Study of natural ecosystems, their interrelationships, and human impacts and evolution of humans and environmental determinants of their cultures. Land use, resource and energy utilization, population trends and causative factors, air and water pollution, and economic factors influencing decision-making are emphasized. Does not count toward a biology major or minor. (3-0-0) Fulfills Foundations - Life Sciences. Offered every semester.
Winter 2024 - Online Spring/Summer 2024 - Online Winter 2025 - Online
Introduction to cell structure and physiology, growth and development, and genetics (3-0-3). Offered every semester. Fulfills Foundations - Life Sciences with a lab. Prerequisites: High school chemistry, CHM 109, or CHM 115 strongly recommended (CHM 109 or CHM 115 may be taken concurrently). For students with a strong science background or interest in science.
Winter 2024 - Online Spring/Summer 2024 - Online Fall 2024 - Hybrid Winter 2025 - Online
Students will be introduced to the diversity of living organisms, emphasizing fundamental biological processes operating at the scale of individual organisms. Form and function of organisms will be studied in ecological and evolutionary contexts. Students will explore and apply experimental design and quantitative analysis of data within these contexts (3-0-3). Offered every semester. Prerequisite: MTH 108 and MTH 109 (or MTH 110 or higher) (may be taken concurrently).
Winter 2024 - Online Spring/Summer 2024 - Online Fall 2024 - Online Winter 2025 - Online
Examines the plants of West Michigan with emphasis on identification skills and natural history of the plants and communities in which they occur. Offered Spring/Summer semester. Prerequisite: BIO 121
Spring/Summer 2024 - Online
Readings, lecture, discussions, lab, or field experience (or any combination) on a specific biological topic. Prerequisites: variable.
Fall 2024 - Online
Examination of plants and fungi that are sources of medicines, herbal remedies, or are a regular part of people's diets and have been found to have specific health benefits. Only one of BIO 309, BIO 311, or BIO 329 may be counted toward a biology major or minor. Part of the Health Issue. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisites: Junior standing and completion of the Life Sciences general education category.
Winter 2024 - Online Fall 2024 - Online Winter 2025 - Online
Examines the plants and algae of the major aquatic habitats of the Great Lakes region with emphasis on taxonomy and ecology. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: BIO 121.
Examination of ethical dilemmas encountered in medicine and biomedical research, with an emphasis on obligations of health care workers to their patients. Biology majors may not use both BIO 328 and BIO 338 as elective credit within the major. Part of the Health Issue. (3-0-0) Offered every semester. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Principles of genetics with emphasis on human traits and disorders. Genetic counseling, ethical considerations, technological advances, and evolution in human populations are discussed. Will not count toward the biology major without permission. (3-0-0) Offered every semester. Prerequisite: BIO 120 (or both CMB 155 and CMB 156), or BIO 104, or permission of instructor.
Concepts of inheritance in plants, animals, and micro-organisms; both classical and modern investigative techniques are emphasized in lecture. (3-0-0) Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: BIO 120 (or both CMB 155 and CMB 156).
Readings, lecture, discussions, lab, or field experience (or any combination) on a specific biological topic. Prerequisites: Variable and with permission of instructor.
Winter 2024 - Online Winter 2025 - Hybrid
An examination of fire as an ecological and biophysical process, its interactions with and effects on a variety of ecosystem components, and use as a resource management tool. A National Wildfire Coordinating Group Certification (RX - 310 Introduction to Fire Effects) is granted upon successful course completion. Cross-listed with NRM 415, BIO 515, and NRM 515. Offered winter semester. Prerequisite: BIO 215 or permission of instructor.
Winter 2024 - Online Winter 2025 - Online
An examination of fire as an ecological and biophysical process, its interactions with and effects on a variety of ecosystem components, and its use as a resource management tool. A National Wildfire Coordinating Group Certification (RX - 310 Introduction to Fire Effects) is granted upon successful course completion. Cross-listed with NRM 415, BIO 415, and NRM 515. Offered winter semester.
