Biology
Courses | Employment
Majors/Minors
This curriculum is structured to provide a broad base of knowledge in the biological sciences and collateral areas as well as to allow the student to best prepare for his or her chosen field of work in the biological or health sciences or in biology education. Courses offered for students not majoring in biology are designed to give a fundamental understanding of selected areas of biology, particularly as they relate to human health and disease.In addition to completing the general biology, genetics and evolution core courses, students select advanced biology courses according to their interests and career goals. At least seven of the 10 required biology courses must include a laboratory. Half of the biology courses must be taken at Dominican.
Major Requirements
Ten biology courses of at least three semester hours each, including Biology 111-112 or the equivalent; Biology 397; Biology 386 or 392; and six additional courses numbered 200 or higher.
- At least seven of the courses must have a laboratory, and no more than two may be at the 400 level. A minimum of five courses in the major field must be completed at Dominican.
- In addition, the following collateral courses are required for the biology major: Chemistry 120, 121, 253, 254; Physics 211, 212.
- A minimum grade of “C-” must be earned in all courses required for the major and minor.
Interested freshmen and transfer students should consult with the department for placement information prior to registration.
The following collateral courses are recommended for those intending to do graduate work:
- Chemistry 360, Mathematics 261, 262;
- a course in statistics
- a course in computer programming.
Majors in biology earn the Bachelor of Science degree.
Health Science Concentration
- Advanced biology electives must include Biology 261 and 361, and two of the following courses: Biology 310, 360, 371, 382 or 394.
- Six biology courses of at least three semester hours each, including Biology 111 and 112 or the equivalent. At least four of the courses must have a laboratory and only one may be at the 400 level. A minimum of two courses in the minor field must be completed at Dominican.
Biology Education
Teacher certification requirements and regulations are outlined in the teacher education handbook distributed by the School of Education. State of Illinois secondary certification in biology requires the following: eight semester hours in botany with a laboratory, and eight semester hours in zoology with a laboratory. (NOTE: Ten semester hours in laboratory work in biology satisfies the laboratory requirement.)Dominican courses that fulfill the botany requirement are Biology 256, 299, 310 and 312.
Dominican courses that fulfill the zoology requirements are Biology 261, 268, 272, 288, 299, 361 and 371. Note that Biology 299 (Ecology) may be used to satisfy either the botany or the zoology requirement, but not both. Laboratory or field courses in botany or zoology taken at other approved institutions, including the cooperative courses given at the Morton Arboretum or Shedd Aquarium (see below), may be offered toward these requirements. Prior departmental approval is strongly recommended.
Cooperative Biology Courses at the Morton Arboretum and the Shedd Aquarium
As part of its participation in the program of the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area, Dominican University offers credit for cooperative courses given in selected biological topics at the Morton Arboretum and at the Shedd Aquarium as well as for cooperative seminar courses in advanced topics in biology. These courses are often taught by guest lecturers, who are experts in the subject. Because the cooperative course topics vary from year to year, interested students should consult the biology faculty for course and registration information.
Independent Research
Advanced students are encouraged to do original research either at Dominican or at neighboring institutions. Hours are arranged after consultation with individual faculty members.
Courses
111-112. GENERAL BIOLOGY I-II (4/4)
The first semester of this two-semester course sequence includes historical development of the theory of evolution, molecular and cellular biology, animal tissue structure and animal organ systems. Topics covered in General Biology II include taxonomy and evolution, surveys of the plant and animal kingdoms, development, genetics and ecology. These courses are intended primarily for science and pre-medical majors.Prerequisites: 111--High School Biology ; 112--Biology 111 with a minimum grade of “C-.” Lecture and laboratory.
Either of these courses will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
120. MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (3)
A study of the structure of medical terms, emphasizing analysis and understanding of word parts and word roots. Terms used to describe selected body systems will be studied and clinical applications described. Lecture.Course does not count toward the biology or biology-chemistry major.
152-252. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I-II (4/4)
This is a two-semester course in the principles of human anatomy and physiology, including homeostatic mechanisms and structural terminology. Designed primarily for nutrition science and pre-nursing students. Course does not count toward biology or the biology-chemistry major. Lecture and laboratory.Prerequisite for Biology 252: Biology 152 with a grade of “C” or better or consent of instructor.
These courses will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
160. ELEMENTARY MICROBIOLOGY (4)
An introduction to basic and applied microbiological topics and techniques. Designed primarily for nutrition science and pre-nursing students.Course does not count toward the biology or the biology-chemistry major. Laboratory meets twice weekly and will emphasize handling of bacteria. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: One college level biology course or consent of instructor.
This course will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
256. GENERAL BOTANY (4)
Physiology, structure, development, taxonomy, ecology and evolution of plants. Lecture and laboratory.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112
261. ADVANCED HUMAN ANATOMY (4)
The course is an in-depth study of the anatomy of human organ systems at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels.The components are presented using lecture, discussion and laboratory. The laboratories involve methods and techniques that have a relationship to clinical procedures and practices. Dissection of animal specimens and human cadavers aid in identification of important anatomical structures and their relation to physiological function.
Prerequisites: Biology 111-112
264. PARASITOLOGY (3)
Biological relationships seen in the parasitic mode of life, with emphasis on the protozoan and invertebrate parasites of man. Lecture.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112 or consent of instructor
268. ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (3)
A study of animal behavior, including some proximate mechanisms and the ecology and evolution of social behavior. Lecture.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112
272. COMPARATIVE ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY (3)
An introduction to the similarities and unique differences in physiology across the animal kingdom. Emphasis on the comparative nervous, endocrine, muscular, circulatory, respiratory and excretory systems. Lecture.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112 and one semester of college chemistry
273. NEUROBIOLOGY (3)
This course explores the cellular and biochemical principles of neural function. Topics include the structure and function of ion channels, intracellular signaling pathways, and the genetic regulation of neural function.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112, Chemistry 104 or 253 or concurrent enrollment
Listed also as Neuroscience 273.
288. INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY (4)
Lectures and laboratory work on the comparative morphology, physiology and evolution of the invertebrate phyla.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112
292. DIMENSIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENT (4)
This course is a multidisciplinary study of global change, the most obvious of which is climate. It addresses issues of human effects on the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and the terrestrial and oceanic hydrosphere of the earth due to the food, water, shelter, and energy needs of the human population.Lecture and lab.
Prerequisites: Biology 111-112
Listed also as Environmental Science 292.
299. ECOLOGY (4)
The study of the distribution and abundance of organisms. Lecture, laboratory and field trips.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112
310. MICROBIOLOGY (4)
Structure, physiology, metabolism and identification of microorganisms. Lecture and laboratory.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112, Chemistry 253-254 or concurrent enrollment
312. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY (4)
Introduction to plant tissue culture, plant growth, development, metabolism, nutrition and response to environmental conditions. Lecture and laboratory.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112, Chemistry 253-254 or concurrent enrollment
321-329. TOPICS IN ADVANCED FIELD BOTANY (3-4/3-4)
These courses are taught during the academic year or in the summer at the Morton Arboretum. The courses with field or laboratory work are acceptable toward the laboratory botany requirement for teacher certificationInterested students should consult with the biology faculty for information on course topics and registration.
This course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: Biology 111-112 and consent of instructor; Biology 256 is recommended
352. CELL/MOLECULAR APPROACHES TO NEUROSCIENCE (4)
This is an intensive course learning to apply basic molecular biology techniques to the analysis of individual cells that make up the nervous system. Techniques include gene cloning, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA restriction analysis, DNA electrophoresis, the use of transgenic organisms, and immunohistochemistry.Prerequisites: Neuroscience 272 and 273
Listed also as Neuroscience 352.
353. MARINE MAMMALOGY (3)
Study of the distribution, feeding habits, behavior, and classification of marine mammals. Published research studies of the physiology and reproduction of marine mammals will also be reviewed. Students will observe natural behaviors of the animals, study methods of enriching the aquarium environment, and conduct behavioral research. This course is taught at the John G. Shedd Aquarium.356. MARINE ISLAND ECOLOGY OF THE BAHAMAS (4)
This course covers basic principles and field techniques for study of both marine and land animals that will be observed on the field trip to the Exuma Islands of the Caribbean Sea. Contact the biology department for information and special application. Lecture and laboratory.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112 and consent of department
360. HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (3)
A study of underlying molecular mechanisms and causes of altered physiological states of the human body. Major concepts emphasized in the course include maintenance of acid-base and body fluid balances, oxygenations, neuro-endocrine regulation and control, immune defense mechanisms, cardiovascular mechanisms and aging. Critical-thinking and problem-solving techniques will be used to study the interaction of body systems in the development of various diseases states. This course is designed for allied health practitioners and pre-professional students.Prerequisites: Chemistry 101 or 104 or 120; Biology 142, 252 or 261
361. ADVANCED HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (4)
An in-depth study of the physiologic mechanisms and regulation of selected organ systems focusing on the integration of the nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems. Lecture and laboratory.Prerequisites: Biology 261 with a minimum grade of “C-”, Physics 211 and Chemistry 253, 254 or concurrent enrollment or consent of instructor
371. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (4)
Animal development with emphasis on vertebrates. Topics range from game to genesis to organ system development, with emphasis on genetic control. Lecture and laboratory.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112 and junior or senior standing
382. IMMUNOLOGY (3)
Survey of the immune system of vertebrates with emphasis on biological and chemical aspects of immunity. Lecture.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112, Chemistry 253, 254 or concurrent enrollment
386. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3)
The study of the mechanisms by which DNA and enzymes interact to produce complex cellular activities. Topics covered will include the logic underlying the study of molecular biology, the structure, regulation and mutation of genes and the technological applications of molecular biology. Lecture.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112, Chemistry 104 or 253 or concurrent enrollment
392. GENETICS (4)
Principles of heredity and variation, including classical and biochemical studies. Special emphasis on accurately presenting the results of laboratory work in research papers. Lecture and laboratory.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112 and junior or senior standing
394. CELL BIOLOGY (3)
Relationship of molecular and structural organization of the cell to growth, reproduction and function.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112, Chemistry 253, 254 or concurrent enrollment
395. BIO-CHEMICAL TECHNIQUES (2)
Major laboratory techniques used in cell biology and biochemistry, including isolation methods, chromatography, quantitative methods, electrophoresis and tissue culture. This is the laboratory component of Biology 394.Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Biology 394 or Chemistry 360
397. EVOLUTION (4)
Study of biological evolution provides an intellectual frame work for understanding life. Its study from different perspectives allows the student to appreciate why the geneticist T. Dobzhansky believed that “nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.” The controversy surrounding evolution will be used to examine the issue of “What is science?” Lecture and laboratory.Prerequisites: Biology 111-112 and senior standing; Biology 392 is strongly recommended
403-406. SPECIAL TOPICS (1 OR 3/1 OR 3)
Reading and in-depth study in selected fields of biology. Course may be given in conjunction with lecture series offered by the Associated Colleges of the Chicago area.This course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: Biology 111-112 and consent of a science faculty member
410. SEMINAR (3)
Biological topics of current interest. Oral and written presentations by students.INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OR CREATIVE INVESTIGATION (1-3)
Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, Senior Thesis Independent Research or Creative Investigation is a course in which students collaborate with facultymentors on an ongoing faculty research project or conduct an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member. This directed undergraduate research or creative investigation culminates in a conference presentation, journal article or other creative/scholarly project.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Employment
Acquire introductory and in-depth learning in the field of biology through classroom and laboratory exercises. Analyze and solve problems as you learn to work with a large array of techniques and instruments. Biology will put you at the center of issues that affect our lives, such as global warming, cloning, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.Employment:
- Research
- Teaching
- Technical writing
- Technical illustration
- Administration
- Industry
- Laboratories
- Public health
- Government
- Zoos
- Museums
- Environmental organizations