BIO1060 Human Biology (4 semester hours)
The course examines the human organism and the impact of modern biology and medicinal discoveries on humans. Topics covered include anatomy/physiology, immunity, reproduction, development, genetics, and the relationship between humans and their environment. No laboratory requirement.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education "Observation of the Natural World" requirement.
BIO1210 Biology of Cells (4 semester hours)
This course studies the cell as the basic unit of biology. Topics include classification of living organisms, acellular and cellular organisms; structure and roles of biologically important molecules; prokaryote and eucaryote cell structure; concepts of metabolism and energy flow; enzymes; photosynthesis; ATP production; cell reproduction; molecular genetics; and the principles of Mendelian genetics. Laboratory exercises are coordinated with lecture topics.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education "Observation of the Natural World" requirement.
BIO1220 Biology of Organisms (4 semester hours)
This course is an introductory-level biology class that provides students with an overview of the fundamentals of evolution, diversity of life, and ecology. The course will also emphasize how the scientific method is used to gain an understanding of these concepts.
Prerequisite: BIO1210.
BIO2200 Humans and the Environment (4 semester hours)
This course provides students with an overview of the relationship between humans and their environment. Specifically, the course will introduce students to the environmental problems that we face including human population growth, air pollution, water pollution, loss of biological diversity and energy usage, and discusses potential solutions to these problems. We also investigate local environmental issues.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education "Observation of the Natural World" requirement.
BIO2280 Microbiology (4 semester hours)
This course covers microbial principles and techniques for application in other fields or as a first course in the advanced study of microbiology. Topics include the structure and life cycles of bacteria and viruses, characteristics of the major grups of bacteria, bacterial metabolism identification, selected microbial diseases and the multiple roles of bacteria. Laboratory exercises include staining techniques, bacterial and phage culture, control of microbes and identification of unknowns using metabolic and morphologic characteristics plus selected topics.
Prerequisite: BIO1210.
BIO2660 Anatomy & Physiology I (4 semester hours)
Detailed study of the relationship between structure and function of an organism with an emphasis on the human system. Physical-chemical principles related to the major organ systems, including integumentary, muscular, skeletal, nervous, and the senses. A partial course in anatomy and physiology. Lab exercises are coordinated with lecture material.
Prerequisite: BIO1210.
BIO2670 Anatomy & Physiology II (4 semester hours)
Adds to the topics of Anatomy and Physiology I the aspects of endocrine, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and urogenital systems, immunity and reproduction. Anatomy and Physiology I and II make a complete course in anatomy and physiology. Lab exercises emphasize and expand lecture principles.
Prerequisite: BIO2660.
BIO2750 Health Professions Seminar (2 semester hours)
Designed for students with a definite interest in one of the health professions. This course introduces the student to the basic health care environment and examines the roles and responsibilities of various occupations and the issues affecting the quality and form of health care in America. Economic, political, sociological, psychological, and ethical problems facing health care professionals will also be discussed.
No prerequisites.
BIO3040 Immunology (4 semester hours)
The principles and applications of immunology. Includes study of the anatomy, physiology, and genetics of the immune system, the cellular and antibody response to bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and worms, and the immune response to tumors. Also includes the study of immune disorders, including hypersensitivity, allergy, autoimmunity, and immune deficiency. Immunologic techniques will be discussed, studied in the laboratory, and applications to research, testing, and diagnosis will be covered.
Prerequisites: BIO1210.
BIO3050 Pathophysiology (3 semester hours)
Integrates the pathological processes of disease with those of the "normal" functioning body. Cellular and organismal disease mechanisms are studied with reference to specific diseases, with opportunity to apply this learning to actual case studies.
Prerequisite: BIO2670.
BIO3080 Nutrition and Health Promotion (4 semester hours)
How nutrition impacts the health of the individual will be investigated. A biochemical, cellular, and physiological approach to carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals and how the body responds to excess and deficiency of these foodstuffs will be addressed. Current topics include links between diet and various diseases; nutritional trends; weight management; food-borne illness; diet and exercise; how the diet affects arterial aging and the immune system; and nutrition myths and misinformation.
Prerequisites: BIO2670, CHM1200, or CHM1310 and CHM1320.
Meets General Education "Observation of the Natural World" requirement.
BIO3150 Invertebrate Biology (4 semester hours)
This course provides an overview of the invertebrate animals beginning with sponges and ending with cephalochordates. Emphasis will be placed on identification of invertebrates, and descriptions of key characteristics and evolutionary innovations of the invertebrate phyla and classes using a comparative approach. Laboratory will involve field trips and making detailed comparisons among selected invertebrate types through behavioral observation, microscopy and dissection.
Prerequisite: BIO1220.
BIO3250 Vertebrate Biology (4 semester hours)
This course provides an overview of the vertebrate animals beginning with fishes and ending with mammals. Emphasis will be placed on identification of vertebrates, and descriptions of key characteristics and evolutionary innovations of the vertebrate classes using a comparative approach. Laboratory will involve field trips and making detailed comparisons among selected vertebrate types through behavioral observation, microscopy and dissection.
Prerequisite: BIO1220.
BIO3260 Comparative Botany (4 semester hours)
This course covers the basic structure and selected functions of flowering plants, adaptations to specific environmental factors, a comparison of the major plant groups from algae to angiosperms, and characteristics of selected families of higher plants. The interactions between humans and plants will be emphasized. The laboratory exercises include topics in plant morphology, reproduction, life cycles, identification, and research design.
Prerequisite: BIO1210 and BIO1220.
Meets General Education "Observation of the Natural World" requirement.
BIO3270 Plant Physiology (4 semester hours)
This course covers the functional and related structural aspects of the higher green plants. Topics include transport of water and nutrients; mineral requirements, including deficiency symptoms and availability from soil; photosynthesis; respiration; plant regulators; plant movements; and responses to light and temperature. Laboratory activities and a final project or projects are integrated into the lecture sections.
Prerequisite: BIO1210 and BIO1220.
BIO3360 Biogerontology (4 semester hours)
This course covers the modern biological aspects of aging. Students need to distinguish pathophysiological conditions from "normal aging" of the human body. The theory of aging and how nutrition, exercise, stress, and social interaction affects aging will be discussed.
Prerequisite: BIO2670.
BIO3370 Conservation Biology (4 semester hours)
This course provides an introduction to conservation biology and conservation practivce. Topics will focus on the earth's biological diversity, threats to its biological diversity, how threats influence populations and species, and solutions to dealing with those threats. Real-world applicatins and conservation techniques will be investigated in lab.
Prerequisites: BIO1220 or BIO2200.
BIO/CHM3380 Biotechnology (3 semester hours)
Introduction to theory and application of key laboratory techniques in the field of biotechnology. The course integrates "hands-on" learning of important techniques with concepts from the areas of biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics.
Prerequisites: CHM1320, BIO3400 or BIO3280.
BIO3400 Genetics (4 semester hours)
This course includes both molecular and organismal genetics. The structure and functions of nucleic acids; gene action and regulation; and the principles of genetic engineering and cloning are covered as well as the inheritance of autosomal and sex-linked traits, gene interactions, eucaryote and bacterial genetics; and polygenic inheritance. The interactions of the field of genetics and society including ethical issues will also be addressed.
Prerequisites: MTH1100, BIO1210.
BIO3450 Advanced Cell Biology (4 semester hours)
The integration of structure and function of living things on the cellular level. Topics include cell physiology, molecular biology, immunology, and developmental biology.
Prerequisites: BIO2670, BIO3400, CHM1320.
BIO3510 Ecology (4 semester hours)
This course provides an introduction to ecology including examinations of an organism's relationship to its environment, population ecology, community ecology, landscape ecology, and ecosystem ecology. In this course we will also explore the biodiversity in our region, perform small-scale experiments, and learn the process of inquiry by designing and conducting an ecological research project.
Prerequisite: BIO1220 or BIO2200.
BIO3520 Animal Behavior (3 semester hours)
This course provides an introduction to animal behavior including overviews of proximate and ultimate causes of behavior, and detailed discussions of topics in behavioral ecology such as predation, foraging, habitat selection, mating, and social interactions.
Prerequisite: BIO1220.
BIO3530 Evolution (4 semester hours)
This course provides an introduction to evolutionary biology including examinations of evidence for evolution, mechanisms of evolutionary change, adaptation, speciation, extinction, and history of life. In this course, we will also perform computer simulations and read primary literature articles on evolution.
Prerequisite: BIO1220.
BIO/CHM3550 Biochemistry (3 semester hours)
Introduction to structure, properties, function, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, emphasizing enzymology, bioenergetics, and metabolic regulation.
Prerequisite: CHM2410.
BIO3600 Molecular Biology (3 semester hours)
Introduction to theory, concepts, and techniques of molecular biology. This course integrates discussion and analyses of concepts, theories, and techniques of the molecular biosciences and explores how they are applied in various fields, including basic and applied biological research, biotechnological efforts, medical procedures, and pharmaceutical development. This course includes a laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIO1210, CHM2410.
Co-requisite: BIO3600z.
BIO3790 ACCA Affiliated Course (2-4 semester hours)
Aurora University in collaboration with the other Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA), the Shedd Aquarium, and Morton Arboretum offers a range of courses including lecture series, laboratory courses and field experiences which enrich our core curriculum. These will be offered as student interests and needs indicate.
Prerequisite: Consent of program chair.
BIO3820 Secondary Methods in Biology (4 semester hours)
This course presents techniques that are effective in teaching in the content areas. The course includes lesson planning, classroom arrangement, curriculum design, alternative teaching strategies, and evaluation. In addition to the classroom hours there is a simultaneous practicum. This is usually the last course the student takes prior to student teaching.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a GPA of 3.00, passing a background check, and EDU2200 and EDU2260. Placement applications for the practicum are due to the College of Education placement coordinator the January before the academic year of the practicum or for transfer students upon acceptance into the College of Education.
(Fall)
BIO3970 Research in Biology (1-4 semester hours)
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to do biological research that has the potential to be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and presented at a scientific meeting. Students will accomplish these goals by performing a supervised research project, and attending weekly seminars on how to conduct scientific research.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Academic information on departmental websites reflects the university's most current curriculum. The print version of the catalog, which is also posted online, may differ from this information.
