Courses offered by the Biology department

BIOL 111 : Biology and the Modern World - NW

This course is intended to introduce students to the principles and concepts that pertain to all living organisms, with special emphasis on those topics typically encountered in everyday life, including human physiology and disease, environmental issues, and the fundamentals of genetics. Lecture and laboratory. Not intended for biology majors. (4)

BIOL 116 : Introductory Ecology - NW

A study of the interrelationships between organisms and their environment examining concepts in ecology that lead to understanding the nature and structure of ecosystems and how humans impact ecosystems. Includes laboratory. Not intended for biology majors. (4)

BIOL 201 : Introductory Microbiology - NW

The structure, metabolism, growth and genetics of microorganisms, especially bacteria and viruses, with emphasis on their roles in human disease. Laboratory focuses on cultivation, identification, and control of growth of bacteria. Prerequisite: CHEM 105. Not intended for biology majors. (4)

BIOL 205 : Human Anatomy and Physiology I - NW

The first half of a two-course sequence. Students are introduced to human form and function and, in particular, to the integration and connections between the cellular function and the synergetic functions of the body's organ systems. Topics include chemistry, cellular biology, tissues, the integument, and the anatomy and physiology of four systems: skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine. Laboratory includes anatomical structure identification on preserved human cadavers, dissection of preserved organs, and experiments in physiology. Not intended for biology majors. Prerequisite: PLU Math placement in MATH 140 or higher; or completion of MATH 115 with a C or higher. (4)

BIOL 206 : Human Anatomy and Physiology II - NW

The second half of a two-course sequence. The integration and connections between the cellular function and the synergetic functions of the body's organ systems are further expanded. Topics include metabolism, temperature regulation, development, inheritance, and the anatomy and physiology of five systems: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive. Laboratory includes cat and preserved organ dissection, anatomical structure identification on human cadavers, physiology experiments, and study of developing organisms. Not intended for biology majors. Prerequisite: BIOL 205 with a C- or better. (4)

BIOL 225 : Molecules, Cells, and Organisms - NW

An introduction to the concepts and study of the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of biological organization. Cell structure and function, energy transformation, the central dogma of molecular biology, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, response to environmental changes, plant and animal reproduction, and development. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: Math placement in MATH 140 or higher; or completion of MATH 115 with a C or higher. One year of high school chemistry is recommended. (4)

BIOL 226 : Genes, Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology - NW

An introduction to the concepts and study of Mendelian and population genetics, evolution, ecology, and a systematic survey of life on earth. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 225 with a C- or better. (4)

BIOL 287 : Special Topics in Biology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

BIOL 288 : Special Topics in Biology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

BIOL 289 : Special Topics in Biology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

BIOL 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

BIOL 305 : Cadaver Prosection

This course is a practicum in which students dissect a human cadaver and prepare anatomical specimens for use in Pacific Lutheran University Human Anatomy and Physiology classes. Students will learn proper dissection techniques and pertinent details of the human form needed to complete quality dissection work. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor; and students must have successfully completed BIOL 205/206 or BIOL 352. Prospective students must apply for placement in the course during the semester preceding enrollment. (1)

BIOL 330 : Genetics

Basic concepts considering the molecular basis of gene expression, recombination, genetic variability, as well as cytogenetics and Mendelian and transmission genetics. Laboratory includes molecular biology techniques and problem solving exercises. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 341 : Developmental Biology

The embryonic and larval development of multicellular organisms (primarily animals). Examples are chosen from popular contemporary model systems, and the emphasis is on cellular, and molecular aspects of development. The laboratory includes descriptive and quantitative experiments, as well as student-planned projects. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 342 : Microbiology

The structure, physiology, genetics, and metabolism of microorganisms with emphasis on their diversity and ecology. The laboratory emphasizes design, implementation, and evaluation of both descriptive and quantitative experiments as well as isolation of organisms from natural sources. Prerequisites: BIOL 226; CHEM 331 with CHEM 333 recommended. (4)

BIOL 352 : Comparative Anatomy

An evolutionary approach to the study of structural and functional relationships in the vertebrate body. Includes examination and dissection of major organs and organ systems using preserved animal organs and cadavers (including humans). The course emphasizes the analysis of similarities and differences across groups to assess the significance of adaptations and explore the historical and present diversity of vertebrate morphology. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 354 : Natural History of Vertebrates

A systematic survey of vertebrate diversity including fishes, amphibians, non-avian reptiles, and mammals. Coverage emphasizes phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary trends, natural history, and anatomy. Field trips and laboratory focus on observation and identification of local species. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 355 : Ornithology

The study of birds inclusive of their anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and distribution. Special emphasis on those attributes of birds that are unique among the vertebrates. Laboratory emphasis on field identification, taxonomy, and anatomy/topology. Prerequisite: BIOL 226 or consent of instructor. (4)

BIOL 356 : Economic and Cultural Botany

Botany of plants used by humans in a global context; traditional and contemporary uses of plants. General plant morphology and anatomy, overview of taxonomy of plants useful to humans, evolution of plant secondary metabolites, medical botany (medicines, poisons, psychoactive plants), genetic engineering, bio-prospecting, and socio-economic issues surrounding botanical commodities. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 358 : Plant Physiology

A study of how plants obtain and utilize nutrients, react to environmental factors, and adapt to stress. Focuses on mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Explores connections to agriculture and ecology. Relies significantly on primary literature. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 359 : Biology of Reproduction

This course will explore human reproduction focusing on anatomical and physiological aspects but also examining its influence on behavior and society. Although the main attention will be focused on humans, examples will be drawn from other vertebrate species ranging from the effects of testosterone on songbird vocalizations to the estrous cycle in rats to seasonal reproduction in sheep in order to provide comparative perspectives. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 362 : Animal Behavior

A survey of the field of animal behavior with an emphasis on integrating behavioral analyses into an explicitly evolutionary framework. An understanding of both the proximate and ultimate mechanisms underlying behavior is emphasized. Laboratory/discussion in addition to lecture. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 363 : Tropical Marine Ecology

The study of the ecology of major tropical marine habitats and how they are impacted by human activities. Lab, field trips, research project, and term project, in addition to lecture. This course is taught abroad in J-term. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 367 : Conservation Biology and Management

Based upon the principles of population ecology and ecological genetics, an integrated study of the impacts of people on nature—specifically the diversity of plants and animals. Includes practical applications, techniques, and case studies in forest, fish, wildlife, and land management. Laboratories and field trips concern resource management and use. Course may not be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: BIOL 226 or consent of instructor. (4)

BIOL 368 : Ecology

Organisms in relation to their environment, including organismal adaptations, population growth and interactions, and ecosystem structure and function. Laboratory/discussion in addition to lecture. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 369 : Marine Biology

The ocean as environment for plant and animal life; an introduction to structure, dynamics, and history of marine ecosystems. Lab, field trips, and term project in addition to lecture. Prerequisite: BIOL 226. (4)

BIOL 387 : Special Topics in Biology

Selected topics as announced by the department. May be repeated for credit. (1 to 4)

BIOL 388 : Special Topics in Biology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

BIOL 389 : Special Topics in Biology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

BIOL 442 : Cell Biology

Focuses on cellular organization and function, enzyme kinetics, membrane structure and function, energetics, signaling, and cell cycle. Laboratory employs modern techniques including animal cell culture, cell fractionation, molecular, genetic, and biochemical assays, and microscopy (light, phase contrast, fluorescence). Prerequisite: BIOL 330 and CHEM 331 with 333, or consent of instructor. (4)

BIOL 443 : Plant Development and Genetic Engineering

A study of how plant structures form and change through the life cycle and how genetic engineering is used to alter plant biology for research and commercial applications. Specific GMOs considered as case studies. Focus on molecular biology and application of concepts. Prerequisite: BIOL 330. Recommended: BIOL 358, 442, or 445. (4)

BIOL 444 : Neurobiology

Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior and disease. This course examines the structure and function of neurons and glia, neural development, gross organization of the brain, sensory and motor systems, and higher functions such as learning, memory, and speech. Prerequisite: BIOL 330 or consent of instructor. (4)

BIOL 445 : Molecular Biology

An introduction to molecular biology, emphasizing the central role of DNA: structure of DNA and RNA, structure and expression of genes, genome organization and rearrangement, methodology, and applications of recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory features basic recombinant DNA techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL 330. (4)

BIOL 448 : Immunology

Explores the physical, cellular, and molecular components of innate and adaptive immune responses. Emphasizes an integrated approach to exploring immunological concepts within the context of human health and disease. Prerequisites: BIOL 330 and one of the following courses BIOL 341, 342, 352, 442, 445, or 453. (4)

BIOL 449 : Virology

The diversity that exists among viruses is staggering, and there is no type of life on Earth that is not subject to infection by viruses. This course will explore viral origins, replication, transmission, pathogenesis, oncogenesis, and host immunity. Emerging viruses, pandemics, and vaccines will also be discussed. Students will gain hands-on experience in a wide range of techniques and will work with both bacteriophages and animal viruses. Prerequisite: BIOL 330. (4)

BIOL 453 : Human Physiology

An investigation of the principles of physiological regulation. Part I: fundamental cellular, neural, and hormonal mechanisms of homeostatic control; Part II: interactions in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and neuromuscular organ systems. Laboratory allows direct observation of physiological regulation in living animals. Prerequisites: BIOL 330, CHEM 115; BIOL 352 recommended. (4)

BIOL 461 : Evolution

An introduction to evolutionary theory and its broad explanatory power in biology. Coverage includes: a brief history of evolutionary thought, population genetics and the mechanisms of evolutionary change, phylogenetics, speciation, macroevolutionary processes, origins of life on earth, and evo-devo. Laboratory includes simulations and empirical examples of concepts covered in lecture. Prerequisite: BIOL 330. (4)

BIOL 462 : Plant Diversity and Distribution

A systematic introduction to plant diversity. Interaction between plants, theories of vegetational distribution. Emphasis on higher plant taxonomy. Includes laboratory and field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 330. (4)

BIOL 487 : Special Topics in Biology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

BIOL 488 : Special Topics in Biology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

BIOL 489 : Special Topics in Biology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

BIOL 491 : Independent Studies

Investigations or research in areas of special interest not covered by regular courses. Open to qualified junior and senior majors. Prerequisite: Written proposal for the project approved by a faculty sponsor and the department chair. (1 to 4)

BIOL 495 : Internship in Biology

An approved off-campus work activity in the field of biology with a private or public sector agency, organization, or company. Students will be expected to adhere to and document the objectives of a learning plan developed with and approved by a faculty sponsor. Credit will be determined by hours spent in the working environment and the depth of the project associated with the course of study. Prerequisites: BIOL 226 and consent of department chair. (1 to 4)

BIOL 499 : Capstone: Senior Seminar - SR

Capstone is a topical course in which students will work in small groups with a faculty mentor to explore the primary literature in a topic within that faculty member's area of expertise. Students will develop their skills interpreting, summarizing, and critically analyzing the primary literature. They will produce written and oral products as a result of the semester's work. Meets the senior seminar requirement. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor; and students must have successfully completed, with a C- or better, at least two upper-division classes in addition to BIOL 330 prior to enrolling in Capstone. Student performance in courses in the Capstone distribution area influences student placement into Capstone sections. (2)