Biological Science (BIOLS.BS)

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Natural Sciences

The biological science program exposes students to the various sub-disciplines of biology. Program focuses on understanding, problem solving, and research, providing a foundation for additional graduate training or work experience.

Degree Checklist

For a check list of all the courses required for this degree program and a suggested four-year sequence of study, please click on the link below.

General Education Requirements - Total Hours: 40-46

Click here for the General Education Core requirements

Seven hours are fulfilled through the program's major requirements.

Religion Requirements - Total Hours: 12

Specialty Area Requirements*

BIOS 161 - Principles of Biology I Credit Hours: 4

The first semester of a two semester sequence for majors in the biological sciences. The focus is on the foundational principles and concepts of life on planet earth. The processes of science are applied to the study of the nature of life. Life's chemistry, organization, continuity and diversity are addressed. Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-161L and FMPT-BIO (Freshman Major Pre-Test-Biology).

Prerequisites

High school biology and chemistry or permission of the instructor.
BIOS 162 - Principles of Biology II Credit Hours: 4

The second semester of a two semester sequence for majors in the biological sciences. The focus is on the foundational principles and concepts of life on planet earth. The processes of science are applied to the study of the nature of life. Life's chemistry, organization, continuity and diversity are addressed. Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-162L.

Prerequisites

BIOS-161
BIOS 261 - Genetics Credit Hours: 4

An introduction to the three areas of genetics, including traditional (Mendelian) genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics.  Laboratory work will introduce students to molecular genetics techniques currently used in research laboratories.  Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-261L. 

Prerequisites

BIOS-162 and CHYS-162OR BIOS-161 and CHYS-162 (for BIOCH.BS and BIOCP.BS)OR BIOS-162 and CHYS-162 (for BIOPA.BS)OR BIOS-162 and CHYS-132/132L (for BIOLS.BST)
BIOS 361 - Cell Biology Credit Hours: 3

A study of the relationship of cellular structure and function, with emphasis upon cellular energetics, biosynthesis and reproduction. Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-361S (Service Learning).

Prerequisites

BIOS-261 and CHYS-261 (BIOS-261 for BIOLS.BST).
BIOS 362 - Ecology Credit Hours: 3

This course is about the patterns of life we see in the natural world. It is the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms, and the complex interaction of physical, chemical and biological factors that contribute to the formation of these patterns.  Human impacts on natural systems and processes will also be discussed.

Prerequisites

BIOS-261.
BIOS 461 - Molecular Biology Credit Hours: 3

A study of the principles and techniques of molecular biology with an emphasis on data analysis and comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms.

Prerequisites

CHYS-362 (or BIOS-361 for BIOLS.BST) or permission of instructor.
BIOS 460L - Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory Credit Hours: 2

An introduction to the laboratory methods for studying cell and molecular biology which include gene cloning and culture and manipulation of mammalian cells.  These experiments will serve to reinforce material learned in previous biology coursework.

Prerequisites

BIOS-361 or CHYS-361
BIOS 462 - Evolutionary Biology Credit Hours: 4

This course addresses themes pertinent to observational and theoretical evidences of contemporary evolutionary biology. The major conceptual underpinnings of modern evolutionary thought will be extensively discussed in light of a Christian worldview. This course will approach evolutionary biology and biblical thought philosophically and scientifically, emphasizing areas of corroboration, and stress the development of critical thinking, as well as investigative and comprehension skills. Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-462L.

Prerequisites

BIOS-361 and Senior status.
BIOS 490 - Senior Seminar Credit Hours: 1

The primary focus of students will be to identify a potential research question and to develop a research project to address the question.  This will include writing a thorough grant proposal for the project, including going to the scientific literature to support the proposed research.

Prerequisites

BIOS-361 and Senior status.

Biology Electives: 12

Select course offerings in Biology at the 300 level or above (BIOS-495 does not count)

Elective courses may be taken through the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. Suggested Au Sable courses include the following:

Subtotal Specialty Area Requirements: 40

Collateral Requirements*

BIOS 495 - Science and Scripture Credit Hours: 3

Comparative study of related scientific and theological ideology with emphasis on areas of apparent discrepancy. Through lecture, research papers and guided class discussion, an attempt is made to demonstrate the necessity and possibility of harmonizing scientific and Biblical truth. Not to be counted toward an endorsement for teacher certification in biology. Serves as the biology capstone and does not count as a biology elective.

Prerequisites

THEO-231 and 90 hours minimum.
CHYS 161 - General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4

Matter and measurement, early atomic theory, nomenclature, stoichiometry, aqueous reactions, thermochemistry, electronic structure, periodic properties, chemical bonding theories, molecular geometry, gases, intermolecular forces, liquids and solids are studied. Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-161L.

Prerequisites

ACT Math score of 24 or above (or SAT equivalent), or completion of MTHS-161 or higher.
CHYS 162 - General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4

Properties of solutions, reaction rates, chemical kinetics, equilibria, acid/base equilibria, solubility, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, radioactivity and nuclear chemistry, transition metal chemistry are studied. Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-162L.

Prerequisites

CHYS-161 with a grade of C- or better.
CHYS 261 - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to the classification, structure, reactions, reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and stereochemistry of carbon compounds. 

Prerequisites

CHYS-162 with a grade of C- or better.
CHYS 362 - Biochemistry II Credit Hours: 3

A continuation of CHYS-361 with emphasis on human biochemistry of hormones, vitamins, enzymes, blood, urine, nutrition, chemistry of respiration, citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain.

Prerequisites

CHYS-361 or BIOS-361.
MTHS 135 - Introduction to Statistics Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to techniques for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.  The primary emphasis is on the analysis of data sets to facilitate informed decision-making processes.  Topics include sampling methods, summaries of data, descriptive statistics, probability, distributions, correlation, and regression.

Prerequisites

ACT mathematics score of 19 or SAT equivalent, or completion of MTHS-099 with a grade of C or better, or placement by the math placement exam.

OR

MTHS 261 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4

Definition and formulas, rate of change, derivatives, and application of functions. The study and application of indefinite and definite integrals.

Prerequisites

MTHS-161 with a minimum grade of C-, or equivalent course work.

Subtotal Collateral Requirements: 20-21

General Electives - Total Hours: 10-17

Total Hours in Program: 120

Note: Students interested in graduate studies are strongly encouraged to take CHYS-262/262L, PHYS-261 and PHYS-262.

* Must earn a grade of C-or better in each course. A minimum of 12 hours at the 300-level or above must be taken at Lee University.