The Division of Natural Sciences is committed to promoting intellectual, spiritual and professional development, striving to enhance the quality of life through the advancement of knowledge in the natural sciences. The Natural Sciences Division provides curricula fulfilling general education and degree requirements. The Natural Sciences include the areas of: Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Biology courses are offered to serve the needs of students in major and minor fields as well as students in allied health and professional majors. Non-science majors can also fulfill their general education and degree requirements at Missouri Baptist University.
For more information about the Biological Sciences that are housed within the Division of Natural Sciences contact Dr. Lydia Thebeau at (314) 392-2285 (telephone) or by e-mail.
BIOLOGY INFORMATION
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Mission Statement: Biology courses are offered to serve the needs of students in major and minor fields as well as students in allied health and professional majors and non-science majors fulfilling general education and degree requirements. Majors will be prepared to face regional competition for employment and academic placement. In accord with the general mission of the University, courses are taught with a Christian worldview while maintaining a perspective of objective analysis and rigorously discriminating between observation and derived theories.
Students desiring certification to teach biology and/or chemistry in the secondary school are required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to complete a Unified Science Core of at least 39 hours. This Unified Science certificate is designed for the beginning high school sciences (i.e., Biology I or Chemistry I).
Students who desire certification to teach advanced biology or chemistry in the secondary school are required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to complete a Unified Science Core of at least 39 hours, with an additional 20 hours minimum in at least one endorsement area (Biology or Chemistry). The program requires specific courses; for details, see the Division Chair of the Natural Sciences or the Division Chair of Education.
B.A. in Biology
This degree plan is recommended for students who are planning careers in areas of biology that are non-research based.
This major requires 30 hours in Biology with at least 18 hours of upper division courses.
Required Biology (BIOL) courses:
BIOL 113 & 111 General Biology I
BIOL 123 & 121 General Biology II
BIOL 323A & 321A Environmental Science and Conservation
OR
BIOL 323B Ecology
BIOL 343 & 341 Genetics
BIOL 423 Cell Biology
Biology Electives (11-12 hours; 7-8 hours upper division)
B.S. in Biology
This degree plan is recommended for students who are planning careers in areas of biology that are research-based, including the medical professions, as well as for those seeking Missouri state teacher certification in Unified Science with an endorsement in Biology (see note below).
This major requires 30 hours in Biology with at least 18 hours of upper division courses.
Required Biology (BIOL) courses (18-19 hours; 10-11 upper division:
BIOL 113 & 111 General Biology I
BIOL 123 & 121 General Biology II
BIOL 323A & 321A* Environmental Science and Conservation
OR
BIOL 323B Ecology
BIOL 343 & 341 Genetics
BIOL 423 Cell Biology
*Recommended for students seeking Unified Science certification.
Biology Electives (11-12 hours; 7-8 hours upper division)
Required Chemistry (CHEM) courses:
CHEM 133 & 132 General Chemistry I
CHEM 143 & 142 General Chemistry II
CHEM 313 & 312 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 323 & 322 Organic Chemistry II
Required Mathematics (MATH) course:
MATH 164 Calculus I
Required Physics (PHYS) courses:
PHYS 213 & 211 General Physics I
PHYS 223 & 221 General Physics II
NOTE: The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology is designed for students intending to continue graduate studies in biology or related fields or medical school. A recommended elective for Biology majors is BIOL 373 Microbiology and BIOL 371 Microbiology Laboratory.
Recommended courses for pre-medical students:
BIOL 213 & 211 Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 223 & 221 Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 353 Embryology
BIOL 443 Advanced Human Physiology
Required courses for students seeking secondary certification in
Unified Science with an endorsement in Biology:
BIOL 213 & 211 Anatomy and Physiology I
AND/OR
BIOL 223 & 221 Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 373 & 371 Microbiology
The student must complete at least 18 hours in Biology, with at least 6 hours of upper level courses, including the following:
BIOL 113 & 111 General Biology I
BIOL 123 & 121 General Biology II
BIOL 101 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology.
This lab may be taken for credit apart from BIOL 103 only with the
written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs will
meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Fall, Spring, Summer
BIOL 103 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
An introduction to biology with emphasis directed toward an
understanding of the basic characteristics, processes, and activities
of living organisms. Evolutionary theories and controversies will be
discussed. Required general education course for non-Biology
majors. Co-requisite: BIOL 101 Introduction to Biology Laboratory.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring, Summer
BIOL 111 GENERAL BIOLOGY I LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 113 General Biology I.
This lab may be taken for credit apart from BIOL 113 only with
the written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor.
Labs will meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Fall
BIOL 113 GENERAL BIOLOGY I
An introduction to the taxonomy of animals, as well as the
genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology of living systems.
Evolutionary theories and controversies will be discussed.
Required for all pre-med and Biology majors or minors.
Co-requisite: BIOL 111 General Biology I Laboratory.
Three Hours, Fall
BIOL 121 GENERAL BIOLOGY II LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 123 General Biology II.
This lab may be taken for credit apart from BIOL 123 only with
the written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs
will meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Spring
BIOL 123 GENERAL BIOLOGY II
An introduction to the morphology, taxonomy, and physiology of plants,
as well as animal anatomy and physiology and the ecological interactions
of living systems. Required for all pre-med and Biology majors or
minors. Co-requisite: BIOL 121 General Biology II Laboratory.
Three Hours, Spring
BIOL 211 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 213 Anatomy and
Physiology I. This lab may be taken for credit apart from BIOL 213
only with the written consent of the instructor and the student’s
advisor. Labs will meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Fall
BIOL 213 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I
A study of the structure and function of the human body, including
cells; tissues; integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems;
and special senses. Pre-requisite: BIOL 101 and 103 or BIOL 111
and 113, or high school Advanced Biology or Anatomy and
Physiology with a grade of C or better. Co-requisite: BIOL 211
Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory.
Three Hours, Fall
BIOL 221 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 223 Anatomy and
Physiology II. This lab may be taken for credit apart from BIOL 223
only with the written consent of the instructor and the student’s
advisor. Labs will meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Spring
BIOL 223 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II
A study of the structure and function of the human body, including
the circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, and
endocrine systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and 213. Co-requisite:
BIOL 221 Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory.
Three Hours, Spring
BIOL 271/371 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 273/373 Microbiology. This
lab may be taken for credit apart from BIOL 273/373 only with the
written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs will
meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Spring, Odd Years
BIOL 273/373 MICROBIOLOGY
An introductory study of microorganisms dealing mainly with the
morphology and physiology of bacteria and viruses. Students will
investigate methods of culturing bacteria, as well as methods and
chemicals used to control them. Bacteria will be studied in relation
to water, milk, and food supplies. An important part of the course
concerns the connection between bacteria and disease. Students will
explore the processes of infection and transmission of disease. In
conjunction with the study of disease, students will receive a working
knowledge of the body's defense mechanisms, including both the
cellular and humoral immune systems. Partial requirements for this
upper division section are the same as BIOL 273, with additional
written assignments and a research paper. The upper division section
(BIOL 373) is designed for and restricted to Biology majors/minors
or non-biology majors/minors with written consent of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): A laboratory course in Biology. Co-requisite:
BIOL 271/371 Microbiology Laboratory.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years
BIOL 303 NUTRITION SCIENCE
A study of the dietary and physiologic aspects of nutrition, detailing
the importance of each nutrient to body function and to proper
dietary health. The course also involves a brief survey of the anatomy
and physiology of the digestive system. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101
and 103, BIOL 111 and 113, or BIOL 121 and 123.
Three Hours, Fall
BIOL 313A SPRING WILDFLOWERS OF MISSOURI
A study of the identification, ecology, and importance of the
wildflowers of Missouri. Students are taught characteristics which
will allow them to identify to family level the common wildflowers
of Missouri. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and 103, BIOL 111 and 113,
or BIOL 121 and 123.
Three Hours, May Term, On Demand
BIOL 313B FLORA AND FAUNA OF MISSOURI
A study of the identification, ecology, and importance of the
common plant and animal species of Missouri. Recommended for
teacher education students. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and 103,
BIOL 111 and 113, or BIOL 121 and 123.
Three Hours, Summer
BIOL 321A ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND
CONSERVATION LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 323B Environmental
Science and Conservation. This lab may be taken for credit apart
from BIOL 323B only with the written consent of the instructor
and the student’s advisor. Labs will meet for two hours per week
for one credit hour.
One Hour, Fall, Odd Years
BIOL 321B SPECIAL TOPICS IN
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The student will research a topic, agreed upon with the
instructor, relating to ecology/environmental science.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a previous course
in Ecology or Environmental Science.
One Hour, On Demand
BIOL 323A ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
AND CONSERVATION
This course will provide a study of renewable and non renewable
resources, including animals, plants, air, soil, water, and fossil fuels.
The course will explore man's place in the world and examine his
present and future possible effects on the environment. This course is
recommended to meet the requirements of students desiring to
obtain Unified Science certification. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and
103, BIOL 111 and 113, or BIOL 121 and 123. Co-requisite: BIOL
321B Environmental Science and Conservation Laboratory.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years
BIOL 323B ECOLOGY
A study of the interrelationship of plants and animals, and their
environment. A field project allows students to better grasp the
workings of nature in the world. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and 103, BIOL 111 and 113, or
BIOL 121 and 123.
Three Hours, Fall, Even Years
BIOL 341 GENETICS LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 343 Genetics. This lab may
be taken for credit apart from BIOL 343 only with the written
consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs will meet
for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Fall, Even Years
BIOL 343 GENETICS
A study of the basic principles of heredity with emphasis on the
application to humankind. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and 103 or
BIOL 111 and 113. Co-requisite: BIOL 341 Genetics Laboratory.
Three Hours, Fall, Even Years
BIOL 353 EMBRYOLOGY
A study of the developmental structures of the human organism and
other biological systems extending from fertilization to birth. Special
emphasis is given to the embryonic period. Specific organ systems are
also examined in the fetal period. Lectures are supplemented with
microscopic and gross specimens. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and 103
or BIOL 111 and 113.
Three Hours, Spring Even Years
BIOL 363 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
This course involves the study of the mechanisms of disease
and abnormal function, and of the physiologic response to the
condition. Major consideration is given to human systems
maintaining homeostasis in adversity. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 211,
213, 221, and 223.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years
BIOL 382-384 INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND
PROBLEMS IN BIOLOGY
This course is a study and application of methods used to solve
problems in biology. The student will assist the instructor with the
teaching of the class, solve problems that arise in the process of the
class, and work independently with other problems. Prerequisite(s):
BIOL 111, 113, 121, 123, and consent of instructor. A total of six
hours may be applied to graduation.
Two to four hours, On Demand
BIOL 413 PLANT ANATOMY
A course dealing with the major morphology and particular cell types
which make up the plant body. Three hours of lecture per week,
some of which may be in the form of practical application.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and 103 or BIOL 121 and 123.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years
BIOL 423 CELL BIOLOGY
This course is designed to integrate cytological structures with
biochemical functions. As such, it will deal with the biochemical
structure and function of cell membranes, ribosomes, mitochondria,
chloroplasts, chromatids, and the cytoskeleton, as well as the origin,
development, specialization, and function of the cell. Prerequisite(s):
Two lab/lecture combinations from among BIOL 101 and 103,
BIOL 111 and 113, BIOL 121 and 123, BIOL 211 and 213, BIOL
221 and 223, or BIOL 271/371 and 273/373.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years
BIOL 433 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
A study of the major invertebrate phyla with emphasis on
comparative structure and function, distribution, and
ecological adaptation. Three hours of class per week, which includes
some laboratory work. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and 103 or BIOL
111 and 113.
Three Hours, On Demand
BIOL 443 ADVANCED HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
This course is designed as an in-depth study of the physiology of
the human body. It is intended for the upper-division Biology
major who wants a more thorough understanding of the workings
of the major body systems. Material covered in the course includes
the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal,
musculoskeletal, integumentary, and reproductive systems.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 211, 213, 221, and 223.
Three Hours, Fall, Even Years
BIOL 451 TAXONOMY OF THE FLOWERING
PLANTS LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 453 Taxonomy of the
Flowering Plants. This lab may be taken for credit apart from BIOL
453 only with the written consent of the instructor and the student’s
advisor. Labs will meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Spring, Odd Years
BIOL 453 TAXONOMY OF THE FLOWERING PLANTS
A course designed to give students an insight into the systemic
classification of flowering plants. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and 103
or BIOL 121 and 123. Co-requisite: BIOL 451 Taxonomy of the
Flowering Plants Laboratory.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years
BIOL 461 VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 463 Vertebrate Zoology.
This lab may be taken for credit apart from BIOL 463 only with
the written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor.
Labs will meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Fall, Odd Years
BIOL 463 VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
A study of vertebrates with emphasis on comparative anatomy and
physiology, distribution, and ecological adaptation. Prerequisite(s):
BIOL 101 and 103 or BIOL 111 and 113. Co-requisite: BIOL 461
Vertebrate Zoology Laboratory.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years
BIOL 471 MARINE BIOLOGY LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to BIOL 473 Marine Biology. This lab
may be taken for credit apart from BIOL 473 only with the written
consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. A mandatory
weekend-long field trip to the Chicago area to view the collections
at the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History is
offered in lieu of a classroom-based lab.
One Hour, On Demand
BIOL 473 MARINE BIOLOGY
A survey of aquatic life including the biology of marine vertebrates,
invertebrates, and plants, as well as an examination of marine
ecosystems, including the physical and geological factors that
help create individual environments. Co-requisite: BIOL 471
Marine Biology Laboratory.
Three Hours, On Demand
BIOL 481-486 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY
Library and laboratory research in biology resulting in the
submission of a formal paper. This course is designed to give
experience in formal research methods, including literature search,
laboratory work, record keeping, and reporting results. The scope of
the research problem will be limited, but the quality of work and
methodology will approach that expected in industry or graduate
school. A total of six hours may be applied toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Variable credit, On Demand
