Augustana Biology Department


Biology Course Listing 2007-2009

Course Offerings

(C) signifies that course contains a computer component that fulfills C course requirements.
(W) signifies that course contains a writing component that fulfills W course requirements.


110. Biology and Human Concerns 4 Cr. Hrs. (Area 3.2)

A study of biology with an emphasis on ecological, genetic, and evolutionary concepts. Topics such as disruption of ecosystems, human population growth, world food and energy shortages, human disease, and genetic engineering will be examined and discussed. Intended for non-science majors outside the Natural Science Division. The course includes 2 hours of laboratory work each week.


120. Biological Principles I 4 Cr. Hrs. (Area 3.2)

An introduction to the study of biology with an emphasis on genetic, ecological, and evolutionary concepts. The course includes 2 hours laboratory experience each week. This course is intended for biology majors. Corequisite: Chem 120.


121. Biological Principles II 4 Cr. Hrs

A study of the major taxonomic groupings of plants and animals using an evolutionary approach followed by an in-depth study of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and the physiological processes responsible for control and integration in both plants and animals. The course includes 3 hours of laboratory experience each week. Prerequisite: Biol 120 (or 110) and Chem 120.


150. Human Anatomy 4 Cr. Hrs.

A study of the structure of the human body at the tissue, organ, and system level. Laboratory work includes dissection and histological studies. Prerequisite: Biol 110 or 120; Chem 120 strongly recommended.


180. Introduction to Environmental Science 4 Cr. Hrs. (Area 3.2)

This introductory course will integrate concepts and material from several disciplines to analyze and evaluate current environmental problems, study specific pollutants, and evaluate consequences of their continued production. A modern and holistic approach is designed to meet both the needs of non-majors with a serious concern about environmental issues and the needs of students who intend to pursue career objectives in environmental science or ecology. The course includes 3 hours of lab work each week.


200. Life Science 4 Cr. Hrs. (W - Area 2.1B) -- (Area 3.2 for teacher certification students only.)

This course concentrates on concepts in life science that are typically included in the elementary and middle school science curriculum. Enrollment limited to students who are prepared to teach in K-8 or special education. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.


225. Human Physiology 4 Cr. Hrs.

A study of the function, integration and coordination of the organ systems of the human body with an emphasis on homeostatic control mechanisms. This course includes and experimental laboratory in which basic human physiological responses are studied. Prerequisites: Biol 120, and either 121 or 150; Chem 120 and either 145 or 201.


233. Genetics 4 Cr. Hrs.

This course covers classical Mendelian analysis, mitosis and meiosis, genetic mapping, non-Mendelian inheritance, chromosomal structure and mutations, the structure of DNA and RNA, transcription, translation, molecular gene cloning and analysis, human genetics and Human Genome Project, and population and quantitative genetics. The course includes 3 hours of laboratory per week, focused on experience in genetic mapping, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics. Prerequisite: Biol 121.


234. Cell Biology 4 Cr. Hrs.

This course begins with an introduction to the techniques used in studying cells and the elements of bioenergetics. Then the ultra structure and function of all major eucaryotic organelles are described in detail. This survey includes the principles of cell metabolism and its regulation, membrane transport, and the cell cycle. The course concludes with specialized topics such as the biology of cancer and the cellular mechanisms of hormone action. The laboratory acquaints students with techniques employed in cell biology. Prerequisite: Biol 233 and Chem 145 or 201; or concurrent with Chem 145.


250. Introductory Microbiology 4 Cr. Hrs.

This course is intended to acquaint the student with the biology and importance of bacteria and viruses. Particular emphasis will be placed on disease mechanisms, the nature of the most important diseases afflicting humans, immunology, and selected aspects of applied microbiology with public health implications (e.g. drinking water and sewage treatment). The laboratory will introduce a wide variety of standard microbial techniques. Prerequisites: Biol 225 or 234; Chem 120; Chem 145 or 201.


334. Vertebrate Embryology 4 Cr. Hrs.

A study of vertebrate morphogenetic processes. Emphasis is placed on study of a generalized vertebrate structure pattern and examination of some of the morphological specializations built upon this basic plan. Laboratory emphasizes chick development and anatomy of the Ammocoetes larva, the dogfish and the cat. Development-evolution interactions are explored throughout the course. Special lab activities support work in this area. Prerequisite: Biol 121.


336. Ornithology 4 Cr. Hrs.

Study of the anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior and distribution of birds. Field trips deal primarily with identification and natural history of birds of the northern Great Plains. Prerequisite: Biol 121 or consent of instructor.


342. Plant Function and Structure 4 Cr. Hrs. (W - Area 2.1B)

A study of the role and mechanism of the major processes of vascular plants from a functional and structural approach. The integration of plant growth, reproduction, and physiology are stressed. Agricultural and environmental implications are emphasized. Prerequisite: Biol 121.


344. General Microbiology 4 Cr. Hrs.

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the biology and importance of viruses and procaryotic and eucaryotic microorganisms including their structure, taxonomy, physiology, genetics, and ecology. Emphasis will also be given to the mechanisms of disease and resistance. The course is intended for junior and senior biology majors. The laboratory introduces viruses, bacteria, and a wide variety of microbiological techniques. Prerequisite: Biol 234.


346. Developmental Biology 4 Cr. Hrs.

Analysis of developmental processes including gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, morphogenetic movements, growth, and developmental regulation. Major emphasis is placed upon the nature and control of cell differentiation. Laboratory work emphasizes experimental studies on living materials. Prerequisite: Biol 234.


348. Principles of Ecology 4 Cr. Hrs.

Study of the interrelations of plants, animals, and the abiotic environment. Environmental factors, populations, communities and ecosystems are studied. Laboratory time includes field trips involving intensive study of a variety of local ecosystems. Prerequisite: Biol 121.


350. Aquatic Ecology 4 Cr. Hrs.

A detailed examination of freshwater organisms in relation to their physical, chemical, and biological environments. Rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands will be studied as interdependent ecosystems, with the effects of man's use and manipulation investigated where appropriate. The laboratory emphasizes field work on regional aquatic ecosystems. Prerequisite: Biol 121.


352. Terrestrial Plant Ecology 4 Cr. Hrs. (W - Area 2.1B)

An analysis of the factors that determine plant distribution. Initially this course will focus on the observation and identification of local plants, plant types, and communities. Later in lectures we will expand our discussion to major vegetation types in North America. Through field trips, laboratory experiments and lectures this course will stress various aspects of community, population, and physiological ecology. Specific topics will include competition and succession, population demography, and productivity. Prerequisite: Biol 121.


354. Biological Chemistry 3-4 Cr. Hrs.

A study of the chemistry of cellular constituents, enzymes and catalysis, metabolism, and the control of metabolic processes with particular emphasis upon the dynamic aspects of cellular metabolism. The laboratory will consist of selected projects such as the purification and characterization of an enzyme. Counts towards the experimental requirement for major only when the laboratory portion is also taken. This course may be taken as lecture only (3 cr), or as lecture and lab (4 cr). Prerequisite: Biol 234 and Chem 145 or 202.


358. Molecular Biology 4 Cr. Hrs.

This course involves a detailed study of the molecular nature of genes, their regulation, expression and manipulation. Emphasis will be placed on experimental analysis in understanding the genetic systems. In addition, the role of molecular genetics in the area of biotechnology will be considered. The laboratory will emphasize modern molecular methods in recombinant DNA work and related areas. Prerequisite: Biol 233 and 234, and Chem 145 or 201.


395, 396. Internship in Biology 2-4 Cr. Hrs.

Internships permit students to obtain credit for practical experience in biology and related fields. The level and amount of credit for such experiences will be determined individually in consultation with the department chairperson. Cannot be applied toward the 36 hours required for the major.


197, 297, 397. Topics in Biology 2-4 Cr. Hrs.
199, 299, 399. Independent Study 2-4 Cr. Hrs.

Intended to provide experience in research or special techniques in biology on an individual basis. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.


490. Senior Seminar 1 Cr. Hr.

A one semester seminar dealing with major ideas in biology and required of all biology majors. In addition to readings and discussions at group meetings, attendance at regularly scheduled Biology Department Seminars is required. Graded S/U Only


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Last modified Tuesday, August 7, 2007.