UndergraduateBecoming A Better Steward
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This course is designed to provide a natural science foundation for all science majors and minors. Foundational concepts in zoology, cell biology, botany, genetics (classical and molecular), energetics and systems biology will be stressed in both lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science.

Studies basic plant science, including the structure, reproduction, and ecological relationships among plants. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science.

Introduction to the basic principles of zoology, including development, distinguishing characteristics and interactions of the major animal kinds, with special emphasis on the invertebrates. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science.

This course is a senior capstone course for Biology and Pre-Professional Majors, and investigates the ethical and theological issues confronting one choosing a biology-related career. Emphasis will be placed upon constructing a personal, Christian philosophical framework. Students will address these concepts as they investigate and evaluate relevant biological issues.

Studies how ecological principles, philosophy, economics, sociology and politics interact with identifying and solving environmental issues. Topics include: air quality, water quantity and quality, population dynamics, energy sources, types of waste, sustainability, environmental policy and legislation, and pertinent government agencies. Lecture and lab.

The study of the interrelationships of living organisms, plant or animal, and their environments. These are studied with a view of discovering the principles that govern relationships. A special emphasis on the different ecosystems of Michigan bogs, marshes, streams, and sand dunes, and man’s impact on them, will be studied. Lecture and lab.

First two weeks: Instruction and experience in the use of the tools of the field biologist, trips to different types of ecosystems: forest, field, stream, pond, lake, marsh, and bog. Final week: Travel experience covering points of interest in the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula of Michigan, or the student may elect to work on a field problem in the Grand Rapids area.

A field-oriented course in the study of the relationships of the fauna and flora of special segment of the biosphere such as Northern Ireland, Yellowstone National Park, the Florida peninsula and other locations in the USA and abroad. Students spend most of the time on location experiencing the ecology of the area.

A study of the materials and processes of the earth, leading to a responsible Christian appreciation for it and its use. Explores basic principles through a survey of the history of the ideas about the earth. Applies basic insights of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to the solution of problems such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, marine erosion, the nature and distribution of fossil fuels, metals, ground water, and other mineral resources. Studies man-imposed and natural boundaries to characterize geographic regions. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science.

A scientific investigation of the feasibility of various origin theories with special emphasis on the creation vs. evolution debate. Explores the difference between origins science and operation science and analyzes the conflict in the Christian scientific community as well as the population at large.

This course provides an opportunity to work in a supervised biological setting (e.g., DNR, nature center, public health agency). The experience must include opportunities to apply the theories and concepts learned in the discipline or to enhance biological science research skills.

The senior research project is independently conducted research under the guidance of a science faculty mentor and is taken as a summer credit before taking the senior research seminar (SCI-496) or in the spring after the senior research seminar.

The senior research seminar is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to complete their senior research project (SCI-495). Seminars will focus on literature review, scientific writing, use of statistics in writing, creating tables and figures, reviewediting of manuscripts and posters and presentations.

Biology Core Courses

• BIO-151 General Biology
• BIO-225 Botany
• BIO-233 Zoology
• BIO-400 Capstone Seminar: Bioethics & Argument Theory
• ECO-241 Environmental Science
• ECO-341 Ecology
• ECO-342 Field Biology
• ECO-442 Advanced Field Studies
• SCI-262 Geology
• SCI-361 Evolution & Origins
• SCI-380 Internship
• SCI-495 Senior Research Project
• SCI-496 Senior Research Seminar

Environmental Biology Specific Courses

• BIO-351 Genetics
• Upper-Level Elective in BIO or ECO (4)
• Upper-Level AuSable Electives (8 credits)

Elective (choose one)

• BIO-331 Ornithology
• BIO-431 Vertebrate Zoology

Required Cognates*

• CHM-111 Principles of General Chemistry
• CHM-212 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
• MAT-121 College Algebra
• MAT-151 Statistics

*A cognate is a course that supports the success of completing a major program.

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Coming soon!