Biology

Contact Information

Website: www.uis.edu/biology/
Email: bio@uis.edu
Office Phone: (217) 206-6630
Office Location: HSB 223

Bachelor of Science
- Pre-Medical Concentration
- Science of the Environment Concentration
Minor

Departmental Goals and Objectives

The B.S. degree in Biology is designed to augment student learning, build a broad foundational understanding of biological sciences, create relevant competencies in scientific practices, and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to address current scientific issues.

The degree includes a broad curriculum with biology courses and integral supporting disciplines; this allows flexibility for students and their advisors to construct a degree that prepares the student for a variety of fields of interest in the biological sciences. The curriculum is delivered by faculty with diverse interests, providing opportunities to participate in research in many areas including molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological fields of study.

With a foundational curriculum and research opportunities available, the B.S. degree prepares students to continue their careers in biological sciences in industry, government, or academia. Graduates from UIS with a B.S. in Biology have entered their professional careers as laboratory and field technicians, scientific sales representatives, biology project managers, and secondary teachers. Other graduates have successfully continued their academic careers in graduate school and professional schools for medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine.

Honors in Biology

Biology majors with a cumulative GPA greater than 3.5 at UIS may elect to participate in the Biology Honors option. In addition to Biology Program and UIS requirements, honors students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, and successfully complete BIO 400 ECCE: Undergraduate Research with a research advisor. Students must also present their undergraduate research findings in a public presentation (e.g., Student Technology, Arts & Research Symposium - STARS). Students must apply for participation in the honors program to the program lead, and obtain the approval of their faculty research advisor.

Internships and Undergraduate Research

Students can gain practical professional experience by participating in an internship through the Internships and Prior Learning (IPL) programs. Placements have included state agencies such as the Illinois State Museum, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources as well internships at SIU School of Medicine, Lincoln Memorial Garden, or local Veterinary Clinics. Students may also conduct research with Biology faculty members (BIO 400 ECCE: Undergraduate Research). These experiences can count toward a student’s ECCE Engagement requirements. Please note that courses can only count toward fulfillment of one requirement. BIO 400 can be used as either ECCE Engagement or a BIO elective, but the same credits cannot be used for both. A student can take four credits of BIO 400 as elective and an additional three credits of BIO 400 for ECCE Engagement if they want to fulfill both requirements through a research experience (seven credits total).

The Bachelor's Degree

Advising

Students with junior and senior standing should meet with the College of Health, Science, and Technology advisor before initial registration. The student should prepare a plan to ensure that all requirements are being met and discuss this plan with the college advisor. The program recommends that students take as many introductory courses (see below) as possible their freshman and sophomore year. BIO 301, CHE 267, and CHE 268 should be taken no later than spring of their junior year.

Students are expected to complete the first semester of organic chemistry before taking cell biology. Core Courses (see below) BIO 311, BIO 371, BIO 381, BIO 391 and BIO electives should be started in the junior year with emphasis on those core courses that serve as pre-requisites for future BIO electives of interest. In the senior year, students can take any remaining BIO electives and Core Courses. Pre-professional students (pre-med, pre-vet, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental) should meet with an advisor when planning their program.

Grading Policy

To be able to enroll in upper division courses, students must earn at least a C or better in BIO 141 and BIO 142. To earn a Biology degree, students must have at least a C (2.0) average in all required courses (including biology electives). Because writing is a core skill for biologists, students must earn at least a C to receive credit in BIO 301. Those performing below this level (C- or lower) are required to retake the course. Transfer courses must have a grade of C or better (grades of C- or lower will not be accepted).

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduating, students should be able to:

Design and conduct a scientific study to investigate biological systems.
Articulate and apply the concepts of cellular biology, organismal biology, ecology and evolution.
Explain the molecular basis of heredity and the processes of biological evolution.
Integrate the knowledge they have obtained across their biology course work to address applied issues.
Communicate effectively in written and oral scientific formats.

Students declaring the BIO major complete eight semester hours in general chemistry with laboratory, seven semester hours in organic chemistry with laboratory, eight semester hours of biology courses (typically general biology with laboratory), and one course in statistics. The general chemistry and general biology courses taken need to be the introductory sequence for science majors. Up to 12 semester hours of approved lower-division courses may be transferred from an accredited institution of higher education to make up deficiencies.

Requirements

Introductory Courses (for core course work) ¹
BIO 141	General Biology I	4
BIO 142	General Biology II	4
CHE 141	General Chemistry I	4
CHE 142	General Chemistry II	4
CHE 267 & CHE 268	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory	4
CHE 269	Organic Chemistry II	3
MAT 121	Applied Statistics	3
Total Hours		26

¹: One semester of organic chemistry is a prerequisite for some biology core courses. Transfer students with credit equivalent to CHE 267 and CHE 268 can substitute general electives.

Core Requirements
BIO 301	General Seminar (sophomore or junior year)	3
BIO 311	Cell Biology (offered in spring, junior or senior year)	4
BIO 371	Principles Of Ecology (offered in fall, junior or senior year)	4
BIO 381	Genetics (offered in spring, junior or senior year)	4
BIO 391	Evolution (senior year preferred)	4
BIO 401	Integrative Biology: Senior Seminar (final semester)	3
BIO Electives (300 and 400 Level BIO courses, at least 2 lab courses) ¹		14
Total Hours		36

¹: BIO Electives: BIO 306 and BIO 307 do not count towards the BIO elective. All 500 level BIO courses as well as ENS 404, MPH 471, PSY 412, and TEP 437 count towards the BIO elective. Students should ask the advisor for current list of courses. At least two courses out of the 14 BIO electives credit must be lab courses.

NOTE: Pre-professional students (pre-med, pre-vet, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental) and students planning to go to graduate school should take a year of physics with laboratory (ASP 201 and ASP 202). Calculus is required for this course sequence. These students should also take the laboratory associated with the second semester of Organic Chemistry CHE 271.

Biology Minor

The minor in Biology is designed for students who wish to increase their knowledge of biology, acquire a foundation in biological sciences, and develop critical thinking skills. Students may plan a broad-based minor, containing courses from each of the major organizational divisions of living things: cells, organisms, and communities. The minor may also focus on a particular aspect of biology such as botany, ecology, or molecular biology.

To earn a Biology minor, students must complete a minimum of 24 hours in biology, of which at least eight hours must be upper-division courses taken at UIS. It is recommended that electives be selected in consultation with a biology faculty member or advisor. Some upper-division courses have particular prerequisites other than general biology, please check with an advisor.

NOTE: A minimum of eight hours of upper-division course work must be taken at UIS. Some upper-division courses have particular prerequisites other than general biology.

Requirements

Core Courses
BIO 141	General Biology I ¹	4
BIO 142	General Biology II	4
Elective Courses
Select from the following:		16
BIO 311	Cell Biology
BIO 347	Medical Bacteriology
BIO 371	Principles Of Ecology
BIO 381	Genetics
BIO 391	Evolution
BIO 400	ECCE: Undergraduate Research
BIO 402	Biometrics
BIO 410	Topics in Biology
BIO 428	Human Disease
BIO 429	Human Physiology
BIO 431	Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO 433	Comparative Vertebrate Biology
BIO 444	Aquatic Ecology
BIO 445	Biology Of Water Pollution
BIO 446	Restoration Ecology
BIO 447	Global Change Ecology
BIO 448	Introduction to Immunology
BIO 449	Introductory Immunology Lab
BIO 451	General Botany
BIO 455	Medical Botany
BIO 462	Conservation Biology
BIO 475	General Biochemistry
BIO 476	General Biochemistry Laboratory
BIO 485	Advanced Biochemistry
Total Hours		24

¹: Equivalent courses are accepted

EHS HDC Admissions
Degree Program	Program Type	Dept Application Materials and Admission Criteria	Prerequisite Course Requirements	Department ADM Review	Dept Conditional Admits	Dept Appeal Process
Biology	BS	No additional admission requirements beyond the general UIS criteria	BIO 141, BIO 142, CHE 141, CHE 142, CHE 267, CHE 268, and MAT 121 Up to 12 semester hours of approved lower-division courses may be transferred from an accredited institution of higher education to make up deficiencies. Transfer courses must have a grade of C or better.	N/A	N/A	N/A

Courses

BIO 106. Environmental Biology. 3 Hours.

Examines ecological principles in relation to environmental problems. Emphasizes current environmental issues and possible solutions and courses of action. Course Information: Course is intended for non-science majors. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Life Science without a Lab.(IAI Code: L1905).

BIO 107. Environmental Biology Lab. 1 Hour.

Optional lab for BIO 106. Course Information: Prerequisite: BIO 106 must be taken concurrently or have been completed with a passing grade. Course is intended for non-science majors. This course, along with BIO 106, fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Life Science with a Lab.

BIO 141. General Biology I. 4 Hours.

An introduction to the nature of life, including the cell doctrine, the basic physical phenomena of life; a consideration of bioenergetics and biosynthesis; cell reproduction; the gene concept and genetics; and the mechanism and evidence of organic evolution. Course Information: Prerequisites: Capital Scholar or instructor approval. This course is designed for science majors. Students must earn at least a C in this course. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Life Science with a Lab. (IAI Code: L 1910 L); (IAI Major Code: BIO 910).

BIO 142. General Biology II. 4 Hours.

Part of the introductory biology sequence for science majors. Students will learn about the unity and diversity of life, including concepts of evolution, growth and development, behavior, and the interactions of organisms with their abiotic and biotic environments. Course Information: Students must earn at least a C in this course. (IAI Major Code: BIO 910).

BIO 201. Basics of Human Anatomy and Physiology I. 4 Hours.

This course is designed for Allied Health Science students interested in learning about anatomy and physiology. It is an introductory course which explores basic sciences related to health careers. It is part 1 of a 2 semester lecture and lab sequence. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Life Science with a Lab.

BIO 202. Basics of Human Anatomy and Physiology II. 4 Hours.

This course is designed for Allied Health Science students interested in learning about anatomy and physiology. It is an introductory course which explores basic sciences related to health careers. It is part 2 of a 2 semester lecture and lab sequence. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Life Science with a Lab.

BIO 231. Applied Microbiology. 3 Hours.

A lecture course that explores microorganisms important to healthcare. Topics include microbial characteristics, genetics, growth and metabolism, mechanisms of disease transmission, immunity, antimicrobial treatment and resistance, a survey of pathogenic microbes and prevention of microbial disease. Clinical applications will be emphasized. Course Information: This course is designed for nursing students and other allied health fields; it does not fulfill the microbiology requirement for Biology and CLS/MLS majors. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Life Science without a Lab.

BIO 232. Applied Microbiology Lab. 1 Hour.

This is an optional laboratory course to accompany Applied Microbiology lecture (BIO 231). It covers basic laboratory techniques used to identify and study microbes. Application to healthcare is emphasized. Course Information: Prerequisites: concomitant enrollment in or prior successful completion of BIO 231. Intended for students pursuing nursing and other allied health fields. It does not fulfill the microbiology laboratory requirement for Biology/MLS majors.

BIO 301. General Seminar. 3 Hours.

Development of writing skills and discussion of professional ethics. Mastery of library skills and ability to organize material demonstrated by production of a paper on a scientific topic of interest and a seminar based on that paper. Course Information: Same as CHE 301. Prerequisites: ENG 101 and ENG 102 or equivalents. COM 112 recommended. Recommended for the sophomore or junior year. Restricted to Chemistry and Biology majors.

BIO 302. Honors Seminar. 1 Hour.

Integrative seminar to share research methods and experiences and analyze procedures and protocols in research. Course Information: May be repeated up to 1 time(s).

BIO 306. Plants and Society without a Lab. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the uses of flowering plants and their importance in human affairs. The lectures include general background about plant form, function, reproduction, and classification. Uses of plants as sources of fruits, grains, legumes, medicines, herbs and spices, drinks, textile fibers, lumber, poisonous and psychoactive plants, and forages are studied in more detail. Course Information: This course is for non-science majors and fulfils a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Life Science without a Lab.

BIO 307. Plants & Society Lab. 1 Hour.

Optional lab for BIO 306. The course includes experiments designed to reinforce the concepts and processes covered in the lectures. Course Information: Prerequisites: BIO 306 taken concurrently or completed with a passing grade. This one (1) credit hour course, along with BIO 306, is intended for non-science majors and fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Life Science with lab.

BIO 311. Cell Biology. 4 Hours.

Molecular basis of structure and function of cells, with an emphasis on the mechanisms of biological processes. Laboratory integrates study of cellular processes with introduction to current research techniques and instrumentation. Recommended spring of senior year. Course Information: Prerequisites: One year of introductory biology, one year of introductory chemistry, organic chemistry and permission of instructor.

BIO 347. Medical Bacteriology. 4 Hours.

Concise overview of pathogenic bacteriology. Includes discussion of techniques for culturing and identifying bacteria and an introduction to epidemiology. Required of medical laboratory science students. Offered fall semester. Course Information: Same as MLS 347. Prerequisites: BIO 345 and BIO 346.

BIO 371. Principles Of Ecology. 4 Hours.

Structure and function of ecological systems including basic ecological principles and concepts. Applicable to individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Laboratory involves outdoor and lab experiments. Course Information: One year of introductory biology. Recommended fall of senior year.

BIO 381. Genetics. 4 Hours.

Studies a range of topics including classical Mendelian analysis, chromosome structure and mapping, molecular genetics and recombinant DNA technology, culminating with an introduction to population genetics. Includes laboratory sessions to introduce students to problem-solving situations using the techniques of both classical and molecular genetics. Course Information: Prerequisites: One year of introductory biology, one year of introductory chemistry, and organic chemistry. Recommended spring of senior year.

BIO 391. Evolution. 4 Hours.

Origin of life and history of development of living systems. Analysis of classical Darwinism, the Neo-Darwinian synthesis, and mechanisms of evolution, with emphasis on microevolutionary studies as an analytical tool. Course Information: Prerequisites: One year of introductory biology and successful completion of three biology courses required for this major.

BIO 399. Tutorial. 1-12 Hours.

Intended to supplement, not supplant, regular course offerings. Students interested in a tutorial must secure the consent of the faculty member concerned before registration and submit any required documentation to him or her. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours.

BIO 400. ECCE: Undergraduate Research. 1-4 Hours.

Independent investigation of specific problem of interest to the student. Before enrolling, a student must select a faculty member from the biology department to direct and review the project. Research paper, formal seminar, or both may be required for credit. Offered each semester. Course Information: Restricted to BIO majors. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 hours. This course fulfills an Engaged Citizenship Common Experience requirement at UIS in the area of Engagement Experience.

BIO 401. Integrative Biology: Senior Seminar. 3 Hours.

This is the capstone course for Biology majors, students will apply the knowledge they have accumulated across their coursework towards study of a particular integrative topic. Students will focus on discussion and analysis of topics in biology, learn how to prepare a research report, give a formal research presentation, critique the work of their peers, and write a proposal outlining a potential investigation and deliver an oral presentation of their proposal.

BIO 402. Biometrics. 4 Hours.

Statistical analytical tools in biology and their application in developing strategies for experimental procedures and evaluation of results. Introduction to statistics software.

BIO 405. Modeling of Biological Systems. 4 Hours.

This course is designed to give senior undergraduate and graduate students the basic knowledge of modeling biological systems. The course will emphasize the basic concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques in modeling of biological systems. The STELLA software will be used to help students to learn how to model biological systems. Course Information: Prerequisites: a year of calculus (MAT 115 & MAT 116) or one semester of calculus (MAT 115) and one semester of applied statistics (MAT 121).

BIO 410. Topics in Biology. 1-4 Hours.

Study of a topic under investigation by contemporary biologists. Topic for a semester will be stated in the class schedule. Prerequisite: Dependent on topic. Course Information: May be repeated if topics vary.

BIO 425. Medicinal Chemistry. 3 Hours.

Pharmacotherapy is defined as the treatment of disease through the administration of drugs. Medicinal chemistry is an introductory course in pharmacology that introduces the underlying principles of the mechanisms of actions of drugs used to treat diseases (pharmacodynamics), the properties of drugs (pharmacokinetics), and how they vary from individual to individual (pharmacogenetics). Course Information: Same as CHE 425.

BIO 428. Human Disease. 4 Hours.

Human diseases arise by the complex interaction between inherited genetic mutations and environmental influences. In this course we will examine the basis for a wide range of diseases including inherited syndromes, cancer, influenza, and HIV. Course Information: Prerequisites: BIO 141, Cell Biology or Genetics.

BIO 429. Human Physiology. 4 Hours.

A review of human anatomy and physiology part one. Topics include review of basic anatomy of tissues based on the histological structure. This is followed by a review of anatomy and physiology systems presented in the organization by organ system of Roget's lectures to the Royal Society. This starts with integumentary systems, followed by the skeletal system, then the muscular system, and, closing the semester, a presentation of the nervous system. Course Information: Prerequisites: One year of general biology and one year of general chemistry.

BIO 431. Human Anatomy and Physiology II. 4 Hours.

A review of human anatomy and physiology, part two. Topics include a review of the anatomy physiology of tissues in the following organ systems. The course starts with the Endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system including a review of the components of blood, the lymphatic and corresponding immune systems, the respiratory system, the urinary system, and, closing the semester, a presentation of the reproductive system. Course Information: Prerequisites: BIO 429.

BIO 432. Introduction to Neuroscience. 3 Hours.

While neurobiology traditionally focuses on the biology of the nervous system, neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates principles from biology, chemistry, mathematics and medicine to provide a more comprehensive overview of the nervous system. In order to understand how the nervous system is organized and functions to generate behavior, we will examine the central and peripheral nervous system in anatomical, electrophysiological, cellular, and molecular terms. Course Information: Same as CHE 432.

BIO 433. Comparative Vertebrate Biology. 4 Hours.

Comparative study of the evolutionary origins, embryological development, and functional anatomy of the various classes of vertebrates. Interrelatedness of form and function is stressed in both lecture and laboratory. Recommended spring of junior year. Course Information: Prerequisites: BIO 141 and BIO 142.

BIO 444. Aquatic Ecology. 4 Hours.

Fundamentals of freshwater ecology, including abiotic-biotic interactions, aquatic ecosystems structure and function, and relationships among organisms. Lecture and laboratory. Course Information: Same as ENS 444. Prerequisites: Ecology or permission of instructor.

BIO 445. Biology Of Water Pollution. 4 Hours.

Effects of organic wastes, industrial chemicals, and non-point pollutants on aquatic fauna and flora and humans; detection and measurement of water pollution. Laboratory involves detection and measurement of water pollution by toxicity tests and field sampling. Course Information: Same as ENS 445. Prerequisites: Ecology or permission of instructor.

BIO 446. Restoration Ecology. 4 Hours.

Restoration Ecology is a relatively new and growing field of study in ecology. This course will examine the process of repairing damage caused by humans to the diversity and dynamics of ecosystems. The approach to study will be to consider examples (case studies) of successful projects, and explore design aspects to restoration. Students with a background in biology and chemistry are encouraged to attend. Course Information: Prerequisites: Ecology or permission of instructor.

BIO 447. Global Change Ecology. 4 Hours.

This course is designed to provide senior undergraduate and graduate students critical knowledge about global change ecology. This course will examine how global change influences composition, structure, processes, and functions of ecosystems as well as what we can do to mitigate the negative impacts caused by global change on ecosystem services. Course Information: Prerequisites: BIO 371 or equivalent with instructor permission.

BIO 448. Introduction to Immunology. 3 Hours.

Immunologic principles, concepts, and techniques will be discussed, including components of the immune system, cellular and humoral immune response, and antigen-antibody reactions. Human diseases related to compromised immunity will be introduced. Course Information: Same as MLS 448. Prerequisites: BIO 141 or equivalent.

BIO 449. Introductory Immunology Lab. 1 Hour.

Basic immunology and serology procedures with emphasis on medical laboratory diagnostic procedures. Course Information: Same as MLS 449. Prerequisites: BIO 141 or equivalent, MLS 448 or concurrent.

BIO 451. General Botany. 4 Hours.

This lecture and lab course gives a comprehensive overview of plant biology, focusing on 3 broad sections of plant biology: morphology and anatomy, biochemistry and physiology, and evolution and diversity. Lab will apply concepts through experimentation and observation, using fresh and preserved specimens, and students will learn to identify plant cells and tissue, and recognize key features of major plant groups. Course Information: Prerequisites: BIO 141 and 142.

BIO 455. Medical Botany. 3 Hours.

Medical Botany looks at plants and botanical compounds used in traditional and contemporary medicine, examining their medicinal effects and biological mechanism. It is designed to teach the understanding and appreciation of the plant-based compounds that affect human health, not to encourage the practice of medicine or pharmacy. Course Information: Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed one year of biology and one year of chemistry.

BIO 462. Conservation Biology. 4 Hours.

Covers biological principles related to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management including the demography and genetics of extinction risk. Causes of biodiversity loss are explored and approaches to curb the losses. Course Information: Prerequisites: One year of Introductory Biology or Introductory Environmental Science. Ecology recommended.

BIO 465. Soil Microbes and Medicine. 4 Hours.

This course involves discussions of current soil microbiology topics. Specifically, students in the course study the role of soil microorganisms in producing antibiotics that can kill pathogens resistant to multiple drugs. Student presentations of relevant journal articles on the topic are expected.

BIO 471. Advanced Ecology and Evolution. 4 Hours.

Critical review of contemporary ecological concepts, mainly through analysis and discussion of primary references. Course Information: Prerequisites: Introductory Ecology and Evolution.

BIO 475. General Biochemistry. 3 Hours.

This is an introductory one semester course in biochemistry that provides a foundation for the health sciences by investigating the simple molecular components of the cell to the complex dynamics of metabolism, and information transfer. Course Information: Same as CHE 475.

BIO 476. General Biochemistry Laboratory. 2 Hours.

This is a laboratory and supplemental discussion to CHE 475: General Biochemistry. The course will develop a competency with basic biochemical techniques, e.g. protein and DNA preparations. The course will also provide a more in depth coverage to the topics in CHE 475. Course Information: Same as CHE 476.

BIO 481. Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I. 1 Hour.

This is a Lab section that is to accompany the lecture course BIO 429. Course Information: These courses are meant to be taken concurrently.

BIO 482. Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab II. 1 Hour.

This is a Lab section that is to accompany the lecture course BIO 431. Course Information: These courses are meant to be taken concurrently.

BIO 485. Advanced Biochemistry. 4 Hours.

This is an advanced one semester course in biochemistry that provides an in depth coverage of topics that expand upon the foundations established in CHE 475: General Biochemistry as well as explore developing areas of research in biochemistry. Course Information: Same as CHE 485.

BIO 491. Advanced Cell Biology and Molecular Biology. 4 Hours.

Critical analysis of selected concepts in eukaryote cell and molecular biology, a subject of intense current scientific inquiry. Focuses on modern technology in the study of molecular mechanisms of eukaryote cell functions. Course Information: Prerequisites: BIO 311 or permission of instructor.

BIO 495. General Microbiology. 4 Hours.

Discussion of basic topics in microbial physiology, genetics, and ecology, along with an introduction to virology, immunology, and applied microbiology. Course Information: Prerequisites: One year of introductory biology, one year of introductory chemistry. Elective with lab for BIO majors. Replaces BIO 345/BIO 356.

BIO 496. Advanced Microbiology. 4 Hours.

Selected advanced topics that may vary in response to student need but include aspects of microbial physiology such as growth, metabolism, photosynthesis, and genetics. Independent laboratory project required. Course Information: Prerequisites: BIO 345 or permission of instructor.

BIO 499. Tutorial. 1-12 Hours.

BIO 586. Master's Thesis Continuing Enrollment. 0 Hours.

Refer to NOTE in course description for BIO 585. Course Information: May be repeated.

BIO 599. Tutorial. 1-12 Hours.