Natural Sciences
Description test
Degree Checklist
For a checklist of all the courses required for this major, as well as a suggested four-year sequence of study, please click on the link below.
General Education Core
Please click on the link below to see the General Education Core requirements:
General Eduation Core
The general core Mathematics and Lab Science requirements are fulfilled by courses in the Specialty Areas.
Specialty Area I (100-200 Level Courses)
A grade of C- or better is required to fulfill all Specialty Area I course 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). PrerequisitesHigh 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. PrerequisitesBIOS-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. PrerequisitesBIOS-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) |
||
| 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. PrerequisitesACT 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. PrerequisitesCHYS-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. PrerequisitesCHYS-162 with a grade of C- or better. |
||
| 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. PrerequisitesACT 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. |
||
| 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. PrerequisitesMTHS-161 with a minimum grade of C-, or equivalent course work. |
||
OR
Specialty Area II (300-400 Level Courses)
A grade of C- or better is required to fulfill all Specialty Area II course requirements.
| 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). PrerequisitesBIOS-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. PrerequisitesBIOS-261. |
||
| BIOS 364 - Animal Behavior | Credit Hours: 4 | |
|
This course is an exploration into the proximate and ultimate causes of the actions animals perform. What kinds of behavior do animals exhibit, how do they accomplish them, and what do they gain from doing them? The study of animal behavior is particularly rewarding when we try to understand how an animal's genes, physiology, ecology and evolutionary history are integrated into the development of the behavioral repertoire. Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-364L. PrerequisitesBIOS-261. |
||
| BIOS 365 - Ecological Methods | ||
| 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. PrerequisitesBIOS-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. PrerequisitesBIOS-361 and Senior status. |
||
| 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. PrerequisitesTHEO-231 and 90 hours minimum. |
||