemistry |
Other upper-level courses may be available; check with your advisor.
Free Electives (approximately 13 credits)
Additional upper-level biology courses are encouraged.
Predentistry Concentration (15+ credits excluding BIOL x95 courses)
See General Biology Major Groups
Required
|
5 |
BIOL 404 |
Gross Anatomy |
|
4 |
BIOL 455/456 |
Animal Physiology & Lab or |
|
4 |
BIOL 410 |
Human Physiology |
|
3 |
CHM 333 |
Introductory Biochemistry |
Recommended
|
5 |
BIOL 322/323 |
Microbiology & Lab |
|
5 |
BIOL 533/534 |
Medical Microbiology & Lab |
Other upper-level courses may be available; check with your advisor.
Free Electives (approximately 13 credits)
Additional upper-level biology courses are encouraged.
Premedicine Concentration
(15+ credits excluding BIOL X95 courses)
See General Biology Major groups
The following courses are strongly recommended for all Pre-Medicine students.
|
5 |
BIOL 404 |
Gross Anatomy |
|
4 |
BIOL 410 |
Human Physiology |
|
5 |
BIOL 322/323 |
Microbiology & Lab |
|
5 |
BIOL 533/534 |
Medical Microbiology & Lab |
|
3 |
BIOL 537 |
Immunobiology |
|
3 |
CHM 333 |
Introductory Biochemistry |
|
3 |
BIOL 415 |
Molecular Biology |
Free Electives (approximately 13 credits)
Additional upper-level biology courses are encouraged.
Preveterinary Medicine Concentration
(15+ credits excluding BIOL x95 courses)
See General Biology Major groups
Required
|
3 |
ECON 210 |
Principles of Economics |
|
3 |
COM 114 |
Fundamentals of Speech Communication |
|
3 |
CHM 333 |
Introductory Biochemistry |
|
5 |
BIOL 322/323 |
Microbiology & Lab |
|
5 |
BIOL 404 |
Gross Anatomy |
|
4 |
BIOL 455/456 |
Animal Physiology & Lab or |
|
4 |
BIOL 410 |
Human Physiology |
Other upper-level courses may be available; check with your advisor.
Free Electives (approximately 13 credits)
Additional upper-level biology courses are encouraged.
Associate of Science Degree with Emphasis in Certain Science and Engineering Fields
Total credits required for associate degree: 64, distributed as follows:
CORE REQUIREMENTS (43 CREDITS)
|
9 |
Written and Oral Communication |
|
9 |
Mathematics (Calculus Level) |
|
16 |
Science |
|
3 |
Computer |
|
6 |
Humanities and Social Sciences |
PROFESSIONALLY PERTINENT ELECTIVES (21 CREDITS)
Electives include sophomore level discipline-specific courses such as science, mathematics, or engineering courses, as well as other general education courses such as foreign language sequences if these are required in the student’s four-year plan of study.
Students who plan to transfer to other colleges or universities should contact an academic advisor at the other institution regarding the program requirements.
CONTINUING BEYOND THE ASSOCIATE of SCIENCE DEGREE
Biology majors can continue with the Bachelor of Science program
in biology on the Purdue North Central campus. Others may be able to
complete a baccalaureate degree in Liberal Studies or other disciplines at
Purdue North Central.
SAMPLE PLANS OF STUDY: ASSOCIATE of SCIENCE DEGREE
Biology Concentration
If you have had a foreign language (FL) in high school, you may be able to earn some FL credit by taking a credit exam.
Freshman Year
First Semester
|
3 |
ENGL 101 |
English Composition I |
|
1 |
BIOL 114 |
Freshman Experience Seminar |
|
3 |
BIOL 121/116 |
Biology I: Diversity, Ecology and Behavior |
|
4 |
CHM 115 |
General Chemistry |
|
3 |
MA 223 |
Introductory Analysis I |
|
3 |
|
General Ed. Foreign Languages, Humanities or Social Sciences |
|
17 |
|
|
Second Semester
|
3 |
ENGL 102 |
English Composition II |
|
4 |
BIOL 131/118 |
Biology II: Development, Structure and Function of Organisms |
|
4 |
CHM 116 |
General Chemistry |
|
3 |
MA 224 |
Introductory Analysis II |
|
3 |
|
General Ed. Foreign Languages, Humanities or Social Sciences |
|
17 |
|
|
Sophomore Year
Third Semester
|
3 |
STAT 503 |
Statistical Methods for Biology |
|
5 |
BIOL 231/232 |