BIO 103 | Principles of Biology
| 4 credit hours
The study of structure and function of living cells with special
consideration of the role of membranes and enzymes in cell functioning.
Emphasis is placed on the central role of DNA in directing the
construction and functioning of cells. Study of the energy-transforming
processes of photosynthesis and respiration and how these processes
"provide" the energetic force necessary for the continued functioning
of living systems - from cells to ecosystems is considered. Cell
reproduction, DNA replication, chromosome separation during meiosis and
the resultant predictable (and sometimes unexpected) patterns of
inheritance are introduced. The relationship between genetic variation
and evolution; the origin of life and the way in which subsequent
evolution has given rise to the vast diversity of organisms which
currently inhabit this planet are studied. Note: Either BIO 103 or 106,
but not both, may be taken to fulfill the basic science requirement.
Either may be followed by a second biology course. Lecture/laboratory Fall
BIO 106 | Introduction to the Life Sciences
| 4 hours
The study of the structure and function of biological entities
ranging from single cells through multi-cellular organisms to entire
ecosystems. During the first part of the course emphasis is placed on
mankind's role in causing and solving environmental problems; emphasis
then shifts to cellular structure and processes such as respiration,
photosynthesis and cell division. During the latter third of the course
focus is on structures and functions of the human body. This course is
designed primarily for the non-science major and may not be counted
toward the biology major. Lecture/laboratory Spring
BIO 107 | Introduction to Life Science II | 4 hours
Is an introductory course designed to provide a general study of
biology. This course is best suited for students who have selected a
non-science major. Included in this segment of Introduction to Life
Science are the other disciplines of taxonomy, ecology and anatomy.
Lecture/laboratory Offered at Watertown Campus.
BIO 202 | Medical Terminology
| 2 hours
The study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, word
roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations,
and symbols are included in the content. A word-building system that
provides the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms will be utilized.
Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, and usage. Prerequisite: BIO
103 or 106 or consent of instructor. Fall
BIO 203 | Human Physiology and Anatomy
| 4 hours
The study of organization in living human systems. The underlying
theme is homeostasis. Study includes bone structure, sensory physiology,
coordination by the autonomic and voluntary nervous systems, the
physiology of muscle contraction, and the response of the organism to
environmental variation. Emphasis is placed on recent research in
sensory and neuromuscular physiology. Laboratory includes dissection,
gross and histological studies of the skeletal, nervous and muscular
systems as well as physiological experimentation. Lecture/laboratory
Prerequisites: Two semesters of chemistry and BIO 103 Fall
BIO 204 | Human Physiology and Anatomy
| 4 hours
The study of organization in living human systems. The underlying
theme is the concept of homeostasis and feedback mechanisms within the
organism which sustains it. Study includes coordination by hormones from
endocrine glands, nutrition, digestion, respiration, transport of
respiratory gases, circulation, water balance, electrolyte balance,
excretion and reproduction. Laboratory includes dissection, gross and
histological studies as well as physiological experimentation.
Lecture/laboratory Prerequisite: BIO 203 or permission of instructor Spring
BIO 240 | Botany
| 4 hours
The study of organization and function in plants from the cellular
to the whole-plant level. Topics to be emphasized include
photosynthesis, plant phylogeny, plant reproduction, nutrient uptake and
translocation, hormonal and environmental control of plant development,
and mankind's dependence on plants and plant products.
Lecture/laboratory Prerequisite: BIO 103 Spring Even
BIO 302 | Immunology (CLS 302)
| 4 hours
An introduction to the basic principles of immunology. Topics
include immunoglobulin structure and function, cellular and molecular
immunology, types of immune reactions and immunological disorders.
Emphasis is placed on how the immune system protects individuals against
infectious agents and prevents the development of abnormal cells within
the body. Lecture/laboratory Prerequisites: BIO 204, 320 Fall
BIO 310 | Ecology
| 4 hours
An examination of ecological principles that pertain to terrestrial
populations, communities, ecosystems, biomes, and the biosphere, with a
central focus on the interactions between organisms and between
organisms and the non-living environment, and how such interactions
manifest themselves in ecosystem patterns and processes. Laboratory and
fieldwork includes student projects involving physiological ecology,
vegetation sampling, study of species diversity in a variety of
habitats, and analysis of prairie and forest ecosystems.
Lecture/laboratory Prerequisites: BIO 103, 240 Fall
BIO 320 | Microbiology
| 4 hours
The study of morphology, physiology, and systematics of bacteria with
special emphasis on biochemical reactions which serve as a basis for
bacterial identification. Included is a brief survey of yeasts, molds,
viruses, and rickettsiae. Consideration is given to microorganisms in their
relationship to disease, i.e., infection, antibiotics, and immunity; as well
as their relationship to soil and water. Identification of unknown bacteria
and an independent project are carried out by each student.
Lecture/laboratory Minimum prerequisites: One year of chemistry and BIO 103;
Recommended: BIO 203, 204 Fall
BIO 330 | Genetics
| 4 hours
An introduction to the principles of classical Mendelian genetics and
the principles and techniques of modern molecular genetics. Topics to be
covered include Mendel's laws, gene linkage, genetic recombination and
chromosome mapping, followed by a study of the chemistry of DNA and the
molecular mechanics of transcription, translation, replication controls on
gene expression, and modern manipulation of DNA. Lecture/laboratory
Prerequisite: One year of chemistry and BIO 103 Spring Odd
BIO 360 | Vertebrate Embryology
| 4 hours
The study of gametogenesis, fertilization, differentiation,
organogenesis and system development. Laboratory activities include
preparation of histological sections, physiological and morphological study
of live embryos of frog and chick, and a study of serial sections of the
frog, chick and pig. An independent laboratory project is carried out by
each student. Lecture/laboratory Prerequisite: One year of chemistry and BIO
204 Fall Odd
BIO 364 | Cell and Molecular Biology
| 4 hours
The study of topics in protein biology and biochemistry, including
protein structure, function, isolation, molecular evolution, and the
detection and molecular basis of disease. Emphasized are the organization
and complexity of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular infrastructure,
genomes, gene function and regulation, and the structure of the eukaryotic
chromosome. Molecular techniques are developed throughout the course.
Techniques include electrophoresis, affinity chromatography, peptide
mapping, enzyme cytochemistry, western blot, southern blot and nucleic acid
analysis. Lecture/laboratory Prerequisite: CHM 111, 112, BIO 103 Fall
BIO 370 | Histology | 4 hours
The study of microscopic structure in mammalian tissues and organs.
Emphasis is placed on functional relationships of structures.
Lecture/laboratory Prerequisite: BIO 204 Fall Even
BIO 380 | Aquatic Ecology
| 4 hours
An examination of ecological principles that pertain to freshwater
populations, communities and ecosystems, and the biological, chemical and
physical analyses of freshwater habitats. Each student works a group to
perform an in-depth analysis of an aquatic ecosystem in southeastern South
Dakota. Field and laboratory work is project-oriented, with each student
conducting his or her own research project throughout the course of study.
Studies include the geological, physical, chemical, and biological
parameters of lakes and streams with emphasis on their biotic communities.
Statistical data analysis and presentation of results is required.
Lecture/laboratory Prerequisite: BIO 310 On Demand
BIO 485 | Semester Off-Campus in Biology
| 1-16 hours
The semester off-campus program may include placement in a research
laboratory or an internship program. The experience may include
participation in research under a senior investigator or in an internship
project working with a qualified staff. The student chooses an on-campus
supervisor who will visit him/her during the semester. This program is
designed to better prepare a student for employment after graduation.
Prerequisites: six courses in biology (excluding BIO 386 and 498) with a GPA
of at least 2.0 in biology and the consent of the department faculty. On Demand
BIO 490 | Seminar
| 1 hour
For Biology 490 each student prepares a review article on a topic in
biology of his/her choice and presents this paper to the faculty and senior
biology majors. Prerequisite: four courses in biology. Spring
BIO 498 | Research
| 1-4 hours
Biology 498 requires an investigation (on or off campus) of a hypothesis
concerning a biological topic. The work is selected and carried out under
the direction of a biology faculty member. It involves a literature review
of the area of the endeavor and selected laboratory experiments designed to
test the hypothesis. Results may be presented to the Collegiate Section of
the South Dakota Academy of Science, the Colleges of Mid-America Conference
and/or other regional or national scientific meetings. Prerequisite: four
courses in biology. Fall |